Fabrizio Romano drops Chelsea transfer bombshell and names Enzo Maresca's top target for the January window

Fabrizio Romano has dropped a major bombshell regarding Chelsea's plans for the January transfer window.

Enzo Maresca's side enjoyed a superb start to the season and were in second place in the Premier League table at Christmas.

However, they have encountered a blip in recent weeks with defeats to Fulham and Ipswich, as well as dropping points to Brentford.

And on Saturday, they drew 1-1 at Crystal Palace despite Cole Palmer giving them a first half lead at Selhurst Park.

Maresca said after that draw that his side needed to be more 'clinical' in front of goal and, perhaps more pointedly, stated that the Blues were set to enter the transfer market.

The Italian's squad is currently depleted at centre-back due to injuries suffered by Benoit Badashile and Wesley Fofana, with the latter reportedly in danger of missing the rest of the season.

Now, Romano has reported that Chelsea plan to go back to a former player in order to ease their defensive crisis.

Marc Guehi is said to be the Blues' top target for the January window, with the centre-back lining up for Palace against his former club on Saturday.

Romano gives Chelsea transfer update

Taking to Twitter, Romano wrote: "Chelsea are seriously considering to bring in one more centre-back this month.

Image: @FabrizioRomano/Twitter

"Understand Marc Guehi has been discussed as an option internally, not easy... but he has 18 months left on contract."

Romano added that Chelsea could also consider recalling centre-back Trevoh Chalobah from his loan at Palace, even though he was allowed to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Newcastle attempted to sign Guehi during the summer transfer window but had three bids rejected by Palace.

What did Maresca say about Chelsea transfers?

Before speaking about potential transfers, Maresca praised the performance of 18-year-old Josh Acheampong, who made his first Blues start in the Premier League at centre-back against Palace despite being a natural full-back.

He went on to add: "Even if we don't decide to buy players or sell players, because Josh has shown he is good and we already knew he is good enough, probably with Wes and Benoit injuries, we will see if something is going to happen [with transfers].

"I think for sure, Josh was our best player, because of his age, it was his first game. Josh, for me, can be a top player for this club but he needs the right path, the right moment."