5 players Chelsea should try to sign before the end of January

Chelsea are in the middle of a close race to finish in the top four of the Premier League. Here are five players they should sign to help close out the season.

Chelsea, who were in second place in the table not so long ago, are currently down in fourth, and battling hard to ensure they finish in the top four. The gap to fifth-place Tottenham is down to three points, and Liverpool overtook them last weekend with their win against Manchester City. The Blues can gain an edge with a strong January transfer window.

Antonio Conte’s side have several needs. The club already addressed their lack of depth in midfield by bringing in Ross Barkley from Everton for a mere £15 million. Barkley brings more of an attacking presence to the Chelsea midfield, which is dominated by defensive players such as N’Golo Kante and Tiemoue Bakayoko. They could perhaps still use some more depth, but that could come by bringing players back from loan.

The Blues other primary needs are a striker and left wing-back. With a Champions League date with Barcelona looming on the horizon, and a strong starting XI, Conte will have his sights set on backup options, particularly ones who aren’t cup-tied in European competition. Here are five players the club should try to sign before the transfer window closes at the end of January.

Andy Carroll

Chelsea are in desperate need of a backup for Alvaro Morata, as Michy Batshuayi is clearly not cutting it at Stamford Bridge. Aside from his goal against West Brom that sealed the Premier League title for the Blues last season, Batshuayi hasn’t scored at a respectable clip in London. Enter Andy Carroll. He may not be the sexiest prospect, and fans will likely not be too keen on the idea, but Carroll would be a great addition for Chelsea.

His stats won’t knock your socks off — he has only two goals in 12 appearances this season — but he’s still got value. In the two seasons prior, Carroll recorded goal tallies of eight and nine. He’s by no means a starting-caliber forward, and at the age of 29 is nearing the end of his prime years. But as a back up to Morata, and a player who Chelsea can turn to when they need to mix things up, he’s an idea option.

With age comes experience, and Carroll has plenty of experience in the Premier League. He’ll also be willing to come off the bench, a role that could be a stumbling block for other potential signings. His aerial prowess and penchant for late goals could mean the difference in a Champions League match or even in Chelsea’s battle for the top four. With rumors already circling, Carroll is one player Chelsea should sign before January ends.