The end of the January transfer window is looming with little over 24 hours left for clubs to secure themselves a big name signing or two in preparation for the rest of the season.One club yet to do any incoming business this winter is Chelsea, which is rather unlike the usually big-spending club from west London. Having invested heavily over the summer – spending close to £100m to take David Luiz, N’Golo Kante and Michy Batshuayi to Stamford Bridge – the Blues currently sit top of the Premier League, eight points clear of closest rivals Arsenal.They can be forgiven for their lack of further spending. After all, what is the need?The only activity of any kind from Antonio Conte during this window has been the recalling of a number of his loan signings, most notably Nathan Ake following his impressive spell at Bournemouth, and Charly Musonda, who returned, from Real Betis. Brazilian Kenedy is also back at the Bridge from Watford.So with a strong squad, recalled players and there likely to be no further investments before tomorrow night, could it be that a few are on their way out from the Bridge before 11:00pm on January 31?We think these could be FOUR four last-minute exits for the Blues …
Branislav Ivanovic
Despite his involvement and goal in the 4-0 thrashing of Brentford during the weekend’s FA Cup Fourth Round fixture, it could turn out that the Serbian never pulls on the blue shirt again, with there being plenty of speculation in regards to his imminent departure.
Sky Sports (below) believe the right-back is close to sealing a deal with Zenit St. Petersburg as he goes in search of first-team football.
Michy Batshuayi
Another who was not only involved but also on the scoresheet against Brentford this past weekendÂis another who could see that be his last action in a Blue shirt, at least for this season, anyway.
Batshuayi has impressed when handed opportunities, but given the form of Diego Costa, those opportunities have been few and far between. SwanseaÂwereÂlinked with a move for him, but any deal may hinge on Fernando Llorente going the other way, which seems unlikely so late on.
Charly Musonda
Back from Real Betis, and straight out again, should the rumours be true, of course.ÂLa Gazzetta dello Sport have reported that AC Milan, who have already swooped for Everton’s Gerard Deulofeu earlier this window, are preparing a bid to bring the Belgian to the San Siro on loan.
The 20-year-old had impressed during his sporadic appearances for Betis, however, so it could be that he instead stays to try and compete for a place.
Asmir Begovic
Wasted on the bench for Chelsea, Asmir Begovic has struggled for playing time this season, and unlike team-mate Michy Batshuayi, hasn’t impressed when given the chance to do so.
With Celtic’s Craig Gordon linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, there could be wiggle room for the shot-stopper to sneak out the back door. Bournemouth are favourites to bag themselves the Bosnian.
