Managing Chelsea: 'Greek Messi' joins in £38m deal as Champions League winner returns

Chelsea are monitoring potential transfer targets for the January window and beyond, including a teen sensation who has been likened to Lionel Messi

Predicting Chelsea's moves in a transfer window can be a risky business. As it stands, the Blues, who are vying for silverware on multiple fronts as we head into 2026, might have a relatively quiet window.

It's been a steady if unspectacular first half of the season for Enzo Maresca's team, who are firmly in the mix for a Champions League berth, though seemingly out of the running for the title.

A spate of injuries and inconsistent performances has highlighted certain frailties within the squad, necessitating action in both the current transfer window and the upcoming summer one. Football.London takes a look at how things could ideally unfold for the Blues in the coming month and beyond....

'Next Messi' signs

Chelsea are typically on high alert when a promising youngster starts making headlines. And a player who has drawn comparisons with none other than Lionel Messi is reportedly on the Blues' radar.

Konstantinos Karetsas, an 18-year-old born in Belgium but who recently pledged his international football allegiance to Greece, the birthplace of his parents, is such a player. Currently plying his trade at Genk, it seems only a matter of time before he is scooped up by one of Europe's top clubs.

Arsenal were reportedly keen on securing his services for £38million last summer, but the deal didn't materialise, paving the way for clubs like Chelsea, known for their knack of snapping up promising talents from Belgian football. Acquiring the dynamic attacking midfielder, whether in January or the summer, would certainly be a statement move.

Cult hero set for comeback

Antonio Rudiger, 32, might find himself back at Stamford Bridge this summer amid doubts over his future at Real Madrid. The German centre-back, who won the Champions League with the Blues in 2021, sees his contract expire this summer.

This has piqued the interest of several clubs, including reportedly Chelsea. Spanish publication AS suggests that Rudiger is being monitored by Galatasaray, Paris Saint-Germain and a number of Saudi Pro League teams.

However, a return to Stamford Bridge could be enticing, considering the high regard he enjoyed among Chelsea supporters before his 2022 switch to Real. His experience and mentality would undoubtedly bolster a sometimes shaky defence.

Sterling stalemate sorted

The ongoing deadlock concerning Raheem Sterling's situation is detrimental to both the player and the club, and it needs to be addressed promptly.

It's hard to fault a player earning £325,000 per week for not being overly eager to move on, but something has to change if he is to revive a career that hasn't merely hit a roadblock, but appears to be regressing.

Ideally, both parties need to come together to hammer out a compromise, whether that be to terminate his contract or facilitate a transfer or loan move.