According to reports from Mirror Football, Chelsea are targeting Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mousa Dembele and Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy in a £40million double-raid on their Premier League rivals.
The Blues are looking to arrest their horrendous start to the season, currently finding themselves in 15th place and twelve points off a Champions League spot, with astute additions during the January transfer window.
The superlative form of Spurs midfielder Mousa Dembele – who has been on the west London club’s radar before – has particularly caught their eye.
The Belgium international has battled his way back from the peripheries of Tottenham’s squad to become a mainstay in their starting Xi this season, scoring twice whilst averaging 4 tackles, 2.9 successful dribbles and 1 created chance per match from ten Premier League outings.
The 28-year-old was close to leaving White Hart Lane during the summer and his future remains uncertain due to his contract expiring at the end of next season. Accordingly, Chelsea are hoping a £20million bid can convince their London rivals to sell.
The rest of the Blues’ £40million spend will be devoted to Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy – the Premier League’s top scorer on the verge of breaking Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record of netting in ten consecutive league fixtures.
Chelsea are particularly impressed with the 28-year-old’s industriousness, but they’re still assessing whether he has what it takes to be successful at a top European club. One criticism recently thrown the England international’s way is limited ability with his back to goal, whilst his lack of experience could become another significant factor.