Meanwhile, journalist Simon Phillips has said that the London giants are struggling to convince Marcus Thuram to move to Stamford Bridge. Elsewhere, former Blues defender Frank Leboeuf has given his verdict on Jorginho.

On that note, here’s a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on January 18, 2023:

Chelsea struggling to convince Marcus Thuram

Chelsea are struggling to convince Marcus Thuram to move to Stamford Bridge this month, according to Simon Phillips.

The French forward is a target for Potter this month, with the English manager eager to strengthen his frontline. The 25-year-old is in the final six months of his contract with Borussia Monchengladbach, so the Blues want to sign him on a cut-price deal in January.

However, in his column for Give Me Sport, Phillips said that Thuram wants to leave Monchengladbach on a Bosman move this summer.

He added:

Thuram has appeared 17 times across competitions for the Bundesliga side, scoring 13 goals and setting up four more.

Frank Leboeuf gives Jorginho verdict

Frank Leboeuf reckons Jorginho is past his prime. The Italian midfielder is in the final six months of his contract with Chelsea, but there’re no plans to hand him a new deal.

The 31-year-old joined the Blues from Napoli in 2018 and enjoyed decent success at Stamford Bridge. However, he’s no longer a first choice under Potter.

Speaking to Si & Dan Talk Chelsea, as cited by Caught Offside, Leboeuf said that Jorginho is not fast enough for modern football.

He added:

Jorginho has registered three goals from 24 appearances across competitions this season for the London giants.

Shakhtar Donetsk CEO opens up on reason for Blues’ Mykhaylo Mudryk success

Shakhtar Donetsk chief executive Sergei Palkin has said that the Blues presented a better offer than Arsenal for Mykhaylo Mudryk. The Ukrainian winger was close to moving to the Emirates before the Blues intervened, winning the race for his signature.

Speaking to The Athletic, as relayed by Live Soccer TV, Palkin said that Chelsea were more serious regarding the move.

Palkin also said that the player’s entourage were impressed by the Blues’ long-term plans.

He added:

Mudryk has appeared 18 times across competitions for Shakhtar this season, registering ten goals and eight assists.

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