The 10 attacking players Chelsea are most likely to sign in January

With the transfer window fast approaching, who will Chelsea sign next month?

We have read and reported the transfer rumours, and come up with a list of 10 midfielders and forwards the Blues are most likely to sign...

Falcao

Make no mistake about it, Falcao is Chelsea's number one target for January 2013. It's been that way pretty much since he scored a hat-trick against them in the European Super Cup, and his form of late has done little to dissuade them otherwise; he scored five past Deportivo a fortnight ago and netted against Barcelona at the weekend. He will cost around £50 million, but Manchester City and Real Madrid may attempt to sign him too, and Atletico, second in La Liga will to their best to convince him to stay until the end of the season.

Theo Walcott 

Arsenal's contract rebel, Theo Walcott looks set to explore his options in January, and Chelsea have a long-standing interest in the attacker. The Englishman would arguably be an upgrade on Daniel Sturridge who looks set to sign for Liverpool. Arsenal may be forced to cash in on him, or risk taking their chances of losing him on a free in July.

Marouane Fellaini

Everton's key man Marouane Fellaini has been regularly linked with a move away from the club, and the Toffees will fancy their chances of fetching up to £30 million for the midfielder who is enjoying his best season to date. A recent suspension means he will be rested for January, and even with the Merseysiders in the midst of a Champions League push, David Moyes would certainly love a windfall like the above to spend on new players. Fellaini would add balance to Chelsea's midfield and join the club's growing array of Belgians.

Miralem Pjanic

Roma's Bosnian midfielder Pjanic has emerged as a potential replacement for Frank Lampard at Chelsea and is busy impressing in Serie A. Only 22, he is valued at £14 million and fits the profile for emerging young talent Roman Abramovich is looking for. At half the price of Fellaini, he could be a shrewd acquisition, and was linked with the club just this week.

Fernando Llorente

It is well known Fernando Llorente will leave Athletic Bilbao at the end of the season, but if the club receive an attractive offer there is every chance they will cash in on the Spaniard. Rafa Benitez would enjoy luring a fellow countryman on board and Llorente would be a cut-price alternative to Falcao, a fifth of the price.

Lazar Markovic

It was reported last week that Chelsea had done a deal for Serbia's emerging talent Lazar Markovic, and while that was denied by the club, expect this one to be revisited. Markovic at 18 is already a full international and the Blues would be well advised to act early to bring him on board rather than pat more down the line, and could even agree to loan him back to Partizan Belgrade until the end of the season.

Andre Schurrle

Chelsea's interest in Andre Schurrle is well-documented, the German striker was linked with a deadline day switch back in August but the Blues were unable to agree a fee with Bayer Leverkusen for the versatile forward. Schurrle is just 22-years-old and has five goals and six assists so far this season, and Chelsea could throw Marko Marin into the deal in part-exchange or loan to convince Leverkusen to sell.

Benat

Another option for Chelsea's central midfield berth is Real Betis' Spanish international Benat. The midfielder has a buyout clause of £14 million and Rafa Benitez' knowledge of the Spanish market could see him look to snap him up. He is a more accomplished version of Oriol Romeu, who Benitez was keen on, and the price could work, leaving money for new faces up front. 

Bafetimbi Gomis

A player with considerable momentum behind a transfer move to Chelsea is Bafetimbi Gomis. The Lyon striker is enjoying a fine season, and commented yesterday that he is 50-50 to leave the club in January. Canal+ have reported that Chelsea are in talks with Lyon over his signature, and this is one to watch, although Liverpool are also interested in the forward.

Willian

A player who nearly signed for Chelsea last January, Willian made them regret missing out on him in the Champions League this season. While Shakhtar's progression may tempt the Brazilian to stay, the player is keen on leaving Ukraine and has repeatedly said he would like to play in England. He would likely cost around £30 million, so Chelsea may feel a striker and central midfielder are priority over a playmaker, but Willian's arrival cannot be ruled out.

Who should and shouldn't be on the list?