Chelsea Transfers: 5 La Liga Stars Worth a Gamble

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Chelsea may be forced to look for reinforcements come the January transfer window, so why not check on the teams currently performing out of their skins in La Liga for potential transfer targets?

This season's top flight in Spain has reached new levels and even threatens to knock the English Premier League off its pedestal, so what can teams like Real Betis and Celta Vigo offer Roberto Di Matteo?

Read on to find some players who could solve any potential left-back crisis Ashley Cole creates and who could provide depth behind John Obi Mikel.

Iago Aspas, ST, Celta Vigo

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Iago Aspas has been the shining light in a surprisingly decent Celta Vigo side so far this season.

He's showing a real poacher's instinct and looks at home inside the penalty area—in other words, he's doing his job.

Fernando Torres is still looking patchy, and the need for alternative options up front for Chelsea is clear. They don't need fancy footwork or creativity; they need to stick the ball in the back of the net.

Nacho Monreal, LB, Malaga

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If Ashley Cole were to leave, Roberto Di Matteo would need to find an established left-back to come in straight away.

There aren't many on the market right now, and perhaps someone like Lucas Digne is too raw to take on the responsibility. Nacho Monreal is in the ideal stage of his career to move to one of the world's biggest clubs and would not cost the earth.

He's been one of Malaga's standout players in a mightily successful season so far.

Mario Suarez, DM, Atletico Madrid

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It's a surprise that Mario Suarez doesn't get the praise he deserves—he's the perfect mediator to an explosive Atletico Madrid attack.

Los Colchoneros would require Radamel Falcao to score four per game to win if it wasn't for this Spaniard, who excels in a deeper role in midfield.

His distribution is solid, his somatotype is perfect for the English Premier League and he's an interception machine.

Ignacio Camacho, DM, Malaga

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While the exploits of Isco, Nacho Monreal and Joaquin were expected, Ignacio Camacho has pretty much come out of nowhere.

He failed to make the cut at Atletico Madrid and was transferred to Malaga in 2011, and after a slow first season, he's really come to life.

He, too, is an interception machine and provides the steel to Los Boquerones' blossoming midfield.

Benat, DM, Real Betis

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Benat is the unsung hero of a solid Real Betis side.

They currently sit fifth in La Liga after an impressive start, and the Beticos' deep-lying playmaker has played a huge part in this.

He has elite ability in reading the game and making the right decisions, and his talents have also been recognised by Spain manager Vicente del Bosque.

He was called up before Euro 2012 for a friendly against Serbia and has added two further caps to his collection since.

 

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