Chelsea Transfer News: Blues Need Impact Signings After Adding Future Defender

Chelsea inked a future star defender on Dec. 4 by signing Wallace Oliveira dos Santos, aka Wallace, from Fluminense and Brazil. The transfer deal was worth £5 million, according to Andy James of DailyMail.co.uk.

The 18-year-old defender will remain with Fluminense until the end of the season, although the deal will go through once January’s transfer window opens.

His resume is full of high marks and experience.

The under-20 international right-back was part of the under-17 team that won the South American championship last year. He also helped Fluminese win the Brazilian league championship (the Rio State League) and the Guanbara Cup.

That does little to help the Stamford Bridge club that will be fighting for position in the English Premier League.

Nothing concrete has been put in motion to address some of the team’s needs, although the team’s manager is aware and open to making some changes once January comes around.

Manager Rafael Benítez admits he may need an extra striker when the January transfer window opens.

Benítez was blunt about the possibility of adding additional players during January’s transfer window, according to Chris Hatherall of The Daily Telegraph:

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It is not just the strikers it is every position. In a top side you have to keep an eye on every position and all good players. We will see what we can do. At the moment with Sturridge injured it is more difficult to find different solutions.

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Chelsea is definitely a “top side,” as Benítez put it.

However, becoming the first title defender to fall out of the Champions League table before the knockout phase has to be alarming for the head man at Stamford Bridge.

The club has also struggled in the Premier League, failing to win since its game on Oct. 20, in which it netted four goals against Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

Its next six matches have ended with two losses and four draws. That’s not exactly encouraging considering the club’s disappointment in the CL and its EPL championship aspirations.

Adding another player during January’s transfer window isn’t just an ideal outcome. It’s also necessary in order for the Blues to maintain pace and eventually compete with Man. City and United.