Chelsea Transfer News: Major Rumours as Blues Target Important January Signings

Chelsea could use Inter's financial struggles to their advantage in attempting to lure Mauro Icardi to west London this winter, while signs suggest Real Madrid's Alvaro Arbeloa is close to signing for the Blues.

It's been reported by the Express (h/t Telegraph) that while Jose Mourinho's side would prefer a cut-price summer deal, a January transfer for the £30 million-rated attacker is possible.

Marco Luzzani/Getty Images

The Nerazzurri would require Champions League football in order to have a hope of retaining all their stars, with Inter sporting director Marco Fassone quoted as saying: "Without the Champions League, some sales may be inevitable."

However, Roberto Mancini's side currently sit in ninth and have slim hopes of finishing among the top teams, meaning they could be tempted into cashing in on their more valuable players.

Icardi has netted 10 goals in 19 Serie A appearances this season and sits joint-second in the league's scoring stakes alongside Palermo's Paulo Dybala.

Nik Postinger of We Play insists that Atletico Madrid could gain an edge in the deal, though, should Mario Suarez move to the San Siro, touching also on Icardi's off-pitch reputation:

With Diego Costa reigning at Stamford Bridge and Loic Remy in reserve, there may seem no immediate need for striking reinforcements.

However, with Didier Drogba's contract expiring this summer, Mourinho may be thinking to the future and welcome an extra dimension of depth in attack, with Icardi capable of featuring in a number of attacking roles.

Antonio Calanni/Associated Press

While Icardi's transfer seems a difficult one to sanction, luring Arbeloa to west London may be a simpler matter, with Spanish outlet Fichajes.net (h/t Metro's Jamie Sanderson) stating that a bid has already been made.

Arbeloa has fallen behind Dani Carvajal in Carlo Ancelotti's rankings, but a recent return to fitness, per Spanish newspaper AS, could see Los Merengues seek to capitalise on the interest:

The 32-year-old has 18 months remaining on his deal at the Bernabeu and rather than wait for that contract to run down, Los Blancos may cash in while they can.

However, Bleacher Report's Guillem Balague says a Premier League return is unlikely due to the fact that Real aren't looking to let any of their players leave this winter:

Branislav Ivanovic has done a fine job of steering Chelsea's right-back slot for the past few seasons, with Cesar Azpilicueta as a potential alternative for Mourinho.

However, it seems the Portuguese is eager to link back up with his former Real charge, who has come upon grand success since returning to his native Spain.

Handout/Getty Images

Chelsea have been fortunate with injuries up until now, but the season looks to now be taking its toll and even the Blues are beginning to suffer absences.

Rather than be left short-handed, Mourinho appears to be chasing new depth and he'll hope to see his old ties with Arbeloa bear fruit this month.