Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on Dani Carvajal and Moussa Konate Rumours

Chelsea may look to correct an uneasy start to the new season by dipping back into the transfer market this January, with Real Madrid's Dani Carvajal and Senegalese forward Moussa Konate on the club's radar.

One of those players struggling to regain top form thus far in the campaign is Branislav Ivanovic, and Gianluca Losco of Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb.com claimed Caraval is being eyed as a replacement, per Metro's Will Giles.

Andres Kudacki/Associated Press

Carvajal has also experienced drastic change in recent months following the arrival of Brazil international Danilo at the Bernabeu, shifting the Spaniard to second option at right-back.

Spanish football writer Sergi Dominguez has applauded Real's strength in depth, but he confirmed Carvajal as the back-up under Rafa Benitez, despite impressing since his return to the Spanish capital in 2013:

Carvajal moved to Bayer Leverkusen from Real in 2012 after failing to make any first-team impact in Madrid, but he was swiftly brought back to his boyhood club after excelling in the Bundesliga.

Speaking to the media prior to last week's Champions League opener against Shakhtar Donetsk, Carvajal confirmed he's understanding of the fact he no longer sits as first choice in defence, per Inside Spanish Football:

"Unfortunately I’ve come in because of an injury to a team-mate, and I wish him a speedy recovery. The coach knows that we’re all in it together, I’m sure that those who aren’t starters are going to keep on working hard and the coach can have confidence in each and every one of us."

Ivanovic has been regarded as one of the Premier League's best right-backs in past seasons, making more than 300 appearances for the Blues since his arrival from Lokomotiv Moscow seven years ago.

However, Bleacher Report's Garry Hayes acknowledged the Serbia international as being sub-par during Chelsea's 2-0 win against Arsenal on Saturday:

Benitez may not see Carvajal as his top option in the position, but that doesn't mean he'll be any more willing to allow a terrific alternative link up with former Real chief Mourinho, either.

The Blues already have one Spain international guarding their left flank in the form of Cesar Azpilicueta, and it seems the club will look to complete a full-back set with rising interest in Carvajal.

Blues Eyeing Winter Swoop on Konate

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Looking toward his attack, Mourinho will rival Arsenal in pursuit of Sion striker Konate, as he looks to give his side more of an edge in attack, it's been revealed.

According to the Sunday People's Steve Goodman, Chelsea are one English outfit in the hunt to recruit the African sensation, with the player's agent Antoine Issa Kossoko recently confirming the Blues' interest:

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Lots of English clubs are interested in Moussa –Chelsea and Arsenal scouts are keeping an eye on him – but he is not obsessed with the Premier League and will consider good offers from Germany, Spain or England.

Hannover, Mainz and Bruges were keen on him this summer, offering up to £6m. But Sion said they would not sell for less than £10m.

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The west Londoners already have a healthy array of options up front with first-string star Diego Costa backed by the likes of Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao, on loan from Monaco.

The £10 million outlay that would be required to sign Konate is hardly beyond Chelsea's means, however, and the attacker could make for a valuable acquisition showing big promise.

Sion's leading man has seven goals to his name this season after 10 outings, but his future in Switzerland could rest largely on how far the club goes in this season's Europa League.

As pointed out by BBC Sport's Oluwashina Okeleji, Konate was a hero for his side as they got their European campaign off to an explosive start last week against Rubin Kazan:

Mourinho will soon have the chance to examine the player more closely should he wish, with Sion poised to travel to Anfield on October 1 for their Group B clash against the Reds.

Konate scored against Team GB at the 2012 London Olympics, netting five goals in total to finish as the tournament's second-highest scorer, despite the fact Senegal exited at the quarter-final stage.

Chelsea may be used to seeing more world-class figures arriving at Stamford Bridge, but with 27 goals in 42 appearances for Sion, Konate may not be a talent to be snuffed at. 

The reigning Premier League champions have endured a rocky start to the 2015-16 campaign and the west Londoners may react with a flash of January business should difficulties continue in the months to come.