Chelsea Transfer News: Paul Pogba, Leonardo Bonucci, Samuel Umtiti, Top Rumours

Chelsea are reportedly eyeing Juventus duo Paul Pogba and Leonardo Bonucci as potential January transfer targets, while the Blues are also lining up a move for Lyon defender Samuel Umtiti.  

The defending Premier League champions desperately need to add strength across their squad following a disastrous start to the season, which has seen them lose five of their 10 games in the English top-flight.

A penalty shootout defeat to Stoke City in the Capital One Cup made matters even worse for manager Jose Mourinho on Tuesday, and the Portuguese is reportedly eager to bring in Juve's Pogba and Bonucci, per Simon Lorini of Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb (h/t Metro's Mark Brus).

It is unsurprising that the Blues are eyeing Pogba. The Frenchman is one of the best central midfielders in the world and Blues duo Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas have been woefully out of form this season, per Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe:

Similarly, centre-back Bonucci could be a fine addition in west London given Chelsea's defensive issues this season, which has already seen them concede 19 goals in the Premier League.

The 28-year-old would bring experience and calm to the centre of a back four that has struggled without the usually reliable presence of John Terry, who is currently out of favour and out of form.

However, the prospect of of Chelsea signing both Pogba and Bonucci in January—or even next summer—is somewhat far-fetched.

Pogba is one of the most sought-after talents in Europe and is valued at at least €85 million (£61.3 million), with Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t ESPN FC) having previously reported that the 22-year-old rejected a move to Stamford Bridge last summer.

Bonucci, while perhaps less in demand than Pogba, is still a key part of Juventus' squad and is contracted to the Turin outfit until 2020.

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A more realistic defensive target for the Blues could perhaps be Umtiti. Per French outlet Le10Sport (via Brus in Metro), the Blues are "monitoring the progress" of the 21-year-old, who has previously hinted at wanting to play in Spain or England.

The versatile French youngster is already very experienced in Ligue 1 and has been a steady defensive presence for Lyon so far this season in the French top-flight, per WhoScored.com. 

Umtiti is undoubtedly talented, but he is still raw. What Chelsea really need is to bring in an experienced campaigner in January who can bring some control back to the Chelsea defence.