Chelsea Transfers: 6 January Targets for Andre Villas-Boas

With the January Transfer Window coming up, Andre Villas-Boas needs to start looking at the players he could bring in.

Chelsea obviously needs help in defense and on the wing. As such, they need to focus on those positions this January. If they are able to buy a creative midfielder, all the better. However, their play on the wing and on defense has been sub-par. If the Blues want to secure a trophy this year, they need to improve on both of those positions.

January provides Chelsea a great chance to strengthen the squad. They just need to make the right improvements.

I don't think they need to make every one of these moves, I simply believe each of these players could significantly impact the Blues.

Kevin De Bruyne, Winger

Kevin De Bruyne is a very talented young winger.

He has been a standout for Genk so far this season, and Chelsea has been interested the entire time. The 20-year-old was linked to Stamford Bridge in the summer, and the Blues haven't forgotten about him.

According to Goal.com, Genk's manager, Mario Been, has said that he would sell De Bruyne at the right price. Cost usually isn't a problem for Roman Abramovich, so why don't they make the move?

De Bruyne is already playing in the Champions League, but Genk aren't leaving the group stage. However, if Chelsea could lock up the winger, he could make a difference in the knockout stage of the Champions League in future seasons.

He would give Chelsea great skill and speed, which is why they ought to go after the young Belgium international.

Gary Cahill, Centre Back

Look, I know the questions that surround Gary Cahill?

Is he actually that good? Isn't he playing pretty poorly this season? Is he worth the cost that will come with him?

The short answer, for each of those questions, is yes.

He isn't in the best form right now, but when he is, he is one of the best centre-backs in the EPL. That has to count for something, right? When he's paired with John Terry, they have a great understanding for how to play defense the right way—not conceding cheap goals.

He's 25 years old, which is an age where players begin to gain consistency. He's been holding down the Bolton defense for a few years now, and with a strong partner and goalkeeper behind him, Cahill will be able to shine for Chelsea.

Some people might not like him—especially with a pretty high price expected—for Chelsea, but I think he could solidify their defense enough to capture some silverware this year.

Diego Godin, Centre Back

Diego Godin is a very solid centre-back. He is strong on the ball, and more importantly, he has big-match experience (2011 Copa America).

With his strength and experience, the 25-year-old shouldn't have trouble switching to Chelsea in the middle of the season. The Uruguayan is talented, and he would fit nicely next to John Terry in the back.

Chelsea plays solidly in the back for most of their matches, but they have one or two slip-ups—sometimes literally—that cost them. With Godin and Terry in the back, those slip-ups would be few and far between.

Godin has been linked to Chelsea for nearly a year now, and it's about time the move happens. David Luiz will be a good centre-back, but he isn't quite ready to play at this level. Bringing in Godin would give Luiz time to sharpen his game, while Terry finishes out his career.

Godin is a good talent, and he would definitely help out the sputtering defense.

Stevan Jovetic, Winger

Stevan Jovetic is a top-notch winger.

He can take on any defender, and he has some of the best dribbling skills in Serie A right now. If Chelsea were able to bring the Montenegrin to London, he could do some serious damage.

He has pretty good pace, but his control is what stands out. He would fit perfectly into Andre Villas-Boas system, and he could bulk up Chelsea's attack. He would give the Blues a lot more width, and he would be able to create chances, with or without space.

Jovetic's creativity on the ball is fun to watch. More importantly, he is able to use that creativity to cause damage. The young man is a budding footballer, and Chelsea ought to try and bring him in before he becomes an even bigger name.

Sergi Roberto, Midfielder

Sergi Roberto is another Barcelona midfielder Andre Villas-Boas has his eyes on.

Considering how impressive Oriol Romeu has been so far, that's not a bad idea. Sources say Villas-Boas has been so impressed with Romeu that he expects Roberto to be just as talented.

As such, Villas-Boas is hoping to lock up another youngster from the Catalans. With so much midfield talent at Barcelona, it wouldn't be a bad decision for Roberto to come over to England. He has all the skills necessary to play at the highest level; he just needs the opportunity.

Chelsea could give him that opportunity. He could get some spare time this year, and by next season, he could be in the starting XI at Stamford Bridge.

He can create chances, and that's what Chelsea needs. If Villas-Boas makes this move, Chelsea could potentially have two 20-year-old Spanish midfielders starting next season. Given the success of Barcelona and Real Madrid in European competitions, that wouldn't be a bad thing to have.

Brek Shea, Winger

Brek Shea is one of the best young talents in the world. At only 21, he has a chance to become one of the most successful American players ever.

He is 6' 3" on the wing, and that simply can't be overstated. His size gives him a huge advantage on the wing. A lot of good wing players are on the smaller side of things, and by throwing a fairly large player out there, a team can gain an instant advantage.

Shea will be training with Arsenal for the next month, and he will return to Dallas in December. If Chelsea is smart, they will pay enough to bring the man right back to London in January. Arsenal and Everton have expressed interest in transferring—or a loan, at the very least—him over to England.

Chelsea ought to jump at the chance.

He can take players one-on-one, he can cross the ball well and he has the ability to score from just about anywhere.

Shea's young, but he could still make an instant impact for Chelsea this season. Basically, Andre Villas-Boas needs to get this kid before another EPL team scoops him up.