With Daniel Sturridge on his way to Liverpool, we look at Chelsea's replacement options in January.
With Daniel Sturridge on his way to Liverpool, we look at Chelsea's attacking options in the January transfer window are according to Sky Bet's Transfer Specials.
The Atletico Madrid striker has been linked with the Blues since the summer, prompting us to instal them as the 5/2 favourites to secure his services. However, a surge of interest has seen the price cut to evens, with Sturridge's departure seemingly indicating the Blues are poised to make their move. The Columbian is considered one of the hottest properties around and is likely to command a transfer fee of upwards of £35million. Manchester City (7/1) and PSG (10/1) are also considered in the betting ahead of Barcelona and Real Madrid, with Atletico unlikely to want to sell to their domestic rivals.
Theo Walcott - 5/4
Walcott's elongated contract saga has prompted speculation over a January move, with the upcoming window being the final opportunity for Arsenal to gain some financial returns on the England international. Recent interest has seen Chelsea backed in to favourites to secure his services, while Liverpool (11/4) and Manchester United (3/1) are also considered high up in the betting.
Demba Ba - 9/1
It is starting to become more of a case of where Ba will go than whether he will leave Newcastle in January. The Magpies have failed to remove the £7.5m release clause from their top scorer's contact, leaving him open to offer. Arsenal actually head the betting following a recent flurry of bets while Liverpool are also considered more likely to secure the striker's services at 6/1, although that looks unlikely now with Sturridge on his way.
Fernando Llorente - 12/1
The Athletic Bilbao striker's services are up for grabs on a free with his contract set to expire but the battle to secure his signature might well take place in January. The majority of the money has actually gone on Liverpool to sign Llorente, who was the highest scoring Spaniard in La Liga last season, while Arsenal and Tottenham are also considered to be interested. Juventus drifted out from odds-on on to the current price of 8/1 after the 27-year-old denied a deal was already in place, while declaring his interest in a Premier League move in the same interview.
Neymar - 10/1
The young Brazilian striker remains keen to continue his development at Santos despite interest from some of Europe's top sides. Barcelona are the 6/1 favourites to land him in January followed by Chelsea, PSG and Real Madrid (all 10/1), with that line-up defined by the financial firepower necessary to prize him away from Santos.
David Villa - 12/1
The Barcelona striker's future has attracted speculation as he struggles to rediscover top form following a leg break which ruled him out of the majority of last season. Swansea have actually been best backed to make a surprise move for the Spanish international, with a loan deal muted. Arsenal (5/1) have also been heavily linked while the Blues are fifth favourites to do a deal.
All prices subject to change. Visit Sky Bet for the latest odds.
