While Chelsea are enjoying a turn-up in fortunes from last season, Antonio Conte’s squad still has plenty of room for improvement if they are to challenge for the title.

Despite spending a sizeable amount in the summer on the likes of David Luiz and Marcos Alonso, many of the Chelsea faithful here in the Transfer Tavern feel as if the squad has not significantly improved for the amount of money spent.

Most are in agreement that the securing of N’Golo Kante was a fantastic move, and Michy Batshuayi signing was also a relatively smart option – despite having yet to prove his worth.

However for a whopping century, the Blues are still lacking in a number of positions, most notably at right-back (or wing back depending if Conte opts for three at the bacK), centre-half and an attacking midfielder.

Some of Chelsea’s most successful signing’s of the past few years have hailed from South America. Willian has been a major success story at the Bridge over the past few years, as has Diego Costa, who we must not forget was born and raised in Brazil.

So, could Antonio Conte look to South America once again this January as he looks for reinforcements? Our landlord thinks these TWO could be the perfect solution for the Blues …

Doria

The Brazil U-20 international has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea over the past weeks. Formerly of Botafago, Doria now plies his trade for Ligue 1 side Marseille and his performances so far this season have reignited interest from the Blues who were interested in signing the 21-year-old back in 2013 before his move to Europe.

While young and could represent a player for the future, Chelsea will hope that Doria would be able to take to the Premier League much like Kurt Zouma, who also signed young from French club St. Etienne.

The Brazilian possesses the attributes to succeed: big, strong and not afraid of the physical side of the game, the youngster could be the centre-back Chelsea are craving.

James Rodriguez

It appears Oscar’s time at the Bridge may be coming to an end, with Antonio Conte seemingly not a huge fan of the tricky Brazilian midfielder.

Other than him, Chelsea lack options in centre-attacking midfield, and while both Willian and Eden Hazard can play in the role, they both prefer to attack from the flanks.

Real Madrid star James Rodriguez has long been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu as his playing time continues to dwindle amongst the likes of Isco, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and more recently Marco Asensio.

Rodriguez is a talented, clever player who is certain to thrive when given the chance to shine, and the ‘vacancy’ at the Bridge could just give him the chance to do that.