The Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern love seeing young players make it into the Blues first team…

Under Antonio Conte, Chelsea appear to be taking a different direction.

Under previous regimes, like that of Jose Mourinho, the focus would often be upon big, recognisable signings – with players like Nemanja Matic and Diego Costa coming to Stamford Bridge. Now, these players have been fantastic since their arrival – but it has left a few in the Tavern wondering: what if Chelsea had, instead, signed a young player and developed them themselves?

It is, of course, a much longer and more complicated process, but it can prove beneficial for all parties. Chelsea could get a good deal, and a player to serve them for the best part of a decade – and the player will get the opportunity that they so desperately need.

Our landlord thinks that this is the approach that Conte is going to take, as we have seen with the emergence of Nathaniel Chalobah in the Chelsea first team – and he thinks that a few January moves for some of Europe’s finest young talent could pay dividends in a few years time.

With that said, it’s time for Conte to start looking at these 3 boy wonders in January…

Youri Tielemans

Youri Tielemans is an exciting young midfielder that looks destined for greatness.

He has been the latest in a long line of exciting Belgian talents, and if he is half as good as Belgian compatriot Eden Hazard – he will undoubtedly be a huge star.

The Blues have had success in poaching young Belgian talent, with the likes of De Bruyne, Courtois and Hazard himself making their names at Stamford Bridge.

With Cesc Fabregas likely set for a Chelsea exit, Tielemans could be the perfect replacement – and he is young enough for Conte to mould him into the more defensively-minded midfielder that he craves.

Moussa Dembele

Moussa Dembele is, undoubtedly, one of Europe’s most high-profile young players – having exploded onto the scene with Celtic this year.

Despite being just 20-years-old, Dembele is a regular in the Champions League and Scottish Premier League – and in truth, he looks to have already outgrown Celtic.

A big money move away is certainly on the cards, and Conte would struggle to do better than the talented forward.

Pace, technical ability and goals – he has it all.

Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak is a less high-profile name, but Conte would be wise to look towards him.

The Blues have been touted with a move for the young Swedish forward in recent weeks, and it is easy to see why.

He has been in outstanding form in his native Sweden this season, having picked up 10 goals – and there is no better way to learn your craft than by playing alongside one of Europe’s best – and Chelsea certainly have that in Diego Costa.