The potential signing of Leonardo Bonucci has got the Chelsea fans in the Football Transfer Tavern excited for January…

Antonio Conte has made a mixed start to life as Chelsea manager, having comfortable won a handful of games before suffering 2 defeats in quick succession against Liverpool and Arsenal respectively.

The Chelsea defence is, without doubt, a weak spot of the Conte’s squad , and as a result, it was no surprise when reports began to emerge linking Leonardo Bonucci with a move to the club.

Whilst most of the talk between now and January will no doubt be centered around that potential deal, our landlord thinks that Chelsea need a lot more than one new central defender to challenge at the top this season.

In fact, he reckons the Blues could do with landing a few more big names as Conte continues his Chelsea revolution.

With that said, these 3 players could follow Bonucci to Chelsea in January…

 Michael Keane

Michael Keane has been linked with a move to the Blues in recent weeks in a deal that came as a surprise to the Chelsea fans in the Football Transfer Tavern.

Retrospectively, however, the deal makes a lot of sense. Keane is a proven Premier League defender, who has been successful in a very average side – meaning he could improve even further when amongst the top-tier players at Chelsea.

Whatsmore, his homegrown status is becoming increasingly important as of late – as both John Terry and Gary Cahill, Chelsea’s only two homegrown starters, look set for departures.

His cost would also be significantly lower than some of the more high-profile alternatives – and he could form one-half of a deadly duo alongside Bonucci.

 Matteo Darmian

Matteo Darmian has been a bit-part player under Mourinho at Manchester United thus far, and so the United fans in the Tavern are expecting him to depart the club in January – which could leave the door open for Chelsea to seize a deal.

Darmian impressed during his debut season in Manchester, but for whatever reason, Jose Mourinho does not seem to rate him; and Antonio Conte certainly does.

The Italian was a key part of the now-Chelsea manager’s squad when he managed Italy – and Conte would likely jump at the chance to bring him to SW6.

Offering bags of defensive quality and a knowledge of how to play in a 5 man defense – he could be perfect.

Isco

Isco has never really settled since his move to Real Madrid – and a switch to the Premier League could work wonders for the young Spaniard.

Likewise, after a strong start at Chelsea – Oscar has failed to hit the heights that were long expected of him; and our landlord is touting him for a Blues exit before the end of the season.

Isco could be a more than capable replacement – and given his lack of game time at Real Madrid; he could even be available cheaply.

Offering technical brilliance and an impressive CV despite his formative years; he could be the man to lead the Chelsea midfield for years to come.