"I think they still need...": Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson outlines where Blues must strengthen in January transfer window

Liam Delap. (Deposit Photos)

Chelsea are, minus a few disappointing results here and there, flying this season under Enzo Maresca.

The Blues are firmly in the Premier League title race, sitting comfortably in the top four heading into Christmas. In the Champions League — where they produced an astonishing performance to beat Barcelona 3–0 at Stamford Bridge — they are well on course to qualify automatically for the knockout rounds.

All in all, things are good — and certainly a major improvement on what was a tumultuous 2024/25 campaign, even if that season did bring silverware and a return to Europe’s elite competition.

Still, with the January transfer window now on the horizon, Chelsea — and their sizeable transfer budget — will no doubt be looking to strengthen further.

Where, exactly? Former Blue Glen Johnson — famously the first signing of the Roman Abramovich era, joining from relegated West Ham in 2003 and going on to win a Premier League and FA Cup double with the club in 2004/05 — has shared his view.

“I think it’s always a tough one because, look, Chelsea are doing great. I think they still need a striker. Who? I’m not sure,” Johnson told OLBG in questions put to him via Everything Chelsea.

Joao Pedro. (Deposit Photos)

Chelsea brought in two new forwards in the summer — Liam Delap from relegated Ipswich Town and João Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Delap has admittedly struggled, scoring just once across 10 appearances, though many of those were as a substitute and he also spent several weeks on the sidelines. Pedro, meanwhile, has fared better, scoring four and assisting three in 17 games — a respectable return given he has often been deployed as a No. 10.

There is also young Marc Guiu, who was recalled early from his loan at Sunderland following Delap’s injury. The Spaniard has scored twice in his limited opportunities, begging the question of why he is not being used more often — especially given he ended last season’s Europa Conference League campaign with six goals.

Johnson, however, maintains that while Chelsea do need another striker, there is also an element of luck involved — particularly regarding fitness.

“Chelsea need a striker — but they’re close,” he said, adding: “But look, they’re doing great. They’re winning games. They’ve looked the best they’ve looked for a long time. They’re not too far away from the top right now. So whatever they’re doing is working.

“I think they just need some luck — to keep everyone fit, keep everyone in form. If you’re going into Christmas fighting for the top, then you’re doing something right.”

Chelsea may be in one of their strongest positions in years under Enzo Maresca, but Johnson’s comments underline a widely held belief: a top-level striker could be the final piece of the puzzle.