Chelsea have identified Marcus Thuram and Noni Madueke as two leading transfer targets, according to reports.
Thuram is out of contract at Borussia Monchengladbach at the end of the campaign and looks set to seek pastures new at some point this year.
Chelsea are one of several clubs that have been linked with a move for the France international, who is also attracting the interest of Manchester United.
According to The Times, Chelsea could even attempt to sign the forward for a cut-price fee this month.
Thuram is valued at £28.3m by Transfermarkt but could be available for even less than that in the next few weeks.
The report adds that Chelsea are also weighing up a swoop for Madueke, who is enjoying an excellent season for PSV.
The England Under-21 international, who spent time on the books of Crystal Palace and Tottenham as a youngster, joined the Dutch club in 2018.
PSV are unlikely to sell Madueke this month but they could listen to offers for the 20-year-old at the end of the campaign.
Meanwhile Chelsea are in desperate need of a pick-me-up ahead of Thursday's Premier League clash with Fulham.
The Blues, who lost 4-0 to Manchester City in the third round of the FA Cup at the weekend, have won only one of their last eight matches in all competitions.
Graham Potter's side are 10th in the Premier League table ahead of their trip to Craven Cottage.
More Chelsea stories
Chelsea are among a number of clubs linked with a move for Brighton's Argentine World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, but the midfielder says he is in no haste to leave the Seagulls.
The Blues have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Enzo Fernandez, with Benfica refusing to budge on their asking price.
But in better news for the club, Chelsea look set to win the race for the signing of Joao Felix on loan.
