Chelsea's season hasn't turned out as many would've expected. Manchester City's unparalleled dominance has put the title race on hold as they're quite obviously a class apart from their counterparts in the top-six.
But whilst Guardiola's side may be flying at the moment, there's every chance they'll encounter a rut at some point, and when that happens, the reigning Premier League champions need to be ready to overtake City.
In a bid to catch up to City, though, Chelsea need to bolster their ranks in the January transfer window so we take a look at 5 players the Blues could sign in January:
Alex Sandro - Juventus
Alex Sandro is widely regarded as one of the best wing-backs in the world. He was on Conte's wishlist last summer, but unfortunately the Italian tactician failed to reach an agreement with Juventus for the Brazil international following Leonardo Bonucci's departure to AC Milan.
At the moment, Marcos Alonso is Chelsea's only out-and-out wing-back thus; any sort of injury to the Spaniard would prove to be a huge set-back. The acquisition of Alex Sandro will change that, though, as Conte will have two quality wing-backs to call upon.
Sandro has reportedly told Juventus he's unhappy in Turin which serves as a huge boost to Chelsea's potential acquisition of the 26-year-old.
Barkley was nearly a Chelsea player last summer, but an unexpected turn of events saw the deal fall through at the last minute. The young Englishman remains under contract at Everton, who may face a relegation battle this term.
Judging by Everton's current situation, it's quite likely that Barkley will be pushing for a move in January, hence Chelsea should make another attempt to acquire his services once the winter window opens.
The 24-year-old is a great midfield enforcer capable of dictating play and scoring goals, he'd certainly be a welcome addition to Chelsea's ranks.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan - Manchester United
Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Mesut Ozil during the January transfer window. The German maestro has faced a lot of criticism since he arrived at Arsenal and is reportedly keen on reuniting with his old boss, Jose Mourinho.
Should United acquire Ozil's services, Mkhitaryan could become available on the transfer market as the Red Devils look to offload some players.
You could say Mkhitaryan to Chelsea is a bit too outlandish, but judging by the fact that Ozil could permanently usurp his role at Old Trafford, United could be open to sell the Armenia international to a rival.
The Armenian midfielder evidently has what it takes to turn out for Chelsea week-in-week-out. He boasts of immense creativity, panache and Fabregas-esque vision, his creative abilities could help Chelsea catch up to Manchester City in the second-half of the Premier League campaign.
Leon Goretzka - Schalke
The highly-rated German midfielder who shone brightly in the Confederations Cup will be a free agent at the end of the season. With Arsenal and Liverpool keen on signing him, as well as a couple of other clubs expected to join the fray, Chelsea would well to snap Goretzka up on a pre-contract deal in January.
Whilst he would remain a Schalke player up until the end of the season, It would be a great move for Chelsea given Goretzka is one of the most complete young Central-midfielders in the world at the moment.
With Tiemoue Bakayoko failing to impress thus far, Goretzka's potential arrival could prompt the Frenchman to raise his game in a bid to avoid being a fringe player next term.
Chelsea are heavily linked with Alex Sandro, but should they fail to reach an agreement with Juventus once again, they should set their sights on Tottenham transfer target, Jordi Alba.
Alba, like Sandro, has established himself as one of the best left-backs in the world since he arrived at Barcelona from Valencia. His speed, tactical awareness and superior crossing ability makes him the complete package and with Barca reportedly ready to swap Alba for Danny Rose, they could be willing to listen to an offer from Chelsea for the right price.
Despite featuring as a left-back for the Blaugrana, Jordi Alba has the skill-set to play as a left wing-back under Conte.
