Rafael Benitez
Despite his desire to help Fernando Torres get back to his best, Rafael Benitez is likely to welcome a new striker at Chelsea in January. Reuters

There is an increasing sense that Chelsea will be denied the opportunity to sign prolific Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao in the January transfer window. Murmurings out of the Colombia international’s camp in recent days have suggested that it could well be next summer at the earliest before he departs.

Atletico are understandably not keen on the idea of their prized asset leaving midway through a season that currently sees them sitting just three points behind La Liga leaders Barcelona and eight points ahead of rivals Real Madrid.

However, Atletico president Enrique Cerezo has also suggested that when Falcao does leave it will be to a club outside of Spain. The 26-year-old has been strongly linked to Chelsea for several months, while Manchester City are also believed to be interested.

"I can tell you that has personally told me that he is delighted to be here,” he said, according to TalkSport. “He said he is very happy at Atletico, where he has a contract to fulfill, but someday he would like to try another league.

"I know that could happen one day, but that day is not too close."

The struggles of Fernando Torres are likely to mean that Chelsea will not be deterred in their attempts to bring a new striker to the club in January.

A potential new target has emerged with website Caught Offside reporting that Chelsea are considering making an offer for Bayern Munich’s Mario Gomez. The powerful front man has recently returned from injury, but in his absence summer signing Mario Mandzukic has proved himself a more than able deputy.

While Gomez has scored 54 Bundesliga goals in the past two seasons, there is a thought that Bayern may be willing to listen to offers for the 27-year-old. Chelsea are prepared to offer €50 million (£40m) for Gomez, according to Caught Offside.

Chelsea could also reignite their interest in Gomez’s fellow Germany international Andre Schurrle. The Blues reportedly had a bid rejected for the Bayer Leverkusen forward in the summer and have now sent a scout to get an update on his progress, according to the Daily Mirror.

Schurrle, 22, has scored three goals and contributed four assists in the Bundesliga this season primarily from a left-side position, although he is also capable of playing as a central striker.

In other news, young Brazilian right-back Wallace has appeared to confirm that he will be moving to Chelsea. A member of Fluminense’s Brasilerao winning squad, Wallace, 18, has been strongly linked with a £5 million transfer to Stamford Bridge.

"It's always helpful having Brazilian team-mates playing alongside you, as they normally are settled down, so they can give you some advice and this is important, even regarding language,” he said, according to Sky Sports.

"Now that I'm moving to London I'll have to learn some English but they are used to this and they will surely help me a lot.

"I used to follow the Spanish league and its big clubs like Real Madrid but now as I'm moving to Chelsea I'm following the club more closely, especially after the Champions League title.

"I watch Chelsea games whenever I can, sometimes I can't watch because I'm playing or concentrated with my team, but I don't miss a chance to see them playing on TV."