Chelsea set their sights on second signing - Another attacking midfielder from the Premier League.

Riyad Mahrez appears to be the next name on the Chelsea board's list of potential signings in the January transfer window and following the expected signing of Ross Barkley, could move sooner rather than later for the Leicester attacking midfielder. 

My initial response to these reports was that it was rubbish if I am honest as I could not see Leicester looking to offload him now that new manager Claude Puel has come in and seems to be getting the best out of him again. 

Having said that, according to French journalists, if Leicester were to receive a substantial offer during the next few weeks of the transfer window, they could be willing to allow him to leave which would come as a a surprise. 

Looking from the outside in, I believe that the player has problems with motivation. I write that and automatically think that seems to be case with more and more players these days but it became clear last season as Claudio Ranieri questioned his motivation after a severe dip in form. Similar to that of what happened to the Chelsea players two seasons ago, Leicester's title defence fell apart in addition to their squad as Mahrez seemed to regret turning down a big money move after playing a huge part in their title win. 

This season under Puel, Mahrez is beginning to show his quality once again with goals and assists as Leicester have played well for the most part. His form has put him back into the shop window as it were and there is certain to be interest in him once again this coming summer. 

So to Chelsea's reported interested and I initially questioned any move for him but in a way it could make sense. He is not cup-tied in the Champions League and would be available immediately, he would offer Antonio Conte a fourth option in the attacking areas in addition to Eden Hazard, Pedro and Willian but the question remains would be want to come here and settle for a place in the squad as a rotating player and not an immediate first team regular? 

I can only see big money tempting Leicester to sell up and I question the sense in doing so for someone who isn't going to start ahead of the other three at the moment. 

This could and most likely is pure speculation at this stage but, I wouldn't rule anything out this month as Antonio Conte will justify!