Chelsea step up interest in Watford striker Odion Ighalo amid Arsenal interest

Chelsea have joined the race to sign Odion Ighalo, with the Blues looking to sign a striker who can alleviate their problems up front. Guus Hiddink's men are currently 14th in the table, only four points adrift of the drop zone and have identified the striker position as the one that needs desperate replenishment in January.

The Mirror reports that Chelsea have identified Ighalo as their main target this January, with the striker having already scored 13 goals this season, second in the list of goalscorers behind Jamie Vardy and Romelu Lukaku. Diego Costa has finally struck a run of good form, scoring four in his last four games, but Hiddink wants more options up front, especially with Loic Remy struggling to fulfil expectations and Radamel Falcao out injured.

Arsenal are also interested in the striker, as reported by the Mirror, while the player has revealed that it would be difficult for him to turn down a move to Manchester United should a bid come his way. The Gunners are yet to make a concrete bid for the player, while United are unlikely to pursue any interest in January.

"There has been speculation from Spain and Italy but I've played there and now want to play in England," he told The Sun. "I don't think I will be moving but I'm not sure I'd say no if United called. They were my team growing up. I loved watching Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke on TV. They were my idols and playing at Old Trafford has always been a dream."

The Blues take on Arsenal at the Emirates stadium on Sunday, 24 January, with repercussions at both ends of the table. A win for the Gunners will keep them top of the league, but a loss could see them go down to third. On the other hand, a loss for the Blues, could see them come perilously close to the drop zone, depending on the results of clubs around them.

Eden Hazard is likely to be back for the fixture after missing the last three games through injury while Diego Costa will be assessed before the fixture, after undergoing some bruising against Everton last weekend.