Chelsea’s EPL title defence received a timely boost with Monday’s convincing 4-0 win at Bolton Wanderers.

There were goals for recently misfiring strikers Didier Drogba – a wondrous 35-yard strike - Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka, and a vigorously-celebrated first Chelsea goal for under-fire Brazilian holding midfielder Ramires.

The Blues win over Wanderers, a repeat of last season’s scoreline, means they have scored thirteen unanswered goals in their last three games.

 

Meanwhile, the Blues’ transfer activity has closely resembled Roman Abramovich’s profligate early days.

A bid has been tabled for Benfica central defender David Luiz. There were reports of a potential double swoop for Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin and striker Sergio Aguero, although these have been denied.

And there has supposedly been anywhere between £35m-£60m offered for Liverpool’s Spanish striker Fernando Torres.

The on-off transfer of Luiz is reportedly on again after Benfica issued a statement confirming that Chelsea had made an offer.

The Portuguese giants rejected a £17m pre-Christmas bid and Chelsea are believed to have re-bid at £26m. The Benfica statement read:

“We have received an offer from Chelsea Football Club for the acquisition of the sporting and economic rights of David Luiz. A negotiation process between the parties is on-going.”

Chelsea were this week granted a work permit for the 23-year-old Brazilian international. The deal, however, remains subject to agreement being reached over payment, rather than the size, of the fee, with Benfica unwilling to accept the money in instalments.

On Monday, Blues supremo Carlo Ancelotti said: “He is the only signing we are trying to make but we have not agreed everything.”

Ancelotti’s comments contradicted reports from Atletico of Chelsea’s interest in 24-year-old Uruguay international Godin and 22-year-old son-in-law of Argentine legend Diego Maradona, Aguero.

The Spanish capital’s second side claimed they had rejected offers from Chelsea and a smaller bid from city rivals Real. Chelsea have made no official comment but a club spokesman called rumours as “wild.”

Speaking of which, Chelsea’s bid for Torres, at whatever price, has reportedly been rejected “out of hand” by the Merseyside giants’ owners, Fenway Sports Group.

20-year-old defender Patrick Van Aanholt and 19-year-old striker Gael Kakuta have gone on-loan until the end of the season to Leicester and Fulham respectively.

Chelsea continue their quest for an FA Cup three-in-a-row with a visit to EPL rivals Everton in the fourth round this Saturday lunchtime, a repeat of 2009’s final.