The Blues were linked with a whole host of top talent before the winter window opened as they looked to close the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Ross Barkley has been their only capture so far though, arriving in a cut-price £15m deal from Everton after entering the final six months of his Goodison Park contract.

Chelsea are still thought to be looking at possible additions, with Edin Dzeko and Emerson Palmieri apparently close to arriving from Roma.

However, Conte admitted bringing in players at this stage of the season is difficult in the wake of his side’s 3-0 FA Cup win over Newcastle.

"Barkley arrived early, he was a good signing," said the Chelsea boss. 

"The transfer market is not simple. 

"Sometimes there is a good moment, sometimes not. 

"January is not simple, the club are trying to do the best to improve the team."

Aside from Dzeko and Palmieri, Chelsea have been linked with Andy Carroll, Peter Crouch and Ashley Barnes.

Express Sport understands Conte could make a cheeky bid for Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud too.