Chelsea are expecting big things from marquee January signing Mayra Ramirez. 

They broke the bank to bring in the striker and she quickly repaid that faith with her first goal last weekend.

Ahead of the top-of-the-table Women's Super League clash with Manchester City tonight, we examine Ramirez's move as the Blues chase silverware on four fronts.

Record breaker

Chelsea struck a deal worth £426,000 to sign Ramirez from Liga F club Levante. 

It was briefly a world-record fee in the women's game until Bay FC paid £685,000 for Racheal Kundananji earlier this week. 

It was a decisive move from the WSL champions after they lost star striker Sam Kerr to a cruciate ligament injury, which could keep her out for a year. 

Yet former Chelsea player Fara Williams, 40, has questioned whether the Ramirez signing was necessary, arguing that the club already had plenty of attacking options. 

She said: "Will she still play alongside Sam Kerr if Kerr signs a new contract after this year when she comes back from an ACL? 

"How [will] that look for her as a player fighting in this Chelsea team? 

"[Mia] Fishel can play up there and I think she gives them a different dynamic.

"Play into her. She's very good at holding up the ball, players can work off of her — something Chelsea have never been able to do before. 

"Lauren James as a false nine and there's Fran Kirby, who for whatever reason isn't really playing that much."

The Blues might have other options but they are leaving nothing to chance as they look to stay at the top of the women's game. 

Keeping the faith

With manager Emma Hayes leaving at the end of the season and Kerr, 30, on the sidelines for an extended period, the West Londoners were moving into a period of uncertainty.

At just 24, Ramirez can be part of their attack for years to come and she caught Chelsea's attention after scoring 22 goals in 38 games for Levante. 

Upon her arrival, Hayes highlighted some of the qualities that attracted the Blues to the 5ft 10in Colombia international.

The Blues boss said: "Her physicality is unbelievable, it really is. She's got so much size but presence and power and she's quick with the ball. 

"She's a threat in the box, she scores goals. She doesn't speak English, so two or three of us are helping her with that. 

"It will take a little bit of time to settle but I'm sure she will bring a lot of qualities to our league." 

Three cheers for Ramirez

Ramirez showed a tantalising glimpse of her quality in the 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace in the FA Cup fifth round.

She scored the winning goal in the 81st minute, darting to the near post to convert a cross with an audacious backheel flick. 

Having failed to find the net in her first two WSL appearances, it was exactly the sort of moment that should help Ramirez settle in. 

Chelsea go into their home match tonight three points clear of City at the top.

As well as being a crucial clash in the title race, it offers the chance to see what Ramirez can produce against an elite outfit.