All of the talk right now – very unsurprisingly – is about Graham Potter and his future at Chelsea. But as far it's understood, the Blues' board are still very supportive of Potter despite a run of just one win in 10 matches.
Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali remain appreciative of the work going on behind the scenes at Cobham and they accept a turnaround in Chelsea's fortunes on the pitch will not be made overnight. Despite the supporters' clear disgust following the full-time whistle of Chelsea's 1-0 defeat to Southampton at the weekend, Potter's future does not look to be under any immediate threat, football.london understands.
So there is plenty to think about behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge, but there are still some big decisions needing to be made before the season ends and the 2023 summer transfer window opens. Below, football.london takes a look at those decisions and the situation as we approach March.
READ MORE: Chelsea star uncertain over long-term Chelsea future following Todd Boehly January transfer spending
Edouard Mendy
In recent months, Kepa Arrizabalaga has reclaimed the No. 1 spot at Chelsea. The Spaniard had a tough period at the Blues which forced the club to go out and buy Edouard Mendy in the summer of 2020 from Rennes.
In his debut season at Stamford Bridge, the 30-year-old goalkeeper was sensational and helped the club win their second Champions League trophy. However, his form since hasn't been great and this season he was dropped in place of Kepa.
Mendy is currently sidelined with a finger injury and required surgery in January. There is no clear indication of when the Senegal international will return but even when he does, there is no sign he will take his place back from Kepa.
If this is the case, then his future at Chelsea could be very much up in the air when the summer transfer window comes around. Mendy is contracted with the club until June 2025 and will be entering the final two years of his deal in a few months' time.
Trevoh Chalobah
Despite a run of games in the first-team for Trevoh Chalobah in January, the defender has since lost his place again. The 23-year-old often comes into the XI for a run of games but then struggles to retain his place when others return from injury or regain their form.
Chelsea's spending in recent windows has seen Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile join the club, which is bad news for Chalobah. On top of this, if Chelsea were to use Levi Colwill next season once his loan spell with Brighton is over, then it casts even more doubt over Chalobah's long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
Also, football.london understands Chelsea remain interested in long-term target Josko Gvardiol ahead of the summer. Chalobah will have no shortage of suitors, with teams from the Premier League, Bundesliga and Serie A all showing interest in the Cobham graduate in recent transfer windows.
Cesar Azpilicueta
Cesar Azpilicueta signed a contract extension with Chelsea in the summer to keep him at the club until the summer of 2024. However, that may have been more to protect the 33-year-old's value and should the right offer come in for the experienced full-back, the club could be tempted to cash in on their captain.
Azpilicueta is a great person to have in and around the training ground but his best days on the pitch, unfortunately, are behind him. Malo Gusto arrives in the summer after Chelsea agreed a deal with Lyon last month, so he is set to take Azpilicueta's place as cover for Reece James at right-back.
A return to Spain could be on the cards for the Chelsea skipper. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have expressed an interest in Azpilicueta in recent windows.
N'Golo Kante
Talks are still taking place between Chelsea and N'Golo Kante's camp over extending the 31-year-old's contract at Stamford Bridge. The France international sees his deal expire at the end of the season and he could leave the club on a free transfer should no agreement be reached.
Despite Kante only playing two games this season because of a serious hamstring injury, the Frenchman would have no shortage of interested parties. There is big confidence an agreement can be reached between Chelsea and Kante's entourage, football.london understands.
The club, however, need to decide over the coming months how much Kante is worth to them, otherwise they risk losing him on a free. On his day, Kante is still a hugely significant player for Chelsea and would be for any other club that signed him.
Denis Zakaria
Denis Zakaria signed on deadline day last summer on a season-long loan deal. Despite not playing much in the first part of the season, the Swiss international was a constant presence before injuring his quad in January.
Now, Zakaria is closing in on his return to first-team football and could feature this weekend against Tottenham. It's a big remainder of the season for Zakaria, who is effectively playing for a full move to the club in the summer.
Chelsea have an option to purchase the 26-year-old on a permanent deal when his loan spell is up. Zakaria has certainly impressed when called upon this season and if he continues this form, then it's an option the Blues could look at in the summer.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be in the final 12 months of his contract at Chelsea when the summer is here. The 27-year-old midfielder is someone who is constantly linked with a move away from the club but seems to be content with his role as a big-part player at the moment.
However, Chelsea do need to offload some players and if more midfielders are brought in over the summer, then Loftus-Cheek may be someone who is seen as a saleable asset. Premier League clubs have some calling for Loftus-Cheek in the past, so there is interest. Whether the Blues keep him or not, they need to make a decision this summer because his value will be at risk due to his contractual status.
Mateo Kovacic
Like Loftus-Cheek, Mateo Kovacic will be in the final year of his contract in the summer. The Croatian remains one of Chelsea's most impactful players when fit, but that has been an issue for the midfielder.
Kovacic's future is something that hasn't been spoken about all that much in comparison to others in the same situation. There is almost a belief among Chelsea supporters that the club will sort out the 28-year-old's future because of his quality, but as time goes on, so does talk over a transfer.
As well as this, the longer the contract situation remains unsolved, Europe's top clubs will come sniffing around. It's up to Chelsea to ensure this doesn't happen and risk losing one of their best midfield players.
Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic is another one of the handful of Chelsea players whose contract expires in the summer of 2024. The American was set for a big final few months of the season but has since been ruled out through an injury he suffered in January.
Pulisic was keen on leaving the club last summer, but has seemed happier since Potter took over and has been rewarded with more opportunities. The former Borussia Dortmund winger could be tempted, though, should he receive an offer over the summer.
Hakim Ziyech
Hakim Ziyech sees his deal expire in the summer of 2025. The Moroccan came agonisingly close to sealing a loan move away from Stamford Bridge last month but there were complications in sending Paris Saint-Germain the correct paperwork.
It's understood that Ziyech was very keen on moving to Paris, albeit on an initial six-month loan deal. The 29-year-old winger is likely to look for an exit again in the summer. Whether PSG come back in for him, with reports of their relationship with Chelsea now being poor, remains to be seen, but there will be plenty of interest in the talented Ziyech.
Joao Felix
Chelsea signed Joao Felix on a six-month loan deal in January and so far the Portugal international has been superb for the Blues. football.london understands Chelsea do not have an option to buy Felix, but should he continue to impress, then it may be something the club consider at the end of the season.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
These are stated as 'decisions', but let's be honest, the future of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang already looks to be decided. The fact that he was left out of the Champions League squad earlier in the month is telling enough. Potter does not see Aubameyang in his plans.
There was serious interest from the MLS in the Gabonese striker last month, but he didn't fancy a move to America. In the summer, there are set to be a whole load of options for the 33-year-old, who is expected to call time on what has been a nightmare stint at Chelsea.
READ NEXT:
How much it will cost Chelsea to sack Graham Potter as Todd Boehly faces tough decision
Why Mason Mount has not signed a new Chelsea contract amid Liverpool transfer interest
Chelsea provide positive update on Cesar Azpilicueta after suffering concussion injury
Zinedine Zidane delivers fresh management return verdict amid Chelsea Graham Potter decision
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
