Chelsea spent the most money in a January transfer window in Premier League history earlier this year.
The Blues spent over £300 million on eight players as Todd Boehly got to work on strengthening a squad that was desperately struggling. While those additions are yet to bare fruit on the pitch, Boehly will be hopeful that significant investment will stand them in good stead long-term.
On top of the eight that did come through the door at Stamford Bridge, there were also a host of other names to be linked with a move to West London. While youngster David Datro Fofana made the move from Molde, striker was one position - perhaps costly - that Chelsea were unable to strengthen from a first team point of view.
READ MORE: Chelsea star joins new agency and is ready for transfer after Mauricio Pochettino request
But that was not without the want of trying as according to the Athletic, West Ham United's Michail Antonio was close to making the switch across the capital on loan. Antonio was out of favour at the London Stadium earlier this season following the big money additions of Gianluca Scamacca and Danny Ings and would've provided Chelses with a short-term option.
However, Hammers boss David Moyes was able to persuade him to stay and has since handed him a prominent role in the starting XI, with Antonio scoring in their 2-1 Europa Conference League semi-final win over AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night. While clearly he has played a key role in the second half of West Ham's campaign, whether he could've performed similarly at Chelsea is another question.
READ NEXT:
- Chelsea's £35m maverick transfer is perfect Raheem Sterling solution for Mauricio Pochettino
- Frank Lampard gives Chelsea 14-year-old huge chance to impress Mauricio Pochettino amid talks
- Man United Qatar takeover paves way for Chelsea to sign Neymar to begin Mauricio Pochettino era
- What Chelsea fans have planned for Thiago Silva in special tribute during Nottingham Forest clash
- Transfer news LIVE: Latest news, views and rumours from Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham
