Chelsea’s loss to Manchester City at the Etihad might have all but ended their admittedly already distant Premier League title hopes but there remains an awful lot to play for this season.
Given this is a club who demand success, perhaps like no other, Thomas Tuchel will need to convince.
That might sound strange considering he led his side to the top of European football only months ago but, frankly, the manner in which their title challenge quickly collapsed is unlikely to have impressed top brass at Stamford Bridge.
The Champions League, the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup all offer chances of success this season and though a busy January transfer window is not expected, the plethora of injuries the club have suffered of late has sent the proverbial rumour mill spinning.
With that in mind, here’s a closer look at some of the latest rumours.
Layvin Kurzawa
Considering the injuries to both Reece James and Ben Chilwell, strengthening at full-back does look fairly logical.
Still, while PSG’s Kurzawa has been linked, Goal claim Tuchel is not convinced. Having worked with him in the French capital, the Chelsea boss surely knows better than most.
Ivan Perisic
Inter Milan’s Ivan Perisic is no strange to the Premier League transfer gossip page and, again, could provide a potentially high-quality option at wing-back.
According to The Daily Mirror, Chelsea are weighing up a move for the experienced Croatian and Inter are open to offers, with the 32-year-old’s contract up at the end of this season.
Able to operate on both sides, as well in positions further forward, Perisic could be a smart addition.
Frenkie De Jong
De Jong’s stock may have dipped since his move from Ajax to Barcelona in the summer of 2019 but few would doubt the Dutchman would be a statement signing.
During his time in the Dutch capital, De Jong has heralded as a generational talent, able to progress the ball from deep areas and dictate the tempos of matches.
El Nacional claim Barca would be open to selling the player for a fee of around £50m.
Ousmane Dembele
Another hugely expensive Barcelona signing not to have worked out, Ousmane Dembele looks like one of the hottest properties around.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, the Blues are among a number of teams to have contacted the Frenchman in regards to a potential move this summer, along with both Manchester United and Juventus.
Available on a free as things stand, he’d be quite the coup.
Armando Broja
Chelsea will inform Southampton this week whether or not they intend to sell Armando Broja to Southampton on a permanent basis, writes Standard Sport’s Jack Rosser.
The Albanian forward has scored five Premier League goals on loan in Hampshire so far this season and is thought to be a target following the club’s takeover.
Andreas Christensen
Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that, as Andreas Christensen approaches the last few months of his deal, both Bayern Munich and Barcelona are leading the race to sign him.
While there is thought to have been approaches from within the Premier League, the Dane is not interested in tarnishing his reputation amongst the club’s support.
