After nearly two decades of near-seamless recruitment, the new Chelsea board are having to learn quickly on the job the subtle art of constructing a successful transfer window.
This was always going to be a big one for the club and manager Thomas Tuchel with a number of key players running down their contracts at the end of the season. Raheem Sterling was an early statement signing but since then their activity has been low-key or questionable - not least the £50m for Marc Cucurella.
But as the clock ticks down to the deadline, some of their latest moves have left even more fans scratching their heads.
Maguire - oh why, oh why?
The Evening Standard report a surprise enquiry from Stamford Bridge about the possibility of a move for Manchester United ’s out-of-sorts centre-back Harry Maguire.
With five goals shipped in the last two games and a lack of pace in the heart of defence anyway, Tuchel needs somebody to come in and hit the ground running, at pace, and in the right directions. Maguire does not seem to be able to do any of that at the moment.
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More likely it is a smokescreen move to persuade Leicester that signing Wes Fofana is not the be-all and end-all of their defensive recruitment plans. The Foxes are holding out for £85m while Chelsea are offering just £60m up front with add-ons for a player who is desperate to move to Stamford Bridge.
But instead of playing on the fact that Brendan Rodgers has felt the need to drop him in the circumstances with red herring rival bids elsewhere, perhaps Chelsea need to forget Maguire and focus on the player they need.
Barca don't do bargains
The pride of the Catalan giants has been damaged by their financial plight, but Chelsea are playing another dangerous game by haggling over the price for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
It is clear Barcelona need the sale to go through to allow them to spend money elsewhere, but Chelsea of all clubs are the last ones they are going to allow to take advantage. Fabrizio Romano has already reported that personal terms have been agreed and Chelsea need to rethink their £15m plus Marco Alonso offer when less than twice the cash sum alone would be enough to trigger a move.
Flash the cash for Gordon
In light of all this, the latest move for Anthony Gordon is following a disturbingly similar path.
Chelsea’s valuation is still some way shy of the £60m-plus Everton are demanding and have had two bids knocked back. But beware Tottenham lurking in the background. Chairman Daniel Levy would like nothing more to pounce on and snatch one out from under the paws of his rivals.
