Chelsea may still yet conduct some transfer business this month as they look to make their 2021/22 season a successful one.
Despite the 2-0 win over Tottenham on Sunday, it's been a tough few weeks for Thomas Tuchel's men who now trail Manchester City by 10 points in the Premier League title race.
The Blues are without both of their starting full-backs, with Ben Chilwell ruled out for the rest of the season after rupturing his ACL and Reece James out for several weeks after suffering a torn hamstring.
It remains to be seen how active they are in the transfer window this month, but with players still linked, it could be an exciting few days.
Speculation is heating up though, with the potential of as many as two centre-backs joining.
One of which is highly-rated French centre-back Jules Kounde, with the latest reports suggesting a deal could be close.
Tuttomercatoweb suggest that the Blues are close to finalising the details on a transfer package that could come to a total of £51million.
However, a move is not expected to materialise until the summer with Sevilla keen to keep a hold of their star defender until the end of the season.
Another centre-back who is being heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge is Bayern Munich's Niklas Sule.
The 26-year-old is set to become a free agent this summer, having rejected a new contract at the Bundesliga club.
And Bild have reported that Chelsea are ready to make a move, while Sport1 claim that the club have already spoken to the player's representatives.
Chelsea could lose as many as three defenders this summer, with Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta set to become free agents.
Azpilicueta is reported to be close to sealing a move to return to Spain with Barcelona.
Chelsea's current captain will have spent 10 years at the club by the summer, winning two Premier League trophies and being a fans favourite during his time.
Spanish outlet El Chirinquito TV have reported that the parties have been in talks, with terms agreed on him joining Xavi's team this summer.
