There was something refreshing about seeing the pictures over the weekend as the first group of Chelsea players returned to Cobham for the start of pre-season training.
Much of the conversation since the final whistle against Watford six weeks ago has focused on transfer rumours and speculation to fill the void of no football.
The return of some familiar faces to Cobham certainly was a reminder of how close the new season is, now officially a month from today Chelsea will kick-off against Everton in the Premier League. Over the next four weeks, we will likely get some experimentation from Thomas Tuchel in the pre-season friendlies and hopefully some more clarity over the long-term future of several players.
READ MORE: West Ham in talks to secure Declan Rice replacement and Arsenal target as Chelsea handed boost
The most unknown area of the current squad is arguably central midfield. With both N'Golo Kante and Jorginho now entering their final year under contract and both over 30, the obvious need for a refresh has never been more pressing. Though that injection of new blood might have to wait another season, should West Ham stick to their public stance that Declan Rice is not for sale.
At the back end of last season when pressed, David Moyes reiterated this stance, whilst also tagging an exorbitant price on the 23-year-old to cool down any interest from Premier League rivals.
There might be more to the Rice saga this summer but for now, Tuchel is heading into the new season with a familiar-looking midfield, only missing Saul Niguez, who based on his lack of impact did little to transform much before heading back to Atletico Madrid.
Kante, Jorginho, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Mateo Kovacic are the senior midfielders, but they are likely to be joined in LA next week by the returning trio of Billy Gilmour, Ethan Ampadu and Conor Gallagher. All three were on loan last season, experiencing mixed fortunes.
Gallagher was undeniably the standout Chelsea loanee of 2021/22 at Crystal Palace, playing 39 times under Patrick Vieira and scoring eight times, all in the Premier League. Gilmour was the opposite, greatly struggling at a woeful Norwich who were destined for relegation. Ampadu also suffered relegation in Serie A with Venezia but showed his versatility in multiple positions.
All three could remain and offer an internal solution to Rice in this window and the next fortnight is likely to define who could take that opportunity. Gallagher is ahead in the pecking order, not only in terms of his form from last season but also in Tuchel's clear praise for him throughout last season, and his ability to play in a more attacking role, which gives him more options.
Gilmour had his contract extended by two years last month but still feels like the likeliest to move on loan again given the struggles at Norwich and potential interest from Frank Lampard at Everton. However, out of the three, Gilmour has the most experience in the first-team under Tuchel, playing for the German and impressing at the back end of the 2020/21 season.
Ampadu, though, as a defensive midfielder has demonstrated impressive numbers in the position, competing with some of Europe's most exciting names in that area.
All of the noise so far this summer has indicated Chelsea are focusing on defensive and attacking reinforcements with Raheem Sterling, Raphinha, Matthijs de Ligt and Nathan Ake all in talks to sign. The solution in central midfield might come from a name supporters won't expect – the next month should give us a better indication over Tuchel's intentions.
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