Transfer deadline day may have ultimately ended in disappointment for Chelsea fans with no new incoming players, but there is still a chance for Thomas Tuchel to land one of his targets before the next transfer window in the summer.
January was seen by many as a potentially decisive moment in the Premier League title race, with Chelsea given the chance to strengthen and subsequently help close the 10-point gap on Manchester City.
A new left-back was a priority heading into the window, with Ben Chilwell set to miss the rest of the campaign with a ruptured cruciate ligament, but no deal was forthcoming.
At the other end, Tuchel also appeared determined to add some potency to his attack, and wantaway Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele was on his radar according to multiple reports.
Having managed Dembele at Borussia Dortmund, a reunion appeared beneficial for both player and club, with the winger's spell in Germany still the most impressive of his career.
By deadline day, a deal for the 24-year-old looked like being the only possible high-profile signing for Chelsea, but he will remain at the Camp Nou for now.
Paris Saint-Germain reportedly came in with a late offer for the player, but could not come to an agreement with Barcelona.
Dembele's contract will expire at the end of the season and he will be available on a free transfer come that point, so another chance for Chelsea to tempt him to west London will come.
However, according to a report from Mundo Deportivo, a chance may arrive even earlier.
The Spanish publication have said that key members of the club are set to meet today to discuss potentially terminating Dembele's contract six months early.
The report does detail that manager Xavi will have the last word, however.
If Dembele's contract was terminated, it would leave the France international free to move clubs mid-season.
However, whether Chelsea would be able to register the winger to play remains to be seen, with a set number of home grown players needed to be registered by each club.
Regardless, the chance to secure Dembele for next season, could well be one Tuchel cannot resist.
