Chelsea were always set to be front and centre of the transfer window even when it's their selling that is of the utmost importance first and foremost. With Mauricio Pochettino in need of quick sales and plenty of them over the coming weeks to free up room in his bloated squad as well as prepare for orthodox pre-season sessions, it's a demanding period.
The Blues are being forced to consider player sales that they wouldn't otherwise have had on their minds in order to relieve some of the pressure financially and logistically for Pochettino. That hasn't stopped them from racing to the front of the queue when it comes to making new additions, though.
Manuel Ugarte emerged as an early goer this window as a battle with Paris Saint-Germain and transfer drama arose. Moises Caicedo is set to be at the centre of an ongoing tussle between Chelsea and Arsenal whilst Declan Rice interest remains, as does the hope of luring Southampton youngster Romeo Lavia.
In attack they have been linked with shock moves for Lionel Messi once he announced the decision to leave PSG, another link to the French capital, Neymar as well after the reported willingness to let him go. The latest name is their teammate Kylian Mbappe.
The France star is never far from the centre of attention and here he is once again stealing the limelight. It was revealed earlier this week that the 24-year-old had told PSG he wouldn't be extending his contract beyond 2024 as previously thought after a convoluted journey to get even to this point.
He is now set to be sold this window in order to avoid moving for free in 12 months' time. Enter Todd Boehly. The American businessman has made no secrets of his desire to bring in a global superstar - hence entertaining Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Messi as options - and would surely be purring at the thought of a double World Cup golden boot winner at Stamford Bridge.
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Whether or not Mbappe himself is genuinely acquirable or not is one question, but his impact on the market as a whole is set to have a huge ripple effect for teams such as Chelsea. In what appears to be an off-branch of his proposed departure, Real Madrid are now the favourites to sign the star.
This creates a major trickle-down effect for every other deal going on. Madrid had been expected not only to complete the big-money signing of Jude Bellingham this summer - a deal that is all but done - but also to challenge for Harry Kane. The Spanish giants were seen as the most likely destination for the Spurs star due to their financial power but also their prowess.
With Manchester United reportedly set to step down their attempts to land Kane, it not only opens up a move for Madrid but also now allows a gap for Chelsea to explore. Should United not make a move for the England captain and Los Blancos be otherwise engaged with Mbappe, he could be there for taking.
It would mean complicated talks with Daniel Levy who would be far from willing to engage in much thought of allowing his star asset to move across London, but there is little choice given he too could walk free next summer.
If it isn't to be Kane or Mbappe directly to Chelsea then Madrid's interest still creates opportunities for other moves. United are one of the teams interested in Napoli star Victor Osimhen, a player said to be at the top of Chelsea's priority list when it comes to new striker. If Erik ten Hag's men don't fancy Kane, or turn their own attentions back to him with Madrid occupied with Mbappe then the Nigerian is all of a sudden more attainable as well.
The exact same can be said for Rasmus Hojlund. He is another young star being tipped for a major move away from Italy this summer, Chelsea and United are forming part of the queue for him and once again the effect of turned heads in favour of Kane or Mbappe -depending on Madrid's actions - could see him less strongly fought for.
This is the politics of the window. With Kane, Mbappe, Osimhen and even Hojlund there are four options, not to mention Inter's Lautaro Martinez who is on the list for both Chelsea and Madrid also, that are primed for a move. In Chelsea, Real Madrid and United there are three main destinations. In reality, it appears that no team will go without being fed their transfer desires.
Who ends up where is as of yet far from clear. Should Spurs sell Kane they will then surely need to dip in to buy a replacement. Inter, Napoli and PSG the same. The striker merry-go-round has started but Chelsea have been on it for a while and now hold a distinct advantage when it comes to getting one of their many targets.
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