If Chelsea's summer endeavours are anything to go by then Todd Boehly could spend just as much money in the January transfer window. And, with the Blues currently sitting outside the Champions League qualification places, the American billionaire may be inclined to do what it takes to arm Graham Potter with tools to transform the club's form.
But doing so would likely come at the expense of a similar spending spree at the end of the campaign. So, the west Londoners may be left little to no choice but to save some money and look at which players are available via free transfers.
Players from overseas will be eligible to begin pre-contract talks with Chelsea in January over a free transfer in the summer. Premier League players who see their deals expire in late June too will have to wait until their deals expire first before the Blues can formalise an offer.
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So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at five players Chelsea can reach agreements with in January and welcome to west London in the summer.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi is set to decide where his future lies beyond the summer in the coming months. Despite his awe-inspiring performances at the age of 35, the option to extend his stay at Paris Saint-Germain by a further year is yet to be triggered.
If Messi opts against staying at Les Parc des Princes until 2024 then he'll be eligible to begin pre-contract talks with foreign clubs - like Chelsea - in January regarding a free transfer in June. With the Argentine's future at the French outfit hanging in the balance, The Athletic reported last month that Inter Miami are increasingly confident of signing the talisman.
It's believed that talks with the MLS side have been led by David Beckham's co-owners Jorge and Jose Mas, but PSG are pushing hard to keep Messi at the club. While Chelsea already have a wealth of attacking options at their disposal, it would be difficult for Potter to say no to such a proposition - especially given his recent form at the World Cup for Argentina.
Memphis Depay
Signing Memphis Depay in January is off the cards after Barcelona chief Jordi Cruyff seemed to rule out the Dutchman's departure in the winter transfer window. However, the 28-year-old is available via a free ahead of the summer.
As it stands, no negotiations have taken place between the Spanish giants and Depay over a new deal, according Fabrizio Romano. With Chelsea eyeing big money moves for the likes of Josko Gvardiol, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, agreeing a deal with the forward could be a shrewd piece of business.
Milan Skriniar
Milan Skriniar has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League for some time now but a transfer has never materialised. With his deal at Inter Milan set to expire in the summer, January could be the perfect chance for the Blues to finally wrap up a deal.
The west Londoners are in the market for a centre-half with Thiago Silva's contract at Stamford Bridge set to expire at the end of the season - though it took until January of this year to extend his stay for another season. If Chelsea can remain patient, signing Skriniar could be a great bargain.
According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport in June, PSG submitted a €50million (£42.7million) bid for the Slovakian but the Italian giants wanted at least €70million (£59.8million). A move - obviously - collapsed and now the Blue could sign him for free.
Evan Ndicka
Another centre-half, yes, though this time a younger option who potentially could be a better long-term option. But, Chelsea could face strong competition from Arsenal for the Eintracht Frankfurt defender.
According to Italian outlet il Romanista, the Gunners have reached an agreement to sign Ndicka on a free transfer in the summer. He was central to the German side's success in the Europa League last season and many top European clubs are reportedly monitoring his displays.
Marcus Thuram
Arsenal were named as one of the several clubs interested in signing Borussia Monchengladbach star Marcus Thuram, according to Milan Live in November. The report adds that the France international has been on the Gunners' radar for 'some time now' and he's quickly becoming an increasingly attractive option.
Thuram has experience at the highest level at the age of just 25 and he's clinical in front of goal. The Frenchman has also got the physical attributes which are - historically - needed to succeed as the Chelsea No.9.
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