It isn't particularly new news that Chelsea are spending and spending big under their new ownership. Over £500million has been committed in the transfer market since the summer with over half of that coming in January. In a month known for being tough to complete deals, Chelsea signed eight players.
They have now purchased an entire XI of players aged 24 or under since Todd Boehly and his co-owners took over: Gabriel Slonina, Malo Gusto, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Andrey Santos, Enzo Fernandez, Carney Chukwuemeka, Mykhailo Mudryk, David Datro Fofana, Noni Madueke.
Everyone in that list is 22 or under except for Cucurella, 24. Swap him out for Cesare Casadei and it could be an entire XI under 22 but for formation purposes it looks better with a natural fullback.
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That is the plan in a nutshell. However, spending on this level can't continue forever and frankly Chelsea don't need it to. Shedding the squad of underperforming and overpaid players is the next step, but adding to the squad isn't done yet.
The Blues are still looking for another midfielder whilst they will have to fork out a large fee for Joao Felix if they want him permanently. Sorting out the goalkeeping situation is also on the to-do list. If more heavy investment is set to follow then Chelsea may want to look towards an extremely talented group of players out of contract at the end of the season.
They can pick up players for free in the summer when contracts expire and there's plenty to choose from. Here's some of the best.
Milan Skriniar
Long linked with Chelsea, Skriniar appeared to be close to joining Paris Saint-Germain from Inter Milan. The clubs attempted to get a deal done in January but were unable too.
Although it looks like he is set to move to France, Chelsea could swoop in for one of their long-standing targets - especially if the form of Kalidou Koulibaly doesn't turn around.
Youri Tielemans
Having not seen a move to Arsenal materialise over the summer, Tielemans is one of the most interesting ones to watch over the summer. His form for Leicester has dropped off since last season but at 25 he remains a talented midfield option.
With Premier League experience and the flexibility to play across a number of midfield disciplines, Tielemans is certainly going to attract suitors. His market value has plummeted but that doesn't make him a bad asset to pick up. With a new midfielder still on the list of targets for Chelsea, Tielemans could prove to be a top addition.
Karim Benzema
How about a Ballon d'Or winner? Albeit signing someone of Benzema's age goes against the current model, it is a rare opportunity to sign a forward on top of their game for free.
The Frenchman is 35 which would immediately raise concerns, especially with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang significantly struggling to make an impact at Stamford Bridge. Benzema is simply a different calibre of player, though, and could add some vital experience to a young squad.
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