CHELSEA supporters were very optimistic when their club went to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and had their transfer ban overturned, just in time for the start of the January transfer window.
All sorts of exciting reports were flying around about a 150 million war chest that Roman Abramovich had available for Frank Lampard to dip into.
Now at the time of writing there is still over a week left of the current transfer window, it doesnt look like Chelsea will be doing any major deals other than short terms options this month.
Largely, this is due to targets on the clubs shortlist simply not being available this month, and if they are serious about signing these players, they will probably have to wait until the summer to get them.
So how could Chelsea line up next season?
Goalkeeper Dean Henderson (Jamie Cumming)
Chelsea are reportedly concerned over the ability of Kepa Arrizabalaga, and are already looking for targets to replace him.
Manchester United are allegedly set to decide on whether to continue with their goalkeeper David de Gea, or give Dean Henderson that No1 spot.
If they decide against it, an offer to be Chelseas number one could appeal to Henderson, who will be 23 then.
Its a little far-fetched, but if Chelsea got a buyer for Kepa, it could happen.
Right Back Reece James (Cesar Azpilicueta)
Say no more!
Centre Back Lewis Dunk (Kurt Zouma)
Lampard is keen on bringing in a dominant leader at the back, and Dunk has been linked a number of times.
He would reportedly be keen on the move and his club would not hold him back.
Centre Back Fikayo Tomori (Andreas Christensen)
Christensen could ask to leave, but if he doesnt he will battle it out for a role again next season. I think Antonio Rudiger could more likely be the one to move on this summer.
Left Back Alex Telles (Ian Maatsen)
Chelsea could well lose both Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri by the summer, meaning if Telles has not been signed by another club by then with his low release clause, then Chelsea will surely go for him.
If not, then expect a move for Alex Grimaldo or Robin Gosens.
Defensive Midfield Jorginho (Sander Berge)
I think Berge could come in from Genk as competition for Jorginho and should be available fairly cheap.
He has been on the clubs radar for a while and brings a more robust element to the role.
Centre Midfield (deeper in a 2 or 3) Mateo Kovacic (NGolo Kante)
These two will battle it out for the role closest to the defensive midfielder.
Centre Midfield (Advanced, or a 10 role) Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Mason Mount)
A hopefully fully fit Loftus-Cheek will come back in and bang, meaning Chelsea wont need to spend any more money on the midfield at least.
Right Wing Callum Hudson-Odoi (Christian Pulisic/Tariq Lamptey)
Left Wing Jadon Sancho (Christian Pulisic)
I think Sancho to Chelsea is absolutely do-able this summer.
He, Hudson-Odoi, and Pulisic will compete for the regular starting winger spots on either side, with Lamptey in on the right for extra cover as well.
Centre Forward Moussa Dembele (Tammy Abraham)
Its impossible to pick a starter between these two as of yet, but youd expect if Dembele does come in, that he will be bringing more quality than Abraham as things stand due to his experience.
I think regular rotation would be great seeing as Abraham has shown signs of being burnt out this season. It will be a great battle.
That would be six signings for Chelsea this summer, which I think is very realistic and funding can be helped from the possible sales of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Antonio Rudiger, Ross Barkley, Marcos Alonso, Emerson Palmieri, and Michy Batshauyi.
An overhaul at Stamford Bridge is long overdue.
