Chelsea could make as many as eight more transfer when January window opens
A number of deals tipped to happen never materialised, not just in terms of players arriving at Stamford Bridge, but players departing too. Thankfully, from Chelsea’s point of view, the January transfer window is already on the horizon. Just because these transfers didn’t happen in the summer doesn’t mean they won’t happen then.
IN: Dean Henderson: Chelsea’s need for a new goalkeeper was clear, with Kepa Arrizabalaga a disaster waiting to happen between the posts. A new goalkeeper arrived in the form of Edouard Mendy, with the Frenchman already making a good impression at Stamford Bridge. But is Mendy Chelsea’s next long-term number one?
Declan Rice: With seven new signings in the door, Chelsea hit every base they planned to over the summer besides one. Declan Rice has been consistently linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for much of 2020 and is still believed to be a priority target for Frank Lampard who apparently wants to use the England international as a centre back, not a midfielder.
James Tarkowski: In Thiago Silva, Chelsea found a world class central defender with a proven track record to shore up their frequently vulnerable backline. The Brazilian cannot be considered a long term solution, though, and so it might not be long until the Blues are back in the market for another centre back.
OUT: Kepa Arrizabalaga: Lampard seemingly made up his mind on Kepa Arrizabalaga some time ago. The Spaniard has been prone to the odd blunder since arriving at Stamford Bridge as the most expensive goalkeeper in the world two years ago and has now lost his place in the Chelsea starting line-up to new signing, Edouard Mendy.
Callum Hudson-Odoi: It was only a year ago that Callum Hudson-Odoi signed a new contract at Chelsea to end speculation of a potential move to Bayern Munich. But the speculation didn’t end there, with the German and European champions making their interest in the winger known once again towards the end of this year’s summer window.
N’Golo Kante: Consistently linked with a move to Inter, where he would be reunited with Antonio Conte, there never seemed to be any substance to the suggestions Chelsea would be willing to let N’Golo Kante leave the club during the summer. There is no denying, however, that the Frenchman isn’t quite as crucial to the Blues as he once was.
Emerson Palmieri: When Ben Chilwell arrived in a £50 million deal from Leicester City, many assumed one of Chelsea’s current left backs would leave as a consequence. Emerson Palmieri appeared to be the closest to the exit door, with former Blues boss Antonio Conte keen to take the Italian international to Inter.
Antonio Rudiger: Despite being somewhat short of proven options in central defence, Antonio Rudiger has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea of late, with the Blues widely believed to have been open to letting the German leave the club on transfer deadline day. A transfer to Tottenham Hotspur was mooted, but never materialised.