Chelsea continue to be linked with reinforcements in central midfield, but time is running out before the summer transfer window shuts.
The latest name is that of Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey as the Guardian claim he is on the Blues’ shortlist ahead of deadline day
Furthermore, the report states that the west London outfit could look at alternatives to West Ham United’s Declan Rice as they try to land a defensive midfielder before the transfer window closes and that one option could be Partey, who has a £45m release clause in his contract at Atletico.
If Partey was to join the Blues, supporters will be looking forward to seeing the Ghanaian holding the Chelsea shirt at his unveiling – but what squad number could the defensive midfielder take at Stamford Bridge?
Partey’s favoured option appears to be the no.5 as that is what he wears for Atletico as well as the Ghana national team. He also wore it during a spell with Real Mallorca.
The only other shirt number Partey has worn as a senior player in Spain is no.22 for Madrid and UD Almeria.
Below, we take a look to see what numbers are currently free at Stamford Bridge.
No.8: With Ross Barkley out on a season-long loan deal, his no.8 is currently vacant.
No.25: Although the No.25 shirt has not been officially retired by the club, it seems that Chelsea do not want anyone to take on Gianfranco Zola’s famous number. Departing for his home country back in 2003, nobody at the club has worn the shirt since the Italian maestro departed over a decade ago.
No.26: As is the case with the No.25 shirt, John Terry’s No.26 may well be left vacant following his trophy-laden spell at Stamford Bridge.
No.27: Andreas Christensen’s move to the no.4 has left the no.27 vacant.
No.30: This became vacant when David Luiz joined Arsenal in the summer. It’s a squad number that has been worn by the likes of Yossi Benayoun, Tiago and Jesper Gronjkaer in the past.