Chelsea fans can never rest during the transfer window – something is always happening or another player comes in.
Still on the outskirts of the title race and with only the Europa Conference League (which they were able to navigate, and are navigating, with their B team) and the FA Cup to distract them in the new year, this could be the time to go for all. and fill any gaps in the team while Manchester City are floundering and Arsenal are not firing on all cylinders.
So who will they sign in January? Who could head towards the exit? And are they in a good position to pass financial rules this season?
As part of our series of transfer reports looking at Premier League clubs ahead of the transfer window, our Chelsea expert Kieran Gill answers the five big questions for the Blues.
Chelsea fans can never rest during the transfer window – something is always happening or another player comes in.
Who will they sign in January? Who could head towards the exit? And are they in a good position to pass financial rules this season?
This could be the time to go for it and fill any gaps in the team as Manchester City falters.
1. What does Chelsea need?
The area that Chelsea could do most with strengthening is central defence.
They have one of their own in Levi Colwill in charge of the backline, but alongside him, Tosin Adarabioyo is filling in amid injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile.
Fans will tell you they need a new goalkeeper, but Chelsea have full faith in Robert Sánchez as their number one and Filip Jorgensen as their number two.
The club is also very pleased with its forward squad, with Nicolas Jackson ahead of Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu, the 18-year-old who is currently the Conference League's top scorer with six goals in just 284 minutes played.
2. Do they have money to spend?
We're talking about Chelsea! Of course they have money to spend!
It should not be forgotten that the club was looking for a striker in the summer and did not get one despite negotiating with Victor Osimhen on the deadline, indicating that they were willing to part with more millions.
Chelsea could do with strengthening their defense as Tosin Adarabioyo is filling in amid injuries.
Fans will tell you they need a new goalkeeper, but Chelsea have full faith in Robert Sánchez.
The Blues privately insist they are careful when it comes to profitability and sustainability considerations and are staying safe within their parameters, even without having secured a shirt sponsor for this season.
3. What players are you interested in?
Benfica centre-back Tomas Araujo was admired, but the 22-year-old Portuguese has signed a new contract until 2029 with the Portuguese club, so he will not be the answer to Chelsea's defensive problems.
From the conversations I've had, we shouldn't anticipate big moves from Les Bleus in January.
Chelsea are quite happy with their squad as it is and would be willing to wait until the summer before making any big changes.
Ipswich's Liam Delap is a striker they admire, but once again they will likely have to wait until the end of the season to try.
4. Who could leave?
Nkunku is rumored to be frustrated by his lack of first-team action.
That may be the case, but let's not expect Chelsea to approve his departure in January. If Jackson had a problem, he would need Nkunku, so he will have to swallow any unhappiness for now.
Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka will be among the first in play once the window opens, along with the likes of Cesare Casadei and Harvey Vale.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall could also be allowed to leave on loan despite only signing for £30m in the summer from Leicester.
Ipswich's Liam Delap is a striker they admire, but once again they may have to wait until the end of the season.
Christopher Nkunku is rumored to be frustrated by his lack of first-team action.
5. What unexpected moves should fans be on the lookout for?
Cobham! Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George have been permanently promoted to the first team from the academy.
That could save them millions, particularly with George stepping in at a time when Mykhailo Mudryk is suspended from football after failing a drugs test.
Others like Kiano Dyer, Shim Mheuka, Sam Rak-Sakyi and Harrison Murray-Campbell will try to break through too.