Chelsea have plans upon plans in the transfer window and their level of depth on the shortlist for 2023 demonstrates Todd Boehly's new strategy. The new co-owner was determined to make major moves over the summer and looks set to continue in the same vein moving forward.
Even if this isn't a sustainable plan, it's one to get the gears moving in the right direction after years of recruitment neglect. The Blues haven't appeared to buy with much of a plan since Jose Mourinho's second stint started in 2014.
Boehly has acted quickly to appoint an almost entirely new team in that regard, including transfer specialists Paul Winstanley, Kyle Macaulay, Joe Shields and Laurence Stewart. That set-up, which is still to be added to with Christopher Vivell coming in, is one that will not only be focused on correcting past mistakes, but also to give Graham Potter a foundation to build from.
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The literal foundation for Chelsea is the midfield, and on-top of star-studded names Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Argentina's Enzo Fernandez, is a new option. Ismael Bennacer, who played home and away against the Blues for AC Milan in October, is reportedly a target for the club.
According to Italian reporter Alfredo Pedulla, Bennacer may well be available in January too which would work perfectly for Chelsea as they look to get ahead of the competition with many of their transfer dealings. Bennacer's contract expires in 2024 and will be entering his final 18-months in January, that opens up a cut-price opportunity with the Italian champions eager not to be drawn into losing their midfielder for free.
Much like teammate Rafael Leao, Milan are still trying to get the Algerian to sign a new deal, but negotiations aren't running smoothly and there's no guarantee of him commiting his future to San Siro. Given his situation heading into January, it is reported that £35m would be enough to prize him away.
Bennacer was at Arsenal as a youth player but left in 2017 having not moved through the ranks.
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