TrueBlueChelsea: What's the expectation of Todd Boehly and Co. in regard to Graham Potter this season? Seems like the top four is now a difficult feat...
Adam says: "At the start of the season, a top-four finish was viewed as the minimum target by the new ownership group. Given the riches that come with qualifying for the Champions League, that was no great surprise. Of course, much has happened between now and then and expectations have been slightly shifted.
"A top-four finish from the position Chelsea currently find themselves in looks very difficult. Naturally, there will be some hope they can pull it off, especially given the new signings, but it is unlikely.
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"What has become clear, however, is the commitment to Potter remains strong – and I was told when Potter arrived that missing out on the top four wouldn't necessarily bring an end to his tenure. Signs of development are most important, and with the new arrivals I think we'll see that during the second half of the campaign."
mati6413: Is it possible Benfica will accept €120m for Enzo Fernandez in split payments rather than paying his release clause?
Adam says: "Chelsea have maintained throughout their pursuit of Enzo Fernandez that they wouldn't be willing to pay his release clause in one lump sum. And Benfica – after talks collapsed at the start of January – have very much dug their heels on in that release clause being paid.
"Something is going to have to give if Fernandez is going to become a Chelsea player this month. I've reported the Blues will go back with another proposal, but the makeup of that is not something I've been able to clarify as yet.
"What's certain, though, is Chelsea want to improve their midfield this month and as things stand, deals for Fernandez and Moises Caicedo of Brighton are difficult to do."
Tashmid: Do you think Joao Felix’s suspension will give him time to get to know his teammates, train more to Graham Potter’s style, and have a better impact for Chelsea when he comes back?
Adam says: "Felix has settled very quickly into the first-team group; his ability to speak English has undoubtedly helped him in this respect.
"I'm not sure how big of an influence the suspension would've had as Chelsea are enjoying some rare time off in which they are undertaking team bonding exercises and more tactical work on the pitch. I think that would've helped him no matter what...and it would've been nice to have him against Crystal Palace and Liverpool."
Panda2002: How many players are being talked about for an exit this winter and next summer? Will there be a clear-out?
Adam says: "Given the new signings that have been made this month – and to an extent, in the summer – Chelsea do have to start moving players on. Of course, that is far easier said than done as there is not a (desirable) market for every single player.
"There has been interest this month in Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Conor Gallagher, but that hasn't come to anything as yet. Chelsea would also be willing to let Hakim Ziyech depart for the right price, and it's a similar situation with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
"Come the summer, it appears as though Jorginho will depart on a free transfer and I suspect one of the two senior goalkeepers will be allowed to move on, especially as that is a position Chelsea want to improve.
"There are question marks over a lot of other players in the squad given contract situations – and what is clear is that Chelsea will have to make some money back in sales if they are to stay on the right side of FFP, despite their clever work so far."
micben04: What are the chances of Chelsea signing Moises Caicedo and Malo Gusto in this window? And there any truth in the rumor that Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech will be leaving?
Adam says: "Talks with Lyon continue over a deal for Malo; Chelsea are confident but there is still work to be done. A bid for Caicedo has already been turned down by Brighton and the reported fee required to prise him away is excessive (£65m+). He's a player liked by the recruitment team – obviously, Paul Winstanley knows him well – but I'm not sure Chelsea will match the asking price this month.
"In terms of Pulisic, he's currently sidelined and isn't expected back until late February. I would be surprised if he was to depart for that reason alone. Ziyech is someone I've been told Chelsea would be willing to let go if the right offer was received. He is playing well at the moment but there is interest, although much of it is loan-based."
umair81: Why has our interest in Declan Rice cooled off a bit? Has it to do with the new recruitment team/data? Everyone is reporting Arsenal are in the driving seat.
Adam says: "Chelsea's interest in Rice hasn't cooled off and he is someone they'd very much like to bring to the club in the summer. Of course, the focus this month has been on securing other targets as – understandable – West Ham are almost certainly not going to let their club captain depart mid-season and in the midst of a relegation scrap. Arsenal's interest is genuine and they will rival Chelsea. So there will be work to be done."
Tashmid: Do you think if PSG comes up with a good offer for Kai Havertz, would it be sensible to let him go?
Adam says: "I must admit I've not heard anything concrete about Havertz and Paris Saint-Germain, but his future is an interesting discussion either way. I don't think I'm being unfair to state Havertz hasn't quite hit the heights expected at Chelsea, at least on a consistent basis. But he is hugely talented and that makes it difficult; if the German puts everything together he'll be some player.
"In the summer, he'll have two years left on his contract and that is the point players and clubs begin to think about what's next. If a significant bid was made, I imagine it would be considered by all parties. Would I be disappointed to see him go? I'm still leaning toward yes because of his potential."
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