Chelsea won't have the chance to face one of their main transfer targets before attempting to sign them, and attentions will be elsewhere ahead of the January transfer window.
The Blues promise to be extremely busy after Christmas with appointments in the recruitment and senior footballing structure coming this week. Graham Potter will be backed heavily by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital as a squad overhaul continues into next year.
Boehly spent £250million on new players for Thomas Tuchel over the summer but more work is needed to transform Chelsea into long-term title contenders.
