Chelsea could be one of the busier sides in the upcoming January transfer window as new owners Boehly-Clearlake try and move closer to have an ideal squad at Graham Potter's disposal. They have already invested £273.5million in their first summer market, beating the previous record set by the club.
While it was a required rebuild for the squad after the loss of some key players in important positions, there are still areas to improve. The midfield is a key one due to other expiring contracts that could leave them in a similar position to the summer with the defensive department.
There is also the need for better depth, particularly at wing-back, where the Blues have been rumoured with dealing for a few windows now. Marc Cucurella's big-money switch from Brighton helped solve the left side, offering an option over Ben Chilwell as well as in central defence.
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The right isn't quite as simple though as Reece James is still the only orthodox wing-back option, with Cesar Azpilicueta offering cover but unable to replicate the impact of the England international. "I think Reece is just a fantastic player and he's a young player, so he's developing all the time," said Graham Potter earlier in the season.
"He'll get better and better as we go. I've really enjoyed working with him, he's got a lot to offer. He can play in any game in the world, he's just tremendous. My job is to try and help him reach his potential because his potential is beyond the sky. For us, we love him. He's so important for us. He could be a Chelsea legend, that's the level that he has, the potential that he has."
It's a high bar set for the Cobham academy graduate, though there will be concerns over his increasing amount of long-term injuries over the past few seasons. Without proper rotation, it leaves James exposed to further aggravation, meaning work has to be done in the transfer window.
The Blues have been linked with Inter Milan wing-back Denzel Dumfries as an option to play when James doesn't, given his ability to drive forward with the ball. However, that plan could be thwarted by rivals Tottenham as 90Min reports that they have made an enquiry to take on the Netherlands international.
With Antonio Conte famed for his use of wing-backs as well as his ties with former club Inter, it could mean that Chelsea have to look elsewhere.
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