While Chelsea's January transfer window has been quiet thus far, there's still the potential that this summer could be a busy one for the Blues.
Thomas Tuchel saw the additions of Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Bettinelli and Saul Niguez to his first team set-up ahead of the 2021/22 season, but could require an even more substantial outlay as things stand.
The futures of a number of stars whose contracts are set to expire in the coming summer have dominated Chelsea headlines over the course of the season, with Chelsea's defence set to undergo a transformation.
The Blues managed to tie down Thiago Silva for another season but there remains uncertainty around Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta.
The trio are all able to speak to foreign clubs now they are in the final six months of their deal, and while there is still a chance they extend their stay at Stamford Bridge, the Blues are left in limbo for the squad planning moving forwards.
This moment should act as a forewarning to Chelsea ahead of next season.
The remainder of this term can not just be used in the hopes of persuading the defenders to maintain their contracts or to plan for their replacements, but Marina Granovskaia and co. need to avoid this situation occurring once again.
N'Golo Kante and Jorginho lead the ranks of Chelsea stars whose contracts finish in 2023. The duo finished in the top five of the Ballon d'Or rankings in 2021 and played crucial roles in Chelsea's Champions League win.
Both midfielders are stellar players but turn 31 in 2022, they're presence remains crucial for now but the question arises; for how long? Neither is yet believed to be close to agreeing an extension, likely for that reason. The length of any deal is sure to be called into question and provide a sticking point in any negotiations.
Kante and Jorginho have been among Chelsea's most important players and if they are allowed into the final year of their deals, there is a great deal of pressure to find replacements mixed in with the threat of disruption if talks do not go smoothly.
They may be the most prominent part of the iceberg, but they do, however, remain just the tip.
Silva's deal will once again be up for debate while the likes of Marcus Bettinelli, Marcos Alonso, Ross Barkley, Michy Batshuayi, Billy Gilmour and Kenedy's deals all expire too. The appeal of keeping these players may not be as strong but the pressure then comes of whether the Blues can earn a fee for their unwanted talent, whether they go out on loan with a contract extension, as Batshuayi did to Besiktas, or if they Blues simply take the loss.
It's an issue that runs throughout the Blues professional players too.
Alongside the aforementioned defenders, Danny Drinkwater, Jake Clarke-Salter and George McEachran are set to see their deals expire this summer. With youngsters like Xavier Simons, Josh Brooking and Ben Elliott among those yet to extend their contracts.
In the summer of 2023, Harvey Vale, Xavier Mbuyamba, Jude Soonsup-Bell, Jayden Wareham and Charlie Webster are among stars who have spent time with the first team
In all, more than half of Chelsea's playing staff could see their contracts expire in 18 months, more than 50 players.
This must come with the caveat that a player's first professional contract may only run up to three seasons including the one in which it was signed, while players in their Under-17 year are required to start the season on a scholarship agreement, before they are permitted to sign a first professional football contract on or after their 17th birthday.
However, it signifies a moment where Chelsea have some massive decisions to make throughout their team, and a time that could see a great deal of transformation.
With talents like Vale, they already know the risk they face given the departures of Lewis Bate and Tino Livramento. As much as Chelsea have a decision to make, as deals enter their final year, the choice is far from theirs alone.
The Blues need a pathway for their first team and beyond, and while the vast turnover of managers has brought success, perhaps stability is needed to navigate this period and to enforce a vision.
Tuchel has already brought success to Stamford Bridge, and after celebrating the anniversary of his appointment, his role could quickly become more important than ever.
The Blues' ethos and plans may be concocted by the likes of Granovskaia and Petr Cech but it will be the German coach who may prove crucial in convincing any player of their future at the club.
Tuchel is said to have taken a moment out of first-team training to speak to a prospective academy signing, and such a figurehead will prove necessary.
Regardless, with such a vast amount of players potentially coming to the end of their time at the club, the Blues must move quickly to resolve the problems they know they can.
If Kante and Jorginho have roles at Stamford Bridge for the foreseeable future, neogiations must be done in a more timely fashion than the likes of Christensen and Rudiger.
If there is a possibility of the duo leaving the club, the Blues must begin the transition before they are forced into it.
