Where Chelsea goes next in this window feels like a mystery. After securing deals for Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly, two established upgrades which will hopefully improve Thomas Tuchel's system, the next arrival could define the rest of the summer's business.
Will it be another centre-back? The chase for Jules Kounde might finally meet its needed end, but with the player again moving to an apparently cash-strapped Barcelona. Presnel Kimpembe, Milan Skriniar and Pau Torres have emerged again should Kounde fall through.
The alternative to a central defender could be a wing-back, given Ian Maatsen has gone on loan to Burnley and Dujon Sterling appears to be on the same path.
READ MORE: Kounde latest, Dumfries plan and the transfer business Chelsea must complete before Everton
Inter Milan wing-back Denzel Dumfries is the name that has been brought up again on Tuesday after reports emerged claimed Chelsea were stepping away from the pursuit of Kounde after the delay.
Dumfries impressed for Holland at last year's European Championships, gaining a move to the San Siro from PSV for around £12m. At 26 and with 45 appearances in his first year in Italy last term, he could offer suitable cover to Reece James, something Tuchel struggled to find when the 22-year-old went down injured during the winter months last year.
In reaction to this link, WhoScored tweeted an interesting stat from the league last season, noting that Dumfries has registered more touches in the opposition penalty area than Kai Havertz. This stat does not really reflect what Dumfries did with those touches or how impactful they were.
This might have been posted to show Dumfries attacking input, but it more greatly points to the concerning shortcomings of Chelsea's attack under Tuchel.
A wing-back gaining more touches last season than a player who prominently was deployed as a central attacker isn't exactly flattering. It reflects an attack that has generally avoided risk and prioritised control.
This was harshly shown in the opening half against Arsenal in Orlando. Again Havertz was on the fringes of a game that was mostly played at the other end. The German only had three touches in the opposing penalty area in 67 minutes. He only had two against Club America the previous Sunday, in a game where he missed a guilt-edged chance.
The addition of a penalty box poacher like Raheem Sterling can hopefully improve the threat Chelsea pose in the penalty area, but individual quality is not the only element that will alleviate the frustration felt around this area.
There also needs to be a more coherent plan imposed by Tuchel whilst allowing more freedom for his attackers to advance further and flood the box against deeper defences. Havertz, should he start this season as Tuchel's first-choice striker, cannot be a figure floating on the periphery of games, especially if his peers are having similar issues gaining touches inside the box where they can be most dangerous.
Whether Dumfries would prove a good signing feels a less pressing issue than one that has undermined Chelsea's ability to outscore opponents and get threats like Havertz into more productive positions.
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