The transfer window is finally open, and while plans and preparations never truly stop, players can now be registered with the path next to next season is well and truly laid out. Chelsea need to make this window count after lavish spending in the last 12 months only resulted in 12th place in the Premier League.
Mauricio Pochettino is set to arrive at Stamford Bridge for the start of pre-season and will hope to hit the ground running with a smaller squad after an array of criticism from Frank Lampard to close last term. The former Spurs boss will no doubt make his own verdicts but they will have to come quickly ahead of the US tour in July.
The west London side will be able to confirm domestic transfers from today with the international window opening on July 1st. We're in for a busy period until the window closes on September 1st with Chelsea known for the odd deadline day deal.
football.london takes a look at what Chelsea must do as a matter of urgency.
Announce Christian Nkunku
A transfer waiting in the wings for so long, it's almost been forgotten but a move that can prove a real launching pad for Chelsea's summer. There's little doubt that landing the RB Leipzig star is a big move, and a major coup given the Blues failed to claim Champions League football.
Nkunku notched 23 goals and nine assists in 36 appearances last term including three goals and four assists in the Champions League despite injury issues in the early parts of 2023. While Chelsea have learned Bundesliga records do not guarantee results in front of goal, it is reinforcement in area Chelsea require and it will act as a great boost for the club and supporters as a statement signing.
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Of course, having completed a period of international duty, Chelsea must be sure to give Nkunku enough of a break to ensure no repeat injuries regardless of the excitement around him. Getting the announcement out there with any accompanying interviews will set the summer momentum off in the correct direction however.
Be ruthless
The size of Chelsea's squad means that transfers out of the club are non-negotiable. However, the Blues have proved in recent seasons that sales are not always guaranteed and so they must work hard to facilitate them quickly.
For too long, the Blues relied on players with no future at the club, and that mistake cannot be repeated. Players expected to depart should not be included on the pre-season tour even if that potentially risks some of their value, as Pochettino looks to form the bond in the squad that was possibly missing last term. Chelsea's backs are against the wall and they need to be together to fight back.
Work out what is happening with Mason Mount
While mistakes may have been made to allow things to get to this stage with Mason Mount, Chelsea need to make sure they get things right now. If Mount's long term future being in west London is inconceivable, then work must be done to ensure a deal is completed for his departure, should his valuation be met.
Manchester United appear to be the current frontrunners, and thus work can already be done over a deal and frankly, should be to ensure that speculation isn't hanging over the squad in July. Questions and pressure will head in one direction should a move still be feasible but not completed in July and August to everyone's frustration.
If that agreement does not look like it is going to come, some ground must be found to declare that Mount will remain at Stamford Bridge for the season. Work can then begin on Pochettino getting the best out of an outstanding player to lay a platform for a long term future.
Do not allow Levi Colwill to become unsettled
The defender has been declared not for sale and while for many that will be the end of the story, speculation is still lingering. It does not seem that Brighton have yet been put off from attempting a move and Chelsea cannot risk the defender becoming unsettled.
Chelsea and Pochettino must ensure Colwill knows his role for the coming term and work towards sealing his future to the club. The Blues cannot afford disruption in a key summer and must be seen to have a plan they are committed to.
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