If there was any previous doubt, Enzo Fernandez's arrival at Stamford Bridge established Chelsea as the Premier League's most significant protagonist of the January transfer window.
Having endured an underwhelming campaign that has been marred by managerial changes, hierarchy upheaval and under-par on-field performances, boss Graham Potter will hope his eight winter additions can inspire a much-improved second half of the season.
Despite severe frustration amongst fans, Chelsea remain in the UEFA Champions League, ahead of a two-legged round of 16 clash against Borussia Dortmund this month. A top-four league finish is not a wholly unrealistic prospect either, that is in spite of a 10-point gap, however.
READ MORE: Enzo Fernandez first words on Chelsea transfer after completing £106m deadline day Benfica move
The majority of English sides will, undeniably, be envious of the funds made available by US owner Todd Boehly and club officials. With that, though, often comes criticism from rival supporters after their team's missed out on some of the game's most prestigious talents.
With that in mind, football.london examines just how much Chelsea spent in January to add the likes of a World Cup winner and Ukrainian sensation to their ranks.
Enzo Fernandez
Position: Midfielder
Signed from: Benfica
Cost: £106.7 million
Boehly and co, eventually, struck success when they confirmed the signing of their number-one target on transfer deadline day in the form of Enzo Fernandez from Benfica.
Fernandez is understood to have agreed on an eight-and-a-half-year contract at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea will pay the £106.7m fee across six instalments, the first of which be around £30m.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a breakout season, first signing for the Portuguese giants from River Plate in the summer. He would then go on to star in Argentina's FIFA World Cup-winning campaign this winter.
Speaking to the club's official website after joining, Fernandez said: "I am grateful to Chelsea and its ownership for doing everything they could to make me a part of this project. I’m happy and excited to join the Pride of London, to play in the best league in the world and to compete for the biggest trophies. I can’t wait to play in front of our fans and help my teammates on and off the pitch."
Mykhailo Mudryk
Position: Winger
Signed from: Shakhtar Donetsk
Cost: £88 million
Chelsea announced the signing of Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykhailo Mudryk on an eight-and-a-half-year contract in the middle of January after hijacking Arsenal's move to sign the winger.
With the Gunners stalling in their progress to sign Mudryk, Chelsea swooped in to agree a deal for Mudryk, who scored seven goals and six assists in 12 league games for Shakhtar this season, as well as starring in the Champions League.
It is believed he has signed for the Blues in a £62 million deal with an additional £26m included in add-ons.
Upon his arrival at Stamford Bridge, Mudryk said: "I’m so happy to sign for Chelsea. This is a huge club, in a fantastic league and it is a very attractive project for me at this stage of my career. I’m excited to meet my new teammates and I’m looking forward to working and learning under Graham Potter and his staff."
Joao Felix
Position: Attacker
Signed from: Atletico Madrid (on loan)
Cost: £9.7million fee and 100% wages
Eyebrows were raised when it was confirmed that Chelsea had paid a loan fee of almost £10 million to take Portuguese attacker Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid until the end of the season.
Whilst there is no doubting Felix's potential, he became Atletico's most expensive signing ever after joining from Benfica for £113million in 2019, such a significant loan fee came as a surprise to many, especially as there is no option or obligation to buy in the move.
Upon completing the deal Felix said: "Chelsea is one of the great teams in the world and I hope to help the team reach their objectives, so I am very, very happy to be here and very excited to play at Stamford Bridge."
Felix's Chelsea debut would not go to plan, however, after he was sent off in a West London derby defeat against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Benoit Badiashile
Position: Defender
Signed from: Monaco
Cost: £34 million
In need of defensive reinforcements amid injury and performance concerns, Chelsea confirmed the signing of Benoit Badiashile from Monaco for an initial fee of around £34 million.
It is believed Chelsea held a strong interest in Badiashile during the summer window, but instead opted to pursue deals for Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana under previous boss Thomas Tuchel.
Negations with Monaco began over Christmas and the deal was eventually wrapped up during the early stages of January. The French international has made a positive early impression at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking after his move was completed, the French international said: "I’m very happy to be here at Chelsea. I’m so excited to start playing for this club. I can’t wait to see the fans and start playing in the best league in the world."
Noni Madueke
Position: Winger
Signed from: PSV
Cost: £35 million
Noni Madueke, who was confirmed as a Chelsea player on a seven-and-a-half-year contract, is someone who the Blues are believed to have been watching for almost four years.
Nevertheless, a deal for Maduke came as a relative surprise to some, considering the club had confirmed Mudryk's signing shortly before sealing a move for the Englishman.
It is thought Madueke will cost Chelsea an overall fee in the region of £35 million. There is a strong feeling that the former Spurs youngster can develop into a world-class talent at Cobham.
"I'm really pleased to sign with one of the best clubs in the world in Chelsea," Madueke said after signing. "To return to England and play in the Premier League is a dream for me and my family and I cannot wait to get started."
Malo Gusto
Position: Right back
Signed from: Lyon
Cost: £26 million
One of the most highly-rated full-backs in the world, Chelsea confirmed the signing of 19-year-old full-back Malo Gusto from Lyon on a six-and-a-half-year contract for a fee of around £26 million.
He will, however, remain with Lyon on a loan deal until the end of the season, before arriving in England to supply Potter with quality backup and competition for Reece James.
When describing his playing style upon signing for the club, Gusto proclaimed: "I’m a fast player, a crosser and box-to-box."
David Datro Fofana
Position: Striker
Signed from: Molde
Cost: £10 million
Another one for the future, striker David Datro Fofana signed for Chelsea from Molde on a six-and-a-half-year contract.
The club announced that there a pre-agreement had been made for the move in December, with Fofana seen watching his new team during Chelsea's 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on New Year's Day.
Fofana scored 15 goals in 24 matches in Norway in 2022, assisting five times as well before scoring twice in four matches in the UEFA Conference League, too.
Fofana commented after signing: "Hello dear fans, I’m here, I’ve arrived well and I’m very happy to sign for the club of my dreams. I’ll see you soon on the pitch, cheers!"
Andrey Santos
Position: Midfielder
Signed from: Vasco Da Gama
Cost: £11 million
Capped at Under-20 level for Brazil, Andrey Santos is expected to feature for Chelsea's Under-23 side before earning an opportunity in Potter's first team.
Having become Vasco Da Gama's youngest player in the 21st century when he made his debut at just 17, Chelsea are thought to have paid £11 million for Santos' signing and handed him a long-term contract in West London.
Santos expressed his delight in sealing a move to Chelsea, telling the club's official website: "It's a very big opportunity for me. This is a big club playing in big competitions like the Premier League so I am very excited. The players here are so good and I am very happy to be here."
Estimated overall Chelsea January transfer window spend: £323 million
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