In a little under three weeks' time, Thomas Tuchel will welcome the first batch of Chelsea players back to Cobham for the beginning of pre-season. Yet before then, there is much work to be done to rebuild the Blues' first-team squad in the summer transfer window.
The departures of both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have left holes that need to be filled in defence. Jules Kounde has long been the Blues' primary centre-back target, but it's been confirmed today that France international is undergoing surgery on a minor pelvis injury. His arrival may be delayed as a result.
Across the squad, there are decisions to be made. Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso are both wanted by Barcelona. Jorginho and N'Golo Kante, meanwhile, now have 12 months left on their respective contracts, and talks to extend their deals have not progressed. How do Chelsea handle that situation?
