Fulham boss Marco Silva has defended Chelsea's significant January transfer window spending ahead of the west London derby in the Premier League on Friday night. The Blues brought in seven new players, with Malo Gusto bought but then immediately loaned back to Lyon, which placed their spending in January at £323million after new co-owner Todd Boehly oversaw the signing of eight players in the summer that cost Chelsea £272million.
The arrivals of Raheem Sterling, Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella and many others have not stopped Chelsea from enduring a difficult opening six months to the season, with the Blues currently tenth in the Premier League table.
Defensive problems and a lack of attacking options saw Chelsea re-enter the market in search of more new players with several forwards acquired, a new centre-back, players for the future and the signing of a new midfielder that broke the British transfer record.
READ MORE: Chelsea confirm new sporting director roles after Todd Boehly's record transfer spend
It went right down to the wire but eventually Chelsea were able to agree a £106.7million deal with Benfica for the transfer of Enzo Fernandez. Graham Potter was asked about the 22-year-old in his pre-Fulham press conference where he confirmed the World Cup winner could make his debut.
"We'll see. We've got to go through the paperwork and he needs to get clearance and all that," Potter said. "I've spoken to him. My Spanish isn't great and his English isn't great, so we needed a translator, but we'll get there. He is an impressive young man and I'm really excited to work with him."
Chelsea only played their away league fixture against Fulham three weeks ago with the Cottagers coming out on top, although Marco Silva will likely have to prepare his team for a very different challenge. In his own pre-match press conference, Silva gave his verdict on Chelsea's January spending.
“I think it’s not new. I know everyone is talking about them because it was a big amount of money in January but it is not the first time,” Silva said. "All of us, we know the difference between certain types of clubs.
“Last summer, they spent a good amount of money too and they strengthened their squad and they were able to do the same this transfer window and show their power.
“If it is too much money or not, it is not for me to talk about it, but just to show the power and show their ambition to improve the squad. It’s clear with younger players and fresh legs what they are trying to do and lucky them they have all this power to sign new players.”
READ NEXT:
Every word Graham Potter said on Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea squad decision, James, Chilwell, Fofana
Graham Potter makes Hakim Ziyech decision as Chelsea receive triple injury boost ahead of Fulham
Graham Potter waits for crucial Enzo Fernandez confirmation ahead of Chelsea vs Fulham
Enzo Fernandez starts, Kante dilemma: Best Chelsea XI after dream £323m January transfer window
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
