Marcos Alonso has been a square peg in a round hole amid Ben Chilwell's absence but Chelsea look to have finally solved Thomas Tuchel's puzzle.
The Athletic reported that the Blues were keen on drafting in cover for the England international last month after a series of unconvincing displays from the Spaniard left more questions than answers in his wake.
However, the Chelsea board failed in doing so, having been unable to reach an agreement with Lyon which could've brought Emerson back to Stamford Bridge, leaving Tuchel with diminutive options at left wing-back.
The world champions are now planning to back the German boss in the summer transfer window with a number of big signings, according to the Telegraph.
Chelsea have discussed the potential of bringing Atletico Madrid wide-man Yannick Carrasco to the club at the end of the season, as per Footmercato.
The 28-year-old, who is valued at £36m by Transfermarkt, has seamlessly evolved from a forward into a wing-back in recent times, playing a crucial role in Diego Simeone's La Liga triumph last season.
Carrasco's ability to perform at the highest level in either role tables an attractive proposition for the west Londoners, but Marina Granovskaia looks to have already secured Chelsea's alternative option.
Ian Maatsen has continued to impress while on loan at Coventry City this season, scoring the winner in a five-goal thriller over Reading.
The 19-year-old enjoyed operating as a number ten for the Sky Blues, shining a light on both sides of his game; one goal, four chances created, four clearances, eight recoveries and two dribbles completed.
Maatsen is a jack of all trades and shares a similar profile to Carrasco, whereby either can feature at wing-back or in a front-three.
The Netherlands youth international, who joined Chelsea in 2018 for a training fee of just €110,000 (£97,000), could save Tuchel a sizable sum that could be otherwise spent elsewhere in the summer transfer window.
While the Chelsea loan watch spotlight is salivating over Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja, Maatsen mustn't be overlooked as somebody who could deputise Chilwell next season.
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