Chelsea have thus far only confirmed two incoming transfers for the summer window, but in reality, a third has already been completed.
Christopher Nkunku and Kendry Paez are the two stars announced, but neither can really be considered as recent acquisitions. The signing of Nkunku was revealed on Tuesday but the pre-contract agreement for his move was finalised in December, whereas Paez will only join the club once he turns 18 which will see him officially arrive in the summer of 2025.
As mentioned above there is a third signing, or it will at least feel like one with Levi Colwill set for a prominent role in Mauricio Pochettino's first-team plans. The 20-year-old was on loan at Brighton last season and his performances were superb, so much so that the Seagulls submitted two bids to try and bring him back on a permanent basis.
However, Chelsea have zero plans to let him leave with Pochettino as a huge fan. First and foremost, as a defender Colwill is still slightly round around the ages, but that is not a knock at all considering it was his first full campaign in the Premier League, and it's clear to see he still has the potential to get even better.
But perhaps what is most impressive is his passing capabilities. This has been on display all season on the south coast and fans got another glimpse of his quality in possession during England's Under-21 European championship victory against the Czech Republic.
On numerous occasions, Colwill received the ball in tight spaces and was able to navigate his way out with a smart pass. When given time on the ball he also sent several perfectly-weighted driven balls into the midfield which allowed England to break the press.
To do this successfully and frequently, Colwill needs players around him with similar ability which makes the need for Pochettino to sanction a £40million transfer for David Raya of paramount importance. London rivals Tottenham looked as though they had won the race for the Brentford goalkeeper, with Chelsea changing their shot-stopper plans and Spurs agreeing personal terms.
However, the club are understood to be growing in confidence that a move for Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, reported to be worth €19million (£16.3million), is nearly done. With Hugo Lloris set to move on this summer, Vicario could be his long-term replacement, but a back up option will also be needed soon at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium which may mean Raya is still of interest to those in north London.
If that is the case, Chelsea should act quickly as Raya would be a great addition to their back line, especially with Colwill in it. Kepa Arrizabalaga is capable of playing out from the back and Pochettino does want the Spaniard to be his No.1, but there is a real opportunity here to sign an excellent player at a relatively good price all things considered to then get the best out of another key star.
Having both in the starting XI come the opening game against Liverpool will give Chelsea a new avenue of starting attacks. Playing out from the back while under intense pressure is a risky game but the rewards tend to be worth it and against a team likely to fly out of the traps on the opening day, having that calmness and tranquillity at the back with the duo confident of getting beyond the press could prove to be invaluable and allow Chelsea to manager games effectively.
Who should Chelsea keep or sell this summer...?
