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Football London
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Daniel Childs

Wesley Fofana signs, Aubameyang risk: Todd Boehly Chelsea transfer list before deadline day

By the time the deadline passes on August 31, Chelsea would have already played five Premier League games. Based on the reaction from their first two, the mood is mostly positive around Stamford Bridge as we begin a new era.

Even if the ending to the Spurs clash sparked fury, we have already seen enough evidence that the money invested by Todd Boehly can improve Thomas Tuchel's squad.

But there is also the over-arching interest in transfers beyond the results on the pitch and how much can still happen in two weeks.

READ MORE: Wesley Fofana grows frustrated as Chelsea ramp up Anthony Gordon transfer interest

Chelsea are likely to add to their five major signings so far this window which would likely ensure the new ownership marks their first window in record-breaking fashion, making this the most spent ever in a single window by Chelsea.

So here are the names still in the news and thoughts over what Boehly should be doing with them.

Arrivals: Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Carney Chukwuemeka, Gabriel Slonina, Marc Cucurella

Departures: Romelu Lukaku (loan), Timo Werner, Malang Sarr (loan), Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Matt Miazga, Jake Clarke-Salter, Danny Drinkwater, Saul Niguez (end of loan), Charly Musonda

The Targets

Wesley Fofana

One of those that needs to get done before deadline day, Wesley Fofana might cost Chelsea a record fee, but it would offer Thomas Tuchel the speed and energy needed on the right side of defence that would primarily keep Reece James in his more progressive wingback role.

After the failure to land Jules Kounde from Sevilla, it is clear Tuchel and Chelsea view Fofana as the player they desire, and the player himself has not exactly hidden his openness to it since early links emerged.

Chelsea are hoping to sign Leicester defender Wesley Fofana before the deadline (Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)

Verdict: Sign him up

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Again, another firm example that Tuchel has a direct influence over the club's recruitment strategy if Boehly pushes through an expensive contract for a 33-year-old.

Although Aubameyang had a great relationship with Tuchel in the Bundesliga, his age and the toxic fallout at Arsenal raise red flags, particularly after the Romelu Lukaku saga.

Aubameyang could offer Tuchel a more suitable forward than Lukaku did but this move certainly comes with risk and logical questions over long-term planning.

Verdict: Pass

Frenkie De Jong

The injuries to Mateo Kovacic and N'Golo Kante only heighten the need for reinforcements but De Jong's situation with Barcelona is uniquely complicated and unpredictable.

The player has shown little willingness to move and given how similar he is to what Tuchel already has, it does not feel like a deal worth pushing the boat out for.

However, succession planning is needed and there is no doubting his talent could suit the German's approach well for a team who craves possession.

Verdict: Deadline Day offer

Anthony Gordon

A really bizarre one. Chelsea have reportedly had a £45m bid turned down, meaning that the likelihood of a transfer would probably cost a lot more. An extortionate fee for someone who is still developing, and looks a little bizarre given the current situation of Callum Hudson-Odoi who could be further developed.

Although Tuchel pushed for a wide attacker earlier in the window, this expense looks like one Chelsea could do without.

Verdict: Pass

Chelsea have had a £45m bid turned down by Everton for Anthony Gordon ((Photo by Tony McArdle - Everton FC/Everton FC via Getty Images))

Exits

Marcos Alonso

The Spaniard's exit is pretty much done. But still not confirmed, awaiting whatever lever we are on now with Barcelona.

Tuchel confirmed that the player has asked to leave and he has been left out of the two games so far this season. There is no logical reason to keep Alonso any longer.

Verdict: Sell

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Earlier in the window it looked like Kepa might have found a route out to Napoli but his high wages have proved a barrier to any deal being finalised.

Given the obvious need for a replacement should he leave, keeping him around might just end up being a stop-gap solution in a summer when many have already left.

Boehly will need to find him an exit in January at the earliest should nothing come to fruition before the deadline.

Verdict: Keep

Ethan Ampadu

It is a bit of a shame that Amapdu looks like he could be sent out on loan again given his versatility and impressive numbers from his loan with Venezia last season.

But this is someone who clearly needs regular game-time, in particular with the World Cup looming with Wales. Serie A feels like a good fit for him again where hopefully he can show his ability, although any path into the first-team at Stamford Bridge looks like a distant dream.

Verdict: Loan

Emerson Palmieri

Like Alonso, the writing has been on the wall since the arrival of Marc Cucurella. A £13m bid from West Ham is too good to turn down given the player's standing at Chelsea and clears out further names who are unlikely to feature this season.

Verdict: Sell

Billy Gilmour

The Scottish midfielder has completely gone off the radar after such a positive start under Frank Lampard that suggested he could be a talent to cherish for years to come.

But a disappointing loan with Norwich and a lack of involvement over pre-season have indicated that an exit looks his most likely path. Whether it is on a loan or permanent is in the balance, but there is very little reason for him to stick around if Tuchel has no plans for him.

Verdict: Loan

Callum Hudson-Odoi

Hudson-Odoi wants the loan move and it is obvious why given his stagnation at Stamford Bridge. Given Chelsea's continued pursuit of more attackers, this can be the change Hudson-Odoi needs to reboot his career and prove he has the capability to become a highly-valued player in the Premier League or across Europe.

Callum Hudson-Odoi wants to leave Chelsea before the end of this month (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Verdict: Loan

Hakim Ziyech

Wages again appear an issue with Ziyech getting a move to AC Milan, his most likely suitor. I think Tuchel could get more out of the Moroccan given his creativity and guile, but in his prime years, it is obvious why the 29-year-old does not regard a sporadic role as one worthy of persisting with when he could be playing regularly.

Verdict: Sell

Ross Barkley

This should have been done a long time ago, Barkley did not even have a number before the deadline last year. Even if Boehly ends up letting them walk out of their contracts, it is time to cut ties for the betterment of the player and club.

Verdict: Sell

Michy Batshuayi

Like Barkley, another loan does little to change his standing. Hopefully, a late deal arises from somewhere that can be accepted and end the Belgian's cycle of loans away from the club.

Verdict: Sell

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