As the January transfer deadline approaches, CareFreeChelsea attempts to plot an alternative transfer window for the Blues.
As the January transfer deadline approaches, CareFreeChelsea attempts to plot an alternative transfer window for the Blues.
I wrote the summer version of this piece in August. I imagined a scenario in which Achraf Hakimi signed for Chelsea rather than Paris Saint-Germain, and the ramifications of such a scenario. Declan Rice was finally signed for a huge fee from West Ham, and Hakim Ziyech joined AC Milan on loan.
Five months later, it is time for the January version to orchestrate a different timeline for Thomas Tuchel in a month that appears to be ending with little drama for Chelsea.
Former Everton full-back Lucas Digne was linked to the Blues, but nothing came of it. Instead, he signed with Aston Villa.
Chelsea then attempted to pay Lyon to bring back Emerson Palmieri as an emergency backup after Ben Chilwell's injury, but that pursuit has failed, and it now appears that the deadline will pass without any major transfers.
It's the same with fringe first-team players, who have been linked with January moves for months only to see that reported interest dwindle once more.
Of course, things could change dramatically on the final day, but I'm confident that my alternative window will be far more exciting.
Lucas Digne signs
Much of the angst on social media has been directed at the club's failure to provide a new left-back option, particularly after Digne was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge at the end of December.
So, instead of Villa Park, Digne joins Stamford Bridge for £25 million. Is this a sign that Digne will be loaned out in three years if Marina Granovskaia is unable to sell him for £10 million? Tuchel has been 'backed,' so I suppose it's a risk worth taking.
Erling Haaland makes a big Champions League claim for Chelsea ahead of the summer transfer deadline.
Chelsea appeared to be on the verge of signing Jules Kounde last summer, and the six-month gap has clearly done little to dampen the Blues' interest in the Sevilla defender.
Even if Marina is unable to bring the centre-back to London this season, Sevilla have agreed to loan Kounde for the remainder of the season before he joins his new club in July.
It is a proactive move that plans for next season and lessens the panic over the defensive contract struggle, similar to the deal done for Christian Pulisic in January 2019.
Ruben has joined Frank.
Given the reported imminent arrival of Frank Lampard at Goodison Park, this is a relatively new addition.
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Former Everton full-back Lucas Digne was linked to the Blues, but nothing came of it. Instead, he signed with Aston Villa. 
Ruben has joined Frank. 
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