After a relatively quiet start to the transfer window, Chelsea made a huge splash with the £97.5million return of Romelu Lukaku.
The European champions don’t have too many areas of weakness, but finding a new centre-forward was the clearest priority for head coach Thomas Tuchel.
And Lukaku’s presence was instantly felt as he netted a goal in his second debut, helping the Blues to a routine win at Arsenal.
Their 100 per cent record was ended at Anfield on Saturday, but after seeing Reece James dismissed before half-time, a 1-1 draw was a very impressive result.
There is little doubt that Tuchel’s side are genuine title contenders, but there could yet be more arrivals before the deadline to help improve their squad even more.
As well as seeing more players come in, it is expected that there could be even more departures, having already seen the likes of Tammy Abraham, Olivier Giroud and Kurt Zouma secure their exits.
With that in mind, here are five deals that could yet be completed before the 11pm deadline on Tuesday night.
Arrivals
Jules Kounde (Sevilla)
The central defender has appeared Chelsea ’s top priority ever since landing Lukaku earlier this month.
Chelsea have a number of centre-backs that will be out of contract next summer, whilst Kurt Zouma’s move to West Ham has also increased the need for a new signing.
But a move for Jules Kounde is proving difficult, with the Spaniards playing hardball in any negotiations.
The latest update suggested that the deal was on the verge of collapse several times, but there is still a hope they can land the Frenchman in the final hours of the window.
Kounde is understood to have a £68.5m release clause in his contract and the fact that his departure would leave little time to search for a replacement, means they are demanding that clause be paid in full.
It could go down to the wire.
Saul Niguez (Atletico Madrid)
This one is looking increasingly unlikely, with the Spaniards only willing to sell the midfielder if they can land a replacement in the final hours of the window.
If Diego Simeone does manage to land one however, it could open the deal for a loan move with Atleti looking for an obligation to buy to be inserted into any proposal.
Manchester United have also been linked with Saul, who has been made available for transfer after the LaLiga champions signed Rodrigo De Paul.
Reports have claimed that although Saul isn’t a ‘top priority’ for Chelsea, should an opportunity present itself, they will look to make a move.
Departures
Callum Hudson-Odoi
The Englishman has failed to play a single minute in Chelsea’s opening trio of Premier League games and has been heavily linked with an exit.
Football.London reported that Leicester have made an enquiry to sign the academy graduate on a permanent deal.
The 20-year-old has also been a long-time target for Borussia Dortmund and could help replace Jadon Sancho after his return to the Premier League.
Tuchel made sure to point out the importance of having a squad of 20 to 21 players this weekend, but did accept that the winger has every right to be frustrated with his lack of opportunities.
Ross Barkley
After a fairly uninspiring loan spell with Aston Villa last term, the midfielder looks likely to be moved on again this season.
Barkley still has two years remaining on his current contract and it remains to be seen whether Chelsea could orchestrate a permanent exit for the former Everton star.
The Toffees are the bookies’ favourites to sign him on Tuesday, with the likes of West Ham and Newcastle also featuring prominently.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Another midfielder that will find opportunities difficult to come by and another that could seal a move away from Stamford Bridge before 23.00 tonight.
Loftus-Cheek is reportedly attracting plenty of interest from Serie A and he could follow Tammy Abraham to the capital with Lazio and Roma both said to be monitoring his situation.
Napoli are the third Italian side to be linked with the England international, having struggled to land a central midfield player in the opening months of the window.
