The January transfer window looks set to be a decisive factor in the 2021-22 Premier League season.
Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool are all expected to fight for the title until the very end, so while Thomas Tuchel's side may sit top of the tree for now, there is no guarantee they'll stay there.
Making some essential but clever additions in the January transfer window could therefore be crucial when it comes to stealing a march on their rivals.
The summer saw just three faces arrive at Stamford Bridge, so with that in mind, football.london takes you through all the latest transfer rumours from Chelsea.
Who?
Antonio Rudiger
Where?
What?
The future of Antonio Rudiger remains a hot topic around Stamford Bridge with the German just weeks away from being able to negotiate pre-contract agreements with clubs in other European leagues.
Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have been the two sides most prominently named as suitors but Tottenham are also serious about attempting to sign the 28-year-old.
"Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Dean Jones has put another team in the frame to sign Ruidger in the form of Chelsea's bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur," the report states.
"Jones believes Rudiger remains a prominent target for the north London side, telling GMS: 'they're really serious about Rudiger.'."
Who?
Conor Gallagher
Where?
What?
Where Conor Gallagher will stand at the start of next season is a question being asked following the Chelsea youngster's brilliant start on loan with Crystal Palace.
But a report from Mail+ details that there are no plans to sell the midfielder.
"Chelsea refused to include an option to buy Conor Gallagher when entertaining loan offers last summer," it states.
"Sportsmail has learned that Chelsea were insistent that the terms of any deal would not include a permanent option to buy as they plan to bring him back next season and integrate him into the senior squad."
Who?
Matthijs de Ligt
Where?
Tuttosport via The Mirror
What?
The Juventus centre-back reportedly became a target of Chelsea's late in the day during the summer transfer window and the Blues have not given up hope, if reports are to be believed.
However, it now seems any hope of securing the Dutchman will rest on his agent Mino Raiola successfully persuading Juventus to lower the player's €120million (£101million) release clause.
"Chelsea are 'in the lead' for Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt, although any potential deal still hinges on one important factor," the Mirror reports.
"The player's agent, Mino Raiola, is desperately trying to negotiate a reduction in his release clause with the Italian giants, according to Tuttosport.
"The report states that Raiola wants to lower the €120m release clause in de Ligt's contract from July next year, which could interest the likes of Chelsea."
