Chelsea will be looking to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to 10 matches when they lock horns with French outfit Rennes in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.
The Blues, who have taken seven points from their first three group matches in the Champions League this term, secured a fourth straight win on Saturday with a 2-0 away triumph over Newcastle United at St James' Park.
That victory took the Blues to the top of the Premier League, albeit only for a few hours before being replaced by cross-city rivals Tottenham Hotspur, confirming that Frank Lampard's side have grand ambitions of competing for the title this season.
Should Chelsea continue this excellent run of recent form and find themselves amongst the genuine contenders for the title come January, the Blues' hierarchy may hand Lampard the opportunity to bolster his squad even further for the remainder of the season by adding some new faces to his squad in the next transfer window.
With that in mind, here is a round-up of all the very latest Chelsea transfer rumours and gossip.
Blues open to Giroud exit
Chelsea will be willing to let French international Olivier Giroud leave the club in January, according to a report by The Athletic.
The former Arsenal man has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge following the summer addition of Timo Werner, meaning Giroud's game time has become more and more limited.
Following the news that France boss Didier Deschamps told Giroud to leave Stamford Bridge in an attempt to hold onto his place in the national squad for next summer's European Championships, the Blues are now prepared to let him go ahead of his contract expiring next summer.
It is claimed that Chelsea are going to offer Giroud that option for opting to stay in west London a year longer than he originally wanted.
Tomori loan to be sanctioned
Defender Fikayo Tomori will be allowed to leave Chelsea on loan in January in an effort to gain more first-team minutes elsewhere, according to The Telegraph.
Tomori, like Giroud, has fallen down the pecking order in west London this term and appears to have no immediate future at the club, certainly as far as regular first-team minutes are concerned.
The centre-back, who has spent time on loan at Hull City and Derby County in the past, was linked with an exit over the summer, with a move to West Ham United close.
No move, though, ever came to fruition, meaning he was forced to stay at Stamford Bridge. Now, though, he could be allowed to leave in January to ensure he gains regular game time.
Barkley tipped to seal permanent Chelsea exit
Midfield ace Ross Barkley could leave Stamford Bridge and join Aston Villa on a permanent basis in January, former England international Danny Mills claims.
Barkley joined Villa on loan in the final few days of the summer transfer window and has since made a strong impression under Dean Smith's watch.
Speaking to Football Insider, as quoted by the Mirror, Mills said: He’s played very, very well, he seems happy and I’m sure Villa, if they haven’t already, will approach him and say ‘If we can make it happen, would you want to come on a permanent basis?
“Chelsea might push the price up if he keeps doing well and that’s why they might want to get a deal done in January. If he goes on to a really good second half of the season that price is only going to go up.”
