With the transfer window having come to an end, there will now be a new focus for Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia.
Roman Abramovich’s right-hand woman certainly did her job when it came to transfers for the Blues over the course of the summer.
Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Malang Sarr, Thiago Silva, Kai Havertz and Edouard Mendy all came into the squad.
Granovskaia was at the heart of those negotiations, but the attention is set to be on Chelsea’s longer-serving players and their contracts.
There are several of the squad whose contracts need to be sorted out before they might run out of time.
But who does Granovskaia have to sort out over the next few months.
Willy Caballero - 2021
The Argentine goalkeeper has had a rolling contract for the past three seasons with the Blues, mainly being the club’s number two shotstopper.
However, when Kepa Arrizabalaga has been dropped, the 39-year-old has stepped into the role in his place.
With Edouard Mendy having come into the club, it’s likely the veteran keeper will move even more down the list, and it’s unlikely that he will get another deal.
Olivier Giroud -2021
After almost leaving the club in January, the World Cup winner was a crucial member of the squad in getting a top four spot.
The 34-year-old is now likely to be the third-choice striker, however, and his playing time might be pretty hard to come by.
It’s likely that the Frenchman will look for an exit in January if he doesn’t have the minutes he wants, and it’s unlikely he will get a new contract.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 2022
The club captain is in a real battle for his place in the starting XI, with Reece James having emerged as a top talent at the club.
The 31-year-old Spaniard is still skipper and can play a big part of Frank Lampard squad, but now that he is over 30 it is likely he would only get a two-year deal if renewed.
Antonio Rudiger – 2022
Antonio Rudiger is another player who has a couple of years left on his contract, but this is not likely to be one they want to renew for the long term.
Chelsea wanted him to sign a one-year extension before he headed out on loan, however the German did not want that to happen.
If Granovskaia is to deal with Rudiger, it will be more to move him on, rather than give him a long-term deal.
Andreas Christensen – 2022
Andreas Christensen’s position in the side is not guaranteed, with Lampard putting him in the side at times, but not regularly.
With the performance of Thiago Silva and Kurt Zouma against Crystal Palace, Christensen might struggle to get his place back in the starting XI for now.
But there is still a belief at Chelsea that he can develop into the player they want him to be.
