The countdown to the start of the 2020/21 Premier League season is officially on.
That is because Chelsea finally brought the curtain down on the 2019/20 campaign on Saturday evening, almost a year to the day since they started it.
However, the Blues' campaign did not end on the high they would have hoped for, losing 4-1 to German giants Bayern Munich in the second-leg of their Uefa Champions League last-16 tie, meaning they lost the tie 7-1 on aggregate after the 3-0 home reverse all the way back in February.
Though it was a disappointing way for Frank Lampard's first season in charge of the Blues to end, it does mean that he and his players can quickly catch their breath before gearing up for the start of the 2020/21 campaign in a little over a month's time.
Next season will see Chelsea, who are yet to learn their fixture list for next term, look to challenge the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City in the hunt for the Premier League title, with the club having made the decision to spend big in this summer's window already.
Having secured a deal for Hakim Ziyech from Ajax earlier this year, Chelsea made the decision to add even more firepower to their attacking ranks with the addition of Germany international Timo Werner from RB Leipzig back in June, in a deal worth north of £50million.
Both signings are big statements of intent from the Blues, who are looking to make up for lost time following the transfer ban they found themselves under during the summer transfer window last year.
And it seems that the club are hungry to add even more talent to their ranks as well, with the club continuing to hold talks with Bayer Leverkusen about a move for attacking-midfielder Kai Havertz, who is valued at £90million.
Whilst the arrival of Havertz would most likely be the Blues' biggest signing of the summer, the arrival of Ziyech is a very exciting addition according to former Manchester United and England star Rio Ferdinand.
The Moroccan has been one of the best-performing players in Europe over the last few years, boasting a record of 29 goals and 45 assists since the start of the 2018/19 season at club level, and Ferdinand has hinted that he will make a big impact at Stamford Bridge.
"We watched Ziyech last season for Ajax, he was magnificent," Ferdinand told BT Sport.
"He reminds me a little bit of [Riyad] Mahrez but he crosses the ball a little bit more.
"He's someone who's really always trying to find a way to unlock defences with his delivery. A lot of guile."
Ferdinand is not the only person backing Ziyech to make an impact in English football.
Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana, who is reportedly a transfer target for Chelsea this summer, is also confident that his former Ajax teammate will make himself known in the Premier League.
In an interview with NOS earlier this year, Onana explained: "When he leaves [Ajax], we will lose the most brilliant player on the team. It will not be easy. He was already here when I got here. I can understand why [he is leaving]. I understand his choice.
“I am happy for him and proud of what he has done for this club. I wish him the best of luck. He’s going to destroy everything [in the Premier League].”
