It's been a long transfer window and Chelsea have been involved in a few sagas.
The Blues were decisive in signing Romelu Lukaku but more ponderous in their chase for Sevilla's Jules Kounde and allowed their interest to linger all the way until transfer deadline day where only Kounde's release clause stood in the way.
€80 million was deemed too much this summer after Marina Granovskaia had business to take care of with the record signing of Lukaku and the delayed departure of Kurt Zouma, who had initially been touted as part of the deal to bring Kounde to Stamford Bridge.
But Chelsea fans shouldn't be too dishearted, there are some positives in not signing the Frenchman. Take a look at Thomas Tuchel's charges who stand to benefit:
Trevoh Chalobah
Trevoh Chalobah is the obvious winner. His first team chances undoubtedly improve without an expensive competitor around the same age joining the club.
The former Lorient loanee, started the season in fantastic form in the UEFA Super Cup Final and opening Premier League game against Crystal Palace, leaving supporters' eyes wide with anticipation for the season. The youngster was unable to retain his starting berth for the clash with Arsenal however, as Cesar Azpilicueta was deemed to be fully match fit and solidified his place in Tuchel's thinking.
However, Chalobah stands to earn plenty of minutes this season with Chelsea competing on all fronts and, with Azpilicueta ageing and often used at wingback to rest Reece James, is sure to earn starts.
Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen
The duo of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen may have been able to play alongside Kounde but they still stand to benefit. Both are in negotiations to extend their deals and with Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva's futures far from certain for next term, the Blues' depth in defence may not be one of longevity.
Rudiger and Christensen stand to have more leverage in their negotiations with the club and could earn themselves a greater deal if they continue their solid start to the seaosn.
Bashir Humphreys and Sam McClelland
With the departure of Kurt Zouma earlier this summer and his place in the Blues squad having not been taken up by Kounde, there is an extra spot in Chelsea's defence.
That is not to say Bashir Humphreys or Sam McClelland are going to be a fixture in the first team squad, but with Chelsea's Champions League campaign to get underway shortly the youngsters could become a locally trained players or involved in the Blues' B-list.
That would give them greater opportunity to train with the first team and make European trips, which they could be afforded even with the signing of Kounde but, they would be one step closer to the actual team or substitute appearance too.
The impressie Xavier Mbuyamba could also see his chances grow but does not have the benefit of being at the club long enough to be place on the B-list.
