Chelsea’s January transfer activities have concluded but some players may already be eyeing a move out of Stamford Bridge this summer.
Thomas Tuchel managed to lock down all members of his senior squad with the only causalities occurring before his takeover.
Although kept his side intact, there may be a few individuals who wished a transaction had been made to take them away from Chelsea.
Andreas Christensen was cast out by Frank Lampard but the arrival of Tuchel potentially offered him salvation.
This has not yet been the case. Chelsea’s new boss has so far opted for a back three instead of the customary four so often used by Lampard.
He has reinstalled Antonio Rudiger to his ranks, whilst also appointing Cesar Azpilicueta as the third defender alongside Thiago Silva.
Tuchel has overlooked his two other natural centre-backs in Christensen and Kurt Zouma.
Instead, he selected the Spaniard who has previously played in this formation under Antonio Conte.
With Chelsea being linked to Dayot Upamencano and David Alaba, it’s clear they are in the hunt for more central options in defence.
Christensen has been with the Blues since his academy days but the 24-year-old might want to search for greener pastures elsewhere.
Zouma may have similar doubts over his future. He too became an outcast towards the end of Lampard’s rein despite being a regular at the beginning of the campaign and hasn’t been able to break into Tuchel’s system.
The Frenchman was signed by the Blues back in 2014 but his career at Cobham may be coming to its conclusion.
Emerson Palmieri probably has the same thought process. Sky Sports suggested he was likely to be the last significant departure this month.
Nothing accumulated in his camp and therefore the Italian will be forced to endure more time on the side-lines.
He has only made 10 appearances this season and is yet to feature for Tuchel.
This trend doesn’t seem to be changing any day soon because of the revival of Marcos Alonso at wing-back.