January will test Chelsea’s progress. Maresca doesn’t need any new signings at this moment in time. There might come a point at which the Italian wants certain areas of his squad strengthened or remoulded, but right now Chelsea must get players off its books rather than add new ones. Chelsea must resist the temptation to spend more.

Chelsea could reportedly replace one of their attackers in the January transfer window next month if a decision is made very soon.Chelsea are not expected to be one of the busy clubs during the

Competition will only increase at the end of the season, when Chelsea prepare to welcome two prodigious teenagers. Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez - both 17 - are still pulling up trees in South America and they could make a push to go straight into Maresca's starting XI in 2025/26.