2. How quickly does Chelsea start moving on transfers now?
Chelsea hasn’t really moved in the transfer market yet and one of the reasons why could be that large portion of the wage bill Tuchel will only just be seeing now. The overall sense is Tuchel would like a goal scorer, a wide right player (not necessarily a wingback), a midfielder and/or maybe a defender to add more depth. He didn’t change formation massively last season, only really using variants of the 3-4-2-1. That might change next season but much will depend on who he likes in these first few days.
Declan Rice seems to be a midfield target but Tuchel’s mind could quickly change if Gallagher impresses enough to earn a midfield spot. A new centerback might not be needed if Guehi shows his worth. It’s unlikely, but not impossible that Broja makes Chelsea far less urgent on the Erling Haaland chase. Zappacosta could potentially fill a wide right role as Reece James is groomed into the position more to Tuchel’s liking or shifted elsewhere.
Chelsea might even start loaning or selling players that weren’t expected to go earlier in the summer. If Ian Maatsen comes in and wows Tuchel, it could easily result in the club being willing to see Marcos Alonso and Emerson both depart. If enough players make an impression in the short term, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Callum Hudson-Odoi loaned out. And if some transfer targets are no longer seen as necessary, the Blues might be able to shift more funds to push harder for players that are needed.
The Blues have been in a bit of a wait and see pattern thus far this summer. That might change quickly over the next few days as Tuchel gets a better idea of what he already has to work with and what he might still need.