Chelsea will make several new additions this summer but a need to balance the books means they'll need to be more creative.
The Blues are expected to spend, but because they need so many players for so many positions, not every player will be a superstar.
Defence is one of the high priority areas the incoming Xabi Alonso will need to reinforce. The side lack experience and leadership at the back and must improve their diabolical disciplinary record.
Chelsea add Maxime Esteve to transfer shortlist following Burnley's relegation
After missing out Marcos Senesi, who has agreed to join Spurs, following his decision to leave Bournemouth on a free transfer, Chelsea remain in the hunt for at least one new centre-back.
And according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, one name who has been of interest for quite some time is Burnley's Maxime Esteve.
The Frenchman, who stands at a massive 6' 4" tall, was part of the Clarets' team to be relegated at the end of last season. He was one of Scott Parker's most used players, featuring in 34 Premier League matches.
However, seemingly viewed as too good to be playing in the Championship, the 24-year-old is expected to move to a club back in the Premier League.
Consequently, Chelsea, along with Liverpool and Crystal Palace, are all interested in signing him in what would be a deal Burnley couldn't realistically turn down. All three sides have been watching his performances for several months ahead of possible approaches this summer.
Good squad player but Xabi Alonso will expect more
Although Esteve wouldn't be a bad player to have in the squad, there is no way Alonso will settle for him as his only centre-back signing this summer.
The 44-year-old builds his teams from the back, and knows the kind of defenders required to form a solid base to build upon.
Esteve's value — currently less than £30 million — makes him an attainable option but there is no way he can be the Blues' main defensive target.
Alonso, and fans, will be expecting a bigger name with more quality to come in to spearhead a defensive revolution.
If BlueCo are serious about giving Alonso the players he needs to oversee a massive transformation, they'll need to up their ambition and start looking at Europe's best centre-backs, not the ones who have just been relegated to England's second tier.
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