Xabi Alonso's first piece of business at Chelsea looks to be signing a prolific striker.
There has still been a growing sense throughout the season that the squad lacks a genuinely complete centre forward capable of delivering week in, week out.
Liam Delap's transfer from Ipswich Town last summer has been a total disaster with the 23-year-old finding the back of the net in the Premier League just once all season.
The Blues' lack of firepower has become increasingly obvious during matches where they've dominated possession without ever causing the opposition problems.
It is also one of the reasons so much attention has already shifted towards what type of striker Alonso will go for.
Chelsea preparing major move for Igor Thiago
According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are interested in Brentford's Igor Thiago once Alonso, with the striker viewed internally as one of the club’s priority attacking targets ahead of the summer window.
The report claims the Bees could demand a fee close to £90 million for Thiago after his hugely impressive first season in the Premier League which has seen him score 25 goals in all competitions.
Standing at well over 6' 2" tall, the 24-year-old is incredibly physical and combines it well with his technical ability. His movement on, and off, the ball has been hugely significant in his goal tally. His profile is clearly just what Chelsea are searching for.
Xabi Alonso’s arrival has already changed Chelsea’s recruitment strategy
One of the more interesting aspects of the report is the growing suggestion Alonso could have significantly greater influence over Chelsea’s recruitment strategy moving forward compared to the club's previous managers.
This will be important going forward given how poor some of Chelsea's recruitment has been under BlueCo. There is also emphasis placed on Alonso being handed the title of 'manager' compared to his predecessors who all worked as 'head coach'.
Far too often BlueCo and their sporting department have prioritised potential and resale value over players who can provide an instant impact. Thiago, considering his Premier League track record, would likely be one of the latter.
The biggest question, unsurprisingly, will revolve around the fee and just how much Brentford will demand given the fact their number nine still has up to six years left on his contract.
Should he arrive at Stamford Bridge, Thiago would undoubtedly carry an enormous price tag, and with that would come immense pressure.
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