It is looking unlikely that Chelsea will be able to complete any big-name signings in time with the winter transfer deadline merely days away. They have been linked with players like Jeremy Jacquet, Marcos Senesi, Jacobo Ramon, Douglas Luiz, and more, but none of the speculation has led anywhere substantial.
On the other hand, it does look like Chelsea might be about to complete one long-awaited transfer. It is an exit, though, rather than an arrival.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Axel Disasi is close to joining West Ham United on a loan deal from Chelsea as talks have advanced to the final steps. The defender was never close to joining Italian clubs despite several reports, and the Hammers are now accelerating.
Disasi has been out of the first-team plans at Chelsea for quite some time now. And ultimately, while a permanent exit route could not be found, at least he is heading out to a club where he can be involved.
'Close to joining' - Fabrizio Romano confirms Chelsea transfer news
While one centre-back is set to leave Chelsea, many fans will be hoping that another arrives before the end of the window. They have agreed terms with Jacquet, but finding an agreement with Rennes has proven to be far more difficult, with there believed to be a gap between what the French club want and what the English one are willing to pay.
Aaron Anselmino has been brought back from Borussia Dortmund after a solid first half of the campaign there. It is believed that the German club were interested in signing the Argentine permanently but instead his loan deal was cut short.
That might be the clearest indication yet that the club have accepted that they won't be able to sign a centre-back this winter. Of course, Anselmino could prove to be an excellent addition to this side, with Liam Rosenior used to working with youngsters.