Chelsea reaching the Europa Conference League final is the latest sign that this season is increasingly approaching its conclusion.
Regardless of whether the Club World Cup counts as this season or next, the Blues' final four matches this side of the Atlantic will be separated from their first three Stateside by a transfer window. They will have ten days to do deals before the tournament begins, from the start of June, and bolster their squad during an exceptional registration period.
With under a month to go, there is no shortage of speculation. Here is a round-up of the latest rumours:
Leao links
Chelsea are reportedly having initial talks regarding Rafael Leao after initiating informal contact. The club's interest in the Milan player is said to be more advanced than any from Arsenal, according to CaughtOffside.
Al Nassr are also reputedly interested in Leao, whose priority is purportedly staying in Europe. The outlet claims Milan could sell the player for circa €75million (£63million).
football.london says: Leao would be the dream wide forward to play off the left for Chelsea this summer. Paying around the initial transfer fee that Mykhailo Mudryk cost to effectively replace the provisionally suspended player, two-and-a-half years on from that move, seems a reasonable price for a clear upgrade in the position.
Rogers 'ready'
Morgan Rogers is reportedly open to leaving Aston Villa and willing to hear out any appealing opportunities that may materialise. TEAMtalk claims the player is not pushing for a departure and is happy at his current club, who are said to want £90miillion for Rogers.
GIVEMESPORT have since reported that the Blues want to ascertain whether the England international is interested in such a move to west London. Contact is said to be coming before any negotiations with Villa.
football.london says: Arsenal and Liverpool are other clubs credited with an interest in Rogers. As such, finding out whether the player would be open to joining the Blues before Villa receives any transfer offers makes sense. Links to Cole Palmer and Enzo Maresca from their time together at Manchester City suggest that there may be mutual interest.