As the summer transfer window beckons, Chelsea are a team who could be on the busier side of the Premier League clubs in the market, both for incoming and outgoing players.
The Blues have drifted since the turn of the year, with Champions League qualification slipping out of their grasp, with snookers now required to dream of being back in the top European competition.
A lack of Champions League football is likely to hit the club hard in terms of finances, and could send the transfer churn into overdrive, with player trading likely to offset some huge losses.
However, with any key exit there is likely to be an incoming replacement, with Chelsea keen to improve the squad alongside their hunt for a new manager.
One exciting defender has since come onto the club's radar, and there is a sense that a transfer saga could be heating up.
Joel Ordonez linked with Chelsea transfer
Joel Ordonez
As Chelsea look to improve their defensive ranks, TeamTalk reports that the Blues are ready to step up their long-term interest in Club Brugge star Joel Ordonez.
The report claims that scouts were recently in attendance to watch the 22-year-old in action for the Belgian side having followed his career for many years.
Ordonez has become a regular starter for Club Brugge since his switch from Club NXT in 2023, and his profile could rise even further in the summer as he joins up with Ecuador for the World Cup.
A fee worth £35 million is claimed to be enough to agree a move for the centre-back, who has been described as an "exciting" talent with plenty of progress still to be made.
And a Chelsea move would certainly be welcomed by Ordonez's international teammate Moises Caicedo who said: "Joel is ready. I’ve seen his growth in the national team and what he’s doing in Belgium. He has the strength and the speed for the Premier League. I’ve told him that if he keeps this level, the top clubs will come knocking - and they have."
Chelsea could face some competition for Ordonez in the coming months, with Premier League rivals Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham, and Aston Villa all linked in recent weeks.
It remains to be seen whether the Blues can get a deal done, but it may depend on other moves within the squad to help create room for an arrival.
Chelsea's defensive transfer exits
Chelsea's Marc Cucurella leaves the pitch after he is sent off
Chelsea's summer transfer window could heavily depend on outgoings, before any signings can be made, especially if the club miss out on European football.
In the defence, Marc Cucurella has openly spoken about his future and continues to be linked with a possible return to Barcelona if a suitable offer arrives.
Beyond him, there may be questions over academy star Josh Acheampong, who has hardly featured for the senior side, despite showing plenty of promise.
Benoit Badiashile continues to be linked with a move away, while there may end up being doubts over Trevoh Chalobah, due to the pure profit Chelsea could bank over an exit of an academy graduate.
It remains to be seen which moves Chelsea can make to create some headroom. However, it looks set to be a tricky summer unless the hierarchy can seal some deals.
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