Chelsea's long wait for a return to Premier League action comes to an end tonight when the Blues host old rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca's first season in charge has been a rollercoaster - to say the least - as Chelsea's fast start hinted at a title challenge. Those hopes have faded as the season has drawn on, but the campaign could still end in a success.
The Blues remain firmly in the hunt for the top-four with Manchester City, Newcastle United, Brighton and Aston Villa all competing, too. While main focus is on the Premier League, an eye to the transfer window this summer is already being cast.
With that in mind, football.london has taken a look at a couple of headlines circulating around the club;
Sancho makes agent instruction
According to BILD, Chelsea loanee Jadon Sancho has insisted to his agent that he wants to move back to former club Borussia Dortmund in the summer. Manchester United signed Sancho from Dortmund in 2021, before loaning him back to the German club in January 2024 after he fell out with Erik ten Hag.
Both stints have seen Sancho play his best football and the demand from the forward - reportedly - came before Maresca insisted that the player "could do better" at Chelsea.
What FL says: Signing Sancho felt like a panic purchase even at the time and the winger has not been consistent enough to change public opinion. Spending £5m not to sign a player seems a wasteful way of using wealth, but it could get the Blues out of a hole. Aged 25, Sancho has not got an awful amount of potential still to grow into and clearly the Premier League is not where he plays his best football. Plus, should he want to return switch back to Dortmund, he is unlikely to be a happy member of the dressing room if he is forced to stay at Chelsea. Maybe the Blues need to cut their losses on this one and chalk it up to a lesson learnt.
Huijsen release clause set at £50m
According to The Independent, AFC Bournemouth are bracing themselves for plenty of interest in centre-back Dean Huijsen in the summer transfer window. Real Madrid are thought to be very impressed by the 19-year-old, who became a full Spain international last month.
Chelsea and Liverpool reportedly lead the interest from the Premier League and it's understood they have been informed of a £50m release clause included in the centre-back's contract.
What FL says: Money is tight for all clubs at the minute, but if this £50m release clause is the case, this could be immensely good business for the Blues. It is hard to believe that Huijsen is 19 considering how important he has been for the Cherries so far this season. In the most aggressive and physical division in Europe, the centre-back has settled seamlessly. He is only going to get better and - for once - it would not make one of those ridiculous eight-year contracts seem quite so ludicrous. Chelsea surely know that Huijsen could become one of the best defenders for years to come - and so they must act now.
football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel
Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Want to keep up to date with the breaking and important Chelsea stories whilst on the move? Well now you can!
Click this link to follow the football.london Chelsea WhatsApp channel, where you'll be kept up to date on the latest Blues news wherever you are.
Just remember to turn on the notifications once you've followed, and you won't miss a beat!