Chelsea have understandably been virtually inactive in the January transfer window.
Following a spending spree in the summer that saw marquee arrivals such as Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell and Hakim Ziyech, Frank Lampard is focusing on a sense of direction and development of an in-game philosophy as his side enters the business end of the season.
Chelsea recorded an emphatic 4-0 win over Morecambe in the FA Cup third round game, that saw their attacking signings produce direct goal contributions, after a spree of poor results.
One of their goals is finishing in the top four while they will also be eyeing cup silverware. Cutting financial losses and completing outgoing transfers is another key concern for the London club.
On that note, we look at the top transfer stories surrounding Chelsea from January 11.
Chelsea's Castillo departs for Den Haag loan move
Chelsea youngster Juan Castillo's loan spell at AZ Alkmaar was brought to a premature end by his parent club.
The Blues youngster will instead play for ADO Den Haag for a six-month period on loan. He signed for Chelsea in 2016 from AFC Ajax and guided the academy to youth Premier League and FA Cup titles.
On joining his new club after an underwhelming spell at Alkmaar, the Chelsea starlet said:
“I want to show myself at the highest level and ADO Den Haag is a good club for that. Because I already know a lot of guys, I will certainly feel at home soon. I am an attacking player who likes to be on the ball and also holds his own in the duels.”
Permanent Napoli move a priority, says Bakayoko's agent
Tiemoue Bakayoko has seen an upsurge in his career since moving to the Serie A. A couple of stints, at AC Milan and now Napoli, seemed to have worked for the midfielder who seemed out of his comfort zone at Chelsea.
He also netted the winner for Napoli a day ago as his side beat Udinese 2-1 away from home.
And, his agent has lifted the lid on the Chelsea man's plans for the future claiming that a permanent move to Napoli is the target. He remarked:
“It’s too early to talk about that, there are many things that must be considered. He is on loan until the end of the season and he hasn’t talked to the club yet, but staying at Napoli would be a nice opportunity, we’ll see."
He continued:
“He has played for many clubs, but he is happy at Napoli, the results are there and this club would be an ideal option for the future. Napoli are Scudetto contenders, a positive ending is in everyone’s interest. Napoli will be his priority in June.”
Chelsea starlet Jade Soonup-Bell signs first professional contract
Only a day after his 17th birthday, Chelsea starlet Jude Soonsup-Bell has put pen to paper on his first-ever professional contract.
The youngster was asked to train with the first-team ahead of their FA Cup clash, and is now set to play for the development squad after a blistering couple of months for the U-18s.