In an unexpected turn of events on Friday, FIFA have announced that Chelsea have been banned from registering players for two transfer windows after being found to have breached rules regarding the signing of players aged under 18.
Chelsea have already confirmed that they will appeal but Friday’s news has undeniably added to the sense of doom and gloom presently surrounding Stamford Bridge with a myriad of options for the Blues available.
Firstly, Chelsea must tie Eden Hazard down to a new long-term contract after being hit with the shocking transfer ban.
Hazard, who is contracted until 2020, has long been linked with a summer switch to Real Madrid and he admitted last year that he ‘dreams’ of one day playing at the Santiago Bernabeu.
They can also choose to bring in the following players.
Victor Moses: The Nigerian striker was key for Antonio Conte at the club, but is now in Turkey with Fenerbahce, although he only has one goal in four appearances.
Pulisic: The American signed for Chelsea in January, but will stay at Dortmund until June. For there he will join the Blues and is likely to become a key player in the coming years.
Michy Batshuayi: After a failed loan at Valencia, he is now with Crystal Palace. The Belgian may now have an opportunity to settle in London and make an impact on the team he joined in 2016. Since he moved to Chelsea he has had three loan moves.
Tiemoue Bakayoko: A €45 million signing from Monaco, the midfielder never settled at Chelsea under Conte. When Maurizio Sarri arrived the player was sent on loan to AC Milan where he has become a key element in the Rossoneri side.
Other possible options are Kurt Zouma, Mario Palasic, Kenneth Omeruo and Eduardo.
The Blues are now gearing up to play against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final this weekend, just two weeks after suffering an embarrassing 6-0 defeat against the Premier League champions.
Sarri’s side will then resume Premier League duties three days later as Tottenham arrive at Stamford Bridge, before a London derby against Fulham the following Sunday.