THOMAS TUCHEL’S arrival at Chelsea could spark a late flurry of transfer deals at Stamford Bridge.
The German boss hasn’t even been in the role for a week but he is wasting no time stamping his authority on the side.
Thomas Tuchel could sanction a couple of departures on MondayCredit: Reuters
In the 2-0 victory over Burnley, his first as Blues boss, the likes of Ben Chilwell and Reece James started the game on the bench.
With the January transfer window closing tomorrow, it will give Tuchel the opportunity to trim the squad and possibly even make an addition or two.
Here are five players who could grab the headlines on deadline day.
Billy Gilmour
The midfielder is free to leave the club on loan after being left out of the last two matchday squads.
Gilmour, 19, is not going to be short of suitors after showing his sky-high potential on the pitch under old boss Frank Lampard.
Rangers are believed to be eager to bring back their former academy prospect while West Brom and Crystal Palace are also interested.
West Ham were keen but Tuchel doesn’t want to strenghten a rival gunning for a European spot.
Billy Gilmour is likely to leave on loan on deadline dayCredit: Rex Features
Olivier Giroud
The Frenchman started against Wolves in Tuchel’s first game but was an unused sub against Burnley.
Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham are likely to be ahead of him in the pecking order from here on which could see his Euro 2021 hopes in jeopardy.
Antonio Conte is a big fan of Giroud and would be eager for a reunion but Tuchel may feel he will be left threadbare in attack if the veteran leaves.
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Olivier Giroud may want to leave to boost his Euro 2021 chancesCredit: Rex Features
Emerson
It appears the left-back is deemed surplus to requirements at the Bridge.
He has only made two substitute appearances in the league all season and was left out of the squad against Burnley.
With Marcos Alonso getting the nod against Sean Dyche’s men it appears a long way back for Emerson to prove himself at Chelsea.
A move back to Italy could be on the cards with Juventus, Napoli and Roma all previously linked.
Emerson is deemed surplus to requirements at ChelseaCredit: Reuters
Kepa Arrizabalaga
The former Athletic Bilbao keeper will find his spot in Spain’s Euro 2021 squad under serious threat.
He is now the club’s second choice between the sticks and third choice for his country.
Kepa would be willing to leave on loan but a permanent move seems off the cards as Chelsea will want to recoup a chunk of the £71.6m they paid for him.
A temporary move back to Spain could happen but his £150,000 wages may be a major stumbling block.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has endured a nightmare season at ChelseaCredit: Reuters
Dayot Upamecano
If Tuchel wants to splash out, then Upamecano could be his first big-money signing.
The centre-back is free to leave RB Leipzig if a club match the £38m release clause in his contract.
Chelsea have been big admirers of the Frenchman and he could be eyed as the perfect long-term replacement for Thiago Silva.
But they face serious competition from Bayern Munich who have stepped up their chase for the big man.
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Cesar Azpilicueta scores first goal of Thomas Tuchel era as Chelsea beat Burnley 2-0
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
