The international break is here for the final time this calendar year and for the last time until March, making for an uninterrupted domestic club schedule ahead. For Chelsea, they will return from the two-weeks away in some decent form, having impressed against Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City.
There will be some time now to assess the fixtures that come in the next few weeks, with Newcastle their next big challenge ahead. Elsewhere, the January transfer window is starting to creep up on everyone, meaning teams will start to make their plans for the market.
The Blues continue to be linked with some big names in the coming months as well as a few youngsters for the future. With that said, here's a look at the biggest stories ahead of another busy day for Chelsea.
Chelsea boost for midfielder
Chelsea have been handed a boost in their hopes of landing Gabriel Moscardo this January as Fabrizio Romano claims the midfielder wonderkid is unavailable for Barcelona, due to their financial problems. The transfer expert told CaughtOffside: "The cost for interested clubs to sign Moscardo will be around €25m from what I’m told.
“Chelsea wanted him in August but there was no formal approach to Corinthians. Now, 5-6 clubs from the UK and also Italy are interested, but nothing has been decided or advanced at this stage. For Barça, he’s too expensive as of now.”
READ MORE: Man City release £84m confirmation on 15 transfers including two huge Chelsea deals
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Kylian Mbappe demand
PSG star Kylian Mbappe has outlined his contract request if he joins a team on a free transfer this summer, according to a recent report. It comes as the forward continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Real Madrid as his contract continues to dwindle.
Cristian Romero on Enzo Fernandez
Tottenham star Cristian Romero insists there is no issue between himself and Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez on international duty following on from the defender's full-blooded challenge on his compatriot earlier this month. It came during a London derby that had all the ingredients for a classic.
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