In each of the previous two summer transfer windows, one of the key areas that Chelsea have attempted to strengthen has been central defence. This time, however, there is a curious lack of chatter around potential reinforcements.
Two years ago, Papy Djilobodji and Michael Hector were added to the squad. With neither ever making a single Premier League appearance for the club, it is fair to say that they did not create the impression that then manager Jose Mourinho was expecting. Last season, the services of David Luiz were secured at the 11th hour but the deal still represented just one new face in a part of the team that seemed ageing and slow.