January will test Chelsea’s progress. Maresca doesn’t need any new signings at this moment in time. There might come a point at which the Italian wants certain areas of his squad strengthened or remoulded, but right now Chelsea must get players off its books rather than add new ones. Chelsea must resist the temptation to spend more.

With Chelsea competing at the top of the table under head coach Enzo Maresca and being in the title race, despite their public protestations to the contrary, a new signing or two could make the difference.