The Athletic: Cucurella and Enzo are important, but Chelsea want to clear out players close to Maresca

TA points out that Chelsea's summer transfer window was a success, with the overall squad strength improved and player sales revenue comfortably exceeding £300 million for the second consecutive summer.

Chelsea: Was this transfer window a success or a failure?

Conclusion: Success. Chelsea's overall squad strength has improved.

Martinez's arrival represents an upgrade in the goalkeeper position compared with Robert Sanchez, and he can also serve as a mentor for long-term prospect Mike Penders.

Lacroix was a ready-to-contribute signing and quickly established himself at centre-back after joining the team. Chelsea signed Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, setting a transfer fee record for a British player. Although everything is still at an early stage, based on his combinations with Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, Chelsea already have one of the best attacking units in the league.

The team had previously often been criticised for lacking leaders and major tournament experience. With the arrivals of Martinez, Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck, this issue has improved. Emmanuel Emegha and Welbeck provide rotation options for Joao Pedro, although the Brazilian forward remains a key figure in the team's tactical system.

The depth of the squad's midfield options remains questionable.

Chelsea continue to hold the position as the Premier League club with the highest player sales revenue. Enzo clearly expressed his desire to leave, and Chelsea received a £125 million transfer fee from Manchester City, matching the Premier League record.

Enzo was just one of more than 20 players who left. Apart from a small number of young players sent out on loan, the club did not let go of any player it wanted to keep. Cucurella and Enzo previously held important roles within the squad, but Chelsea want to clear out a group of players who had close relationships with former manager Enzo Maresca.

Not all players targeted for departure completed permanent transfers, with some only securing loans. This means the club may have to deal with this group of players again next summer. Even so, only three players originally expected to leave remain at the club. Defender Anselmino was initially planned for a loan move but has now entered the first-team squad.

Club transfer finances

Spending on new signings exceeded £300 million. Excluding add-ons and loan-related costs, Chelsea's player sales revenue comfortably exceeded £300 million for the second consecutive summer.

After Fernandez's departure, sources inside Chelsea said the club spent around £328 million on signings this summer and received around £519 million from player sales and loan-related income. The Athletic could not independently verify these figures.

Complete list of new signings

Morgan Rogers: £117 million (Aston Villa)

Lacroix: £52 million (Crystal Palace)

Marco Palestra: £47 million (Atalanta)

Kunda: £40 million (Sporting CP)

Valentin Barco: Transfer fee undisclosed (Strasbourg)

Emegha: Transfer fee undisclosed (Strasbourg)

Chavarria: £16.3 million (Rayo Vallecano)

Martinez: £7.5 million (Aston Villa)

Welbeck: Transfer fee undisclosed (Brighton)

Satpayev: Transfer fee undisclosed (Kairat)

Jordan Henderson: Free transfer (Brentford)

Priority targets for the January transfer window

The deal to sign Monaco player Lamine Camara collapsed, while Roma's Manu Kone was also a target, meaning midfield reinforcement will inevitably become a priority.

Lavia and Reece James have struggled with injuries in recent years; 36-year-old Henderson is also already at the latter stage of his career.

Future decisions will depend largely on Chelsea's performances over the next four months and whether new injuries emerge in key positions.

Does the club still have the budget to spend?

Yes. The club's financial records show it has achieved considerable profitability, and it has funds available to continue investing in future transfer windows.