EXCL: Diomande more attainable than Todibo, Guehi still an option, Newcastle enquire for Chelsea man, Pochettino has no autonomy in January, Osimhen pre-deal possible, Toney, Gallagher, and more...

The Ben Jacobs Chelsea FC column!

Happy New Year to everyone! I hope 2024 is full of success, happiness and health... and, of course, Chelsea wins!

Chelsea closed 2023 with back-to-back wins. The 3-2 victory over Luton kind of summed up 2023. We saw huge potential and also some frailties, which you'd expect with a young side.

I do think Chelsea are on the right track, though. Remember, this phase of the project is part of a four-window plan. That doesn't just mean judging recruitment at the end of summer 2024, it also means assessing the current squad and manager at the same time. That's why if all goes to plan, Mauricio Pochettino will have a kind of appraisal at the halfway point of the guaranteed part of his contract. It's potentially a three-year deal, but the last year is a club option.

I expect Chelsea to have a strong January and book their place in the League Cup Final. And if they can end the month getting something away at Liverpool, and going unbeaten to start 2024, things will look a whole lot rosier.

2023 has been a tough year, and one in which the Chelsea hierarchy accept they have had to make some difficult decisions. But I also think there has been some shrewd business. Cole Palmer has proven a sensational signing. Of players 21-and-under, only Jude Bellingham has better goal contribution numbers. Palmer is not only clinical and creative, but a leader and extremely well liked off the field.

Noni Madueke has also found some form having been given minutes in the past two games, and he's rewarded his manager with two important goals.

And if Reece James' surgery can get him fit, and the likes of Ben Chilwell and Wesley Fofana return in 2024, Chelsea will have extra quality and depth.

I also think Djordje Petrovic deserves a shout out. He's been excellent in Robert Sanchez's absence. He made some key stops against Luton and looks composed with the ball at his feet. There's no reason he can't challenge for the No.1 spot.

Heading into January the big story is going to be whether Chelsea keep or sell Conor Gallagher. It's clear Pochettino would prefer he stays but, as previously reported, the Chelsea boss won't have any kind of autonomy in January.