Some of Chelsea's loanees will be returning to the club this summer in the hopes of staking their claim in the first team next season.
The likes of Conor Gallagher and Levi Colwill had highly impressive seasons on loan, with many fans now thinking they could be ready to compete in the Blues' senior squad.
Armando Broja, who spent his campaign on loan at Southampton, is another one of those who could be involved under Thomas Tuchel next season.
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However there have been recent questions raised over his overall future at Chelsea, with many clubs looking to sign him on a permanent deal in the summer transfer window.
One of those clubs is West Ham, who are captained by long-term Blues target Declan Rice and should the Hammers wish to pursue their interest in Broja, then there is a chance that they could use their striker as bargaining power.
It is believed that Chelsea have told interested clubs that they will need to wait for a decision to be made on Broja before they can engage in any transfer business for the player.
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Blues boss Tuchel is keen on assessing the 20-year-old during pre-season before his future at the club is determined, especially a permanent transfer.
He previously revealed that he has been impressed by the Albanian forward during his spell at Southampton, saying: "We have a reason why they are our players. They have quality, mentality.
"They are now out there on their own in different environments, different clubs and proving themselves.
"Armando is getting better and better.”
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Despite Tuchel's faith in Broja, previous reports have revealed that West Ham have already opened talks with the striker over a potential move to the London Stadium.
His ten goal contributions for the Saints have seen a lot of clubs show their interest in the player in recent weeks, but negotiations with the Hammers could lead to Chelsea acquiring one of their desired targets.
Rice spent eight years in the academy at Cobham, before being released in 2014 and joining West Ham shortly after.
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The 23-year-old has since established himself as one of the Premier League's top midfielders, with Rice seemingly controlling the midfield with ease throughout many of his appearances for the club.
Such performances have seen his former side show interest in re-signing him, but Hammers boss David Moyes has recently insisted that the player is not for sale.
When asked about the speculation back in April, he said: "If I had heard something, I wouldn't tell you.
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"But the best thing to say is that 'no we've not', and let me tell you, he's not for sale. So, that may shut down any questions about Declan, but we do expect questions on him because he's doing so well.
"Is he irreplaceable? Well, I had to sell Wayne Rooney early when I was at Everton. I thought Wayne was irreplaceable but what happens in football is you move on. That is what happens in football.
"Sometimes things like this do happen but we've got no intention of letting that happen at this present time here at West Ham."
If West Ham are keen to sign Broja, then it would be smart for Chelsea to ensure that Rice is included in a deal in some capacity.
While a swap deal with a fee involved could be a solution, the Blues may look to sell Broja to the east London outfit in the hopes that it will give them some sort of leeway in a separate deal for Rice.
Such a signing would help sort Chelsea's midfield options for the foreseeable future, especially considering both N'Golo Kante and Jorginho will see their deals expire next summer.
It would be a huge signing for the Blues and a statement of intent from new owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, with the former keen to make 'bold signings' this summer.
Broja's departure would see the club lose one of their own talented youngsters, but it could also set the path for one of football's highly rated players to arrive at Stamford Bridge and compete for success at the club.
It could be another long summer in terms of waiting for Rice's potential signature on the dotted line at Chelsea, but West Ham's interest in Broja could make the signing a more realistic possibility.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Declan Rice, Armando Broja, Football, Transfers
Robert Calcutt