With the return of Frank Lampard to the club as manager and potentially more opportunities for English players as a result of both that move and the transfer embargo placed upon them, could Gareth Southgate be a beneficiary of Chelsea's change of course this summer?
An English manager getting the chance to manage one of the big six Premier League clubs is an increasingly rare thing and although Lampard's history as a Stamford Bridge player was a key factor in that opportunity arising he comes in off the back of a creditable first season in the dugout at Derby County.
Chelsea's track record suggests his tenure may not be long but the feelgood factor amongst supporters and the lack of ability to make moves in the transfer market may mean he is afforded more time than many who have gone before him.
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And with that transfer embargo comes a chance for players such as Mason Mount, on loan with Lampard at Derby last season and with a new contract recently signed, and Tammy Abraham to be chalking up first-team minutes at one of the biggest clubs in the country and the potential for full internationals Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi to become key members of Lampard's side.
Nationality and/or youth alone will not guarantee anyone time on the pitch and the new manager still has a host of stars at his disposal but SW6 may become a more regular destination for Southgate this coming season.