Free agent defender John Stones has emerged as a potential option for Chelsea in the current transfer window. The 32-year-old is on the lookout for a new club following his World Cup campaign with England, having left Manchester City at the end of his contract earlier this month.

Chelsea aims to sign players who can make an immediate impact in Xabi Alonso's first season in charge. The club is specifically looking for a centre-back who is physically imposing and brings valuable Premier League experience.

Key points regarding Chelsea's transfer activities include:

• Chelsea has raised approximately £130m from player sales this window.
• Several players are expected to leave, including Trevoh Chalobah, Benoit Badiashile, Malo Gusto, and Axel Disasi.

Additionally, Chelsea is in discussions with Crystal Palace over the signing of defender Maxence Lacroix. Reports suggest that Palace is seeking more than the £55m Tottenham paid for Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton to approve Lacroix's transfer. The relationship between Chelsea and Palace has been positive, with previous deals involving players like Chalobah and Ben Chilwell.

Chelsea's Key Summer Business So Far:

In:

• Geovany Quenda - Sporting, £43.5m
• Marco Palestra - Atalanta, £43m
• Denner - Corinthians, £8.7m
• Dastan Satpaev - Kairat Almaty, £2.1m
• Emmanuel Emegha - Strasbourg, undisclosed

Out:

• Marc Cucurella - Real Madrid, £51.8m
• Andrey Santos - Man Utd, £50m
• Tyrique George - Everton, £24m
• Jimmy-Jay Morgan - West Brom, £4m

As the transfer window progresses, Chelsea's strategy appears focused on strengthening their defense while navigating significant player departures.