Given what’s gone before it is no surprise Chelsea are preparing to put their battered chequebook to use again this month.
It’s almost as if spending close to £1billion isn’t enough.
Once more, co-controlling owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are willing to invest during the January transfer window in hope of rescuing a season that has so far been a huge disappointment - Tuesday night’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg loss to Middlesbrough the latest black mark.
It’s pertinent to stress head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s position is not believed to be under any immediate threat despite the most recent setback.