No bid for Stones or Pato or anyone else as Chelsea postpone transfer activity for another window - report

Halfway through the January transfer window, Chelsea have completed a grand total of zero signings, have made a grand total of zero sales, and outside of probably loan deal or two, probably will end up making a grand total of zero moves.  Certainly zero impactful moves -- signing someone like Alexandre Pato would not qualify as one either.

"We have Diego [Costa], Loïc Rémy is back from injury and we have youngsters to fill gap, so we are not in that [Alexandre Pato deal] at the moment."

"I am happy that Remy worked a full week with a high intensity [after a calf injury]. If needed, he can be on the pitch and that's new for me, it's good. As long as this is happening, we are not very active in doing other things."

-Guus Hiddink; Source: London Evening Standard

While it does make sense to not sign Pato as there are plenty of options in the squad to cover for Diego Costa, Chelsea are in dire need of reinforcements elsewhere.  The midfield, once again, is a major cause for concern thanks to Nemanja Matic's disappearance, while the defense is still not getting any younger.

We tried to solve the latter issue with John Stones last summer, but our very public and very desperate chase of the Everton man ultimately ended when our £37m fourth bid was rejected.  Even though Chelsea are still interested on the center back, according to the Evening Standard, we will not be pursuing him this January.  So get ready for another summer bidding war on that front.

Chelsea's transfer window standstill last summer was just the first misstep in a series of unfortunate events that has led us to this point.  We cannot unmake any of that, and certainly not in mid-season, so in that sense, it's good that we're not planning on doubling down on mediocre talent (or so we say anyway).  While attracting talent with a mid-table finish and no European football will be tough, fortunately money (should) still talk.  So it should be a fun summer in that regard.  Until then, play the kids, play the oldies who care, and get this season over with as quickly as possible (especially once we get knocked out of the FA Cup and the Champions League).