Head coach Thomas Tuchel has revealed that signing another forward is no longer a priority for Chelsea this summer.
On Wednesday evening, the Blues confirmed that they had completed the acquisition of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City on a five-year contract.
However, with Romelu Lukaku having already departed Stamford Bridge and other attack-minded players being linked with an exit, the West Londoners have naturally been associated with potential replacements.
Chelsea have been credited with an ongoing interest in Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who is said to be open to leaving Old Trafford.
Although Barcelona are the clear favourites to sign Robert Lewandowski, Chelsea have been named as an alternative destination for the Bayern Munich forward.
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Nevertheless, speaking on the club's pre-season tour of the United States, Tuchel has suggested that he may not sign any more fresh faces for the final third.
The German told Sky Sports News: "I would not rule it out but right now it is not the priority. The priority right now is defence, it's not a secret. From there we need to see what's possible.
"We're competing against the two top teams but Tottenham did a very active and aggressive and early transfer period, they have maybe the strongest squad they ever had with one of the best coaches in the world, Man Utd are never shy of recruiting with a new coach and Arsenal had some big signings already so we need to keep the level up to be competitive."
Chelsea are currently said to be closing in on two new central-backs, with the potential for a third later in the summer transfer window.
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Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly could be confirmed as a Chelsea player as soon as Thursday with the Senegal international said to have already flown to London for a medical.
Also on Wednesday, it was claimed that Chelsea had made a breakthrough in discussions with Man City with regards to a deal for Nathan Ake.
Paris Saint-Germain's Presnel Kimpembe is also allegedly on Chelsea's radar and could be targeted once at least one of the aforementioned transfers have been finalised.
Tuchel is working to strengthen his defence courtesy of the departures of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger on free transfers.
Furthermore, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has suggested that youngster Levi Colwill could leave Stamford Bridge on a permanent basis if three new defenders are signed.
Darren Plant
