Chelsea clearly mean business this season.

Frank Lampard's side secured a fourth place finish in the Premier League last term to ensure that the club qualified for this term's Champions League.

That achievement was even more impressive when you factor in the fact that they were coming off the back of a global transfer ban.

But since then the club have certainly kicked on.

The Blues completed summer deals for several high profile stars including Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Malang Sarr, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva, Edouard Mendy and of course, Kai Havertz.

It's hoped that those deals can close the gap on the Premier League title race which has recently been fought out between Manchester City and Liverpool.

But if you thought that Chelsea's spending spree was done and dusted, it seems that you're wrong.

Reports from German publication BILD have claimed that the Blues are interested in Denis Zakaria.

p1el7va4cm172k1nmn14bj1qd4gel9.jpg

The Gladbach star is regarded as 'a long-term target' for the west London side.

Valued at £36million by Transfermarkt, the 23-year-old is attracting plenty of attention from around Europe, including from the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City.

Speaking on The Byline Podcast, as quoted by The Express, Christian Falk explained: "It's true but Chelsea are not the only club keen.

"We know these clubs have shortlists and Zakaria is on the shortlist of Chelsea because he is a really good player.

"But he is also on the shortlist of United and the shortlist of City.

p1el7vc7uh115cgflsbt1196ellb.jpg

"He's really expensive for a player that hasn't shown in a big competition, I know that Gladbach knows there are interests from big clubs and also German big clubs.

"I think it's not his year to make a transfer and Gladbach don't want to sell him but if a club pays €50million or €60m of course there will be negotiations. I think we will have to talk about Zakaria next year.

"They [Chelsea] are watching him and they can see him in the Champions League which is interesting."

GIVEMESPORT'S Phil Spencer says...

Chelsea are determined to close the gap on title race.

After several years in the chasing pack it seems that the Blues are looking to seize the opportunity to challenge Liverpool and Manchester City.

p1el7vf70tnli1rtu1ip841ra13d.jpg

Frank Lampard's side aren't there yet, but if they carry on like this it surely won't be long.

Denis Zakaria is a player who is still improving and if Chelsea can get a deal done it will be a huge statement.

Of course with such intense interest there's a question mark over whether a deal can be done, but based on this summer's business you wouldn't bet against the Blues striking an agreement.