Transfer deadline day is here and the drama is only beginning. We already had plenty of it yesterday and earlier this week, with one of the biggest developments being Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s decision to ditch Chelsea in favor of Liverpool, which has clearly left the Blues in a sticky situation.

Conte was supposedly counting on the Ox provide competition and backup duties at multiple positions, with the 24-year-old’s versatility a massive bonus that almost justified his £35-40m price tag. Alas, the kid had other plans, which is hardly Chelsea’s fault, though leaving things this late certainly is.

But, there’s little use in crying over all that at the moment. Contingencies must be explored and activated, and apparently one of those just might be reneging on the agreement with Newcastle United for the loan of Kenedy. Chelsea had already delayed this move a couple weeks ago because of depth and injury issues, but there’s a chance we now completely cancel it and keep the 21-year-old around as an emergency left wing-back and/or wide forward. Sorry, Newcastle!

Kenedy's loan to Newcastle is in doubt. Chelsea considering keeping him around for depth but time to go: https://t.co/a6hiwywXMV #CFC #NUFC — Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) August 31, 2017

Kenedy got himself into some trouble off the pitch with a couple rather offensive posts on his Instagram account, but after multiple apologies (from both the player and the club), a fine from Chelsea and an official warning from The FA, that matter appears to be settled. Hopefully the appropriate lessons have been learned.

Immediately after the incident, Kenedy’s Chelsea future looked all but done for. Now, thanks to our transfer market foibles, he may stay with the club after all (even if, it must be said, he needs to make some great strides before we can consider him a decent left wing-back).

Stay tuned.