Chelsea fans must have been hoping for a summer of changes in order to regain their place in the top four but progress stalled badly during the World Cup.
The belated, protracted arrival of Maurizio Sarri should kickstart a flurry of activity at Stamford Bridge but one pressing issue for the new Blues boss to solve surrounds Thibaut Courtois.
The Belgian international, fresh from winning the Golden Glove out in Russia, has been persistently linked with Real Madrid and the move looks on as soon as Sarri can locate a replacement.
With Alisson joining Liverpool, who should Chelsea turn to? Football FanCast take a look at four potential Courtois replacements Chelsea could swoop for...
Kasper Schmeichel
The Leicester goalkeeper did not enjoy the best of seasons at club level but reminded the world of his quality with some crucial penalty saves out in Russia, and has been linked with a move to the Bridge.
The Dane is a strong Premier League goalkeeper who has international and Champions League experience, although it remains to be seen how he would deal with the demands of being at a bigger club.
Schmeichel's strong character may also appeal to Sarri; Chelsea underperformed last season and are in need of new leaders and Kasper is in his father's image from that point of view.
Petr Cech
Let go by Jose Mourinho when he chose Courtois instead, Cech has emerged as a surprise contender to take the Belgian's place.
It would perhaps represent something of a backwards step for the Blues to return for the man who has declined during his time at Arsenal, but he is a Chelsea legend.
The Gunners have recruited Bernt Leno to solve their goalkeeping worries so a deal could be there to be done, but it would be a short-term arrangement.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Italian prospect Donnarumma is reportedly the latest name that has been added to Chelsea's shortlist and it is difficult to choose a better young goalkeeper in world football right now.
He could conceivably be Chelsea's number one for the next decade and looks the best option of all now that Alisson is off the table.
With AC Milan's well-documented financial trouble, selling a key asset may appeal and Sarri's Italian connection may also help sweeten the deal.
Keylor Navas
Navas has not yet been linked with Chelsea but it is pretty clear that Courtois will be taking his place in the Real Madrid team if he does finalise the move.
The Blues could do worse than enquire about a part-swap for a player valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt, who has a host of international and Champions League experience behind him.
Bad goalkeepers don't win Champions Leagues and he is another who could bring a winning, steely mentality - he has been forced to silence enough critics in his time at the Bernabeu.