Pending the completion of the Todd Boehly/Clearlake Capital takeover, Chelsea FC are set to receive a mammoth 200 million pounds war-chest to spend on summer signing.
The UK government approved the sale of Chelsea to the Boehly-led consortium on the morning of May 25. With the American businessman set to become the club’s new controlling owner – and Clearlake the majority stakeholder – the Blues can proceed with their transfer plans for the upcoming transfer window.
Several key players will depart, with some already confirming their departures, leaving the 2020/21 Champions League winners in a vulnerable position. However, as per the Telegraph, the new owners will hand Thomas Tuchel and Co a 200 million war-chest for the upcoming summer transfer window to fix areas of concern within the squad and close the gap to rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.
Central defence is an area Chelsea are reportedl keen to strengthen this summer following a string of departures. Antonio Rudiger has signed a four-year contract with Real Madrid, while Andreas Christensen – and possibly Cesar Azpilicueta as well as Marcos Alonso – is on his way to FC Barcelona.
With only three recognized centre-backs on their roster confirmed to stay at the club beyond this summer, the Blues have begun looking for reinforcements; Sevilla’s Jules Kounde and RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol reportedly lead an eight-man shortlist of central defenders that the club has earmarked for a potential summer transfer.
Further movement could dictate Chelsea’s summer business, too. With attackers Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, and Christian Pulisic linked with a move away from the club, reports have matched Stamford Bridge as a possible destination for City winger Raheem Sterling. The Englishman’s contract at the Etihad expires in 2023, and he is thought to be a summer target for both Tottenham and Arsenal.
The Blues have also been linked with Inter Milan wingman Ivan Perisic in recent weeks – Perisic, who will be free of his contract on July 1. However, the Nerazzurri are keen to keep a hold of the Croatia international and are in talks to extend his deal.
