Chelsea plan to be 'the next Liverpool' emerges but…

Chelsea plan to be 'the next Liverpool' emerges but they face Michael Edwards fight

Chelsea are reportedly aiming to become 'the next Liverpool' as they begin their new chapter under new owner Todd Boehly.

A consortium led by the LA Dodgers part-owner completed the takeover of the Londoners at the end of May, bringing to an end Roman Abramovich's lengthy reign at the club.

Closing in on a deal for Raheem Sterling and reportedly in talks to sign Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, Chelsea ae looking to strengthen this summer as they attempt to close the gap on Liverpool and Manchester City. New owner, Boehly, is said to be taking a hands-on approach to transfers, with a shift in transfer strategy enabling Thomas Tuchel to have a greater influence on prospective signings.

Boehly will be involved in the activity completed in the market during the current window, though the long-term aim is to mirror a system in place at Anfield. The i have suggested sources close to the Chelsea boss have likened this new process to that of Liverpool's recruitment drive under Michael Edwards' stewardship, which has provided Jurgen Klopp the power to declare the profile of player he is interested in acquiring.

It is added Chelsea's 'primary focus' is redefining the structure of the club in the post-Abramovich era, with a move towards analytics and an emphasis on youth. The above report claims Edwards has a 'longstanding relationship' with new Chelsea board member Daniel Finkelstein, although Manchester United and Real Madrid are reportedly also keen on exploring the possibility of adding Edwards to their ranks.

The Reds' sporting director announced in November he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2021/22 season, with Julian Ward filling the void left behind. This was a decision the 43-year-old made of his own accord as he explained why it was the appropriate time to step aside.

"I had always planned to cap my time at the club to a maximum of 10 years. I’ve loved working here, but I am a big believer in change. I think it’s good for the individual and, in a work setting, good for the employer too. Over my time here we have changed so many things (hopefully for the better) but someone new brings a different perspective, new ideas and can hopefully build on (or change) the things that have been put in place beforehand", Edwards told liverpoolfc.com.

"That’s how I believe businesses/football clubs stay ahead; you need to evolve and at the heart of this kind of process is always people. That evolution has always been central to Liverpool’s history and I hope that this is one thing that doesn’t change."

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