Signs are beginning to look more positive that the Chelsea takeover may finally go through in the next 24 hours.
Immediately, then, Thomas Tuchel is being linked with some bigger names rather than pot-boiler squad players which might be easier to get over the line while the ink from Todd Boehly’s pen is still drying. Even Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni may wish to hang on to hear what Chelsea would be able to offer, despite interest from Real Madrid, according to reports.
But just because those government sanctions remain in place, it has not stopped Chelsea working behind the scenes to try to line things up ahead of a busy summer.
Soyuncu to stem the tide
Tuchel is having to move quickly to try to stem the tide of outgoings, not least in defence where Andreas Christensen and Marco Alonso look to be following Antonio Rudiger through the exit doors. Alongside Thiago Silva, they have been the men to give the Chelsea defence some of its bite and improvement this season.
Leicester centre-back Caglar Soyuncu has been linked as a potential replacement for those departing. Chelsea fans may be scratching their heads as to why the world champions want to sign a player who was once behind Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans in the King Power pecking order.
But his peers voted him into the PFA team of the season and according to AS, for £19million the 26-year-old Turkey international is seen as a reasonable fit for those empty shoes. With just one year to run on his contract, though, there is plenty of interest with Real Madrid and Manchester City cited as possible rivals.
Sterling Chelsea's top-dollar signing
With Christian Pulisic removing all mentions of Chelsea from his Instagram profile, there might be room for a top-dollar attacking player and Raheem Sterling would be the sort of marquee signing to define the start of the Boehly era. The Manchester City player grew up in London but Arsenal ’s hopes of luring him back to the capital seem to have died with their failure to secure Premier League football.
His ability to play down the middle as well as on either side would give Tuchel options if the decision were made to end the whole Romelu Lukaku project after just one disappointing season. With Real Madrid fitness coach Antonio Pintus talking openly about what would be needed to get the 29-year-old back up and running, they could join a list of potential suitors that includes Inter Milan and Barcelona.
Have Your Say! Who should Chelsea sign this summer? Join the debate here.
Rabiot not exactly in the headlights
In Italy, the finalising of a Chelsea takeover is being seen as an opportunity by Juventus with Tuttosport linking Adrien Rabiot with a move to Stamford Bridge more in hope than expectation. The fact the midfielder could be available for as little as £12m is a reflection of the fact he is entering the final year of his contract at the club.
However, the hidden reason why the club are so keen to get rid of him is that every year of that contract is costing them in the region of £6m. Tuchel is looking to perform a widespread overhaul but if there is interest, it is likely to come a long way down the list for Chelsea.
