On Monday morning Petr Cech became the latest of the Chelsea hierarchy to have their departure announced in an official statement from the Blues. The legendary goalkeeper will have his locker cleared out by the end of the month, despite reports he was asked by Todd Boehly to stay to assist during the coming weeks in the transfer window.
Marina Granovskaia is no longer in her role as a director but remains available for Boehly to call upon to aid the transition throughout the transfer window. The Blues' co-owner is no doubt the driving force in Chelsea's transfer window having been named as the club's interim sporting director in addition to taking the responsibility of chairman following Bruce Buck departing the role.
Thomas Tuchel had enjoyed a positive relationship with both Granovskaia and Cech, and now finds himself in a position of greater responsibility in making transfer decisions and working closely with Boehly. While Granovskaia has been fundamental in most significant Chelsea decisions over the last decade, Cech was specifically credited with his influence on landing Edouard Mendy, one of the club's most successful signings in recent seasons.
READ MORE: West Ham's transfer stance on Declan Rice revealed as Chelsea sent clear warning
When the Boehly-Clearlake Capital takeover was completed, 48-year-old Boehly cited his ambition to acquire 'the best talent' and now the LA Dodgers chief must shoulder that responsibility. Up to six transfers are expected at Stamford Bridge to facilitate Tuchel's rebuild of the squad that has been hit by Antonio Rudiger's move to Real Madrid and Andreas Christensen's contract coming to an end.
The Blues hold a strong interest in both Jules Kounde and Matthijs de Ligt, football.london understands, and with personal terms already agreed with the former after tracking the Frenchman last summer, the impact of changes in Chelsea's transfer hierarchy is perhaps already being seen.
While there is some suggestion that there was a divergence of opinion over Romelu Lukaku's future between Boehly and the previous regime, the American appears to have secured a return to Inter Milan for the Belgian and will now move on to other projects.
Chelsea have intensified their interest in de Ligt as the club look to add another defender to their ranks and Juventus are now said to be willing to part ways for less than their 100 million release clause. In contrast, where Granovskaia had led negotiations for Kounde, albeit unsuccessfully last summer, the west London side's progress has stalled. Though Boehly could still be working towards a deal for the Sevilla star.
While Boehly's meeting with Jorge Mendes exploded across media outlets over the weekend in relation to Cristian Ronaldo, the high-profile agent has uses beyond his direct clients. AS suggest that Mendes has assisted the La Liga side in a number of deals in recent seasons and Kounde could have been part of the discussions with steps taken to bring the defender to west London.
READ NEXT:
Todd Boehly targets Chelsea usual first transfer deadline as Blues ready Raheem Sterling bid
'People don’t understand' - Andreas Christensen sends honest Chelsea message ahead of transfer
- Full Chelsea Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Chelsea already have the perfect Marcos Alonso replacement but Thomas Tuchel faces transfer risk
Matthijs de Ligt transfer to Chelsea offers Todd Boehly vital task to earn Thomas Tuchel trust
