Chelsea uncertainty after Roman Abramovich sale decision could create three problems

Chelsea’s summer transfer market plans are likely to be affected as the Champions League holders’ immediate future is untangled.

A consortium that is believed to include LA Dodgers baseball team part-owner Todd Boehly is expected to launch a bid for the Blues in the next few days.

Reports from The Telegraph and ESPN both say that Boehly and Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss are part of a project looking to buy the Premier League giants from outgoing owner Roman Abramovich.

As the conflict in Ukraine and Russian invasion has rumbled on for a week, scrutiny has turned to western sanctions against Moscow and Russian oligarchs, with Abramovich recently mentioned by MP Chris Bryant in the House of Commons as one oligarch who should face measures.

In the wake of that, Abramovich had announced that he was handing ‘stewardship’ of the club to the Chelsea Trustees group last Friday. However, that has run aground due to the Trustees not wishing to take on the club and be responsible for any financial problems that should later occur.

With that setback, it was confirmed on Wednesday evening that Abramovich would be selling the Blues, which will add some uncertainty to the futures of several players and possibly lead to the club altering their summer transfer plans.

Abramovich is believed to be looking for a fee of around £3bn for the club but if he is looking for a quick sale then he may have to accept a smaller figure.

British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe has ruled out any interest in buying the team from England’s capital.

Until new owners are confirmed, new contract offers to the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta may be delayed. The defensive trio are said to be the subject of other Champions League sides such as Barcelona and the news this week may hasten the acceptance of contract offers from foreign teams.

Christensen in particular is reported to be close to agreeing a move to Camp Nou, while Rudiger has been continually linked with PSG and Real Madrid.

Although Thomas Tuchel’s side are well placed to make the Champions League again next season, the squad may be in need of further reinforcement in the summer as key senior players such as Azpilicueta and N’Golo Kante go into their 30s.

A statement from the Chelsea owner in the week explained his thinking: “It is in the best interest of the club.”

The PA News agency says that more offers for Chelsea are expected in the coming days and supporters may hope for a quick resolution to limit any impact on the summer and next campaign.