Chelsea are already playing catch-up in terms of their summer business after shelving their recruitment plans because of the sanctions placed on Roman Abramovich.
Todd Boehly’s takeover means they can finally get to work on the rebuild Thomas Tuchel believes is necessary to challenge for the title next season.
He has the backing of the new owner – and all eyes will be on the American in his first summer window in charge
Boehly could make up to £200million available – but he is new to the world of football and he would not be the first to be caught by surprise in his first foray into the market.
Top priority
Tuchel knows he needs to spend in the region of £100m just to stand still as he desperately looks to replace out-of-contract Toni Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. He needs two top-class centre-backs to fill the void left by the pair, with Jules Kounde a top target.
Chelsea’s success under Tuchel has been based on a rock-solid defence, so it is vital he brings the right players, who can fit straight in. Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig, Villarreal’s Pau Torres, Jose Gimenez from Atletico Madrid and Torino’s Gleison Bremer are also on an extensive list of defensive targets.
