Chelsea is set for a fire sale and it could see a number of rival teams pounce, although Manchester United’s bid for an England international isn’t going to plan.
Elsewhere, Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham’s pursuit of a centre-back continues.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are on the verge of adding some serious star power to its midfield in a staggering $AUD114 million deal.
Catch up on the biggest transfer whispers doing the rounds in the latest edition of the Rumour Mill!
Gorry talks home Glory for Matildas | 06:35
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RIVALS SEEK TO PROFIT FROM CHELSEA FIRE SALE
Chelsea have embarked on a fire sale following their stunning spending spree, trimming their bloated squad in an effort to comply with financial regulations as they prepare for a new era under Mauricio Pochettino.
In their first year under the ownership of an American consortium, Chelsea spent more on transfer fees than any club has ever done in a 12-month period, only to finish 12th in the Premier League — their lowest placing since 1994.
The arrival of RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku this week has added to the outlay of more than £500 million ($635 million).
But most of Chelsea’s business is focused on departures, with key players in the squad that won the Champions League just two years ago set to leave.
France midfielder N’Golo Kante has already said his goodbyes to join a wave of star footballers heading to Saudi Arabia, with other Chelsea players expected to follow him.
A potential influx of Saudi cash could prove vital to Chelsea’s chances of complying with the Premier League’s financial fair play (FFP) rules.
Clubs are allowed a maximum loss of £105 million over a three-year period, with deductions allowed for spending on infrastructure, youth and women’s football.
Chelsea looked set to be well over that limit, having posted £275 million worth of losses in the final two years of Roman Abramovich’s reign, even before LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly and private equity group Clearlake Capital took charge.
Some of the club’s new signings last season such as Enzo Fernandez and Mykhailo Mudryk were handed eight-year deals to minimise the impact of their transfer fees on the books.
For FFP purposes, transfer fees are spread over the number of years of the contract.
By contrast, sales can be registered in full as soon as they are completed and Chelsea are in a rush to get business done before the end of football’s financial year on June 30.
A number of Chelsea’s Premier League rivals are circling, keen to take advantage of cut-price deals.
Croatia international Mateo Kovacic is on the verge of joining English champions Manchester City for an initial £25 million.
England’s Mason Mount is the subject of serious interest from Manchester United, with just 12 months left on his deal at Stamford Bridge.
Germany forward Kai Havertz is close to joining London rivals Arsenal for £65 million, while Marc Cucurella could reportedly join Newcastle for around half the £60 million he cost Chelsea to sign from Brighton year.
Saudi interest in Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Hakim Ziyech is making waves.
All three found themselves out of favour last season and getting their wages off the books along with receiving a significant transfer fee would come as a blessing.
Business links between the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Clearlake have resulted in accusations of a conflict of interest.
Gorry talks home Glory for Matildas | 06:35
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has called for an embargo on transfers from Premier League clubs to Saudi to “ensure the integrity of the game isn’t being damaged”.
However, the Premier League reportedly investigated any links between Chelsea’s ownership group and the PIF at the time of last year’s takeover and was apparently happy there was no conflict.
The hard work in transforming Chelsea’s fortunes on the field, though, still lies ahead for Pochettino on his return to English football.
The club’s hierarchy are banking on the Argentine to develop the abundance of young talent at his disposal, much like he did as Tottenham boss between 2014 and 2019.
But the competition at the top of the Premier League is even tougher now with PIF-backed Newcastle joining the traditional top six of City, United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham in the battle for Champions League places.
And Chelsea’s reckless splurge over the past year could end up strengthening their rivals should Havertz, Mount and Kovacic go on to shine at their new clubs.
— AFP
UNITED SWATTED BACK FOR A THIRD TIME
Sometimes the third time is not the charm.
Manchester United have pursued Chelsea’s Mount for several weeks and recently had a bid of $85 million knocked back.
However, the Red Devils upped their bid to $104 million overnight, the club’s third bid for the player, proving their desire to bring Mount to Old Trafford.
But Chelsea have rejected United’s latest offer, according to multiple reports.
The Blues were reportedly holding out for $133 million, but have since lowered the asking price to $123 million.
Whether United are keen enough on Mount to make a fourth bid for him remains to be seen, especially since the midfielder has one year remaining on his deal and has rejected two contract extensions from Chelsea.
ANGE, SPURS KEEPING TABS ON JUVE STAR
Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of defensive reinforcements.
Just days after being linked to Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba, Spurs are now being discussed as a potential landing spot for a Juventus star.
According to The Telegraph, Tottenham are keeping a close eye on the situation of Gleison Bremer in Turin.
The Brazilian centre-back impressed during a tumultuous season for Juventus in which they were docked points and ultimately finished seventh.
Tottenham are reportedly not alone in monitoring Bremer, with several clubs waiting to hear whether the Brazilian will be made available having only moved to Juventus last summer.
The centre-back position is one of high priority for Spurs given Clement Lenglet has returned to Barcelona after his loan deal wrapped up while Davinson Sanchez is set to exit along with fringe defenders Joe Rodon and Japhet Tanganga.
TOON ON VERGE OF MAJOR $114M STATEMENT OF INTENT
Newcastle United are wasting little time in adding some serious star power to its squad ahead of its Champions League campaign.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali is set to join the Magpies in a staggering $114 million deal, a record fee for an Italian player.
Romano also reports Tonali’s contract will run until 2029 and he will receive an $11 million salary.
The 23-year-old began his career with Brescia before moving to Milan on a temporary basis in 2020.
A full-time switch to the Italian giants was sealed after his season on loan and he has gone on to be a crucial cog in Milan’s side while racking up 14 appearances (and counting) for the national side.
It is a massive statement of intent from Newcastle who are hellbent on continuing to gatecrash the traditional ‘Big Six’ in the Premier League, with further signings also expected.