Chelsea optimistic about financial stability ahead of summer transfer window

Chelsea appear unconcerned about their financial state and do not seem to be nearing a violation of spending rules, according to information obtained by 90min.

In the aftermath of a January transfer window where Chelsea did not acquire any players, there were speculations that the team might face financial penalties owing to the massive expenditure throughout the year under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

Nonetheless, insiders say Chelsea is not in any financial trouble, attributing this stability to their impressive record of player sales over recent years.

Last summer, the Chelsea owners executed big player sales. Players such as Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Kalidou Koulibaly, Mateo Kovacic, Christian Pulisic, Edouard Mendy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Ethan Ampadu, and Callum Hudson-Odoi were all sold off. In addition, high-earning players such as N'Golo Kante, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left on free transfers, resulting in substantial savings in Chelsea's wage budget.

While Chelsea does not anticipate a similarly massive squad overhaul this summer, several peripheral players may be up for transfer.

Romelu Lukaku might be available for £37m when his loan with Roma ends, while Ian Maatsen's £35m release clause could be triggered in the summer. Armando Broja who was valued at £50m in January might be available for closer to £35m at season's end.

Trevoh Chalobah is free to exit Chelsea, but the center-back is presently seeking the right opportunity and would like to move to a club that can provide him with European football.

The sale of midfielder Conor Gallagher might provide a budget boost. Though not actively on sale, Chelsea is willing to entertain offers for players nearing the end of their contracts. Further, with Gallagher in his contract's last 18 months as of January, a previously suggested £60m fee could decrease if contract extension talks stall.

Chelsea is secure in their ability to spend, even before potential player sales, and sources informed 90min that the club intends to pursue several big-ticket players with over £200m earmarked for this summer's budget.

In terms of offense, Victor Osimhen of Napoli is high on the priority list. The Nigerian international recently renewed his contract, incorporating a release clause exceeding £100m to facilitate his transfer from Naples.

Defensively, Chelsea is said to favor Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande. Earlier contact between the clubs mentioned a release clause of €80m (£69m) for the 20-year-old, although this could change in the summer.