The new Chelsea scares – AS.com

“I would like to be a coach with a legacy, but I have to earn it. Pep and Jürgen were not offered it just like that. You have to earn it”, assumed Thomas Tuchelin statements collected by the BBC during Chelsea’s North American tour. A tour in which the English team has not only begun to display its financial muscle but also its ambition in sporting terms.

After the sanction of Roman Abramovich and the subsequent sale of the club, which passed into the hands of Todd Boehly and the Clearlake investment fund, the exodus of defenders threatened Chelsea’s future. Christensen and Rüdiger announced their departure for Spain, while Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso expected (and hope) to do the same, but the team blue It has moved with agility in the market, sustained by the 225 million euro transfer budget, which could be more if they sell some players.

Thus, the first to arrive was Raheem Sterling for 52 million euros. A blow of effect to revitalize the blue attack, so punished in the last campaign by the irregularity of Lukaku (already at Inter) and Werner (who could still leave). Sterling, however, could be joined by a second addition on the offensive front, and Cristiano Ronaldo is still presented as the great option, since Serge Gnabry will renew with Bayern.

However, the greatest source of concern for Tuchel was the rearguard, as he himself acknowledged this Wednesday before the press: “I wouldn’t rule out signing another striker but right now it’s not our priority. The priority right now is our defense, It’s not a secret.” And as it is not a secret, this summer he wants to have three new names, but he already has two.

Kalidou Koulibaly, which has cost 40 million euros, he is the first defenseman and the second signing to be announced this window. But the blues have taken a blow when they went to waste the operation by Nathan Akéwhich was very focused. Now the club will have to find a plan B that could go through Koundé or Kimpembe.