Chelsea line up €200m duo despite FFP fears

Stuart Telford

• 1 Apr 2023 13:59 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea are reportedly ready to spend big on Victor Osimhen and Alejandro Balde this summer despite the fact they need to balance the books amid changes to UEFA's FFP regulations.

Chelsea have already spent more than €600 million on player transfers since Todd Boehly replaced Roman Abramovich as owner last May, with Enzo Fernandez becoming the most expensive British transfer of all time when he joined from Benfica for €120m in January.

The Argentine World Cup winner signed an eight-and-a-half year contract, which means that the cost of his transfer will be divided over the length of his stay. Mykhailo Mudryk and others signed similar deals.

READ: Chelsea SECOND as Premier League agent spending hits dizzying high

But this is a loophole UEFA are looking to close as they revamp their Financial Fair Play regulations, and it is understood the Blues are now planning a summer clear-out, with Mason Mount to Liverpool becoming increasingly likely.

But with up to eight players potentially being sold, the Blues should still be able to go shopping, and Osimhen and Balde are at the top of their summer transfer shortlist.

Chelsea's Osimhen advantage

"Chelsea are strong contenders to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summer," report the Evening Standard. "Chelsea may have a small emotive edge in that Osimhen grew up idolising Blues legend Didier Drogba and was pictured in the club's shirt while growing up in Lagos."

READ: Victor Osimhen: Napoli give Man Utd and Chelsea ASTRONOMICAL asking price

The need for Chelsea to acquire a goalscoring No.9 is obvious, with Kai Havertz only scoring seven Premier League goals this season, Romelu Lukaku struggling with his fitness back on loan with Inter Milan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang bound for the exit this summer.

That left-back remains a problem position is more frustrating for Chelsea. Marc Cucurella is the most expensive of all time in the position following his £62m arrival from Brighton last summer, but he has struggled to impress while Ben Chilwell's injury record is a cause for concern.

Barcelona have been told by La Liga to reduce their debt by €200m if they want to play next season, meanwhile, and left-back Balde, having forced Jordi Alba out of the team, is one of their most saleable assets.

"The player's agent, Jorge Mendes, is in favour of him continuing [at Barca]- as is the player himself," report Sport. "But Mendes has also warned that if they need, there could be offers for Balde. One of the most interested clubs is Chelsea."