Chelsea: Five players who could join the Blues after takeover completed

The takeover of Chelsea Football Club by a consortium led by Todd Boehly has been officially confirmed.

The club released a statement on Monday confirming that the American, who co-owns the LA Dodgers, had purchased the club from former owner Roman Abramovich.

The takeover marks the end of Abramovich’s 19-year stint at the helm of the club, during which time they have won 19 major trophies including all of the silverware available to them.

The change of ownership also sees the sanctions that were previously imposed on the club lifted, and the Blues can now buy and sell players as soon as the transfer window opens on June 10.

Manager Thomas Tuchel will be looking to strengthen in a number of areas, and here we take a look at some of the players that could be on their way to SW6.

1. Jules Kounde

Kounde looks likely to become the club’s first signing under Boehly

Sevilla defender Kounde looks almost certain to be the first signing of the Boehly era at Stamford Bridge. The Frenchman was very close to joining Chelsea last summer, and was also linked with the club in January, but looks to finally be nearing the move that he has made no secret of his desire for. The centre-back was recently spotted in London, and will be signed to replace the outgoing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.

2. Declan Rice

Boehly and co. are reportedly set to hand Tuchel a budget of around £200 million to bolster his squad ahead of next season, but the German will have to splash out at least half of that if he wants to sign Declan Rice. The West Ham United midfielder has been heavily linked with the Blues over the past 18 months, but the player could cost as much as £150 million, as per The Athletic. Jorginho and N’golo Kante are both set to be out of contract next summer, and Rice could be a suitable replacement if either of the pair do depart.

3. Ousmane Dembele

Chelsea are trying to sign Dembele on a free

Barcelona star Dembele is set to be out of contract in a matter of weeks, and Chelsea are currently the frontrunners to land the Frenchman according to 90min. The Blues are believed to be quietly confident of signing the 25-year-old, who worked with Tuchel for a season at Borussia Dortmund. The France international has struggled with injuries since moving to Spain, but finished the La Liga season with 10 assists in his last 15 league matches.

4. Neymar 

Perhaps one of the less likely deals to happen this summer, but Neymar has been linked with Chelsea and a deal could be done. Paris Saint-Germain are open to the prospect of letting the Brazilian leave the club this summer, according to Goal, despite him having three years remaining on his current contract. Speculation linking the 30-year-old with an exit have increased since the news of Kylian Mbappe’s new deal, and it appears that the forward’s future is in serious doubt. Chelsea’s current crop of forwards underperformed this season, and Tuchel could look to new faces.

5. Marc Cucurella

Cucurella has been linked with a number of top clubs after an outstanding first season in England

Marcos Alonso has been heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer and Brighton and Hove Albion’s Marc Cucurella could be a ready replacement for his compatriot. The Seagulls left-back has been in outstanding form this term, and is reportedly a target for Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City, according to The Sun. Ben Chilwell returned from injury on the final day of the season and will resume his first choice spot next term, but Cucurella would undoubtedly be a good option if they can fend off interest from rivals.

Chelsea look to have a busy summer ahead, with a number of names likely to depart the club before any new faces arrive. Tuchel could be tasked with sourcing an entire new backline if Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta follow Rudiger and Christensen out of the door, and the German will also be keen to add to his misfiring frontline.