According to The Sun, the Blues are plotting an incredible four-player swoop for a host of Europe’s top talent this summer – including a club-record move for Jadon Sancho.
Frank Lampard is considering a sensational squad overhaul, with the Blues boss ready to sell eight big-money flops this summer. However, Chelsea were beaten 3-0 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, in what Lampard called a “reality check”. The Chelsea chief is now willing to sell stars such as £50million midfielder Jorginho, £71.6m goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and Ross Barkley – who could be sold for as much as £30m.
Blues bosses are said to be willing to give Lampard a kitty of around £150m this summer to make up for their transfer ban last summer. That sum plus revenue generated from sales could mean Chelsea have at least £300m to spend this summer.
And with that cash, Lampard is hoping to secure another FOUR signings to go along with the capture of £33m ace Hakim Ziyech. That means reinforcements and upgrades across the board, starting in goal. Kepa – the most expensive goalkeeper on the planet – has been dropped in recent weeks amidst an atrocious run of form, with Willy Caballero preferred.
In defence, Lampard has made no bones about the fact he needs a new left-back, with Leicester and England ace Ben Chilwell a long-term target.
Reports are now claiming Chelsea have joined Arsenal in the running for Red Bull Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano. The French defender would form a solid partnership in the heart of defence alongside Antonio Rudiger – with Reece James at right-back.
In midfield, Lampard recently called Mateo Kovacic his “only world-class” player.
The Croatian is therefore likely to start in front of defence alongside N’Golo Kante – with Jorginho and Barkley set to be moved on. Mason Mount should be given the chance to continue his progression in the No10 role.
But he could be flanked by TWO new signings, with left-footed Ziyech cutting in from the right and Jadon Sancho on the left. The Borussia Dortmund and England star is set to become the club’s record signing – and could cost around £120m on his own.
However, Lampard could get a good deal on a new striker, with Timo Werner’s release clause recently reported to be considerably lower than first thought.