Chelsea are among the clubs taking an interest in Anthony Martial’s situation at Manchester United, but Roman Abramovich will once again have to wheel his way through the transfer window.
Abramovich is keen to spend big this summer transfer, but is facing a shortfall between £50m and £70m if Chelsea fail to qualify for Champions League and will have to sell players to meet Financial Fair Play rules.
Despite the uncertainty over who will be Chelsea’s manager, with head coach Antonio Conte expected to leave, Abramovich is preparing to refresh the club’s squad after a tough Premier League title defence.
Other than trying to strengthen the defence and midfield, Chelsea will attempt to strengthen their forward options and are considering the possibility of what to do if Real Madrid make a big offer for Eden Hazard.
Martial can play anywhere in a front three, and is viewed as a possible target if United cannot convince the France international to stay at the club. His contract runs till 2019 and there is a ‘plus one’ option that means his value will not drop this summer.
Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur have shown an interest in Martial, with the Italians thought to be ready to pay £44m to sign him and that would comfortably into Chelsea’s budget – as well his salary with the 22-year-old currently earning £65,000-a-week.
Jose Mourinho would rather keep Martial at the club and they may not want to allow him to stay in England if he does leave, but the Portuguese has previously proved that he is willing to let players join rivals for the right money.
There are also good relations between United and Chelsea, following Matic’s move to Old Trafford last transfer summer and Mourinho has made no secret of his admiration of Willian.
Chelsea still hope to convince Hazard to sign a new contract and stay at the club, but wait to see if Real tables a serious offer.
But Abramovich can easily raise the money to make up for a possible Champions League shortfall and satisfy the Financial Fair Play without having to sell off any their players.
Borussia Dortmund are interested in signing Michy Batshuayi, who is valued at around £50m, while Kurt Zouma and Kenedy value is at least £20m each.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tammy Abraham will not be sold, but Danny Drinkwater could leave Chelsea after just one season, West Ham are one of the clubs ready to pay £30m for his signature.
