Chelsea news: Expert issues ‘big-money’ claim as defender deal is done
Noel Whelan has claimed Chelsea may be forced to pay over the odds in their “big-money” summer rebuild as their defensive exodus begins with the departure of Antonio Rudiger.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Blues will have to meet teams’ asking prices as they race against time to draft in their top targets ahead of the start of pre-season.
Chelsea confirmed on Thursday (2 June) that defender Rudiger had completed a free transfer to Champions League winners Real Madrid after the expiry of his Stamford Bridge contract.
Meanwhile – Marcos Alonso, Cesar Azpilicueta, and Andreas Christensen have all been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona after months of takeover uncertainty at the club.
A consortium led by businessman Todd Boehly confirmed on Monday (30 May) that they have completed a £4.25billion takeover of the club from Roman Abramovich.
Whelan suggested the American will have to expect to pay “big money” during the off-season in order to complete a “rebuild”.
When asked if Chelsea could be forced to pay over the odds for their defensive targets this summer, he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Yeah, possibly.
“It might be a case of a down payment with add-ons for these players. Whatever the asking price is – they’ll have to pay.
“They’re rebuilding, and they’re going after quality players – so they’re going to have to expect to pay big money.
“There’s no real time for negotiations.
“If you’re going after these top players then they have to see it as an investment over the four or five years they may be at the club.”
In other news, pundit claims Christian Pulisic and teammate may lead Chelsea exodus after confirmed news.