CHELSEA co-owner Todd Boehly is believed to be open to another big spend next summer with Jude Bellingham top of his list.
The American is said to be “obsessed” with the idea of signing the 19-year-old midfielder, though there is intense competition for his signature.
The Blues’ midfield continues to be a problem for boss Graham Potter, and co-owner Boehly is driving the interest in England and Borussia Dortmund star Bellingham.
Liverpool and Real Madrid are also among the favourites to land the former Birmingham City youngster.
Boehly, however, does also have other areas to focus on.
After a big-spending summer was followed by the axing of Thomas Tuchel earlier this year, the Blues are unlikely to be busy during the January window.
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Potter is already planning for the next summer window, with a striker as the top priority.
But while there are other areas in need of investment, Potter and Boehly are both considering an upgrade in goal.
Potter has preferred Spaniard Kepa Arrizabalaga since moving from Brighton to Stamford Bridge, though the keeper missed the final weeks before the World Cup break due to a foot injury, meaning Edouard Mendy got a chance once again.
Chelsea forked out £22million to sign Mendy from Rennes two years ago after the world record £71million deal for Kepa was deemed to have been a failure.
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Kepa has shown improved form under Potter but is still not deemed to be at the world class level Chelsea require to compete at the top of the Premier League and Europe once again.
The former Athletic Bilbao man has been one of the most expensive number twos during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Kepa’s price tag and wage of around £150,000-a-week means he has been hard to move on, meaning the Blues may have to pay him off. The keeper’s contract runs until 2025.
Given the cost of keeping both Kepa and Mendy, Chelsea may be open to seeing both leave at the end of the season.
The Blues have former Fulham keeper Marcus Bettinelli on their books, while in August 18-year-old Gabriel Slonina agreed on a deal to join from Chicago Fire early next year.
Chelsea are close to completing a deal for RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku to join next summer, despite the injury he picked up with France on the eve of the World Cup.
The west Londoners remain keen on AC Milan’s Portuguese forward Rafael Leao, who scored in Portugal’s 3-2 World Cup win over Ghana.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
