Chelsea’s clearout plan has gathered momentum with five deals – led by those for outgoing duo Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz to Premier League rivals – on the verge of completion.
Chelsea need to raise funds, slash their wage bill and trim the size of their squad this summer and a flurry of activity is set to see them agree deals worth around a combined £130m before June 30, allowing them to be factored into the current year's financial accounts, a period in which the Londoners have splashed out around £600m on transfer fees.
That figure could increase further if an agreement is struck for Mason Mount to join Manchester United but Chelsea rejected a £45m plus £5m in add-ons offer from the Old Trafford club for the midfielder on Wednesday.