Todd Boehly, Chelsea’s ambitious owner, seems to be on a mission, a mission to redefine the midfield landscape of the Premier League. If the murmurs from Spain are to be believed, Chelsea’s midfield expenditure under Boehly could soon eclipse the £400m mark.
Gavi: The Next Jewel in Chelsea’s Crown?
The latest name to be linked with the Blues is Barcelona’s prodigious talent, Gavi. As reported by The Daily Express, citing Spanish outlet Sport, the financial constraints faced by the Catalan giants might force them to part ways with their young maestro. With an £87m price tag, Gavi represents the kind of investment Boehly has shown he’s willing to make.
Barcelona, despite their rich history and legacy, find themselves in a precarious financial situation. While they are understandably hesitant to let go of one of their brightest prospects, economic realities might dictate otherwise. Gavi, alongside fellow midfielder Pedri, seems to be attracting the most attention, with Chelsea leading the charge.
A Midfield Revolution
Since Boehly’s takeover in May 2022, Chelsea’s approach to transfers has been nothing short of audacious. The American magnate has splashed out a staggering £899.55m, bringing in a plethora of talent across all areas of the pitch. But it’s the midfield where his vision seems most pronounced.
The Blues have already invested a whopping £336.5m in central midfielders. This includes a club-record £115m for Moises Caicedo, formerly of Brighton & Hove Albion, and a hefty £107m for Argentina’s World Cup hero, Enzo Fernandez.
Other notable acquisitions include Romeo Lavia from Southampton for £58m, Lesley Ugochukwu from Rennes at £23.5m, Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa for £20m, and Andrey Santos from Vasco da Gama at £13m.
Challenges Amidst the Spending Spree
However, money doesn’t always guarantee success. Despite the lavish spending, Chelsea found themselves in a tumultuous position last season, finishing a disappointing 12th in the Premier League. The campaign saw the departure of both Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, with club legend Frank Lampard stepping in as the interim boss. The result? A season without European football for the London giants.
Under the stewardship of Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea currently sit 10th in the league. The journey has been a mixed bag with three wins, three draws, and three losses.
Looking Ahead
If Chelsea do secure Gavi’s signature, it will be a testament to Boehly’s unwavering commitment to building a midfield powerhouse. While the past might have been challenging, the future under Boehly’s vision looks promising. With a blend of youth and experience, Chelsea’s midfield metamorphosis is a story that’s still unfolding.
