Why Chelsea will no longer be signing players at their peaks as new transfer strategy emerges - explained

According to The Athletic, Chelsea will now 'double down' on recruiting young and exciting talents in each transfer window. The club had previously looked to sign established international stars - such as Raheem Sterling and Christopher Nkunku - but will now target younger talents who can develop at the club.

This has been clearly outlined by the signing of 17-year-old winger Estevao Willian from Palmeiras, who will join for around £29 million (€34m/$37m). Elsewhere, the Blues have also entered negotiations with Aston Villa for England youth international Omari Kellyman, with a deal in the region of £19m ($24m/€22m) expected to be reached.

Even before the potential signing of Kellyman, Chelsea have spent over £150m (€177m/$189m) on teenage players since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took charge of the club in 2022.

With incomings like Kellyman, there must be some outgoings to create space. Left-back Ian Maatsen, who spent last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, is close to joining Villa and the likes of Conor Gallagher, Sterling and David Datro Fofana have also been linked with exits.