Chelsea's rivals are circling! Why Premier League clubs are ready to test Blues' transfer resolve before June 30 as they eye up several of Mauricio Pochettino's squad

Long known for its shrewd negotiation tactics and high valuation of players, Chelsea are now facing the pressure to offload crucial assets to comply with the Premier League's financial regulations. Despite assertions from insiders that Chelsea remains on track to meet the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), recent financial disclosures paint a concerning picture. The club reported a pre-tax loss of £90.1 million ($116m) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, following a previous year's loss of £121.4 million ($156m), according to the Daily Mail.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino's remarks regarding the club's financial situation, during the pre-Newcastle press conference, further underscore the uncertainty surrounding Chelsea's transfer plans.

"I don't know because I need to also be informed," Pochettino said. "We will talk and I will be informed, for sure. But I don't know what's going to happen."

While Chelsea disputes the necessity of a fire sale to offset these losses, rivals are poised to challenge their resolve. With the June 30 deadline looming for PSR compliance, the club's rivals anticipate leveraging Chelsea's financial predicament to secure player deals at a discounted rate during the upcoming transfer window.

Nonetheless, Chelsea are expected to generate significant revenue which could help them balance their books to a significant extent. Prospects such as Lewis Hall and Romelu Lukaku present opportunities for significant cash influx, with Hall set to join Newcastle permanently for £28m ($36m) and Lukaku possessing a £37m ($48m) release clause in his contract.

Furthermore, loaned-out players like Ian Maatsen, Armando Broja, and Trevoh Chalobah are likely to command substantial transfer fees. Conor Gallagher's potential departure, should he fail to agree on a new contract, offers another avenue for financial gain - especially given his status as a homegrown player which would translate the entire transfer fees as pure profits for the West London club.