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Boehly triggers release clause, £50m sale - Chelsea's dream end to January transfer window
Todd Boehly's spending has slowed since leading a Chelsea transfer spree in his first year at the helm.
Chelsea have seemingly drawn a line under three consecutive big-spending transfer windows, with Todd Boehly going about his business comparatively cautiously this January. The Blues could still go for broke with the time that remains, however, and there are several high-profile items on the club's to-do list.
It's been a winter of loan deals for the Londoners, both in and out, as they finally put the brakes on a period of relentless spending since Boehly and Clearlake Capital's takeover. Ian Maatsen and David Datro Fofana are bedding in at Borussia Dortmund and Burnley respectively, hoping to make good impressions during temporary spells away from Stamford Bridge.
Brazilian teenagers Diego Moreira and Andrey Santos, meanwhile, have each been recalled from loan stints that didn't go to plan. Mauricio Pochettino may discretely hold out hopes of at least one high-quality arrival before the window slams shut, and Boehly has the funds to make it happen.
Here, Express Sport brings you three outcomes that would mark a perfect end to Chelsea's January transfer window...
Boehly triggers release clause
There were murmurs earlier this month that Chelsea had submitted a £73million offer for Viktor Gyokeres. Those claims have since been refuted, and Sporting would reportedly hold out for the full extent of his £86m release clause in any case.
For the Blues' long-term vision to materialise, Boehly would need to trigger an even more expensive clause. Victor Osimhen is believed to sit at the top of Chelsea's wish list, and although he signed a new contract in December, Napoli's hand would be forced with a bid of £112m.
Snapping up the Nigerian goal machine would be some way to end the window at Stamford Bridge.
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£50m sale
With Pochettino surveying the market for options up top, one player within his ranks is rumoured to be on the chopping block. Armando Broja is highly thought of at Chelsea, with Raheem Sterling and indeed Pochettino among those to have sung his praises, but reports indicate that the Blues would be willing to entertain a permanent sale.
West Ham, Wolves and Fulham are all interested in the 22-year-old, who has been slapped with a £50m price tag by senior figures at the Bridge. Receiving the full valuation would bring a significant financial boost considering Broja came through their academy system.
Pochettino gives update on Chelsea's transfer plans
Loan deal secured
The signing of Andrey Santos from Vasco de Gama last year sparked excitement among the Chelsea fanbase. The 19-year-old is already a senior Brazilian international and tore through his opponents at youth level.
Big things were therefore expected when he joined Nottingham Forest on loan during the summer. But the Tricky Trees started him just once, leading to a prompt recall earlier this month, and the player is now believed to be weighing up whether to pursue another loan exit or stick with his parent club.
With Pochettino's midfield ranks already crowded, Santos receiving a loan offer which guarantees him minutes would be an ideal outcome.