It does not look like Chelsea will let the exit of Mauricio Pochettino delay their transfer business.
Mauricio Pochettino left Chelsea on Tuesday by mutual consent.
The Blues are now looking for a new manager but, at the same time, it appears that they are also trying to strengthen their squad.
Striker and centre-back are two areas that could be addressed this summer.
Nicolas Jackson was the only recognised centre-forward in Chelsea’s squad during the second half of the season, while the club could replace the outgoing Thiago Silva.
Chelsea make early move for potential Thiago Silva replacement
With Silva joining Fluminense in the upcoming transfer window, Chelsea look determined to replace him.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Blues have already made an offer to Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo.
Getting the central defender out of the Spotify Camp Nou, though, is not going to be a cheap operation.
Earlier this month, another report, this time from Sport, claimed that Barcelona want €100m (£85m) for Araujo.
It would make the 25-year-old one of the most expensive signings in Chelsea’s history.
Who would partner Ronald Araujo at Chelsea next season if they signed him?
Potentially costing £85m, Araujo would be an automatic starter at Chelsea if he ends up joining the club.
If Chelsea’s next manager plays with a back four, that means there would only be room for one more centre-half.
Araujo, who has been described as “spectacular” by Xavi in the past, is right footed so would be expected to start at right centre-back.
That means Levi Colwill or Benoit Badiashile, both left footers, would probably get the nod to partner the Uruguay international.
Right now, though, given that Chelsea still do have options in central defence even after Silva’s exit, it would be a bit of a surprise if they decided to fork out nearly £90m on Araujo. However, when it comes to this new Chelsea ownership, you really cannot rule anything out.