Chelsea under pressure as transfer market deadline looms amid UEFA scrutiny.
The closing days of the transfer window are set to be decisive for Chelsea, with the London club under pressure to balance the books in order to comply with UEFA regulations.
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Failure to do so could leave the Blues unable to register players for European competitions and facing a potential fine of up to €60 million.
Chelsea have been one of the most active sides in the market in recent years, but this summer their dealings are being closely monitored.
At present, the club's transfer activity leaves them with a deficit of around €20 million. To avoid UEFA sanctions, they must post a neutral or positive balance before the window shuts.
The urgency stems from a €31 million penalty handed down by UEFA in July for breaches of Financial Fair Play rules. European football's governing body warned that any repeat infringement within the next four years would result in a further €60 million fine and potential registration bans.
Heavy spending and looming departures
So far this summer, Enzo Maresca's side have spent in the region of €280 million, with major signings including Joao Pedro (€64m), Jamie Gittens (€56m), Jorrel Hato (€44m) and Liam Delap (€35m).
Outgoings have generated approximately €231 million, and Chelsea expect to recoup a further €30 million once Renato Veiga's move to Villarreal is finalised.
Even with that deal, however, the club would still be around €20 million short of breaking even. Further departures from Stamford Bridge are therefore anticipated, especially if Chelsea press ahead with their pursuit of Alejandro Garnacho, whom Manchester United are unwilling to release for less than €50 million.
Several first-team players have been linked with moves away, including Raheem Sterling, Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, Carney Chukwuemeka, David Datro Fofana and Ben Chilwell, as Chelsea attempt to raise funds.
Multi-club ownership exploited
The club's precarious situation has also led them to take advantage of UEFA's multi-ownership rules. Paraguayan forward Julio Enciso, who is surplus to requirements at Brighton & Hove Albion, will instead be signed by Strasbourg – also owned by BlueCo – to join the Chelsea project in future seasons.
Due to UEFA restrictions, Chelsea cannot buy the player directly, nor can they loan him to Strasbourg as the French club have already filled their loan quota from Stamford Bridge with Penders, Kevin Paez and Malang Sarr.
The next few days could therefore prove critical in determining Chelsea's European ambitions, with compliance as much of a priority as recruitment.
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