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<\/p>\nChelsea\u00a0icon Gianfranco Zola has hit out at the club’s ownership for letting four key players leave this summer before\u00a0Mauricio Pochettino took charge of the team. The club sanctioned exits for Cesar Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic while finalizing several incoming transfers, which the Italian admitted he was “surprised” to hear.<\/p>\n
Chelsea’s spending under the ownership of American investor Todd Bohely and Clearlake Capital has come under much scrutiny in recent years. Boehly bought the soccer franchise in a deal worth \u00a34.25 billion in 2022\u00a0from\u00a0Russian owner\u00a0Roman Abramovich and has spent around \u00a31 billion on players during that time.<\/p>\n
Almost a quarter of the sum was invested in midfield duo Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez – just two of the\u00a030 first-team players that have come through the door. But while the incomings have been a shock, the club’s outgoings have also caused a stir.<\/p>\n
Cesar Azpilicueta made the move to Spanish team Atletico Madrid in the summer after 11 years at the club, while Jorginho and Kai Havertz moved across London to join Arsenal. Fellow midfielder Mateo Kovacic also joined a Premier League rival in Manchester City.<\/p>\n
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While these deals were made to bring much-needed revenue back into the club, in accordance with Financial Fair Play regulations, Chelsea icon\u00a0Gianfranco Zola believes that the moves could be damaging. \u201cI am surprised so many experienced players left,\u201d Zola told The Times.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy understanding is they are planning to build a team within the next three or four years but players left that were there a long time and that won a lot \u2013 [Cesar] Azpilicueta, Jorginho, [Kai] Havertz, [Mateo] Kovacic \u2014 players that probably everyone looked up to. You need those players. In difficult moments you rely on those players. So many left and that doesn\u2019t help the situation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zola’s claims have been backed up by Chelsea’s recent Premier League performances. The club currently sits 11th in the league with two wins, two draws and three defeats.<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Despite letting the players go to acquire new funds for further spending, Chelsea’s owner Todd Boehly has been exploring new ways to increase revenue.\u00a0A recent report from,\u00a0Bloomberg, revealed that the club is exploring a \u00a3250 million investment which would involve the Bank of America Corp. working as advisors.<\/p>\n The loan would coincide with a further\u00a0\u00a3400 million investment from U.S. firm\u00a0Ares Management. The deal would help towards the proposed expansion and renovation of Stamford Bridge, something which Boehly agreed to put\u00a0around \u00a32 billion behind when purchased the club.<\/p>\n Chelsea will be looking to capitalize on their recent 2-0 win over Fulham as they head to Burnley on Saturday in search of another vital three points.<\/p>\n
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