Under former owner Roman Abramovich, Chelsea had a reputation for making extravagant transfer purchases.
In his first two windows as a new co-owner, Todd Boehly developed the same habit, spending about £600 million.
The club boasts one of the best academies in the world, but its players were perpetually frustrated by being loaned out; this situation briefly stopped when the Blues were slapped with a transfer ban in the 2019–20 season.
Club legend Frank Lampard returned to the team as manager and filled the voids with players from the club’s academy.
He made debuts for eight graduates, including Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori, Mason Mount, and Reece James.
Lampard left midway through the second season and was replaced by Thomas Tuchel.
Abraham then left for AS Roma due to a lack of playing time for £34 million, as reported by BBC Sports.
Abraham hints at EPL return
In his first season in Rome, Abraham scored 19 goals and provided five assists in all competitions, helping Jose Mourinho’s side win the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League.
He has since grown frustrated due to a lack of playing time and increased competition by the presences of Paulo Dybala, Andrea Belotti, and Eduardo Bove.
According to Sky Italia, Manchester United and Aston Villa are interested in bringing Abraham back to England, with Chelsea also considering activating his €80 mil release clause.
His recent interview suggests he could be open to a return to English football.
“In football, never say never. Right now, my goal and my attention is on Roma: we want to finish the season well.
I haven’t even started thinking about anything other than just being here and doing my best,” he told FourFourTwo, as quoted by Football Italia.
“I wouldn’t say there are any loose ends in England; I’m in no rush. Maybe I’ll stay at Roma for the next ten years, or maybe not.
You never know what’s around the corner,” he added.
Arsenal interested in Abraham
Sports Brief also reported that Arsenal are interested in bringing Abraham back to England and could make a move this summer for the London-born striker. Roma will demand a fee of €80 mil and interested clubs would have to contend with Chelsea, who have a clause that would be active by the end of the season.