“There are clubs” – Ornstein reveals what he’s heard form others teams about Chelsea’s project | OneFootball

David Ornstein has revealed there are clubs he speaks to who have admitted they need to take a “bit of a leaf” out of the Chelsea book in regards to wages and long contracts.

As has been the norm under the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership the Blues are once again set for a busy summer.

Chelsea have already signed Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro, whilst another attacker could arrive, and they are also in the market for a centre back.

Ornstein speaks on Chelsea project

Chelsea have been heavily criticised for how they’ve been run since Roman Abramovich left the club, and Enzo Maresca is the fourth permanent manager under the ownership.

The Blues have heavily invested in the playing squad, with some players working out, and others quickly moved on, whilst the long term contracts Chelsea hand out have come in for criticism.

Maresca guided Chelsea to their first trophy under the new ownership. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Last season was a campaign of progress with Chelsea returning to the Champions League, and winning the Conference League, the first trophy under the Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership.

Other clubs are starting to follow suit in regards to longer contacts and reducing their wage bill, and Ornstein has shared some information on the project.

“People say they [Chelsea] are stockpiling in certain positions, but that might look very different when players are shifted,” he told The Athletic FC Podcast.

“There are clubs that I speak to who say, look, Chelsea were mocked in certain quarters for the long contracts, their attempts to bring the wage bill down, and what appeared to be crazy recruitment, but they’re now looking at it and saying, actually, we need to take a bit of a leaf out there.”

More signings expected this summer

Chelsea have already made three signings, but it’s likely a few more new faces could come through the door, whilst a number of players need to leave.

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In the attacking positions West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus is a name of interest, whilst Lyon winger Malick Fofana reportedly remains an option.

Chelsea need back-up for Marc Cucurella at left back, and have been linked with Ajax star Jorrel Hato, although it’s gone quiet on that front recently, with other Premier League sides also interested.