Arsene Wenger says the new Chelsea owners will simply not be able to invest like Roman Abramovich.
Speaking on beIN SPORTS, the former Arsenal manager made it clear to those wishing to buy the Blues that their expenditure’s expectations may have to be reined in.
Abramovich pumped a cauldron of cash into Chelsea when he bought the club 19 years ago.
According to the Sun, the Russian has injected £2b into building a team able to repeatedly win trophies.
From bargains to blatantly wasted investments, he has never been shy at splashing his money.
However, the era of huge major spending sprees might now be behind the Champions League holders.
Last Wednesday, Abramovich officially put Chelsea up for sale, hoping to do so before potential sanctions induced by the government freeze his assets.
Show me the money!
A catalogue of wealthy figures have since stepped forward, with some bids already on the table.
But whilst interested suitors are willing to throw significant wealth at the project, many will be reluctant to lose these riches in the manner of their predecessor.
Even if they wanted to, though, financial fair play’s cold arm should prevent them from going crazy with the cheque book.
“You cannot. Today you cannot put that money in, privately, that is impossible,” said Wenger when asked if Chelsea’s next proprietor will be able to match Abramovich’s ability to dip into the piggybank freely.
“It is limited to, I think, £200m over three years. In that time, you could put a billion in.
“Always advise people who wanted to buy football clubs, instead of putting £100m in every year, put £500m in the first year and buy the right players, then you have a team.
“He (Abramovich) could do that and he did very well and today I think the club is managed very well and is at a top-level.”
Who should replace Abramovich?
Whilst we echo Wenger’s sentiment, there remains a fear that Chelsea’s successful model might crumble under the new ownership.
Many of the reported bidders are of American sports persuasion, meaning their outlook will vary to that of Abramovich’s.
Perhaps the best suited for the role is Jamie Reuben.
Newcastle United’s co-owner apparently could go after the top position at Stamford Bridge.
Having also previously been on the board at Queens Park Rangers, Reuben understands the inner workings of English teams.
The 34-year-old will also be aware of the FFP restrictions facing anybody planning on taking over Chelsea.
Are the days of spending £72m on a goalkeeper behind us? We rather hope so.
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