Michael Owen suggests Chelsea may have made two mistakes already this transfer window

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Michael Owen suggests Chelsea have made two mistakes already in the transfer window by selling to direct Premier League rivals.

It’s been a very busy start to the summer window at Chelsea when it comes to player exits, with several individuals securing high-profile moves to Saudi Arabia. There’s been some domestic transfers, too.

Mateo Kovacic has joined up with treble winners Manchester City, which goes to show just how much quality he possesses. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz officially signed for Arsenal last night.

We’re delighted to see the Blues hierarchy trim the squad for incoming head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who officially starts his role in a couple of days time.

But are Chelsea making a mistake selling first-team stars to league rivals?

Owen has discussed on Twitter some of the early business from Chelsea this summer.

The pundit is pleased to see the Blues sell players from an oversized group, but suggests a potential error in doing business with the likes of Arsenal and Man City.

He’s mentioned links between Chelsea and Manchester United as well, which we assume refers to the Mason Mount saga. The Guardian has claimed that Chelsea are keen to find a resolution to sell Mount to United.

Owen said: “Transfer window hotting up. Trimming their squad is exactly what Chelsea needed to do but I’m not sure they ought to be selling their players to teams like Arsenal, Man City and maybe Man Utd.”

Let’s hope last year was an off-season and Chelsea will be back competing with the top clubs next season. If they are, we do understand the criticism of directly strengthening a rival.

However, it’s best to look at each case on its individual merit.

We very much would have liked Kovacic to extend his contract and stay at Stamford Bridge, but it’s hard to argue against his sale when there was one year left on his deal. As for selling to Man City, they’re miles ahead of the rest right now and we don’t blame the 29-year-old midfielder for forcing through a switch to the Etihad Stadium.

In our view, the decision to sell Havertz to Arsenal is a lot more debatable. There’s every chance Arsenal will get more from the 24-year-old and he could go on to bigger thinks. You can’t say he’s not had enough chances during three years as a Chelsea player, though.