Report: Abramovich keen to bolster Chelsea’s board with figure that could help sign ‘unbeatable’ player

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Roman Abramovich reportedly wants to add Barcelona’s former technical secretary Ramon Planes to the chain of command at Chelsea.

According to Sport, the Stamford Bridge owner has identified Planes as a serious person of interest.

Who is Ramon Planes?

The 54-year-old left Barca last November before his contract concluded later this year.

He arrived at the Camp Nou in 2018 and was apparently behind several signings that have since proved to be worthy acquisitions.

Arguably his most noticeable achievement came in the form of Pedri, who moved from Las Palmas as a 17-year-old in 2020 for around €5m (Evening Standard).

Now, the Spain international has a contract with a €1bn (Sky Sports) release clause.

The man who discovered Barca’s best

Roland Araujo was another of Planes’ finest accomplishments.

The young defender left Boston River nearly four years ago to join the La Liga side.

After spending a short while in Barca’s B-team, Araujo announced himself to the senior squad fully last season.

“He’s an excellent defender, he was when he arrived at Barcelona,” said Garcia Pimienta, the club’s development coach.

“In open space he’s unbeatable because he’s so fast, quicker than (Carlos) Puyol.”

He has since become a valued member of Xavi’s rebuild and could embody a brighter future for the club clouded by disappointment.

However, Chelsea may put a pin in this optimistic idea.

Chelsea start the chase

Sport claim that the Blues are considering adding Araujo to their ranks, as they anticipate a wave of centre-back departures over the summer.

Step forward Planes, who might be seen as the missing link in this potential transaction.

If he helped sign the Uruguayan once, why couldn’t he do it again?

Chelsea will certainly need someone to help them sieve through all the transfer noise awaiting them at the end of the term.

Not only with possible incomings, but also aiding those on the verge of an exit.

It should be a busy time in South West London once the market reopens for business.

Abramovich has to have all hands on deck to keep the ship- or Planes in this instance- afloat.  

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