Todd Boehly exploring player trade deals to freshen up Chelsea squad

Todd Boehly will attempt to shake up Chelsea’s summer transfer business through a series of US-style player trade deals, the PA news agency understands.

Chelsea’s new supremo has already put the wheels in motion on a major administrative overhaul at Stamford Bridge, acting as interim sporting director this summer.

And Chelsea’s new co-controlling owner and chairman will explore a number of player swaps to freshen up the Blues squad.

Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech are among those who can leave west London this summer, it is understood.

Chelsea have been encouraged by Juventus towards a move for long-term defensive target Matthijs De Ligt, and Germany forward Werner could be offered in a part exchange deal.

Werner has failed to hit his Bundesliga heights at Chelsea but still remains a squad and fan favourite due to his hard-working attitude and upbeat demeanour.

Chelsea are thought to be willing to let the 26-year-old depart this summer however, provided a deal can be struck to suit all parties.

Juventus would demand up to 100million euros in a straight cash sale for De Ligt, but Chelsea would not entertain such a high fee.

Hakim Ziyech could be another to be included in a potential swap deal, but AC Milan are understood to have revived their previous interest in the Morocco winger.

The former Ajax star has struggled to impose himself on Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea, having been among those players Frank Lampard had wanted to build his attacking set-up around.

Chelsea’s new chiefs Boehly and Clearlake Capital have wasted no time in refreshing the Blues’ off-field structure.

The 48-year-old Boehly has taken the short-term helm as sporting director, and that means he will oversee all transfer negotiations.

Boehly has also replaced Bruce Buck as Chelsea chairman, with director Marina Granovskaia having departed Stamford Bridge too.

The Blues will search for a new sporting director in tandem with carrying out summer transfer business, but new playing recruits are the clear priority.

Former Liverpool transfer chief Michael Edwards is understood to be among the front-runners for the sporting director role.

Monaco’s Paul Mitchell is also thought to be keen on a return to England, and boasts a fine reputation in the global game.

Raheem Sterling is understood to remain among Chelsea’s top transfer targets for the summer, with the Blues encouraged by the Manchester City star’s desire for a new challenge.

Chelsea can still complete a deal for Jules Kounde but are yet to agree a fee with Sevilla, with the France defender ready to make the Stamford Bridge switch.