LONDON: Some might have been forgiven for expecting Chelsea’s triumph in the Champions League to signal the end of the Roman Abramovich era given his obsession with conquering Europe since buying the club in 2003.
But as the Blues embark on a regeneration of the squad this summer, the clear message is that the Chelsea owner is looking to build on the European triumph by regenerating and improving the squad during the summer transfer window.
The clear instruction from the Russian is that he wants the Blues to play with more style and to re-establish themselves as Premier League contenders following a disappointing sixth-placed finish this season, 25 points behind the Manchester clubs.
The capture of Eden Hazard from Lille – confirmed by the Belgian on Twitter on Monday night – is a clear mark of Ambramovich’s ambition and his taste for winning. “I’m signing for the Champions League winner,” wrote the 21-year-old.
The sums involved in Hazard’s transfer are eye-watering. On top of the 32 million pound transfer fee, the attacker will earn 170,000 pounds-a-week over a five-year contract while his agent, John Bico, is expected to pocket around 5m pounds after conducting a high profile auction over several months.
Chelsea may be managerless – with Roberto Di Matteo still only ‘interim’ boss despite winning the Champions League and FA Cup – but Abramovich is driving the club forward regardless as he looks for the Blues to start winning in style.
The Russian wants swashbuckling attacking football based on the Barcelona model of short passing and pressing.
That’s why Pep Guardiola has been his preferred choice of new manager, indeed that is why he appointed a young, attack-orientated boss in Andre Villas-Boas last year.
He he may well get what he wants with Hazard alongside Juan Mata, Fernando Torres and fellow new signing Marko Marin. Hulk, the 30m pound-rated Porto striker, is also a leading target for the Stamford Bridge club to supplement Torres following the announcement that Didier Drogba is leaving.
Able to play either centrally or out wide, Hazard will see himself as the star of the show, having been likened to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo this season as he scored 20 goals and provided 22 assists in Ligue 1.
Abramovich has shown he is still ready to bankroll the club, to compete with the oil billions of Manchester City as he looks to conquer England and Europe in style. (Agencies)