Chelsea’s bid to replace Romelu Lukaku with Erling Haaland fell through because of the sanctions imposed on Roman Abramovich

The Russian’s 19-year tenure as Chelsea owner comes to an end after the UK government selected Todd Boehly as the preferred bidder to take over the Blues.

American billionaire’s consortium has agreed to raise around $4.25 billion

While news of Thomas Tuchel’s takeover is welcomed, the sanctions have created a great deal of uncertainty about Chelsea’s future, meaning they have been unable to plan for next season.

The takeover should mean Chelsea can once again compete in the transfer market but many clubs have already set their targets and ESPN claim the Blues lost to Erling Haaland as a result.

The Norwegian superstar was Tuchel’s number one target last summer and Romelu Lukaku was only signed after it became clear Dortmund would not sell.

A £62million release clause in Haaland’s contract means he can be signed with Dortmund this summer without negotiations, but the battle to convince the striker has already begun.

Manchester City spent several months laying the groundwork for Haaland’s signing and uncertainty over Chelsea’s owners meant they couldn’t move forward in talks.

Despite Chelsea’s unsuccessful pursuit of Haaland, Lukaku’s future remains uncertain.

The Belgian returned to Stamford Bridge from Inter Milan last summer for a fee of £97m but has lost his starting XI spot to Kai Havertz and fell out with Tuchel over Christmas after suggesting in a controversial interview that he did not agree with the German tactics.

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