New Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly raised eyebrows in July when it came out that he held a dinner event to meet with the representatives of every Premier League team. New reports indicate that the American may have had an ulterior motive for wining and dining his colleagues.
David Ornstein reports that during this dinner the chairman opened talks with other representatives over the signings of Marc Cucurella and Carney Chukwuemeka.
Todd Boehly Opened Transfer Talks at Executive Dinner Event
Marc Cucurella
It is said by Ornstein that The Blues’ co-owner broached the topic of signing the defender with Brighton & Hove Albion executive Paul Barber at the dinner. This initial conversation set the wheels in motion as the two reportedly had multiple conversations following the dinner where it became clear that Manchester City would not meet The Seagull’s valuation of the player.
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This allowed the deal to be done swiftly as the London side secured the signings of the Spaniard just a day before their Premier League opener with Everton.
Todd Boehly prepared to go all out for Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella and Frankie De Jong.
Negotiations continue with Leicester today. Leicester want 80m pounds, having rejected 60m pounds from the blues. pic.twitter.com/dziW20hXzF
— The thinker man (@kwekuedilson) August 4, 2022
Carney Chukwuemeka
Cucurella was not the only deal set in motion from the dinner as Boehly began negotiating with Christian Purslow from Aston Villa at the event. The prospect was signed not long after with Chelsea dubbing him “one of the most exciting talents in the country.”
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While eyebrows were likely raised when news spread of the dinner’s existence it has quickly become clear why the American businessman made it happen. It allowed his club to set wheels in motion for two major transfers, one of which looked very unlikely as Pep Guardiola’s side were favourites for his signature. Blues fans won’t doubt their new chairman again anytime soon that is for sure.
