Roman Abramovich will present his new manager with a list of potential star signings and tell him to take his pick.
And Chelsea’s billionaire Russian owner has pinpointed four key roles – a centre forward, two full backs and an attacking midfielder – as the priorities for a summer spending spree.
Abramovich has used his scouting staff on a six-month project to build up detailed dossiers so that the next boss at Stamford Bridge can hit the ground running. A fresh bid to sign Tottenham’s Luka Modric will be one of the options.
Despite the uncertainty over who will be in the hot seat next season as permanent successor to Andre Villas-Boas, the Chelsea owner has been determined to continue with his strategy to rebuild the Blues squad.
Sportsmail revealed in December how Villas-Boas had instructed the club’s scouts to embark on a global mission to identify targets ahead of the summer.
That process has continued and the paperwork on potential transfer fees and wages is waiting for action.
Abramovich wants his new boss to have the final say on whom he signs, but knows he can’t afford to delay.
Some of the game’s most high-profile players have made the club’s wanted list.
The Blues are also targeting Atletico Madrid centre forward Radamel Falcao, Napoli midfielder Ezequiel Lavezzi, and Ajax central defender Jan Vertonghen, as Barcelona are keen to sign David Luiz.
Chelsea have already made contact with Porto over their interest in Hulk, and have had initial discussions with Real Madrid over the purchase of Gonzalo Higuain.
But their recruitment plans are likely to be offset by numerous departures. Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Florent Malouda are all out of contract and are set to leave in the summer.
Sportsmail also revealed in February that Daniel Sturridge is considering his future.
Meanwhile, Branislav Ivanovic has risked an additional FA ban after appealing against his violent conduct charge for appearing to punch Shaun Maloney of Wigan.
The Serb already faces a three-match ban, but that could rise to four if the FA decide his appeal is frivolous. It is understood Chelsea admit Ivanovic made contact with Maloney – but contest there was any violent intent from the 28-year-old. The appeal will be heard today.
