Chelsea are set to announce the appointment of Christopher Vivell as their new technical director after the German's contentious departure from RB Leipzig.
The Blues have been scouring Europe for a new director following the departure of the highly-regarded Marina Granovskaia this summer. Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has been serving as interim sporting director, overseeing a major summer of investment in the squad.
Now, Stamford Bridge chiefs have opted to make the permanent appointment of Vivell just a matter of days after he left German club Leipzig. The Bundesliga side announced at the end of September that the 35-year-old was leaving his technical director role due to "contrasting views", and he quickly agreed terms to join the Blues.
As reported by the Daily Telegraph, Vivell has been on Chelsea's shortlist for some time, even though the Premier League giants failed to persuade Christoph Freund, another member of the Red Bull stable of clubs, to take up their sporting director position.
Former Liverpool chief Michael Edwards was also linked with a role at Stamford Bridge, but no agreement was struck. The report notes Boehly and Co.'s move for Vivell highlights their desire to establish a multi-club model in the mould of Red Bull's successful global network.
Chelsea will continue to search for a sporting director to work alongside Vivell, who was previously a scout and analyst for Hoffenheim. Leipzig announced his departure with a brief statement on Twitter last week which read: "Christopher Vivell was dismissed from his role as technical director on Thursday due to difference contrasting views. His duties will be taken over by by the existing setup until Max Eberl's tenure as sporting director tenure begins."
Will Chelsea finish in the top four of the Premier League this season? Have your say in the comments!
Chelsea's successful pursuit of Vivell comes in the same week it emerged they are closing in on a deal to sign prolific French forward Cristopher Nkunku from Leipzig. The two-time Champions League winners will pay just over Nkunku's £53million release clause to make sure they secure his services next summer, having already carried out medical tests.
The 24-year-old has scored nine goals in all competitions this season, having plundered 35 last season. He has put pen to paper on a pre-contract agreement with Chelsea and will make the move to west London next summer, if all goes to plan.
In another blow to Leipzig, the Blues are also targeting highly-rated defender Josko Gvardiol, who also saw an attractive release clause included in the contract extension he signed this summer. It is understood Chelsea will need to pay around £44million to add the 20-year-old Croatian to Graham Potter's ranks, having already held extensive talks with Leipzig over the transfer.
