Chelsea's decision day has arrived as the deadline set by the US bank handling the club's sale for Roman Abramovich for bids to be submitted is upon us.
It means the club could just be days away from their next owner being announced after Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government. But it remains to be seen who exactly that will be as the biggest decision in the club's entire history now looms.
It comes as the club earned a tidy £9million windfall that won't be blocked by the sanctions imposed on their current owner. And the club appear to have identified the perfect replacement for Romelu Lukaku to lead the line – and he's already on the club's books.
Here are Mirror Football's latest Chelsea headlines.
Have Your Say! What did you think of Chelsea's performance against Lille? Tell us here.
Ownership decision looms
US bankers Raine are set to select a preferred bidder for Chelsea Football Club as their Friday deadline for bids is set to pass.
Competition to be the Stamford Bridge outfit's next owner is set to be fierce with the likes of British businessman Nick Candy, US sports owners from the Chicago Cubs, LA Dodgers and New York Jets as well as public declarations for billionaires from Turkey, Ghana and Saudi Arabia all in the running. The selection process is likely to stretch into next week with the decision by no means a simple one.
The process now has been explained in detail by Mirror Football.
Club's £9million windfall
Chelsea have earned themselves a nice £9million boost that won't be blocked by the sanctions imposed on owner Roman Abramovich.
Christian Pulisic and Cesar Azpilicueta helped the Blues forget their off-field problems as they fired their side into the Champions League quarter-finals with a 2-1 win at Lille on Wednesday night. And those goals mean the club is due a tidy £8.9million windfall from UEFA in prize money.
And it could prove to be a vital boost amid the club's current situation.
Lukaku replacement identified
Chelsea appear to have found an ideal alternative to Romelu Lukaku up front.
Lukaku's return to Stamford Bridge has been far from straightforward, with the striker admitting towards the end of last year he was not happy at the club as he struggles for form on the pitch. That has led manager Thomas Tuchel looking within his squad for alternative options to play up front – and Kai Havertz has proven himself more than capable.
The German was impressive once again against Lille, with BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand comparing him to his former teammate Robin van Persie.
