On Thursday evening it was announced that the consortium that purchased Chelsea 12 months ago, BlueCo, had an agreement to invest in a stake in Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace. The move appears to be the first step in Todd Boehly and co's plans to set a up a multi-club model.
From the outset of the group's ownership of Chelsea, forming a cohesive multi-club model has been part of the ambition. The Blues want to better control the development of their players as well as more efficiently controlling costs by utilising their own pathways in addition to offering multiple access points.
BlueCo said in a statement: "This strategic investment would further our presence in European football, alongside our ownership of Chelsea. We believe it would create huge opportunities to share knowledge and expertise.”
While the release by Strasbourg added: "First, financially, by providing capital that will enable investment in the men’s and women’s first teams, the Academy and across the club. It also plans to provide Racing access to broad resources and collaboration. Racing's teams would be able to exchange advice and expertise with Chelsea and the other teams which the owners are involved with."
The most obvious and immediate connection that could potentially take place is facilitating loans between the sides. As such football.london takes a look at just some of the players the Blues could look to send to Ligue 1 to learn more of their trade.
Carney Chukwuemeka - After spending his first season at Chelsea among the ranks of the first team squad without earning too many playing minutes, Chukwuemeka will be hoping to kick on next season. There is every opportunity he can impress Mauricio Pochettino to earn a role in his team, but if that does not pan out, the Blues are open to the prospect of a loan deal.
Some may suggest a Premier League loan is more suitable but if the 19-year-old can earn a prominent role in the Ligue 1 team it could be a valuable training ground for his development.
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Cesare Casadei - The Italian's next move is difficult to predict after his standout performance at the under-20 World Cup where his Italy side finished second but the 20-year-old earned top goalscoring honours in the competition as captain of his nation. The Blues had a careful plan to develop Casadei which saw him spend time with Chelsea's development squad before heading out on loan to Championship side Reading in January.
His time with the Royals saw some upheaval and a relegation but the experience appears to have set the perfect platform for his summer performance so the question is now where the next step lies. Former Juventus star Claudio Marchisio believes Casadei would be 'ready' for a move to Juventus, but his next step also needs to be measured.
From a Chelsea perspective Ligue 1 would offer another feather to Casadei's cap in a physical environment that could serve as good preparation for the Premier League, rather than a return to what he knows in Italy.
Bashir Humphreys - After making his first team debut in January, Humphreys went on loan to Paderborn in Bundesliga 2 and shone as a leader in his side's defence. A step up in competition makes sense for his next move and perhaps Ligue 1 could be the perfect environment.
Ben Elliott - The 20-year-old has yet to enjoy his first loan away from Cobham but was one of the stars of Chelsea's development team last term. The academy star had his progress slowed by injury at the under-15 level but still looks a very good talent and recently made his Cameroon debut to be in contention for the African Cup of Nations early next year.
David Datro Fofana - With the expected arrival of another young forward in the shape of Nicolas Jackson and competition from a fit-again Armando Broja, earning some playing time has to be among the priorities of Fofana. The former Molde striker has shown good qualities in his rare Chelsea appearances and has been swiftly linked to a move to Strasbourg following Thursday's news.
Having not played much and been caught between Chelsea's first team and development squads, a move to France could be just what is needed for the striker.
Gabriel Slonina - Another player who it has been made clear has a development plan since joining. The US international is currently on international duty having stayed on loan with Chicago Fire at the start of last season before spending the final six months of the season with Chelsea's development squad, while featuring as third goalkeeper on multiple occasions with the first team.
Ligue 1 could be a solid environment for Slonina to continue his development and mature in competition with Matz Sels.
Malang Sarr - The French defender has two years remaining on his Chelsea deal after his loan to Monaco did not work out with injury spoiling the end of his time with the club. Sarr has proved his value in Ligue 1 previously with Nice however, and could offer Strasbourg help in the defensive department while ensuring Chelsea's squad is not bloated.
