Chelsea are growing concerned that their current struggles could undermine their ability to attract top-tier signings, with interest in Anthony Gordon serving as an early sign of fresh worries at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are enduring a downturn late in the season.
The Newcastle United winger is among the players Chelsea have closely monitored ahead of the summer window, as the club looks to bolster its attack.
Sources, however, indicate that the team’s current sporting situation will significantly weaken their chances of securing such a deal.
Chelsea have long been interested in Gordon, but it is understood they have made additional inquiries to assess how they might position themselves to sign him, should he become available when the market reopens in June.
Nevertheless, Bayern Munich currently lead the race for his signature, and within the London club, there is an acceptance that they are no longer the automatic destination for Europe’s top talents.
This concern extends beyond Gordon, as the club explores ways to strengthen the squad.
After a disappointing end to the season and uncertainty surrounding the project, Chelsea are aware that convincing elite players to join is now far more challenging than in previous years.
Sources suggest that, at present, Gordon does not view Stamford Bridge as the most attractive option, given that Bayern can offer greater stability, a clearer sporting structure, and the guarantee of competing for major honors.
While Bayern lead the Bundesliga and came close to reaching the Champions League final, Chelsea have dropped to ninth place in the Premier League, lack a permanent head coach, and must win the FA Cup final to salvage their campaign.
People close to the club believe Chelsea should target a new winger, a center-back, a midfielder, and a striker in the upcoming transfer window.
After investing heavily in young prospects in recent years, the club now seeks more established players who can contribute immediately.
The interest in Gordon fits this new approach, but the club’s current predicament poses a problem, as Bayern push to secure the player.
Additionally, there is some concern that their league position and overall instability could become a recurring obstacle in negotiations for other priority targets this summer.
