The new house owners of Chelsea FC are in talks with Allianz, the German insurance coverage big, about taking on as its principal shirt sponsor as they grapple with the impression of a dire debut season on the membership's funds.

Sky News has learnt that Allianz is amongst a handful of firms in discussions with the Stamford Bridge outfit about changing the cellular telecoms firm Three on the finish of the season.

People near the scenario stated Chelsea hoped to strike a cope with a brand new sponsor inside the subsequent six weeks forward of preparations for the 2023-24 season.

The Blues' current cope with Three is reported to be value £40m yearly.

Todd Boehly, Chelsea's new controlling shareholder, was stated in February to be assured of touchdown a extra profitable deal than the £120m settlement struck with Three in 2020.

Chelsea's disastrous season on the pitch, nevertheless, dangers undermining its business ambitions, with the boys's group sitting in eleventh place within the Premier League - 10 factors above the relegation zone and 36 factors behind Arsenal, the present leaders.

The absence of European soccer from Stamford Bridge subsequent season will hamper its skill to acquire a bumper worth from a brand new sponsor.

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Chelsea is certainly one of a major variety of golf equipment, which additionally embrace Manchester United and Newcastle United, eyeing new shirt sponsors at a time when the Premier League is within the technique of lowering business offers involving playing firms.

Three briefly ended its affiliation with Chelsea final yr when the federal government sanctioned the membership's then-owner, Roman Abramovich.

A Chelsea spokesman declined to remark, whereas Allianz stated: "This is not an imminent deal for us."