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Chelsea FC bathing in money with mega Nike kit deal

By Ajitesh Rasgotra

MIAMI SHORES, FL - MAY 17: Nike soccer balls on the pitch prior to the U.S. Men's National team's training session on May 17, 2016 at Buccaneer Field on the campus of Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
MIAMI SHORES, FL - MAY 17: Nike soccer balls on the pitch prior to the U.S. Men's National team's training session on May 17, 2016 at Buccaneer Field on the campus of Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /
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The latest reports claim that Chelsea FC have secured a mammoth deal with kit manufacturers Nike to take over from the start of the 2017/18 season.

Chelsea FC last week made a surprise announcement that they would mutually part ways with adidas after the 2016/17 season. The latest report indicates why as they have apparently secured a huge kit deal with apparel giants Nike.

The Telegraph claims that the agreement sees Nike paying the Blues a whopping £60 million each year for the privilege to design the royal blue strip, dwarfing the £30 million-per-annum deal that Chelsea had with adidas.

"Telegraph Sport understands the deal with Nike is worth double to Chelsea than their current £30m-a-year sponsorship deal with Adidas."

Commercial director Christian Purslow evidently had this up his sleeve when the club triggered the adidas split. Given that Chelsea are due to pay the German company some £40 million in compensation, the divorce appears to be a West London decision.

However, the Blues will make almost the entirety of that fee in surplus benefits from the first year of the Nike deal.

The agreement, if true, shoots Chelsea to 2nd place in terms of manufacturing contracts. Manchester United are some way out in front with a yearly £75 million with Nike, but the Blues will enjoy a tidy windfall as well.

It was recently revealed that the club had sold more shirts than any other Premier League outfit over the 2015/16 campaign. This statistic would have increased Purslow’s leverage in negotiations with Nike as it proved that Chelsea are clear heavyweights in the commercial world.

Furthermore, this could not have come at a better time for the club. A major overhaul is expected over the summer with Antonio Conte taking the reins. Players are going to depart Stamford Bridge, but more are believed to be on the way in.

With a lack of Champions League football, Chelsea not only need deep enough pockets to match exorbitant asking prices, but they also need to compensate incoming talent for this fact.

If this report is substantiated (The Telegraph tend to be a trustworthy source), then this will give Michael Emenalo and the transfer committee slack to be ambitious in the next few months.

Next: Chelsea FC player evaluations 2015/16: Oscar

The commercial side of football is equally as important as results on the pitch these days. Chelsea need this deal.

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