“It hasn’t gone well” - Joe Cole offers opinion on Chelsea project as 2024/25 season kicks off

Former Chelsea and England winger Joe Cole has offered his opinion on his former club ahead of the Blues' 2024-25 season opener. The west London giants have undergone tough times in the last couple of seasons despite lavish spending under Todd Boehly and Co.

Since Boehly-led Clearlake Capital took over at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have spent over £1 billion but their investment hasn't yielded the right results. They have made a total of 35 signings in the Todd Boehly era and currently have a squad as big as 48 players.

Cole, who spent the best years of his career on the books of Chelsea, has admitted that he does not like the situation at the club right now. He also insisted that the Blues could do with some experienced players who could guide the youngsters. He told TNT Sports as quoted by Chelsea.news:

“It hasn’t gone well. I watch them every week, and I think a good sprinkle of experienced players throughout the club would really help the young players."

The west London side will start their Premier League 2024-25 campaign with a home game against reigning champions Manchester City on Sunday, August 18. They finished 12th and sixth in the last two campaigns in the Premier League respectively and now have a new manager in Enzo Maresca.

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Premier League side looking to beat Chelsea for Atletico Madrid attacker: Reports

Aston Villa are reportedly keen on the signing of Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix who has been linked with a switch to Chelsea. As claimed by Spanish journalist Belén Sánchez García via Atletico Universe on X, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has been in regular touch with Felix.

As claimed by journalist Ruen Uria via CFC Daily, the Blues have a deal agreed with Atletico Madrid for Felix as well as Conor Gallagher. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano also reported that the two clubs are close to agreeing a deal for the two players.

However, it has been claimed that Aston Villa are still chasing the Portuguese attacker's signature. Felix has failed to live up to the expectations he set in his early days at Benfica. His performances made Atletico Madrid splash €126 million for his signature in 2019.

Felix has been out on loan from Atletico Madrid since January 2023 after failing out of favor under Diego Simeone. He spent the second half of the 2022-23 season at Stamford Bridge and the last season on the books of Barcelona.