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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Chris Doyle

Roman Abramovich's visit to London and five Chelsea issues he wants to address

Roman Abramovich has returned to London for the first time in three years as the Chelsea owner visits family.

The 54-year-old's visa expired in April 2018, but was able to get back across to the United Kingdom after obtaining an Israeli passport later that year.

Abramovich's spokesperson confirmed the Blues chief has travelled over to see relatives, according to the Independent.

And he could reportedly visit Stamford Bridge during his time in the capital.

Abramovich will be relatively happy with how Chelsea have started the season following their Champions League win last term, but there is always room for improvement.

Here are a few issues he could address if he visits the Blues.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has visited London this week (Reuters)

January transfer plans

Abramovich could possibly organise a rendezvous with boss Thomas Tuchel and transfer chief Marina Granovskaia.

Chelsea were active in the summer window as they secured the signing of Romelu Lukaku, but they could look to bring in more reinforcements to strengthen their title bid.

January is a notoriously hard window to do business in, but one or two signings could make a world of difference.

The Blues seem to be well-stocked across the board, but they have always been a club who are ready to pounce if the right opportunity presents itself.

And Abramovich could discuss what the club's plans are for the upcoming window and how much money would be available.

Kounde revival?

One of Chelsea's summer targets that slipped out of their grasp was Jules Kounde.

The Blues were looking for another centre-half and the young Frenchman seemed to fit the mould for a Tuchel signing.

Sevilla raised their asking price for Kounde as the window was about to close, but Chelsea stood firm as they didn't want to go over the odds for the stopper.

That doesn't mean they wouldn't go back in for them in January or next summer, however, and the Spanish club's stance could easily have changed.

Abramovich would be keen to go over the club's approach for Kounde or discuss any potential alternatives if they have moved onto other targets.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Do Chelsea need to make any signings in January? Comment below

Rudiger contract dispute

Antonio Rudiger has caused a stir at Chelsea as he has yet to agree on a contract extension.

Multiple reports claim the German's wage demands are a stumbling block with his current deal set to run out next summer.

Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are reportedly ready to meet his demands, however, which puts the Blues in a tricky situation.

If he leaves the club in either of the next two windows, Chelsea could be in the market for two center-halves.

The club will want to avoid that and so will Abramovich - an issue he would certainly address if he pays the club a visit.

Mbappe planning

Kylian Mbappe might be destined to go to Real Madrid next summer - or stay at PSG - but never say never.

And clubs need to be prepared for any potential outcome.

As it stands, the French star will be out of contract next summer and there is no reason why Chelsea shouldn't be in the running, even if it is an outside chance.

Don't be surprised if Abramovich makes an audacious bid for Mbappe and he could use his time in London to iron out how they might go about that.

Saul struggles

Saul Niguez has had a difficult start to life at Stamford Bridge, but it's early days yet.

The Spaniard was subbed off early on his debut against Aston Villa after a nightmare showing and he has been on the fringes since.

Chelsea wouldn't have brought him in at the last minute if they didn't think they needed him or felt that he could not contribute.

But they'll have a decision to make at the end of the season whether or not they will exercise their option to buy for £30m from Atletico Madrid.

Abramovich has time to decide what that they will do, but he'll be looking for an update on how he's responded to this early setback.

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