Chelsea Transfer News: Market Hinges on Blues' Champions League Performance

The transfer window is wide open for clubs in the English Premier League to pluck players from within and without, but don't expect Chelsea to partake in the pandemonium just yet.

The Blues have plenty of work to do before they can even consider chasing after the Eden Hazards, Radamel Falcaos and Luka Modrics of the world. First, there's the small matter of Saturday's UEFA Champions League final against Bayern Munich. Chelsea must win in Munich to guarantee a return to European football next season, due to a disappointing sixth-place finish in the Premiership.

Like any club, the Blues could use the additional revenue that comes with a spot in the Champions League, albeit more to feign compliance with FIFA's financial fair play rules than anything else. Surely, Roman Abramovich, with his Russian billions, can afford to spend lavishly and frivolously to attract talent to Stamford Bridge.

It's what Abramovich might not have, though, that could hurt him most—the promise and prospect of continental competition. He may be able to fork over as much in weekly wages as anyone, but if Manchester City, Juventus, Real Madrid and Barcelona beckon for a big-name transfer target, can the Blues truly win out without the extra chip of the Champions League?

And who exactly will be the one orchestrating the acquisitions for Chelsea this summer? Caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo has already been pegged by some for a lame duck in West London, though a win at Allianz Arena this weekend may give Abramovich and Bruce Buck pause before making yet another change on the touchline.

Chelsea and Bayern won't be the only clubs whose futures will be at stake in that game. Tottenham Hotspur will be pulling hard for the hosts to keep the European Cup in Germany. If the Blues lose, then Spurs will earn a berth into the Champions League by virtue of finishing fourth in the EPL this season. Such would allow Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy the financial flexibility (and the lure of European football) to pursue the likes of Jan Vertonghen and Loic Remy.

But if Chelsea win, then Spurs will be left to stew in the Europa League.

(Note: don't be surprised if you hear Arsenal fans pulling for the Blues because of this twist of fate.)

So, other than potentially dictating what the club can and cannot do on the transfer market, forecast the future of the manager and determine Tottenham's expectations for the coming offseason, Chelsea's surprising trip to the Champions League final isn't of much import to anyone in particular.

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