Chelsea Top Manchester City and United with Highest Premier League Player Wages

Chelsea have overtaken their rivals with the biggest wage bill in the Premier League last season as the Stamford Bridge club grabbed the title, annual figures have revealed. 

The 2014-15 salary figures—as made available by Companies House reports—show the Blues surpassed both Manchester City and Manchester United in terms of wages, spending a breathtaking £215.6 million, as quoted by Martyn Ziegler of the Press Association (via MailOnline.)

The total represented a £25 million increase on the previous year, but it was money well spent as the west London club captured the English league. 

In comparison, United spent £203 million, coming fourth in the title race, and City paid their players £193.5 million. Arsenal were the fourth biggest spenders with a reported total of £192.2 million, per Ziegler. Both Manchester teams reported a drop in wages last term, but Chelsea's investment in salaries paid off as they cantered to the Premier League crown.

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Despite the £25 million wage bill increase, Chelsea revealed they made a £42 million profit on transfer fees. The sales of Romelu Lukaku, Andre Schurrle and Ryan Bertrand boosted the coffers, allowing owner Roman Abramovich to invest in wages and capture Spain international duo Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas, per Ziegler. 

Ziegler also commented on the Russian personal financial interest in Chelsea, as figures showed Abramovich boosted his own investment in the club:

The acquisition of Costa and Fabregas spearheaded a wonderful start to the 2014-15 season for the Blues, as the pair scored and assisted on a regular basis.

The striker was named the league's player of the month in August 2014 and went on to score 20 goals during the season, and Fabregas collected 18 assists, according to Premier League website.

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The changes and investment heavily benefited Chelsea last term, but the team have collapsed this season, leading to the untimely demise of Jose Mourinho's administration at the Bridge. 

The Blues will need a full refit once the current campaign is over, and Abramovich will once again have to dip into his pocket to keep up with the major clubs in England. 

The expected arrival of Pep Guardiola at City next season, as cited by MailOnline's Chris Wheeler, further puts the pressure on Chelsea to spend on transfers and wages. However, Abramovich could yet pull a joker from the pack if he can tempt the Bayern Munich coach to succeed interim boss Guus Hiddink in 2016-17 and move to the capital city.