Chelsea transfer guru Marina Granovskaia set to follow Bruce Buck out door with Todd Boehly taking over as chairman

BRUCE BUCK will step down as Chelsea chairman at the end of this month, with Marina Granovskaia reportedly set to follow.

The 76-year-old served 19 years in the role but will step away as of June 30, with new owner Todd Boehly taking on chairman duties.

Buck was appointed in 2003 and has overseen a trophy-laden period that has seen the club win 18 pieces of silverware.

He will continue to serve Chelsea as a senior advisor.

Boehly is expected to take on chairman duties himself following Buck's departure.

Boehly, 48, has already been appointed chairman of the Blues' new ownership group that is funded principally by Clearlake Capital

Following Abramovich's exit, Buck could be followed out the door by Marina Granovskaia.

claim that Granovskaia is also set to leave Stamford Bridge, with Boehly also taking over her role as transfer negotiator.

Granovskaia, 47, could leave prior to August's transfer deadline, leaving Boehly in sole charge.

The American could grant boss Thomas Tuchel more power when it comes to the Blues' transfer dealings.

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Following the announcement of his exit, Buck said: "I am proud to have helped Chelsea realise great success on the pitch and make a positive impact in the community.

"Now is the right time to step down and let new ownership build on the strong foundations we have in place.

"The owners have a compelling vision for Chelsea’s future, and I look forward to helping them achieve it in this new role alongside our incredible staff, players, coaches and supporters."

Boehly added: "Bruce has led Chelsea Football Club to the highest levels of international and domestic football, while also developing one of the most active social responsibility projects in sport.

"We thank Bruce for his service and his commitment to the Club."

In addition to running first-team affairs, Buck also helped develop Chelsea's exceptional academy, now renowned for producing plenty of incredible players.

He also played a role in the establishment of the Chelsea FC Foundation, which does valuable work in the community.

An acclaimed business lawyer, Buck was a close advisor of Roman Abramovich, having helped facilitate the Russian's 2003 takeover.

Having worked in London since the 1980s, Buck was a Stamford Bridge season ticket holder even prior to Abramovich's arrival.

During the former owner's tenure Buck was the club's only other shareholder - owning one solitary share.

Chelsea are experiencing plenty of upheaval on and off the pitch.

The likes of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have already departed this summer, while Cesar Azpilicueta, Romelu Lukaku and Marcos Alonso could follow.

Boss Thomas Tuchel is desperate to make reinforcements to his squad, particularly after seeing Tottenham and Arsenal already strengthen.

The Blues have been linked with the likes of Raheem Sterling and Ousmane Dembele, while Jules Kounde is among their targets to bolster their defence.