Paul Merson has slammed Chelsea for selling both Mason Mount and Kai Havertz this summer and insisted it is 'not good business' by the club.
After spending more than £600m last season, the Blues have been looking to recoup money through sales as they aim to satisfy FFP requirements.
Several experienced and star names have already departed this summer, including N'Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy, while Mount and Havertz - both 24 - joined Manchester United and Arsenal for £60m and £65m respectively.
However, despite bringing in a substantial amount of cash through these departures, Merson didn't think the moves made sense for a variety of reasons.
'Let's be honest, selling Mason Mount and Kai Havertz is not good business from Chelsea. I just don't get it,' he told Sky Sports.
'It may make sense if Chelsea had to bring some money in, but there is no point getting money in at the expense of missing out on the top four, which itself will lose the club more money.
'Manchester United and Arsenal are going to be in the mix for the top four next season along with Chelsea, so why would you weaken yourself by selling two of your best players to direct rivals?
'Chelsea fans will say Mount and Havertz didn't have great seasons last season, but they are proper players who will definitely improve the teams they go to.'
Merson also criticised Chelsea's wider transfer strategy which has seen the Blues bring in several highly-rated young players over the past 12 months.
In January alone, they brought in Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Malo Gusto and Enzo Fernandez - seven players who are aged 22 or under - for more than £300m.
So far this summer, they have
Read on m.allfootballapp.com