Chelsea Transfers

[robsblubot 3,595]

42 minutes ago, Mhsc said:

I don't really think we need a left winger tbh. Might be more tempted to look at Sesko and then have both NJ and Nkunku as wide options all of a sudden in the mix.

Good choices at GK, CB and ST would be an amazing window and all we need (maybe more than we need). I just want some stability. Least number of changes we can that will drive the team forward.

I really like Nkunku, but not sure his fitness struggles should be ignore by us, much less by the club.
One can say we've been unlucky with injuries past season, but the only player who has no injury history and became unavailable for much of the season was Enzo. Maybe Lavia too, as he has no history yet .

What if Jackson picked a knock? Or Caicedo? I don't see any player in the squad who can do Caicedo's job remotely at the same level.

This is all thinking about becoming competitive; from what I see and hear so far it's going to be another "building" season, unless it's again transfer market talk.

[Stats 7,225]

2 hours ago, Mário César said:

hmmmmm

It would be nice for us to actually give him a chance. He has excelled on loan and played a huge part in Ipswich getting promoted to PL. He is not as good as Olise (yet), however he has very similar qualities and a lethal shot on him. He was considered a real prospect at Arsenal. His talent is there. Yes, Olise is a top player but there also remains concerns about his injuries. Not an essential signing. If we want to target a player, should be more looking on the LW and maybe go for Eze. Will be a kick in the face for Hutchinson as well. He made a big decision leaving Arsenal to come to us. Hutchinson will get better and he genuinely looked quality at Ipswich towards second half of season. 

[Mário César 1,475]

 

 

[MoroccanBlue 5,399]

I'd imagine Villa would be strengthening pretty well this summer with Champions League footy. Felt their lack of depth hurt them in Conference League. 

[Mário César 1,475]

I hope not.

lets see what will happen 

[nyikolajevics 2,829]

24 minutes ago, MoroccanBlue said:

I'd imagine Villa would be strengthening pretty well this summer with Champions League footy. Felt their lack of depth hurt them in Conference League. 

They are also up for Barkley. That will be another challange for my mental health, seeing Barks in the Champions League while we play in Uzbekhistan on Thursday night,

[Mário César 1,475]

nooo

[robsblubot 3,595]

43 minutes ago, Mário César said:

nooo

considering the values involved in transfers these days, that looks awful low.

[Mário César 1,475]

2 minutes ago, robsblubot said:

considering the values involved in transfers these days, that looks awful low.

one year left of his contract

[ZAPHOD2319 4,942]

You know Man United will offer stupid wages.

 

[Mário César 1,475]

if arsenal really want him, we have no chances, tbh

[Thor 2,817]

39 minutes ago, Mário César said:

if arsenal really want him, we have no chances, tbh

That just isn’t true lol. 
 

we had Caceido go to us and Mudryk choose us. People acting like Arsenal are a powerhouse lol

[ZAPHOD2319 4,942]

 

[Mário César 1,475]

7 minutes ago, Thor said:

That just isn’t true lol. 
 

we had Caceido go to us and Mudryk choose us. People acting like Arsenal are a powerhouse lol

arsenal are in a better position than last year

[OneMoSalah 9,089]

1 hour ago, Thor said:

That just isn’t true lol. 
 

we had Caceido go to us and Mudryk choose us. People acting like Arsenal are a powerhouse lol

Yeah bet Arsenal are laughing at us now with Mudryk though. Liverpool won’t have been too disappointed given how Mac Allister and Endo did last season either in comparison to Caicedo and Lavia too.

Arsenal are in a much better position to compete for titles than we are - I think thats the point folk are trying to make, despite the cup final this season. Still got to win them right enough but would say a settled side and project like Arsenals is more appealing than ours at present but again with all the upheaval and changes that have been made again in such a short space, what do people expect it to look like?

Either way, not entirely sold on the idea of Sesko yet. We already have Jackson who is young and erratic in front of goal, for me it seems naive to go into the season with two young CFs. The options are limited for more proven and reliable 24-28 year old CFs though.

 

[Thor 2,817]

39 minutes ago, OneMoSalah said:

Yeah bet Arsenal are laughing at us now with Mudryk though. Liverpool won’t have been too disappointed given how Mac Allister and Endo did last season either in comparison to Caicedo and Lavia too.

Arsenal are in a much better position to compete for titles than we are - I think thats the point folk are trying to make, despite the cup final this season. Still got to win them right enough but would say a settled side and project like Arsenals is more appealing than ours at present but again with all the upheaval and changes that have been made again in such a short space, what do people expect it to look like?

 

 

Eh. 
Liverpool bought an aging Endo in an already old and on the down squad. 
My point with Mudryk is we got a player they wanted. We were chosen. As far as attracting talent still ahead. 
 

They’re in a better position to compete? Yes. The last two years. We’re a young team with players growing together now. We aren’t as far away as people think given our quality. 

[Vesper 31,037]

18 hours ago, Pizy said:

We’re probably gonna get some striker that most of us haven’t really heard of from a small club. Someone who is super young and unproven.

Which is of course the opposite of what is needed.

If we use 23yos and under as meeting the super young part, here you go with an extensive list of all remote possibilties:

 

In order of valuation, all the way down to €10m   

bold are ones I would say are the most likely to fit your framing

Evan Ferguson 
Benjamin Sesko
Gonçalo Ramos 
João Pedro 
Samu Omorodion
Vitor Roque (Barca are open to selling him supposedly)  
Victor Boniface    
Santiago Gimenez 
Joshua Zirkzee (agent commisions an issue though)
Elye Wahi 
Brian Brobbey 
Maximilian Beier
Karim Konaté   
Marcos Leonardo 
Youssoufa Moukoko 
Rodrigo Muniz 
Jhon Durán     
El Bilal Touré  
Arnaud Kalimuendo 
Georginio Rutter 
Thijs Dallinga  
Lucas Beltrán
Konstantin Tyukavin Russian
Kévin Denkey 
Gift Orban 
Georges Mikautadze 
Yuri Alberto  
Semih Kılıçsoy 
Santiago Castro
Ricardo Pepi 
Emanuel Emegha  
Alejo Véliz (but is a Spuds player who was on laon, so very hard pull)
Francesco Camarda  (only 16)
George Ilenikhena 
Faris Moumbagna  

Edited June 5, 2024 by Vesper

[Vesper 31,037]

Aston Villa hold preliminary talks with Chelsea over Conor Gallagher move

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5540459/2024/06/04/conor-gallagher-aston-villa-Chelsea/

Aston Villa have held preliminary talks with Chelsea about a move to sign Conor Gallagher.

Gallagher is entering the final 12 months of his contract at Stamford Bridge and has emerged as a top target for Unai Emery.

Villa are looking to enhance their squad after achieving Champions League qualification for the first time and manager Emery is a huge admirer of the England midfielder.

The midlands side are also in contact with Gallagher’s camp as they explore a potential deal following the 24-year-old’s excellent form last season.

There is a healthy relationship between the clubs — the new Chelsea hierarchy dealt with Villa when recruiting Carney Chukwuemeka in 2022 — and the west London team retain a strong interest in Villa striker Jhon Duran.

Colombia international Duran, 20, was considered by Chelsea in January and is again among the candidates to strengthen their frontline this summer, while enquiries have also arrived from Italy, Saudi Arabia and Spain.

[Vesper 31,037]

Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne ‘open to everything’ amid Saudi Arabia interest

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5539359/2024/06/04/kevin-de-bruyne-man-city-transfer-saudi/

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has said he is “open to everything” on his future amid interest in his services from clubs in Saudi Arabia.

The Belgium international will celebrate his 33rd birthday this month and referenced the potential increase in wages as being a potential pull factor to the Middle East.

De Bruyne has been a key player for City since his move from Wolfsburg in 2015, helping the club win six Premier League titles in nine seasons and their first-ever Champions League in 2023.  He has one year left on his contract at City and The Athletic has reported that he would be open to a move to MLS either this summer or next.

GO DEEPER

Kevin De Bruyne to Saudi Arabia: Would Manchester City actually let him go?

“At my age, you have to be open to everything,” De Bruyne told Belgian outlet HLN. “You’re talking about incredible amounts of money in what may be the last stage of my career. Sometimes you have to think about that.”

De Bruyne added of his family situation: “For (my wife) Michele, an exotic adventure is okay. These are also conversations that we are having as a family. I still have one year left on my contract.

“My eldest son is aged eight and knows nothing but England. He asks how long I will play for City. When the time comes, we will have to deal with it in a certain way.”

De Bruyne missed around five months of last season after suffering a hamstring injury, which required surgery, during City’s opening Premier League game. The attacking midfielder still made 26 appearances, scoring six goals and providing 18 assists.

De Bruyne is set to represent Belgium at this summer’s European Championship in Germany, where his side will face Slovakia, Romania and Ukraine in Group E.

GO DEEPER

Manchester City Transfer DealSheet: Guimaraes wanted; Bernardo and De Bruyne futures?

[Vesper 31,037]

Chelsea Transfer DealSheet: Centre-half and striker targeted amid need for sales

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5531899/2024/06/04/Chelsea-transfer-window-latest/

Few clubs will come under more scrutiny over what they will do during the summer transfer window than Chelsea, especially now another new head coach in Enzo Maresca has arrived.

Strengthening the men’s squad is not the only issue at stake here. Complying with profit and sustainability rules (PSR) has become part of the football conversation across the Premier League but, by qualifying for the UEFA Conference League, Chelsea’s finances come under the European governing body’s watch, too.

Their rules dictate clubs can only spend 80 per cent of their income on wages, transfers and agents’ fees in 2024-25.

So what do Chelsea have in mind? Here is The Athletic’s guide to what to expect.

What positions are they looking at this summer?

Chelsea seem to look for a new forward on an annual basis, so this is deja vu.

Nicolas Jackson showed a lot of potential but clearly needs help, especially with the club competing on five fronts, including the Club World Cup in June 2025. Naturally, there is hope Christopher Nkunku will be fit for the whole campaign, but he plays off someone rather than leading the line.

With veteran Thiago Silva gone, Chelsea require another centre-back. These two positions are the main priorities, although they would also like a winger. What else happens depends on the amount raised by outgoings.

Strengthening at full-back is another area that has been highlighted, while the goalkeeping department could also come under consideration, although Maresca may be keen to get more out of Robert Sanchez.

Chelsea have made a point of waiting for Maresca’s appointment to be completed because they want to discuss targets for the senior squad with him.

And, as per usual, the development squad will be on the lookout for more young talent from across the globe.

Which players are they looking at?

Chelsea have been admirers of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko for some time, but they face stiff competition from Arsenal.

There are a lot of other names on the list, but Chelsea have ruled out making a move for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen for a number of reasons. His release clause is in excess of £100million at Napoli, his style of play does not suit Maresca’s system, and there are concerns over the 25-year-old’s injury history.

Brentford’s Ivan Toney does not fit what they are looking for, either. The club distanced themselves from links with Sporting Lisbon frontman Viktor Gyokeres in January and that remains the case. There is long-lasting admiration for Brighton’s Evan Ferguson, however Brighton will demand a large fee and the 19-year-old’s form has dropped off. His last goal came in November.

As for defenders, Chelsea are growing in confidence they will beat Newcastle to the signing of Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer, with his contract at Fulham expiring. Barring any late surprise developments, the centre-back is on course to be the first arrival of the Maresca era.

One of the young full-backs they are pursuing is 17-year-old Pedro Lima, who plays for Brazilian club Sport Recife.

Chelsea continue to like Crystal Palace duo Michael Olise, whom they came close to buying last year, and Eberechi Eze. Nico Williams has a release clause of €50million (£42.6m; $54.2m) at Athletic Bilbao.

Even though Maresca is keen to work with Sanchez, he is obviously a big fan of Mads Hermansen having worked with the Leicester goalkeeper last season. Chelsea are also keen on Burnley’s James Trafford.

What moves have they made already?

An indication of just how Chelsea have been planning ahead is the moves already agreed for Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez.

Chelsea finalised a deal worth an initial €34million plus €23m in add-ons with Palmeiras last month for Willian, but he will join up next summer.

The same goes for Paez, who actually agreed a €20million switch from Independiente del Valle 12 months ago. Chelsea consider them to be the best under-18 players from South America.

Whose contracts are expiring? And who is expected to renew?

Silva has already gone and there are no other senior players out of contract this summer.

Conor Gallagher’s situation has been and will continue to be one of the main talking points because he has just a year remaining on his deal. In what feels like a similar scenario to Mason Mount’s before his £55million (plus £5m in add-ons) move to Manchester United last year, the midfielder is being considered for sale to raise revenue.

As a homegrown player, his departure will generate pure profit. When the season came to an end, there had been no developments in terms of negotiating an extension.

Who will make the key decisions this summer?

Chelsea’s recruitment policy is led by co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.

Joe Shields is a trusted member of the team as co-director of recruitment and talent, while Sam Jewell has just begun a role as director of global recruitment. The club’s co-owners will give the green light to any decisions.

Who will they be looking to sell?

Chelsea are prepared to listen to offers for a fair number of their squad. Gallagher is one of them, but other academy graduates are expected to make way.

Defender Trevoh Chalobah and striker Armando Broja could raise in excess of £50million between them.

Suggestions Chelsea will settle for £20m-£25m for Broja, who is wanted by Monaco, AC Milan and three Premier League clubs, are premature. They still value him at a minimum of £35million, a figure that could increase if the 22-year-old impresses with Albania at Euro 2024.

Ian Maatsen, who joined Borussia Dortmund on loan in January, has a £35million release clause which the club and the player will look to see triggered this summer. There is interest, too, in youngsters Omari Hutchinson and Alex Matos, who impressed on loan at Ipswich Town and Huddersfield Town respectively.

Chelsea have triggered an option to extend Hutchinson’s contract until 2026 but he will either be part of the first-team squad next season or sold. They do not see the point in loaning him out again but Maresca will take a look at him this summer and he could be part of the squad.

The club are keen to get some high earners from the previous regime off the books, too.

Galatasaray’s obligation to buy Hakim Ziyech after his loan has been triggered. Romelu Lukaku still has two years left on a contract earning him around £340,000 a week, the highest at Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea value the 31-year-old at £38million.

Kepa Arrizabalaga and Malang Sarr have just one year left on their deals and are also available for transfer.

Chelsea are already guaranteed to raise £28million when Lewis Hall completes a permanent move to Newcastle United.

What is their PSR position?

Chelsea are confident they will comply for 2023-24 and are not feeling the pressure to raise significant revenue before June 30 to meet the requirements.

While most outsiders concentrate on an overall expenditure on players of £1.2billion since the Clearlake Capital-Todd Boehly consortium took over in 2022, the net spend for last year (including amortising signings over the length of contract and player sales) is viewed at around £150m-£180m in-house.

They still intend to be busy before that date, but that is because they want a settled squad in place for the start of pre-season so the head coach knows what he is working with and can plan accordingly.

Chelsea also want to avoid having the group being too big by the time they depart for their tour of the United States in July and have individuals on the books whose future clearly lies elsewhere.

What sort of budget do they have?

Much will depend on sales, so there is no set sum. Chelsea are not planning to bring in a huge number of players, though, to revisit their lavish recruitment of the previous two years.

Sources within the club, who have spoken anonymously to The Athletic to protect relationships, say they want to spend more efficiently going forward. That not only suggests the budget could be smaller, but it could also be considered an admission that they have overpaid in the past.