Chelsea Transfers

[nyikolajevics 2,836]

3 hours ago, mkh said:

Juventus Turin see Andrey Santos as a realistic and appealing option should a deal for Emile Hojbjerg fail to materialise.

(@Tuttojuve)

With Lavia and Essugo missing all the time it's not really time to let him go this January, but for a good bid I wouldn't object.. He is not offering too much for current team.

[Vesper 31,112]

Most physically robust outfield players

https://football-observatory.com/WeeklyPost526

The 526th CIES Football Observatory Weekly Post presents the most physically robust outfield players in terms of minutes played in official matches (club and national team) over the past year. Paraguayan international Júnior Alonso (Atlético Mineiro) tops the list, ahead of Belgium's Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge) and Argentina's Nicolás Otamendi (SL Benfica).

Among players born in 2004 or later, the top three are Dutchman Wouter Goes (AZ Alkmaar), Ecuadorian Joel Ordóñez (Club Brugge) and Belgian Matte Smets (KRC Genk). Their ability to play matches at a high frequency will be a major asset for their careers. Colombia is the most represented country in the top 50 (seven players), reflecting both the tight schedule of the Colombian league and the physical strength of their players.

The Post also presents the distribution of minutes according to the type of competition (club national, club international and national teams), as well as the rankings for the last two, three, four and five years. The following players top the tables for each of these periods: Nicolás Otamendi (two years), Bruno Fernandes (three years), Gustavo Gómez (both four and five years).

Players with the most minutes played in recent years

Official matches until 12/12/2025
Type of competitions: [CD] clubs, domestic competitions / [CI] clubs, international competitions / [NT] national teams

[mkh 760]

Chelsea will sign at least one new midfielder in 2026 to help cover for injuries to Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo.

(@Matt_Law_DT)

😵MORE: Joe Shields is currently leaning towards pursuing Kobbie Mainoo over Adam Wharton as things stand. Chelsea's concrete interest in both talented English midfielders remains strong amid ongoing squad planning.

Other than at least 1 midfielder, Chelsea could sign a new centre back in the summer, depending on exits and Colwill’s return form. Chelsea have already spent the entirety of 2025 boosting the attack, which will be further aided by Quenda and Emegha. 

Edited December 17, 2025 by mkh

[Pizy 19,283]

wtf is this obsession with Mainoo? He looked really promising when he suddenly burst into the scene but has been completely irrelevant for ages now and can’t get a game in a horrible United midfield.

If we seriously chose him over Wharton I’m going to lose my mind. Mainoo isn’t better than any of Santos, Essugo, or Lavia. I’d rather take our chances with constantly injured Lavia than throw Man United another bag of cash for a midfielder that doesn’t even play for them.

[Fernando 6,725]

29 minutes ago, Pizy said:

wtf is this obsession with Mainoo? He looked really promising when he suddenly burst into the scene but has been completely irrelevant for ages now and can’t get a game in a horrible United midfield.

If we seriously chose him over Wharton I’m going to lose my mind. Mainoo isn’t better than any of Santos, Essugo, or Lavia. I’d rather take our chances with constantly injured Lavia than throw Man United another bag of cash for a midfielder that doesn’t even play for them.

But Garnacho everyone was hating and he is doing good. 

Admittely I prefer Wharton or Elliot over him. 

But it is what it is. 

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Chelsea signing Quenda due in London for surgery

https://www.tribalfootball.com/article/soccer-premier-league-Chelsea-signing-quenda-due-in-london-for-surgery-cbcabfff-fb72-437d-ad89-8c0a13b16117

Chelsea wing-back Geovany Quenda is facing surgery in London.

Signed over the summer from Sporting CP, Quenda is spending the season on-loan with the Lisbon giants.

The teen is due to undergo foot surgery this weekend in London.

Record says Quenda has been carrying a metatarsal fracture suffered last month against Estrela Amadora.

He is expected to be sidelined for two months as he recovers from the operation.

[Vytis33 1,379]

 

[mkh 760]

Chelsea have reportedly made an offer of €8 million for Djylian N’Guessan, the highly rated 17-year-old striker from AS Saint-Étienne (Ligue 2).

However, Saint-Étienne have already rejected the opening bid.

(Bernard Lions | @lequipe)

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25 minutes ago, mkh said:

Chelsea have reportedly made an offer of €8 million for Djylian N’Guessan, the highly rated 17-year-old striker from AS Saint-Étienne (Ligue 2).

However, Saint-Étienne have already rejected the opening bid.

(Bernard Lions | @lequipe)

He turns 18yo (born August 30, 2008) the day before the summer 2026 transfer window closes on August 31, 2026, so he could have come here (and been loaned out, obviously)

Djylian N’Guessan (Saint-Étienne) – Scout Report

https://targetscouting.com/2025/07/25/djylian-nguessan-saintetienne-scout-report/ (from July 2025)

Djylian N’Guessan is a 16-year-old French/Algerian striker who currently plays for St Etienne and was part of the French U17 side that recently lost to Portugal in the final of the UEFA U17 European Championship in Albania. He scored four goals for his country and had a total of eight shots on target during the tournament.

At 5’11”, N’Guessan may still have some physical development to come, but he already shows good strength in 1v1 duels, both on the ground and in the air. Although he lost more aerial duels, this was largely due to facing stronger opponents, such as Germany and Portugal. N’Guessan has a good spring when attacking headers, and he doesn’t shy away from physical contact. He will sometimes drop deep, pulling defenders out of position, which creates space for teammates. He links play well with intelligent first-time passes into feet. The player is quick and explosive. He is happy to drop in, link up, then sprint into the penalty area, often arriving around the 12-yard line to wait for cutbacks. These short bursts of pace are a common feature of his game. He is very athletic and instinctive. N’Guessan also shows good upper-body strength to hold off defenders or opponents tracking his runs. However, one concern is his stamina. In high-intensity matches, he can become tired and sluggish as the game progresses. With consistent strength and conditioning as he reaches 17 and beyond, I expect his stamina will improve over the next five years.

In possession, N’Guessan operated mostly centrally (as a false 9), but he would also drift wide to the left and cut in to shoot with his favored right foot. He has a great first touch and is comfortable playing first-time passes to teammates making advanced runs. He displays excellent close control and composure when dribbling in tight spaces and is confident in the channels, often taking on full-backs or central defenders. His shooting tends to be very accurate, and he usually looks to place his shots. He is comfortable both facing play and with his back to goal. His ability to bring the ball down with his chest and then find a teammate with a short pass is excellent. His short passing is precise and intentional. The way he positions his body and maintains balance in possession is impressive. N’Guessan demonstrates good technique in congested areas to find teammates and consistently shows the ability to play on the shoulder or drop into deeper pockets. In the box, he is sharp and composed but sometimes tries to do too much when a simple shot would suffice.

Out of possession (as seen against Germany), France alternated between a 4-5-1 mid-block and a 4-4-2, with N’Guessan the most advanced player in both formations. As a lone striker or false 9, he presses aggressively, forcing mistakes and helping reclaim possession high up the pitch. He shows good intelligence and positional awareness. However, as matches progress, he tends to tire and becomes less willing to press or close down passing lanes. As a striker in a front two, he sometimes seems unsure whether he or his partner should press or hold position, which leads to frustration. He tends to lose focus when fatigued.

N’Guessan has a very bright future ahead of him. He is already showing excellent potential and is a tremendous young athlete. Certain aspects of his game—particularly stamina over 90 minutes and concentration levels—need improvement. Another season with St Etienne in Ligue 2 would be ideal for his development, although a return to Ligue 1 wouldn’t be surprising. A move to a Bundesliga club (e.g., Mainz or Werder Bremen) could offer an even better platform for his growth.

[TheHulk 2,646]

On 17/12/2025 at 19:39, Vytis33 said:

 

Another reason why we need to get rid of Maresca, didn't give him a single chance to show his worth.

Edited December 18, 2025 by TheHulk

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Maignan was a shitshow tonight in the Italian SuperCup

Napoli beats AC Milan 2 nil in Saudi Arabia

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Transfer Rumour of the Day: Alessandro Bastoni to Chelsea?

A wild one

https://siphillipstalkschelsea.substack.com/p/transfer-rumour-of-the-day-alessandro

 

Chelsea are being linked with a move for Italy defender Alessandro Bastoni, in what has made our transfer rumour of the day article.

Granted, I don’t do these every day, and sometimes I don’t even do them every week. But even still, we’ll call them what we call them!

I imagine that any Chelsea move for Bastoni would be a popular one, but what is being reported here?

Chelsea are apparently keen on a 2026 deal for Alessandro Bastoni, and so is Tottenham Hotspur co-sporting director Fabio Paratici, according to an Italian report.

Bastoni is one of the best defenders in the world and is a key player for Inter Milan and the Italy national team. The 26-year-old has won Serie A twice with Inter and was named the best defender in Serie A for the 2024/25 campaign, just as he was bestowed with the accolade in the 2023/24 season.

FC Inter News has reported that Bastoni is the centre-back that Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca would love to bring to Stamford Bridge.

The Inter Milan-centric news outlet has claimed that Maresca is ‘crazy about him’, and so is Paratici, who would love Tottenham to sign the Italian star.

The report, though, has noted that Bastoni has already ‘rejected the advances of Chelsea and Tottenham’, with the defender having turned down the chance to join Al Hilal or Al Qadsiah in the summer of 2025 as well.

Not only is Bastoni not willing to join Chelsea (or Tottenham), but the defender is also planning to hold talks with Inter in the coming months.

FC Inter News has noted that ‘initial discussions regarding an extension of his current contract, which expires in June 2028, are likely to begin in the coming months with his agent, Tullio Tinti’.

Bastoni is ‘deeply attached’ to Inter, having been on the books of the Nerazzurri since 2017 and ‘wants’ to stay at the club for the long run.

So, that’s that then I guess! Just a distant dream! Interesting though, that Chelsea have tried for him, IF this story is true of course. I have no idea on what this source is like. But anyway, it was fun whilst it lasted! 😂

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Liverpool transfer target Antoine Semenyo is ready to join Man United next year

https://www.caughtoffside.com/2025/12/18/blow-for-liverpool-target-keen-man-united/

Antoine Semenyo is emerging as one of the most sought-after names ahead of the January transfer window, with the Bournemouth forward reportedly keen on a move to Manchester United.

According to journalist Miguel Delaney, the 25-year-old Ghana international has made Man United his preferred destination amid mounting interest from several Premier League clubs.

Semenyo’s rise at Bournemouth has been one of the stories of the season. Since establishing himself as a key figure at the Vitality Stadium, he has impressed with his goal scoring quality and his pace in the wide attacking positions.

The attacker scored his most recent goal in the Premier League against Man United at Old Trafford in a match which ended as a 4-4 draw.

With seven goals in the league this season, Semenyo has become a player who has impressed the top clubs in the Premier League, including Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal.

Antoine Semenyo is keen on Man United move

However, the player is keen on a move to Old Trafford to become a part of the attack that boasts players like Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, all the players signed last summer by United.

Comfortable operating on either wing or through the middle, Semenyo has become a central component of Bournemouth’s attacking threat, attracting sustained attention from clubs at the top end of the table.

United are believed to be particularly confident about their chances, especially given the player’s reported desire to make the move to Old Trafford.

A key factor in the saga is Semenyo’s contract situation. The forward has a £65 million release clause that becomes active from 1 January, allowing interested clubs to bypass lengthy negotiations with Bournemouth.

While that figure represents a significant outlay, it is viewed within the market as a fair valuation for a proven Premier League attacker entering his prime years.

Bournemouth, for their part, are aware that once the clause is triggered, they will have little control over the outcome.

Semenyo would be the ideal signing for Red Devils

From United’s perspective, Semenyo fits several of the club’s current recruitment priorities. Under Ruben Amorim, United are looking to inject more athleticism, intensity, and directness into their attack.

His ability to press aggressively, carry the ball at speed, and contribute defensively makes him an attractive option for a system that demands high energy from wide players.

Man United would be prepared to move quickly if rival clubs formalise their interest in January.

While no official bid has yet been submitted, there is growing belief within the club that they can position themselves strongly should a bidding war emerge.

Semenyo’s willingness to join United could prove decisive in a crowded race.

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Chelsea in advanced negotiations to sign 16 year old Marseille player Saïd Remadnia – Blues meet agent

https://sportwitness.co.uk/Chelsea-in-advanced-negotiations-to-sign-marseille-player-blues-meet-agent/

Chelsea are working on a deal for Marseille youngster Saïd Remadnia, according to Africa Foot.

The 16-year-old initially made his way into Marseille’s U17 squad in 2024 before getting promoted to U19s in July. He made 11 appearances for the latter, scoring three goals and contributing an assist.

Africa Foot says his quick rise shows the Ligue 1 side’s confidence in his potential and this is said to be mainly because of form and maturity. They even label the winger ‘Marseille’s rising star’, and Chelsea are keen on securing his services.

The attacker’s profile and age fits into the Premier League side’s recruitment strategy. Blues officials recently met Remadnia’s agent to explain Chelsea’s medium and long-term plan project.

Afirca Foot state Enzo Maresca’s side have ‘significantly accelerated’ their interest in the young attacker.

It’s further claimed that advanced negotiations are ongoing between the Blues and the Algeria U17 international’s representatives. The outcome of these negotiations is unclear.

Remadnia will turn 18 years of age in March 2027. This means he won’t be able to move to the UK until that summer, should Chelsea complete his signing. There’s obviously yhe possibility of signing the youngster and placing him elsewhere.

His international future also has to be clarified. Remadnia was born in France to Algerian and Tunisian parents, making him eligible to represent three countries.

 

 

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Real Madrid battle Chelsea and Man City for Nigeria’s most valuable youngster

https://soccernet.ng/2025/12/madrid-Chelsea-man-city-nigeria-atalanta.html

Real Madrid have emerged as the latest European heavyweights monitoring Nigeria’s highly rated teenage defender Honest Ahanor, intensifying an already crowded transfer race led by Chelsea and Manchester City, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 17-year-old Atalanta starlet has quickly become one of the most closely watched young defenders in Europe after an outstanding breakthrough season in Bergamo. His brilliant performances in Italy and Europe have prompted sustained interest from several Premier League clubs and some of the continent’s biggest names, according to a report by TeamTalk.

Chelsea are understood to be leading the chase, having tracked Ahanor since his formative years at Genoa, but Madrid’s growing interest is expected to reshape the strategic thinking around the youngster’s future.

Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle are also actively monitoring his progress, while Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig have sent scouts to Italy this season. Brighton and Nottingham Forest were the two Premier League clubs earlier linked with a move for Ahanor. 

Ahanor only joined Atalanta in the summer in a deal worth around €20m, yet his rapid adaptation to senior football has made a prolonged stay far from guaranteed.

Nigeria's Ahanor: Europe’s elite circle as Atalanta weigh a major decision

Left-sided and tactically versatile, Ahanor is comfortable operating at centre-back, full-back and in midfield. He has already made half a dozen starts for Atalanta, displaying a maturity well beyond his years and earning praise from opposition analysts and recruitment staff alike.

Chelsea and Manchester City have reportedly been ‘virtually ever-present' at Atalanta matches in recent weeks, reflecting the seriousness of their interest.

Atalanta remain in a strong negotiating position. Ahanor is contracted until 2028, and the Serie A side could look to more than triple their initial investment should bids approach the €60m mark, a figure that would test even the most disciplined recruitment departments.

Ahanor, Nigeria’s most valuable teenager, is believed to be settled and happy in Bergamo.

However, the Super Eagles-eligible defender will be eligible to move to England at the end of the season when he turns 18 in February, opening the door for Premier League clubs to act decisively.

Chelsea and Manchester City both boast strong records of investing early in elite-level prospects, while Real Madrid’s interest signals that Ahanor is now viewed as a potential long-term cornerstone rather than merely a developmental gamble.

Ahanor: Why City and Madrid see a tactical fit

Manchester City’s interest is thought to be linked to long-term defensive planning. With uncertainty surrounding the futures of John Stones and Nathan Aké, and the club already assessing options for the coming seasons, Ahanor’s ability to operate across multiple roles aligns closely with Pep Guardiola’s tactical demands.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, have increasingly targeted young, adaptable defenders capable of developing within their system, a strategy that has reshaped their squad in recent years.

For now, Atalanta hold the cards. But with Europe’s biggest clubs circling and scouts flocking to Bergamo, Honest Ahanor’s rise looks set to become one of the defining transfer stories to watch over the coming months.

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‘There’s 2 candidates’ – Debate over whether to sign Tottenham or Chelsea player next month

https://sportwitness.co.uk/theres-2-candidates-debate-over-whether-to-sign-tottenham-or-Chelsea-player-next-month/

Beşiktaş are debating over Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen and Tottenham Hotspur’s Antonin Kinsky as they look for a new goalkeeper.

That’s according to Sporx. They report that ‘there’s two candidates’ for the goalkeeper position and it’s the Chelsea and Tottenham men.

They explain that the focus is currently on the Chelsea number two. They want to loan Jörgensen for a year and a half with an option to buy. That doesn’t tally with the Blues’ plans for him.

They instead plan to keep Jörgensen until the end of the season and then sell him for over €20m. If they were to sanction a loan deal, it would only be a short one. And it would need to include a mandatory purchase option as well.

Thus, Beşiktaş are looking at alternatives. And that’s led them to Tottenham and Kinsky. They’ve asked for clarification on the 22-year-old’s situation.

Reports have suggested that the Czech goalkeeper, who hasn’t had much gametime at Tottenham this season, could be loaned to another club to continue his development. Beşiktaş would seemingly be keen if that is the case and have contacted Spurs about the youngster.

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Aleksey Batrakov

20yo Russian AMF/Winger who is ttracking to around 30 goals, 12 assists

PSG looking to buy him for around £20m to £25m

 

[mkh 760]

🔴Roma chief Ricky Massara has made an approach to Chelsea in the last 48 hours for Axel Disasi.

(@Tuttojuve)

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4 minutes ago, mkh said:

🔴Roma chief Ricky Massara has made an approach to Chelsea in the last 48 hours for Axel Disasi.

(@Tuttojuve)

I wager it's a loan with us paying half his salary and no obligation to buy

🤪

[mkh 760]

🔵Chelsea has its sights set on 20-year-old center back Jérémy Jacquet from Rennes.

Chelsea is competing with Real Madrid, PSG, Atlético Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester United to sign Jérémy Jacquet.

(@Le Parisien)

Edited December 19, 2025 by mkh