After a season that’s been described as “a step in the right direction” by manager, Thomas Tuchel; Chelsea are looking to strengthen their squad this summer despite ownership difficulties.
Expectations were high for The Blues at the start of the season after an unlikely Champions League win and the club-record signing of Romelu Lukaku left Chelsea fans hoping to compete for the Premier League title.
The boys from Stamford Bridge started incredibly; winning the UEFA Super Cup and sitting top of the league after matchday 14, as well as remaining in all competitions, and later winning the Club World Cup for the first time in their history.
Despite reaching the final of both domestic cup competitions, finishing 3rd in the league and having a good run in the Champions League, there was a lot left to be desired. And now that Todd Boehly’s consortium has won the ownership take-over, Chelsea are looking to strengthen their squad to compete with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City next season.
With multiple reports suggesting that Boehly wants to make a statement signing as well as strengthen the squad, the media has been rife with speculation on players that we could see in Royal Blue next season.
Ousmane Dembele:
World cup winner, Ousmane Dembele, has been heavily linked with a move to the capital since the January transfer window after fall-outs at Barcelona made a contract extension very unlikely.
The Frenchman did, however, get a lot of unexpected game time under Barca legend, Xavi Hernandez, who replaced Ronald Koeman as manager of the Catalonians in November of last year. Nonetheless, despite accumulating 11 goal contributions in 20 appearances under Xavi, the club’s financial hardship has meant a contract extension was not possible.
Dembele has played under Thomas Tuchel before when the pair were at Borussia Dortmund together, and they’re said to have a very good relationship, with Tuchel even claiming that Dembele is the most talented footballer he has ever worked with, trumping players like Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Injuries have halted Dembele’s career slightly, and Chelsea fans have voiced their concern about this, but, for a free transfer, it seems the Blues are willing to take the risk. Reports are suggesting that the Frenchman will be the first signing of the Todd Boehly era and that Chelsea’s interest has “taken off” in the last few days. Chelsea have made contact with Dembele’s agent and some are suggesting that a verbal agreement has already been made.
Whichever way you look at it, the chances that this transfer goes through are astronomically high, and we could see a completion in the next few weeks. How do you view this transfer for both parties?
Jules Kounde:
Last summer’s transfer window saw Jules Kounde with one foot already through the door of Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea coming to an agreement with both Kounde and his current club, Sevilla, only for the transfer to fall through at the last minute when Sevilla upped their asking price.
Despite the late turnaround this time last year, the French defender is still heavily linked with a move to the Bridge this summer for an estimated fee of £51.5 million.
Chelsea have already lost both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen this summer, and with reports suggesting that club captain Cesar Azpilicueta may also be on the move, signing some new defenders will be a priority for both Thomas Tuchel and Todd Boehly.
Spanish publication AS have said the transfer is only “a matter of time.” Barcelona are also said to be interested in the Frenchman, however, their current financial status means that they cannot currently meet the demands of Sevilla, making a transfer to Chelsea the only viable option for all parties. How do view this signing for Chelsea?
Declan Rice:
West Ham midfielder, Declan Rice, has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for over a year now, and with the England international refusing to sign a new contract with the Irons, a move away from East London could be imminent.
Declan Rice dropped a few hints at a transfer to Chelsea in an interview with former Manchester United player, Gary Neville recently. And while the Red Devils are also reportedly interested in signing the 23-year-old, a move to the capital looks more likely because of Rice’s history with the Blues (he played in Chelsea’s academy), and his friendship with Chelsea talisman, Mason Mount.
The likelihood of a transfer in this window is looking slimmer and slimmer, however, as West Ham have reportedly put a £150 million price tag on the Englishman, one that Chelsea can afford, but would be incredibly unlikely to pay.
But with Tuchel being a massive admirer of Rice, a move to Stamford Bridge could still be a viable option in the near future. What do you think Chelsea should do about this transfer?
Christopher Nkunku:
Chelsea are set to submit a bid to Bundesliga side, RB Leipzig, for French winger, Christopher Nkunku this summer, according to reports.
The 24-year-old has amassed a lot of attention from some of the biggest clubs in the world after accumulating 20 goals and 13 assists in just 34 games this season. Interest is flooding in from a few Premier League sides but reports suggest that Chelsea are likely to make a bid for the player in the next few weeks.
Signing the Frenchman could prove to be difficult, however, as he still has two years left on his contract with the German side, who are currently are currently in talks with Nkunku to extend his deal. Chelsea will also face competition for his signature as well as a price tag of around £77 million.
But with Todd Boehly promising on a “statement signing” to start off the new era, this could well be it. How much chance do you think Chelsea have of making this deal happen?
As well as the four aforementioned players, there are a few more names to keep an eye on. Also linked with a move to the Bridge are defenders Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli) and Matthijs De Ligt (Juventus), as Chelsea look for replacements for Rudiger and Christensen to partner up with Jules Kounde.
Leeds United midfielder, Kalvin Phillips, has also emerged as a potential target for the Blues this summer, as well as Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling who is reportedly looking for a move away from the Premier League champions in the near future.
There are many big names to keep your eye on this summer, and if Todd Boehly’s promise becomes reality, we could see a few of them wearing the royal blue shirt next season.
Stay tuned as I bring you Chelsea transfer news as it happens!
