Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues agree deal for Leicester City ace; club eyeing Bayern Munich star, and more - July 1, 2024
Chelsea are once again expected to invest heavily in their squad following an underwhelming campaign under Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentinean manager has left Stamford Bridge, and Enzo Maresca has been appointed as his successor.
Meanwhile, the Blues have agreed a move for Leicester City midfielder Keirnan Dewsbury-Hall. Elsewhere, the London giants have turned their attention to Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel.
On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on July 1, 2024:
Chelsea agree deal for Keirnan Dewsbury-Hall, says Fabrizio Romano
Chelsea have struck a deal with Leicester City regarding a move for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The English midfielder played a starring role in the Foxes' promotion to the Premier League, helping them win the Championship last season.
Dewsbury-Hall was an omnipresent figure in midfield under Maresca, scoring 12 goals and setting up 15 in 49 games across competitions. Recent reports have suggested that his efforts have caused a stir at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues invested heavily in their midfield recently, spending small fortunes on Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, but they are yet to reap the benefits.
Meanwhile, Conor Gallagher has entered the final year of his contract but hasn't been offered a new deal yet. Maresca has decided to address the situation by opting for a reunion with his former player.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that a deal has been agreed for €30 million.
“Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City – the deal is done for £30m!
"The player had a medical at Brighton earlier this week but now he’s joining Chelsea because he wanted to wait for them. Michael Golding is moving from Chelsea to Leicester as part of the agreement,” wrote Romano.
Tottenham Hotspur have their eyes on Gallagher, who could be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge.
Blues eyeing Mathys Tel, says journalist
Mathys Tel is wanted at Stamford Bridge this summer, according to journalist Simon Phillips. The 19-year-old enjoyed a decent 2023-24 campaign with Bayern Munich, registering 10 goals and six assists in 41 games across competitions.
Maresca is likely to seek upgrades in attack ahead of the new campaign. The likes of Noni Madueke and Mykhaylo Mudryk were a disappointment in the 2023-24 season.
Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling's future also remains unclear. Tel has all the attributes to make him a success with the Blues and fits the club's recent youth-biased transfer policy.
In his column for Substact, Phillips said that the London giants are holding internal discussions regarding the Frenchman.
“This player who we have held fresh internal discussions about signing on Saturday just gone is a player I have actually exclusively reported our interest in before back in February ahead of a potential summer move – things went a bit quiet on him after that.
"But Chelsea’s interest has once again now heated up just this weekend,” wrote Phillips.
He added:
“I am talking about Bayern Munich attacker Mathys Tel! Chelsea are once again considering making a move to sign the 19-year-old this window and have held internal discussions about signing him this weekend.”
He concluded:
“So you wouldn’t suspect he would be for the striker position, IF signed, you’d believe he would be more as a winger. But he’s a flexible option, and I did hear this is what Chelsea were looking at, players who could fill a number of positions.”
Tel is under contract at the Allianz Arena till 2029, so he could cost a fortune this summer.
Alexander Isak unlikely to leave Newcastle United, says Fabrizio Romano
Newcastle United are unlikely to sanction Alexander Isak's exit this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Swedish striker was in red-hot form for the Magpies last season, scoring 25 goals and setting up two in 40 games across competitions.
Recent reports have suggested that Isak's performances have forced the Stamford Bridge hierarchy to take note. The Blues are apparently in the market for a new No. 9, with Nicolas Jackson failing to convince.
The Senegalese was roped in from Villarreal last summer to replace Romelu Lukaku, who was shipped to AS Roma on loan. Jackson endured a mixed campaign, while Lukaku is expected to permanently leave this summer. Recent reports have suggested that the London giants have identified Isak as a candidate to sort the matter.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano insisted that Eddie Howe has no desire to let the 24-year-old leave.
“Another big name at Newcastle who’s made the headlines is Alexander Isak, but nothing is happening with Chelsea,” wrote Romano.
He continued:
“We know that Chelsea appreciate this talented striker, but it’s almost impossible because Newcastle want to keep him, and I’ve been told that Eddie Howe, over the weekend, was very clear with the Newcastle board and owners about not wanting Isak to leave the club.”
Isak is under contract at St. James' Park till 2028, so he's expected to cost more than £100 million this summer.