Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues enter Michael Olise talks, Thiago Silva set to leave, and more - April 23, 2024
Chelsea are preparing to travel to the Emirates on Tuesday, April 23, to face Arsenal in the Premier League. Mauricio Pochettino will be keen to pick up a win following their disappointing defeat at the hands of Manchester City in the FA Cup semifinals on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Blues have begun talks to sign Michael Olise this summer. Elsewhere, Thiago Silva is set to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of this season.
On that note, let's take a look at the major Chelsea transfer news from April 23, 2024.
Chelsea begin Michael Olise talks
Chelsea have initiated contact to sign Michael Olise this summer, according to TEAMtalk. The French forward has improved in leaps and bounds with Crystal Palace in recent seasons. He is highly regarded in the Premier League, with Manchester United, Liverpool, and Manchester City among his suitors. The Blues are looking to add more firepower to their ranks this summer and have their eyes on Olise.
The 22-year-old signed a new deal with the Eagles in August last year, so prising him away is likely to be a costly affair. Olise has struggled with injuries this season, but his stock remains high. The Frenchman has registered seven goals and four assists from 14 outings across all competitions and is apparently a priority target for the Red Devils. However, the London giants are already working to ruin their plans.
Thiago Silva set to leave
Thiago Silva will leave Chelsea at the end of this season, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Brazilian defender is in the final months of his contract with the Blues and hasn't been offered a new deal yet. The 39-year-old has been a first-team regular for the London giants this season, registering 32 appearances across all competitions.
He was a wanted man in the winter, but Silva opted against leaving Chelsea as he was keen to help the club see out the season. However, the veteran defender has now decided that he wants a new challenge.
His former club Fluminense are eager to take him back to Brazil, but the 39-year-old is yet to decide on his next destination.
Newcastle United not eyeing Conor Gallagher
Newcastle United are not planning a move for Conor Gallagher this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The English midfielder's future remains subject to speculation ahead of the summer and he is already wanted at Tottenham Hotspur. Gallagher's contract with Chelsea expires in just over 12 months and he hasn't signed a new deal yet.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano insisted that the Magpies are unlikely to target the 24-year-old as they aim to adhere to FFP norms.
“We continue to see reports about Conor Gallagher’s future, with Newcastle also being linked with the midfielder now. I’m aware of Tottenham’s interest since last summer and that is still valid for Gallagher, who’s appreciated by Ange Postecoglou,” wrote Romano.
He continued:
“Newcastle, meanwhile, have to focus on Financial Fair Play before thinking about that kind of move. Also nothing is clear for Bruno Guimaraes future yet as I’m told nothing is concrete or advanced so far for Bruno, so it’s too early to be talking about possible replacements like Gallagher or anyone else.”
Gallagher has appeared 43 times across all competitions for the Blues this season, registering five goals and eight assists.