Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues eyeing Brighton ace; Romelu Lukaku desperate to leave, and more - July 6, 2024
Chelsea decided to end their association with Mauricio Pochettino in May following a disappointing 2023-24 campaign. The Blues finished sixth in the league and have roped in Enzo Maresca to get them firing on all cylinders again.
Meanwhile, the London giants are interested in Brighton & Hove Albion forward Kaoru Mitoma. Elsewhere, striker Romelu Lukaku is eager to end his Stamford Bridge nightmare this summer.
On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on July 6, 2024:
Chelsea eyeing Kaoru Mitoma, says journalist
Chelsea have set their sights on Kaoru Mitoma, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs. The Japanese forward endured a quiet 2023-24 campaign with Brighton & Hove Albion, registering three goals and five assists in 26 games across competitions.
The 27-year-old suffered with injuries and was a far cry from the player who lit up the Amex a season ago. Despite his struggles, the Blues are apparently willing to bet on the Japanese.
The London giants are looking to add more firepower to their faltering attack this year. The likes of Mykhaylo Mudryk and Noni Madueke have failed to live up to expectations, and Mitoma could be an upgrade on the duo.
Speaking to the London is Blue podcast, Jacobs stated that the Japanese has admirers at Stamford Bridge.
“I’m told that Kaoru Mitoma is liked [by Chelsea],” said Jacobs.
Mitoma is under contract at the Amex till 2027.
Romelu Lukaku desperate to leave Stamford Bridge
Romelu Lukaku is determined to end his stay at Stamford Bridge this summer, according to Area Napoli. The 31-year-old spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan at AS Roma, registering 21 goals and four assists in 47 games across competitions.
Despite his form, the player doesn't have a future with Chelsea, who are looking for a new No. 9 this year. The Belgian is not planning to hang around either and will leave no stone unturned to secure an exit this summer.
Lukaku would prefer a reunion with Antonio Conte at Napoli. The Italian club are also in the market for a new No.9 to replace Victor Osimhen, who could be on his way this summer.
Marc Cucua wants Nico Williams to join the Blues
Marc Cucurella is trying to convince Nico Williams to join Chelsea. The Athletic Bilbao man is hot property this summer, and the Blues are also among his long list of suitors.
Williams registered eight goals and 19 assists in 37 games across competitions in the 2023-24 campaign. He has been one of Spain's key players at Euro 2024 as well, helping them reach the semi-finals, where they face France.
The 21-year-old signed a new contract with Bilbao in December, but his future remains up in the air. Arsenal and Barcelona are also hot on the heels of the player, who reportedly has a €58 million release clause in his deal.
Speaking to SPORT, Cucurella was full of praise for his countryman.
“He is a great player. He is bringing out all his potential. It is a source of pride that he is on our team, that he is our teammate, and with players like him, everything is easier," said Cucurella.
He continued:
“It would be a great signing, but it all depends on his opinion. I’m pushing him to sign for Chelsea. In the end, it all depends on him. He’s very young, with a lot of experience, and I think he’ll be a great player.”
Recent reports have suggested that the Blaugrana have a verbal agreement in place with Williams.