Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues eyeing Lille ace, club not in talks for Nico Williams, and more - June 23, 2024
Chelsea are preparing to upgrade their squad before the start of the new campaign. The London giants parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino following an indifferent 2023/24 season and have handed the keys to the first squad to Enzo Maresca.
Meanwhile, the Blues have set their sights on Lille striker Jonathan David. Elsewhere, the club are not in talks to sign Nico Williams this year.
On that note, let's look at the major Chelsea transfer stories from June 23, 2024.
Chelsea eyeing Jonathan David
Chelsea have set their sights on Jonathan David, according to The Athletic. The Canadian striker has been in inspired form for Lille of late and his efforts have earned him admirers at multiple clubs across the continent.
David scored 26 goals and set up nine more from 47 games in all competitions in the 2023/24 campaign. The player's contract with Lille is set to expire in 2025 and he hasn't signed a new deal yet. The situation has added to speculation regarding his future.
The Blues are in the market for a new No. 9 this summer. Romelu Lukaku spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at AS Roma and is expected to permanently leave this summer.
His replacement, Nicolas Jackson, has divided fans following a mixed season and reinforcements are in order in attack. Benjamin Sesko had turned heads at Stamford Bridge and was apparently considered a priority option earlier this summer.
However, the 21-year-old has decided to stay put at RB Leipzig and forced Enzo Maresca to consider alternate options. He has found his man in David and the London giants have apparently spoken to the player's representative to discuss a possible move this summer.
Blues not in talks for Nico Williams, says Fabrizio Romano
Chelsea are not planning a move for Nico Williams this year, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Spanish forward is a wanted man this summer following a fruitful 2023/24 season with Athletic Bilbao.
Williams helped the club lift the Copa del Rey, registering eight goals and 19 assists from 37 games across competitions. Arsenal and Barcelona are already hot on his heels, and the Blues have also been named as a suitor for the 21-year-old.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano insisted that the London giants have left the race as they believe a deal isn't financially feasible.
"Chelsea have made contact in recent months to understand the conditions of any potential deal for Williams. What I’m told now, is that although the appreciation remains, Chelsea are not advancing on Williams, because of the cost of the deal," wrote Romano.
Williams has been one of Spain's best players at Euro 2024 so far.
Armando Broja likely to leave this summer, says Fabrizio Romano
Chelsea are likely to part ways with Armando Broja this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Albanian striker joined Fulham on loan in January this year, but registered just eight appearances for the Cottagers.
His future at Stamford Bridge is now up in the air, with the club already eyeing a new striker. The Blues are relying on player sales to help adhere to the Premier League's new Profit and Sustainability rules.
As such, they are keen to cash in on Broja this year. Despite the player's struggles, there's considerable interest in his services. Recent reports have suggested that AC Milan have their eyes on the Albanian striker.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano insisted that Broja's future hasn't been decided.
“Finally on Chelsea, there’s no concrete update yet on Armando Broja, but the expectation is still for the striker to leave Chelsea on a permanent transfer this summer," wrote Romano.
He continued:
“I have no news on AC Milan so far, it’s always reported but I’m not aware of anything advanced, only following the player. Stuttgart like him, Everton and Wolves too, Everton for sure would like to sign him but it’s not advanced yet.”
Broja is under contract with the London giants until 2028.