Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues eyeing Paulo Dybala, club want Raphinha, and more - April 18, 2024
Chelsea are preparing to face Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday, April 20, in the FA Cup semifinals. Mauricio Pochettino's team arrive at the game buoyed by their 6-0 win over Everton earlier this week.
Meanwhile, the Blues have set their sights on Paulo Dybala. Elsewhere, the London giants are interested in Raphinha.
On that note, let's take a look at the major Chelsea transfer news from April 18, 2024.
Chelsea eyeing Paulo Dybala, says journalist
Chelsea have set their sights on Paulo Dybala, according to journalist Rudy Galetti. The Argentinean will enter the final year of his contract with AS Roma this summer and his future remains up in the air. Dybala reportedly wants to extend his stay at the Stadio Olimpico, although multiple clubs are monitoring his situation with interest, including the Blues.
The London giants, as well as Barcelona, have reportedly enquired about the 30-year-old's availability. Dybala reportedly has a €13m release clause in his contract, as revealed in the winter. However, it is unclear whether the option will be available at the end of this season as well.
The Blues are looking to add more creativity to their roster this summer and Dybala, if available for a reduced fee, could be a fantastic option. The Argentinean has appeared 31 times in all competitions this season, registering 14 goals and nine assists.
Blues want Raphinha
Chelsea are interested in Raphinha, according to SPORT. The Blues are long-term admirers of the Brazilian forward and attempted to sign him in the summer of 2022. However, Raphinha ultimately left Leeds United to join Barcelona and has enjoyed a mixed time at Camp Nou so far. The 27-year-old has registered 32 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring nine goals and setting up 10 more.
The Catalans have Raphinha firmly in their plans for the future and will only consider a move for an irresistible fee. They apparently rejected a €60m offer from an English side for the player and want €80m to let him go. The Blues will also face competition from Manchester United for the Brazilian.
Ian Maatsen opens up on his future
Ian Maatsen has revealed that he wanted to become a first team regular at Chelsea. The Dutch left-back was allowed to leave Stamford Bridge in January to join Borussia Dortmund on loan. Maatsen has been a revelation at Signal Iduna Park so far, and helped the German club defeat Atletico Madrid in the quarterfinals of the Champions League on Tuesday.
Speaking to CBS Sports after the game, the 22-year-old thanked Dortmund for helping him play regular football.
"No, I was surprised (at being allowed to leave). I think I always believed [I could] play for Chelsea as well, but unfortunately for some reasons it didn’t work out how it should’ve. Now I’m here I’m very grateful for the opportunity. I can say I’m very proud of myself," said Maatsen
He continued:
"I kept believing in myself and came here to experience playing my game at the highest level, playing my game. Today I think I showed a very good performance. I’m very happy."
The Bundesliga side do not have an option to sign the Dutchman permanently this summer and the Blues could consider his stay beyond the summer.