Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues eyeing Portuguese ace; club want new striker, and more - July 4, 2024
Chelsea finished sixth in the Premier League in the 2023-24 campaign and ended the season without silverware. The Blues have parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino and stationed Enzo Maresca at the hot seat.
Meanwhile, the London giants have set their sights on FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa. Elsewhere, the club are likely to move for another striker this summer.
On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on July 4, 2024:
Chelsea eyeing Diogo Costa
Chelsea have set their sights on Diogo Costa, according to Fichajes. The Portuguese goalkeeper is already a wanted man this summer and has seen his stock rise following a stellar showing at Euro 2024.
Costa saved three penalties against Slovenia in the Round of 16, helping his nation progress to the quarter-finals. The Blues are convinced with his efforts and are planning to move for him.
Robert Sanchez was brought in last summer for the No. 1 role at Stamford Bridge but has failed to impress. Meanwhile, Kepa Arrizabalaga spent the season on loan at Real Madrid and remains likely to leave.
Costa has now been identified as the ideal candidate to take over between the sticks under Enzo Maresca, but prising him away from Porto won't be easy.
The 24-year-old is under contract with the Portuguese club till 2027 and is likely to cost a fortune. Meanwhile, he won't be short of suitors either, thanks to his recent heroics.
Blues want new striker, says journalist
Chelsea could be tempted to sign an experienced striker even after completing a move for Marc Guiu this summer, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs. The Spanish youngster recently arrived at Stamford Bridge from Barcelona.
However, the Blues are likely to further improve their attack before the start of the new campaign. Romelu Lukaku is expected to seek a permanent exit, while Nicolas Jackson hasn't been convincing.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs added that the London giants could also opt for a creative midfielder instead of a No.9.
“Chelsea need to decide if they want a more experienced striker in addition. And I think that if Broja and Lukaku depart, we certainly can't rule them out adding another attacker," said Jacobs.
He continued:
“But it may well be that they go more for a creative-minded player, because they've still ultimately got Nicolas Jackson, Guiu, Omari Kellyman, Christopher Nkunku can also play as a false nine."
However, Jacobs insisted that Chelsea are yet to decide on their final approach regarding the matter.
“So it's now up to Chelsea to decide whether they want one more established striker or more of a creative-minded player, and I think talks are still ongoing, but they're definitely in conversations with other striker possibilities," said Jacobs.
He concluded:
“It's not like they've just poured cold water over everything because the Guiu deal is completed.”
Brentford striker Ivan Toney has been linked with the Blues recently.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall opens up on Stamford Bridge move
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is believes that a move to Chelsea is the perfect fit to his career plans. The English midfielder left Leicester City to arrive at Stamford Bridge earlier this week.
Dewsbury-Hall enjoyed a fabulous 2023-24 campaign with the Foxes, scoring 12 goals and setting up 15 in 49 games across competitions. The Blues moved quickly to setup a reunion with his former manager Enzo Maresca in London.
Speaking to the club's website, the 25-year-old said he's eager to get started at his new home.
"Last season was a positive year for me and I’m coming into this season feeling like a new player, full of confidence, full of motivation to get going, and I don’t see a better fit than coming to Chelsea and testing myself against some top players and playing with top players," said Dewsbury-Hall.
He continued:
"I am in a great space, and I am really looking forward to getting going. I’m a box-to-box midfielder. I am somebody who likes to attack, drive at defenders and make things happen with goals and assists.
"I will also give 100 per cent for the team defensively and I am someone who overall can contribute in every aspect of the game."
The Englishman's arrival could mark the end of Conor Gallagher's stay at the club, with Tottenham Hotspur pushing for his signature.