Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues offered PSG duo; club hold Murillo talks, and more - July 19, 2024
Chelsea have been quite active in the transfer market this summer following an underwhelming 2023-24 campaign. Enzo Maresca took charge at Stamford Bridge last month and is shaping his squad to fit his tactics.
Meanwhile, the Blues have been offered the chance to sign Paris Saint-Germain strikers Randal Kolo Muani and Goncalo Ramos. Elsewhere, the London giants have recently held talks to secure the services of Nottingham Forest defender Murillo.
On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on July 19, 2024:
Chelsea offered Randal Kolo Muani and Goncalo Ramos
Chelsea have been offered the chance to secure the services of Randal Kolo Muani and Goncalo Ramos, according to journalist Graeme Bailey. The Blues are in the market for a new striker this summer and reportedly have their eyes on Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian striker is a long-term target at Stamford Bridge but looks to be on his way to PSG this summer. The Ligue 1 champions have reportedly agreed terms with the 25-year-old but are yet to strike a deal with Napoli.
Osimhen's arrival is likely to make Korlo Muani and Ramos surplus to requirements at the Parc des Princes. The Parisians have put the duo up for sale to make space for the Nigerian, and intermediaries have contract Chelsea regarding the situation.
Kolo Miami registered 12 goals and six assists in 44 games across competitions last season. The 25-year-old could be an upgrade on Nicolas Jackson at Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, Ramos registered 14 goals and two assists in 40 games across competitions last season. While the 23-year-old hasn't lived up to expectations since his move to Paris last summer, he has the pedigree to be a success with the Blues. However, the London giants are yet to respond to the offer.
Blues hold Murillo talks
Chelsea have entered talks with Murillo's camp recently, according to journalist Gianluigi Longari. The London giants are looking for a new defender this summer, despite roping in free agent Tosin Adarabioyo.
Thiago Silva's departure from Stamford Bridge has left a deep void, which Maresca is trying to address. Murillo was on Arsenal's radar earlier this summer, but the Gunners have left the race to concentrate on Riccardo Calafiori.
Murillo enjoyed a stellar debut campaign after joining Nottingham Forest last summer from Corinthians. The 22-year-old registered 36 appearances across competitions and was adjudged Forest's Player of the Year.
The Blues are pleased with his efforts and want to sign him this summer. Longari has added that Chelsea have identified him as their priority target for this transfer window, but prising him away won't be easy.
The player is under contract at the City Ground till 2028, and Forest reportedly want £79 million to let him go.
Chelsea reignite interest in Elye Wahi
Chelsea are planning to return for Elye Wahi this summer, according to L'Equipe. The Blues were interested in the French forward last summer, but he ended up joining Lens.
Wahi hasn't lived up to expects with the Ligue 1 club, although he registered 12 goals and four assists in 37 games across competitions last season. Maresca remains in the market for a new striker this summer, and the 21-year-old has emerged as an option.
The manager is expected to take the club back to their heyday, and the frontline is one area he's likely to seek improvements in. Cole Palmer's heroics last season has failed to hide the fact that the team is missing a proven striker.
Nicolas Jackson has failed to live up to expectations since arriving from Villarreal last summer. Romelu Lukaku spent last season on loan with AS Roma and is no longer part of plans at Stamford Bridge.
Wahi could be a fine option for Maresca to consider this year. The report adds that the London giants have reached out to their Ligue counterparts to understand the requirements for a deal.
However, they are yet to submit their opening offer for the Frenchman, who is likely to cost upwards of £30 million this summer.