Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues receive Jonathan David boost, club pleased with Jadon Sancho, and more - September 9, 2024
Chelsea return to action in the Premier League on Saturday (September 14) with a trip to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth. Enzo Maresca desperately needs a win after dropping points against Crystal Palace (1-1) on September 1 before the international break.
Meanwhile, the Blues have received some good news in their pursuit of Lille striker Jonathan David. Elsewhere, the London giants are pleased with new signing Jadon Sancho.
On that note, let's look at the major Chelsea transfer stories from September 9, 2024.
Chelsea receive Jonathan David boost
Jonathan David has said he is open to a move to the Premier League. The Canadian striker enjoyed an impressive 2023-24 campaign with Lille, scoring 26 goals and setting up nine more from 47 games across competitions.
Chelsea remain in the market for a new No. 9 after failing in their pursuit of Napoli hitman Victor Osimhem. They reportedly have David on their radar.
However, speaking to The Athletic, the 24-year-old said he is already in talks with the Ligue 1 club regarding a new deal.
“Right now, we’re speaking with (LOSC president) Olivier Letang about a possible extension. We’ll see how that goes. I’m open to anything. I think obviously the Premier League is regarded as one of the best leagues in the world. And for me, it’s not the Premier League or bust. I’m open to anything and every league has its challenges,” David said.
David has scored three goals and set up two more from seven games across competitions this season.
Blues pleased with Jadon Sancho
Enzo Maresca is pleased with Jadon Sancho's efforts in training, according to Chelsea insider Simon Phillips. The English forward arrived at Stamford Bridge on Deadline Day from Manchester United on a season-long loan.
The Blues reportedly have an obligation to buy Sancho if they finish 14th or higher in the Premier League this season. The 24-year-old hasn't been in his element at Old Trafford and will be determined to prove his naysayers wrong.
In his Substack column, Phillips wrote Sancho has impressed the London giants with his quality, attitude, and energy in training.
“SPTC sources have heard that Maresca and his staff are loving Sancho in training and he has really impressed them all with his quality, and his attitude and energy,” Phillips wrote.
Sancho spent the second half of last season on loan with Borussia Dortmund and helped them reach the Champions League final.
Expert outlines financial aspects of Raheem Sterling's move
Raheem Sterling's move to Arsenal is a damage limitation strategy from Chelsea, according to financial expert Stefan Borson. The Englishman was deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge by Enzo Maresca this summer and was banished from the first team.
Sterling subsequently moved to Arsenal on Deadline Day on a season-long loan. The Gunners do not have an option to sign the 29-year-old permanently at the end of his tenure.
Speaking to Football Insider, Borson said Arsenal will spend approximately £6m on Sterling, with the Blues paying the majority of his salary.
“It’s one of those needs-must deals. We understand he’s on over £300,000 a week and we know Chelsea will continue to pay the vast majority of that. A lot of the numbers that have been talked about are about £100,000 a week that is being paid by Arsenal," Borson said.
He continued:
“Overall, you are looking at Arsenal getting a player for maybe £6million for a year and then handing him back to Chelsea as a player who is 30 and will be 31 in December 2025. Therefore, you would think there will be limited resale possibilities. It’s real damage limitation from Chelsea.”
Sterling registered 10 goals and eight assists from 43 games for Chelsea last season.