Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues receive Victor Osimhen boost, club not in talks for Juventus ace, and more - July 30, 2024
Chelsea finished sixth in the Premier League last season and are already seeking improvements over the summer. Enzo Maresca has been roped in for the hot seat at Stamford Bridge and the Italian tactician is working on improving his squad.
Meanwhile, the Blues have received a boost in their plans to sign Victor Osimhen. Elsewhere, the London giants are not in talks to secure a Juventus forward this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Chelsea transfer stories from July 30, 2024.
Chelsea receive Victor Osimhen boost
Chelsea have received some good news in their efforts to sign Victor Osimhem this summer. According to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano, Napoli are willing to allow the Nigerian to leave as a part of a deal for Romelu Lukaku.
Osimhen is wanted at Stamford Bridge this summer, but recent reports have suggested that the 25-year-old prefers to join Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The Ligue 1 champions are looking for Kylian Mbappe's replacement and have their eyes on the Nigerian striker.
However, they are yet to agree to a deal with Napoli, who want the player's suitors to trigger his €130m release clause. Interestingly, the Serie A side could be willing to make an exception for the Blues, provided they include Lukaku in a player-plus-cash offer.
New manager Antonio Conte is eager to be reunited with the Belgian striker at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. The 31-year-old spent last season on loan at AS Roma and is not a part of Enzo Maresca's plans.
Lukaku is also desperate to team up with Conte at Napoli, so this is a move that could suit all parties involved. However, the London giants will have to convince Osimhen, especially since they won't be playing in the Champions League next season.
Blues not in talks for Federico Chiesa, says journalist
Chelsea are not engaged in talks to sign Federico Chiesa this summer, according to journalist Matteo Moretto. The Italian forward has previously been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, and the club are in the market for attacking reinforcements this summer.
Chiesa is apparently planning to leave Juventus this summer as he looks to take the next step in his career. Recent reports have suggested that his agent, Fali Ramadani, was recently in London to talk with the Blues as well as Tottenham Hotspur.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Moretto has refuted those claims.
“Right now there is not a lot to tell, despite links from other outlets to Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea. There are no negotiations between Juventus and any other club, and no concrete enquiries have arrived for him,” wrote Moretto.
He continued:
“In part, this is an attempt to drum up interest in Federico Chiesa, because Chiesa would like to play outside of Italy, and have Champions League football next season. In recent weeks, he told Juventus that he wanted to wait to carefully consider his options, but now the time has come to take a decision. So we will have to see what decision he comes to, and if someone comes in for him in early August.”
Chiesa scored 10 goals and set up three more in 37 games across competitions last season.
Manchester United eyeing Trevor Chalobah, says journalist
Manchester United are keeping a close eye on Trevoh Chalobah, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs. The Red Devils are looking for defensive reinforcements this summer and are scouting the market for suitable candidates.
Chalobah is no longer part of plans at Stamford Bridge and will be allowed to leave this summer. Thiago Silva's departure has opened up a gap at the back but Enzo Maresca has already roped in Tosin Adarabioyo for the job.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs added that the Blues will demand at least £25m to let the 25-year-old leave.
"Trevoh Chalobah is contracted to Chelsea until 2028, so he can be quite picky with his next club. He is naturally disappointed to have been excluded from Chelsea’s pre-season tour of America, but won’t exit unless the club is right. He wants European football, or at worst a club that he believes can get it consistently and soon," said Jacobs.
He continued:
"Multiple Premier League clubs have enquired, including Manchester United, but Chelsea don’t have any offers yet. Chelsea want a minimum of £25m and may even hold out for closer to £30m."
Chalobah was linked with Bayern Munich last summer, but those rumours have dried up since Thomas Tuchel's departure.