Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues remain in Victor Osimhen race; club eyeing Alessandro Bastoni, and more - October 24, 2023
Chelsea are tenth in the Premier League after nine games. Mauricio Pochettino's team have won three and lost three of their games.
Meanwhile, the Blues remain in the race to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. Elsewhere, the London giants are interested in Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni.
On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on October 24, 2023:
Chelsea remain in Victor Osimhen race
Chelsea are still keeping a close eye on Victor Osimhen, according to acclaimed transfer expett Fabrizio Romano.
The Napoli striker's future remains up in the air, and he could move in 2024. The Blues are in the market for Romelu Lukaku''s replacement and have Osimhen on their agenda. Recent reports have said that the Nigerian has agreed to join Liverpool.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano rubbished those rumours, adding that Osimhen is yet to make a decision on his future.
"Another player we can be sure is one to watch in 2024 is Victor Osimhen. I’ve had many fans asking me about Chelsea’s interest, and also about Manchester United negotiating for him over a year ago.
"I can say that Chelsea are still keeping an eye on Osimhen, but despite some media reports in Italy stating that he’s agreed a contract with Liverpool, my understanding is that he hasn’t agreed anything with any club," wrote Romano.
He continued:
"There is not even an agreement over a new contract with Napoli, despite receiving a huge offer from his current club. Osimhen will take his time, but for now I can say the links with Liverpool are not true.
"Of course, Liverpool and many other clubs are keeping an eye on top strikers around Europe, but nothing is agreed, Osimhen will take his time. We’ll have to wait and see how it will evolve, even if it is sure to be one to watch in 2024."
Osimhen's contract with the Serie A champions expires in 2025.
Blues eyeing Alessandro Bastoni
Chelsea have identified Alessandro Bastoni as a successor to Thiago Silva, according to Calciomercatoweb.
The Brazilian defender is in the final year of his contract but hasn't agreed a new deal yet. The 39-year-old continues to be a mainstay in Pochettino's starting XI right now but is unlikely to stay at Stamford Bridge for long.
The Blues have identified Bastoni as an option to replace Silva. The Italian defender has been in fine form with Inter Milan this season, registering nine appearances across competitions.
He signed a new contract last summer but could be allowed to leave for £60.9 million.
Marc Cucurella no longer isolated at Stamford Bridge
Marc Cucurella is not in immediate talks to leave Stamford Bridge in January, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Spanish full-back was close to joining Manchester United this summer on loan, but the move fell down. He was previously expected to leave in 2024 after failing to convince Pochettino but has stepped up in recent games.
The 25-year-old has started the last four games across competitions, and the Blues have been unbeaten in all four.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that Cucurella has been very professional despite the summer disappointment.
"Marc Cucurella has been praised by Mauricio Pochettino after his improved form for Chelsea, so what could this mean for his future? As I explained recently, the feeling was that Cucurella could be one who would be allowed to leave Chelsea in January if he continued to find himself out of the team.
"He’s now playing and is doing really well, even against Bukayo Saka in the game against Arsenal at the weekend, so it will be interesting to see if Pochettino now decides to keep faith in the player," said Romano.
He continued:
“I can’t confirm yet what will happen, but I know that Cucurella has been superb again since the Manchester United deal collapsed. He’s not complaining, just fighting for his place and now doing great.
"Pochettino and his staff are very happy with his mentality. There are no discussions about January now, Cucurella is only focused on Chelsea as they’re very happy with him."
The Red Devils signed Sergio Reguilon this summer on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.