Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues suffer Alexander Isak blow, club learn Raphinha price, and more - July 21, 2024
Chelsea have put their trust in Enzo Maresca after parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino earlier this summer. The former Leicester City manager has already added quite a few new faces to his roster, but remains in the market for more reinforcements.
Meanwhile, the Blues have suffered a blow in their efforts to sign Alexander Isak this summer. Elsewhere, the London giants will have to break the bank to sign Raphinha.
On that note, let's look at the major Chelsea transfer stories from July 21, 2024.
Chelsea suffer Alexander Isak blow
Chelsea have suffered a setback in their plans to sign Alexander Isak this summer. According to Football Insider, Newcastle United will not listen to offers for the Swedish striker this summer.
The Blues are in the market for a new No. 9 this year. Romelu Lukaku spent last season on loan at AS Roma and is no longer part of plans at Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson has been unconvincing since arriving from Villarreal last summer.
Enzo Maresca wants to address the issue by bringing in a new striker. While multiple players have been eyed for the job, recent reports have named Isak as a target.
It was previously believed that the Magpies would consider the 24-year-old's departure this summer to address any lingering FFP concerns. However, that is no longer the case following a few smart sales. Newcastle United are now determined to keep hold of their prized asset and Maresca will have to seek alternative options.
Blues learn Raphinha price
Chelsea will have to pay €50m to secure the services of Raphinha this summer, according to SPORT. The Brazilian is no longer a guaranteed started at Barcelona, thanks to the emergence of Lamine Yamal.
Raphinhas managed a return of ten goals and 13 assists from 37 games last season, despite dropping down the pecking order. With Raheem Sterling's future uncertain and the like of Mykhailo Mudryk failing to impress, Enzo Maresca is likely to target attacking reinforcements this summer.
Raphinha is proven in the Premier League with Leeds United and is likely to entice the Italian manager. However, the player is also wanted at Arsenal and could ignite a bidding war for his services this summer.
Former player slams Chelsea for targeting Andriy Lunin
Former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley has slammed the club for considering a move for Andriy Lunin this summer. The Blues are apparently in the market for a new goalkeeper, with Enzo Maresca looking for an upgrade on Robert Sanchez.
The Spaniard was roped in from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer, but has failed to live up to expectations. Recent reports have suggested that the London giants have identified Lunin as a target.
The Ukrainian goalkeeper is in the final year of his contract with Real Madrid and hasn't signed a new deal yet. The 25-year-old was outstanding for Los Blancos last season but remains behind Thibaut Courtois in the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu. Lunin is apparently considering his options and Chelsea are offering him a chance at regular football.
However, speaking to talkSPORT, Burley insisted that the Ukrainian is not good enough to be the No. 1 at Stamford Bridge.
“Lunin?! Another number two?! That would be typical of this Chelsea team, wouldn’t it?! So, they brought in Brighton’s number two, Robert Sanchez. They then brought in Petrovic from Major League Soccer as a number two, who became their number one. Now they are looking to bring in another number two,” said Burley.
Recent reports have suggested that Arsenal also have their eyes on Lunin as a possible replacement for Aaron Ramsdale.