Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues not in Victor Osimhen talks; club want Aston Villa ace, and more - June 13, 2024
Chelsea finished sixth in the Premier League and parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino. Former Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca has been roped in as the Argentinean's replacement earlier this month.
Meanwhile, the Blues are not eyeing a move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summer. Elsewhere, the London giants have set their sights on Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on June 13, 2024:
Chelsea not in Victor Osimhen talks, says Fabrizio Romano
Chelsea are not working on a deal for Victor Osimhen at the moment, says acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Napoli striker is a sought-after man this summer and has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for a while.
The Blues are expected to sign a new No. 9 this summer after a poor showing in front of goal in the 2023-24 campaign. Osimhen is one of the finest in his position in Europe and could be a fantastic addition to Enzo Maresca's squad.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that the 25-year-old is likely to leave the Serie A club this summer.
“I’ve had some Chelsea fans asking me again about Victor Osimhen as this story has seemed quiet recently. I still see Osimhen leaving, but at the moment the reality is that it is quiet, so we can only wait and see what happens,” wrote Romano.
He continued:
“Osimhen will meet with his agent in the next days to assess all the options and decide what’s best for him. Osimhen’s priority remains to leave Napoli this summer, the plan has not changed.”
Osimhen's contract with Napoli runs till 2026, and he reportedly has a massive release clause in his deal, believed to be above £100 million.
Blues want Jhon Duran, says Fabrizio Romano
Chelsea have identified Jhon Duran as an alternative to Benjamin Sesko, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Blues are on the hunt for a new striker ahead of the upcoming campaign and had identified Sesko as a target.
However, it was recently reported that the Slovenian striker has decided to continue his development at RB Leizig for at least another season. The situation has forced a change of plans at Stamford Bridge, and Duran has been identified as an option.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that the London giants are already in talks with Aston Villa for the Colombian.
“With Sesko not joining Chelsea, Duran could be another option, and they already had some conversations with Aston Villa because we know that Villa have issues with Financial Fair Play," wrote Romano.
The transfer guru added that the 20-year-old is likely to cost £35-40 million.
“But another key detail is that Villa also like Conor Gallagher, he’s one of their dream targets.
"They will sign Ross Barkley in midfield, but Gallagher is also a target and considered a fantastic player. So there have been club-to-club talks, and they have discussed Duran – he won’t be cheap, though, probably around £35-40m," wrote Romano.
He continued:
“Despite interest from some clubs in Italy, Duran is now understood to be giving his priority to Chelsea – he’s really keen on joining Chelsea and would love this possibility.”
Duran was a backup to Ollie Watkins at Villa Park in the 2023-24 campaign but still registered eight goals in 37 games across competitions.
Conor Gallagher could extend Stamford Bridge stay
Chelsea could hand Conor Gallagher a new deal this summer, according to The Guardian. The Englishman's future at Stamford Bridge is subject to speculation, with his contract expiring in 2025.
Recent reports have suggested that the Blues are willing to listen offers for the 24-year-old as they look to comply to the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules. Gallagher was a first-team regular under Mauricio Pochettino, registering 50 appearances and wearing the armband in the absence of regular captain Reece James.
Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for the Englishman, while Aston Villa have also been named as a suitor. Recent reports have suggested that the player wants to stay, and it now appears that he could get his wish.