Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues want Borussia Dortmund star, club eyeing Spanish ace, and more - July 8, 2024
Chelsea are working to reclaim their glory days under the leadership of Enzo Maresca. The Italian manager gained prominence by helping Leicester City win the Championship last season and took charge at Stamford Bridge in June.
Meanwhile, the Blues are interested in a Borussia Dortmund forward. Elsewhere, the London giants remain hot on the heels of a Spanish striker.
On that note, let's look at the major Chelsea transfer stories from July 8, 2024.
Chelsea want Karim Adeyemi
Chelsea have set their sights on Karim Adeyemi, according to journalist Rudy Galetti. The German forward endured a difficult 2023/24 season with Borussia Dortmund, registering five goals and two assists from 34 games across competitions.
Adeyemi was part of the team that reached the UEFA Champions League final last season but faltered against Real Madrid. The 22-year-old missed a string of chances against Los Blancos.
Despite his struggles, the German forward's stock remains high and he's not short of options this summer. The Blues are also on his list of admirers and have apparently made Adeyemi a priority target this year.
Enzo Maresca was keen to rope in Michael Olise to upgrade his attack, but the Frenchman has already completed a move to Bayern Munich. The Italian manager is looking to add more firepower to his frontline before the new campaign. Ideally, the club would like improvements on the likes of Mykhaylo Mudryk and Noni Madueke.
Adeyemi has emerged as an option and fits the profile of young talents that the London giants have pursued in recent windows. The player is under contract with Dortmund until 2027 and is likely to command a decent fee.
Blues eyeing Sami Omorodion, says journalist
Samu Omorodion remains a target at Stamford Bridge, according to journalist Matteo Moretto. The Spanish forward spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Alaves from Atletico Madrid, scoring eight goals in 34 league games for the club.
The Blues are looking to sign a new No.9 this summer and have already roped in Marc Guiu from Barcelona. However, Enzo Maresca remains eager to sign another striker and has his eyes set on Omorodion.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Moretto insisted that the 20-year-old wants to stay at the Metropolitano Stadium.
“The only thing I can say regarding Chelsea target Samu Omorodion is to repeat what I reported a couple of weeks ago: so far, Atletico have said no to Chelsea’s offers. Atleti are clearly keen to hold onto him, and it helps that Omorodion himself dreams of succeeding at Atleti before considering a move in successive summers," wrote Moretto.
He continued:
“That said, we have to tell it like it is – Chelsea are definitely still keeping a close eye on his situation, as he is a player that the board at Chelsea and their new manager Enzo Maresca absolutely love. We shall have to wait and see if anything new comes of it.”
The Spaniard is under contract with Los Rojiblancos until 2028.
Former player wants Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at Stamford Bridge
Former Blues winger Pat Nevin wants the club to target Khvicha Kvaratskhelia this summer. The Georgian forward has seen his stock rise in recent times following a string of impressive performances for Napoli.
Kvaratskhelia scored 11 goals and set up nine more from 45 games across competitions last season. He also put up a good show at Euro 2024, and has been on the London giants' radar for a while.
Speaking to Genting Casinos, Nevin insisted that the 23-year-old could be a hit at Stamford Bridge.
"My dream signing for Chelsea this summer is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. He’s a great player with a great personality and he’s old school and modern at the same time. He's doing it for Georgia and Napoli, put him in a top team and he could be extra special. I'd love to see him playing in the Premier League. Absolutely love it," said Nevin.
He continued:
"If Chelsea can make one big signing, that would be the one. He's skilful, he dribbles, he runs with the ball, he's good in the air, he takes players on. You name it. He also does it while smiling and loving every second of it."
Kvaratskhelia is under contract with the Serie A side until 2027.