Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Juventus eyeing Blues ace, club sent Victor Osimhen warning, and more - August 3, 2024
Chelsea have already strengthened their squad by signing multiple new faces this summer. Enzo Maresca took over the first team duties at Stamford Bridge and is working to shape his team to fit his tactics.
Meanwhile, Juventus have set their sights on a Blues' striker this summer. Elsewhere, the London giants have been sent a warning regarding their pursuit of Victor Osimhen.
On that note, let's look at the major Chelsea transfer stories from August 3, 2024.
Juventus eyeing Armando Broja
Juventus have set their sights on Armando Broja this summer, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Albanian striker rose through the ranks at Stamford Bridge but has failed to establish himself in the starting XI.
He spent the second half of last season on loan at Fulham but was a disappointment at Craven Cottage. Chelsea have run out of patience with the 22-year-old and are willing to let him go.
The Bianconeri are keeping a close eye on the situation and are ready to move for him this summer. The Serie A giants are looking for a new striker following Moises Kean's departure to Fiorentina.
They have identified Broja among the options to replace the Italian striker. However, Juventus are yet to submit an official offer to the Blues, who are also looking for a new striker.
Recent reports have suggested that the London giants have their eyes on Napoli's Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker is likely to cost a fortune and Chelsea could use money from Broja's sale to help fund a deal.
Chelsea sent Victor Osimhen a warning by former player
Victor Osimhen could be burdened with the weight of his transfer fee if he completes a move to Chelsea, according to former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore.
The Nigerian forward is expected to leave Napoli this summer, despite only signing a new deal last December.
Enzo Maresca is expected to strengthen his attack over the summer by roping in a new No. 9. Osimhen has been on the Blues' radar for ages and the club are apparently in talks to secure his services this year.
However, the 25-year-old reportedly has a €130m release clause in his deal that makes any move complicated. Recent reports have suggested that Chelsea are planning to include Romelu Lukaku to sweeten the deal.
In his column for Caught Offside, Collymore insisted that Osimhen could be a poster boy for the Premier League and the Blues if the move materializes.
“The big-name signing that won’t just entertain us but will also become the poster boy of both his club and the entire Premier League. That could well be the case for Victor Osimhen if his rumoured move to Chelsea comes off, because the mind boggling numbers then puts unfair pressure and expectation on him,” wrote Collymore.
Paris Saint-German (PSG) have also been linked with Osimhen this summer.
Conor Gallagher yet to make a decision on his future, says journalist
Conor Gallagher is yet to decide on his future, according to journalist Matteo Moretto.
The English midfielder has entered the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge and has reportedly turned down two renewal offers.
Recent reports have suggested that Atletico Madrid are looking to take him to the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium this summer. Los Rojiblancos have apparently agreed to a €40m fee for the 24-year-old and are awaiting a green signal from the player.
In his column for Caught Offside, Moretto added that Gallagher is assessing his options before deciding his future.
“As things stand, Atletico Madrid have already made an offer to Conor Gallagher, and they have already reached an agreement with Chelsea. They are just waiting on a response from Gallagher and his agents. The Chelsea midfielder is thinking over things carefully," wrote Moretto.
“He knows there is a lot of pressure from Chelsea to do the deal, because they do not want him to go to a competitor, and that the only side that have made an offer that has satisfied Chelsea’s demands is Atletico – so there is a lot of pressure to get the deal done," he added.
The journalist went on to warn that Atletico Madrid won't wait forever for the Englishman.
“But as I say, this could change rapidly, we still don’t have the green light from the player. We are still waiting, but I don’t think Atletico will hang around long for an answer either. With Gallagher, he knows that his time at Chelsea is most likely up," wrote Moretto.
“The matter is not so much whether he wants to go to Atletico or not, but he is weighing up the fact that in six months time, he could sign a deal with anybody, and potentially earn a good bit more money. The prospect of being a free agent is the main obstacle right now for Atletico,” he concluded.
Gallagher appeared 50 times across competitions last season and was indispensable under Mauricio Pochettino.