Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Juventus not in talks for Raheem Sterling, Romelu Lukaku likely to leave Blues, and more - August 11, 2024
Chelsea will be hoping to kickstart a new era under Enzo Maresca in the upcoming season. The Italian manager replaced Mauricio Pochettino at Stamford Bridge this summer and has already made multiple changes to his squad.
Meanwhile, Juventus are not in talks to sign Raheem Sterling this year. Elsewhere, Romelu Lukaku is likely to leave the Blues this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Chelsea transfer stories from August 11, 2024.
Juventus not in talks for Raheem Sterling, says Fabrizio Romano
Juventus are not eyeing a move for Raheem Sterling this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The English forward's future at Chelsea is subject to speculation following the arrival of Enzo Maresca.
The Italian tactician is already working to implement multiple changes in the squad, and recent reports have suggested that Sterling is not in his plans. The 29-year-old scored 10 goals and set up eight more from 43 games across competitions last season.
Sterling has generated interest from Saudi Arabia as well, although it is believed that he doesn't want to move to the Middle East right now. It has been recently reported that I Bianconeri have identified him as a target this summer and have reached out to the Blues to discuss a deal.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano has refuted those claims.
“Chelsea have also not received proposals from Juventus for Raheem Sterling so far, and Sterling has received no contact from Italy yet, despite rumours. What I’m told is that Juventus are working on the Nico Gonzalez deal with Fiorentina as their priority for the new winger,” Romano wrote.
Sterling is under contract with the London giants until 2027.
Romelu Lukaku likely to leave Chelsea, says Fabrizio Romano
Romelu Lukaku will not last the summer at Stamford Bridge, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Belgian forward spent last season on loan at AS Roma, registering 21 goals and four assists from 47 games across competitions.
However, he is surplus to requirements under Enzo Maresca at Chelsea and will be allowed to leave this year. The Blues are already on the hunt for a new No. 9 this year and are ready to cash in on Lukaku.
Recent reports have suggested that the London giants are planning to include the 31-year-old in their offer for Napoli's Victor Osimhen. The Serie A side are also keen on signing Lukaku, who is a priority target for new manager Antonio Conte.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that it is only a matter of time before the Belgian moves to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
“Lukaku will not stay at Chelsea. Impossible, I keep saying it’s Napoli for Lukaku, regardless of the Osimhen story. Conte wants him, he wants to work with Conte, a three-year deal is ready and Napoli can accelerate soon. I don’t see any other option,” Romano wrote.
Chelsea have already signed Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid to bolster their attack this summer.
Aston Villa eyeing Trevoh Chalobah
Aston Villa have set their sights on Trevoh Chalobah, according to journalist Matt Law. The English defender rose through the ranks at Chelsea but has failed to establish himself in the starting XI so far.
The Blues working to improve their squad ahead of the new season and are willing to cash in on Chalobah. The 25-year-old was heavily linked with Bayern Munich last summer, but the move failed to materialize.
Nottingham Forest were also interested in his signature, but he opted against a move to City Ground. However, Chalobah's stay at Stamford Bridge could be coming to an end this year.
Villa are in the market for a new defender, with Diego Carlos likely to be on the move this summer. They have the Englishman on their radar but will face competition from Crystal Palace for his signature.