Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Levi Colwill open to Bayern Munich move; Blues eyeing Napoli ace, and more - June 17, 2024
Chelsea are looking to shore up their squad this summer following an underwhelming 2023-24 campaign. The Blues finished the season in sixth in the Premier League and replaced Mauricio Pochettino with Enzo Maresca.
Meanwhile, Levi Colwill is ready to move to the Allianz Arena. Elsewhere, the London giants are interested in Napoli forward Victor Osimhen. On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on June 17, 2024:
Levi Colwill open to Bayern Munich move
Levi Colwill is open to a move to Bayern Munich, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg. The English defender is highly rated at Stamford Bridge and enjoyed a stellar 2023-24 campaign.
Colwill registered 32 appearances across competitions and earned rave reviews with his efforts. The 21-year-old is expected to play a part in helping Chelsea deal with Thiago Silva's departure this summer.
However, the Bavarians are already eyeing a move for Colwill this summer, although the Premier League side have no desire to let him go. Bayern Munich want a new defender this summer but are aware that prising the Englishman away from Stamford Bridge would be a costly affair.
They have identified Bayer Leverkusen's Jonathan Tah as an alternative, but talks with the German defender haven't been fruitful either. Colwill remains on their radar, and the player is willing to consider a move if the Bundesliga giants arrive with a concrete offer.
Chelsea eyeing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, says Fabrizio Romano
Chelsea are among the clubs keeping a close eye on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia this summer, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Georgian midfielder rose to prominence after helping Napoli win the Serie A title in the 2022-23 campaign.
While he hasn't lived up to those high standards in the next season, Kvaratskhelia remains a sought-after man this summer. The Blues are looking to add more creativity to their squad ahead of the new campaign and have their eyes on the 23-year-old.
On his YouTube channel, Romano added that the player's entourage has informed him that they want to leave the Serie A side.
"They said we want to leave Napoli. The plan is to leave Napoli. Let me say that in the last year, there was also interest from Premier League clubs. PSG for sure, the strongest, especially in the last five, six weeks. But also, interest from the Premier League," said Romano.
He continued:
"Several Premier League clubs have sent their scouts to follow Kvaratskhelia this year at Napoli and also last year in their fantastic win in the Scudetto. For example, Chelsea have been in attendance many times for Kvaratskhelia."
Kvaratskhelia registered 11 goals and nine assists from 45 games across competitions in the 2023-24 campaign.
Borussia Dortmund suffer setback in Ian Maatsen move, says journalist
Borussia Dortmund are increasingly worried that they might miss out on Ian Maatsen this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones. The Dutch left-back spent the second half of the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Selhurst Park, registering three goals and two assists in 23 games across competitions.
The Bundesliga club want to make his stay permanent, but Chelsea's £35 million asking price makes a move next to impossible. The German giants are hoping to convince the Blues and get a deal done for a lesser fee.
However, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones added that the two clubs remain £12 million apart in their valuation of the 22-year-old.
"Dortmund were already concerned about whether they could meet Chelsea’s financial expectations around signing Maatsen, but knowing Chelsea might need cash before the end of the month, there was still some hope," said Jones.
He continued:
"They do really want him but now that he has been called up to the Netherlands squad it becomes even more difficult to negotiate.
"One, because of the limitations around being able to negotiate while he is at the tournament, but secondly, because it might be less likely to get Chelsea to drop the price."
He concluded:
"His release clause is high and Chelsea didn’t seem willing to budge before now, so they are perhaps even more likely to stick with it. The difference in valuation the two clubs have is around £12million as I understand it."
Maatsena's contract with the London giants expires in 2026, but he's no longer part of plans at Stamford Bridge.