Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Manchester United want English ace, Blues eyeing Brazilian defender, and more - July 9, 2024
Chelsea endured a forgettable 2023/24 campaign under Mauricio Pochettino, finishing sixth in the Premier League and ending the season without silverware. The Argentinean tactician has since vacated his position at Stamford Bridge with Enzo Maresca taking his place.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are interested in English full-back Ben Chilwell. Elsewhere, the Blues have set their sights on Brazilian defender Murillo.
On that note, let's look at the major Chelsea transfer stories from July 9, 2024.
Manchester United want Ben Chilwell
Manchester United have set their sights on Ben Chilwell, according to The Daily Mail. The English left-back has struggled with injuries of late at Stamford Bridge and his future remains up in the air this summer.
Chilwell appeared just 21 times across competitions last season for Chelsea, registering just one assist. With Marc Cucurella in outstanding form for Spain at Euro 2024, Chilwell could be allowed to leave this year.
The Red Devils are apparently eyeing the situation with interest. Erik ten Hag is looking to sign a new left-back before the start of the new campaign after encountering difficulties in the position last season.
Injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia affected the Dutchman's plans and he has reportedly identified Chilwell as a solution. However, the 27-year-old has a worrying fitness record, so perhaps it is wise to take these rumours with a pitch of salt.
Chelsea eyeing Murillo, says Fabrizio Romano
Chelsea have enquired about the availability of Murillo, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Brazilian center-back caught the eye with Nottingham Forest last season, registering 36 appearances across competitions.
The Blues are looking for a new defender this summer following Thiago Silva's departure. Tosin Adarabioyo has already been signed on a Bosman move, but Enzo Maresca remains active in the market for further additions. Trevoh Chalobah's future remains up in the air and Murillo could be a fine replacement for the Englishman.
However, speaking on The Debrief podcast, Romano added that the London giants have balked at the 22-year-old's price tag.
“For Murillo, there is interest from Chelsea. Chelsea asked about information on the deal…it was two weeks ago. At the moment it’s not being discussed in terms of a proper negotiation, because it’s really expensive, probably around £55-60m, and for Chelsea this is too much,” said Romano.
Murillo is under contract at the City Ground until 2028, so Forest have the upper hand in negotiations.
Conor Gallagher's future to be decided after Euro 2024, says journalist
Conor Gallagher's future will be decided after Euro 2024, according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth. The English midfielder has entered the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge, but hasn't been handed a new deal yet.
Gallagher was a constant feature under Mauricio Pochettino last season, registering seven goals and nine assists from 50 games across competitions. However, recent reports have suggested that the Blues are willing to consider his departure because it would register as pure profit in their books.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sheth added that a stay at Stamford Bridge cannot be ruled out either.
"We're not expecting any movement on Conor Gallagher until after the Euros. He's not thinking about his future until England's EURO 2024 campaign is over. So make no mistake about it, there are lots of clubs who would love to have Conor Gallagher," said Sheth.
He continued:
"Chelsea will be one of those who would love to have Conor Gallagher as well. I just wonder whether things have changed now that Mauricio Pochettino has left, because he was a big backer of Gallagher and made him captain of the team."
Tottenham Hotspur are long-term admirers of the 24-year-old and remain in the mix for his signature this summer.