Cesc Fabregas plots move to sign Chelsea breakout star at Como after Serie A promotion: Reports
Ex-Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas is reportedly keen to add Blues centre-back Alfie Gilchrist to his Como squad ahead of the next term.
Fabregas, who is Como's co-owner and assistant manager, helped his team finish second in the Serie B standings in the 2023-24 season. He was initially the team's head coach, but he handed over the reins to caretaker manager Osian Roberts in December 2023.
Now, according to The Athletic, Como are interested in signing Gilchrist on a loan switch this summer with Preston North End also in the race.
Gilchrist, 20, broke through into Chelsea's first-team in the 2023-24 campaign. He started five of his 17 appearances across competitions, scoring one goal in a 6-0 home league win over Everton earlier in April.
A right-footed defender adept at operating at right-back, Gilchrist earned his name due to his mature displays for the Blues' age-group teams. He netted five goals in 83 joint games for their U23 and U21 sides.
Gilchrist won Chelsea's Academy Player of the Year last campaign.
Chelsea not in talks to sign Ligue 1 striker
In his The Daily Briefing column for Caught Offside, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano provided insight on the Blues' interest in LOSC Lille star Jonathan David. He said:
"It's not something that at the moment I'm told is imminent or close. So I think they're just speaking to many clubs and many agents to understand the situation of several strikers on the market. But at the moment, I'm not hearing anything imminent. I still expect Jonathan David to leave Lille in the summer transfer window."
Asserting that Chelsea are not in talks to sign David, Romano added:
"He has one year left on his contract and Lille want to make a profit. The player wants to try a different experience, so there is a good opportunity. I think a 90% chance to see Jonathan David leaving Lille. But at the moment, I’m not aware of anything advanced club-to-club between Chelsea and Lille."
David, whose current contract is set to run out in June 2025, has cemented himself as one of the best forwards in the Ligue 1 since joining Lille in 2020. The Canadian has bagged 84 goals, including 26 last campaign, and registered 18 assists in 183 games for his club.
The 24-year-old is currently representing Canada at the Copa America and will be in action against Group A opponents Peru this Tuesday.