Enzo Maresca and his paymasters at Stamford Bridge still appear keen to bring in some players this summer, but with Financial Fair Play in mind, the Italian will need to clear the decks too.
All go at Chelsea as ace is linked to Premier League rivals
Latest reports, including from CaughtOffside columnist and transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, writing on X (formerly Twitter), would appear to suggest that a deal for Joao Felix and Conor Gallagher could soon be done, whilst Romano also notes Maresca’s harsh critique of Ben Chilwell.
🚨🔵 Understand Chelsea and Atlético are getting closer to final agreement for João Félix and Conor Gallagher!
Positive round of talks today, João says yes to contract terms. Rumours on €60m fixed fee for Félix are not true.
All parties working to get it done this weekend. pic.twitter.com/HOpN50Nt3j
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2024
🚨🔵 Ben Chilwell, set to leave Chelsea as Maresca has confirmed: “It's probably better he goes and leaves and finds minutes”.
“I love the way he is, the problem is that he is struggling to find the right position with us…”. pic.twitter.com/pd6lsHIKh0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 16, 2024
There are other players that could also be making way this summer too, with centre-back, Trevoh Chalobah, known to be considering his options at present.
According to talkSPORT, Newcastle might well decide to make a move for him, particularly if they are unable to secure a deal for Marc Guehi.
Latest reports on that situation (via Sky Sports) is that Crystal Palace are preparing to turn down a fourth bid of £65m from the North East giants, and it remains to be seen if Newcastle will come back in with one final take it or leave it offer.
It’s believed that Chalobah never really wanted to leave Stamford Bridge in the first place, but as an academy product, any monies earned from his sale would count as pure profit in the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), and that would appear to be what’s behind the club’s decision to move him on.
The same applies for Conor Gallagher, Chelsea’s captain last year, who is likely to end up at Atletico Madrid but no doubt also preferred to stay with the Blues, given the choice.
