While Chelsea’s recent impasse may have been solved by the acquisition of the club by the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital consortium, the Blues have yet to make a major signing this summer.
While loanees including Connor Gallagher, Armando Broja and Ethan Ampadu have returned to the club, these additions have been offset by the loss of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christen on free transfers and the loan departure of record signing Romelu Lukaku to Inter.
This is why Chelsea are now priced at around 18/1 (behind Spurs) to win next season’s EPL title. You can bet on this outcome using the 1xbit promo code, but you may want to see a little more transfer activity before you commit your hard-earned cash.
So, let’s take a look at the latest transfer news and who may join the club during the summer window.
Entering the Race for De Jong
With doubts surrounding the long-term future of Jorginho (and the lack of progress showcased by Billy Gilmour last season), Chelsea arguably lack a little guile and technical ability in the midfield.
Of course, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovačić and Gallagher all bring exceptional qualities to the middle of the park, but it should come as no surprise that the Blues are apparently joining the race for Barcelona’s Dutch playmaker Frenkie de Jong.
Chelsea may have an advantage over Manchester United too, with the Blues able to offer Champions League football and tempt Barca with a player-plus-cash option that would include Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso and a cool £51 million.
Azpilicueta is a long-term target for the Catalan club too, so this is a deal that could develop legs as the summer progresses.
Introducing Raphinha and Raheem Sterling
Interestingly, Barca have complicated the Blues’ pursuit of Leeds’ Brazilian winger Raphina, by apparently joining the race and causing the 25-year-old to await their offer.
However, Chelsea remain firm favourites to complete the deal, having tabled a competitive £55 million offer and made their intentions clear. The question that remains is how long can the deal remain in limbo before the Blues pull the plug?
Elsewhere, it has been reported that unsettled Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling has agreed personal terms with Chelsea, with just a few deals to be ironed out ahead of a move.
Of course, these moves would cast significant doubt on the already uncertain futures of Hakim Ziyech and the injury prone Christian Pulisic, while doing little to resolve the loss of a front-line striker in the mould of Lukaku.
Will Ronaldo Arrive in London?
It has been reported that Cristiano Ronaldo won’t join the Red Devils on their pre-season tour, with United officials resigned to the departure of the legendary Portuguese striker and last season’s top scorer.
This has alerted a number of clubs, with Chelsea surprisingly leading the charge to sign Ronaldo alongside PSG, Napoli, Bayern Munich and even Barcelona.
Chelsea certainly offer an option for Ronaldo to stay in the UK, while the London life and a competitive salary package from the Blues (presumably on a one-year deal) would probably appeal to the Portuguese and his representatives.
This would also afford the Blues some much needed firepower in the absence of Lukaku, who is currently likely to return to the club after his year-long loan in Italy.
And Blues boss Thomas Tuchel retains an interest in bringing in Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United, who are willing to listen to offers. Napoli are also keen on the 37-year-old Portugal forward. (Sky Sports).
