We are now just two weeks away from the summer transfer window closing. And for Chelsea, there is still plenty of business to be done between now and then.
The Blues have already completed 10 new signings so far this summer but are showing no signs of slowing down. The club have also let six players leave on permanent deals, while a further five have been let out on loan.
So what still needs to be done? Bobby Vincent takes a detailed look at what Chelsea need to do on the incoming and outgoing front before the window reaches its conclusion…
Incomings – two more?
Chelsea have already signed 10 players so to say they need two more seems a bit ridiculous. And, in my opinion, they do not really need Joao Felix. But signing the 24-year-old will open the door for an outgoing they do need. More on that later.
The Blues remain in talks with Atletico Madrid over the possible signing of Felix. football.london understands those in Felix’s camp are growing in confidence a deal can be struck but Chelsea are still trying to lower Atleti’s €60million (£51.4million) asking price for the Portugal international.
Felix himself wants the move, so personal terms are not expected to be a problem in this one. Chelsea supporters seem divided on whether they want Felix back at Stamford Bridge or not, but the majority on social media seem to be warming to the prospect.
And then of course we have Victor Osimhen. With Napoli wanting Romelu Lukaku, this deal does potentially have legs. However, any move for Osimhen would be complicated and expensive (when it comes to wages).
The overriding feeling is that Chelsea still need a top-class No.9 this summer and Osimhen certainly fits the bill. If this is a deal that can be done, and falls in line with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), then I’m sure Chelsea will do their absolute best to get it done.
Outgoings – plenty to leave
At this point, there is no denying that Chelsea have a bloated squad and there needs to be some serious business in terms of departures from Stamford Bridge in the next two weeks. Just in the goalkeeper department, there are two that could leave between now and the end of the window.
Kepa Arrizabalaga is not part of the plans at Chelsea and the club are looking to find the Spaniard a new home. However, his salary demands have in the past proven to be a big obstacle for other clubs to overcome when wanting to sign him.
Djordje Petrovic is up for sale as well, football.london understands. Filip Jorgensen signed last month and it looks as if he and Robert Sanchez are the main two goalkeeping options under Enzo Maresca.
Trevoh Chalobah is deemed surplus to requirements after being left out of the travelling squad for the tour of the United States. Crystal Palace could still move for the 25-year-old defender, but the Eagles may have to sell before they make an approach for the Cobham graduate, with Newcastle making repeated offers for former Chelsea defender Marc Guehi.
We could see the likes of Lesley Ugochukwu, Renato Veiga, Omari Kellyman, Angelo Gabriel and Deivid Washington leave the club on loan. It remains unclear what will happen with teenage striker Marc Guiu after impressing in pre-season.
Ipswich Town are interested in signing Armando Broja, football.london understands, and have spoken with the 22-year-old’s entourage in the last couple of days. Broja, like Chalobah, is not part of the plans at Stamford Bridge and is up for sale this summer.
Chelsea are also keen on finding David Datro Fofana another club in the next two weeks. Fofana does not fall into the Under-21 category anymore and it seems highly unlikely he will be named in the 25-man Premier League squad.
Perhaps the club’s two most crucial outgoing deals are Lukaku and Conor Gallagher. Lukaku is said to be earning over £300,000-per-week at Stamford Bridge and removing that from the wage bill will be significant.
Meanwhile, Gallagher’s situation needs to be sorted. Chelsea agreed a deal with Atletico Madrid last month for the England international to move to the Spanish capital.
Before Chelsea and Atleti agreed a deal, Gallagher turned down three contract offers from the Blues, with the midfielder having less than 12 months to run on his current deal. The 24-year-old flew to Madrid in order to complete his move – where he spent five days in a hotel – but has been unable to complete the transfer. It was halted because Chelsea’s deal to sign Samu Omorodion from Atleti fell through over personal terms.
