Chelsea are back in action this weekend, and they’ll be looking to secure qualification to the Champions League. Nottingham Forest will host the Blues at the City Ground on Sunday afternoon in what is expected to be a fiesty encounter.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge back in October. Chris Wood gave Forest the lead shortly after half-time, before Noni Madueke found an equaliser on the hour mark.
The west Londoners dominated the clash, but couldn’t breach the visitors’ low block. While Enzo Maresca finalises his game-plan, the sporting directors are gearing up for another busy summer transfer window.
So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up all the latest Chelsea news;
Chelsea and Man Utd hold Delap talks
According to Fabrizio Romano, for CaughtOffside, Liam Delap has held talks with both Chelsea and Manchester United regarding a potential transfer in the summer. The 22-year-old striker continues to be heavily linked with a move away from Ipswich Town following his impressive performances in the Premier League.
The report reckons Delap has also attracted interest from the Bundesliga, with some German clubs ready to offer him an ‘important contract’. However, it’s said that the talisman would prefer to stay in the Premier League.
football.london says: “Liam Delap would be a good signing for just £30m – so long as whoever gets him plans to sign another world-class forward, as well. As a standalone signing for a top-six club, I fear he’s not quite ready for that step. If I was Enzo Maresca, I’d rather Viktor Gyokeres or Victor Osimhen. Hugo Ekitike is growing on me, too.”
Fernandez names dream Chelsea signing
Enzo Fernandez has named Julian Alvarez has the international teammate that he would like to sign for Chelsea. The 25-year-old striker joined Atletico Madrid from Manchester City last summer in deal worth £82m.
Alvarez, who enjoyed two-and-a-half successful years at the Etihad Stadium, signed a six-year contract in the Spanish capital. Under Diego Simeone, the Argentine has established himself as one of top forwards in Europe.
In a video with Gaston Edul on YouTube, Fernandez was asked which international teammate he would like to sign for Chelsea. He replied: “Julian Alvarez.”
football.london says: “Julian Alvarez would be a brilliant signing for Chelsea, but I very much doubt he’s on the market this summer.”
Man Utd plot Old Trafford fire-sale
According to The Manchester Evening News, United have ‘no intention’ of re-integrating Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony into their squad. The report claims that senior figures at Old Trafford have also lost confidence in Rasmus Hojlund, who will be made available for transfer.
Chelsea have an obligation to buy to Sancho from United for £25m; a clause which was activated when the Blues defeated Fulham last month, guaranteeing a finish 14th-place or above in the Premier League this season.
However, the west Londoners can also pay a £5m penalty fee to cancel the deal. In order to remain compliant with profitability and sustainability rules, United require £14.58m for Sancho’s signature this summer.
football.london says: “For £25m, I’d sign Jadon Sancho on a permanent basis. That’s a bargain! Apart from a shaky spell over the festive period, he’s been a good signing for Chelsea. He started the season well, and he’s ended the season well. At the moment, he’s a squad player. But, if he can build some more consistency, Enzo Maresca could have a class player on his hands.”
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