The first transfer window of the summer has only been open a matter of days, but Chelsea have wasted no time in completing early business ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Enzo Maresca ’s side will face some of the world’s top teams this summer in the inaugural edition of the re-formatted tournament.
Looking to strengthen ahead of the competition, Chelsea beat several Premier League rivals to the signing of highly rated Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, triggering his release clause following Ipswich’s relegation back to the Championship.
That deal was confirmed this week, while numerous other players continue to be linked with moves to Stamford Bridge. With the Club World Cup approaching, the next week could prove decisive, and it’s shaping up to be an exciting summer for the west London club.
With that in mind, football.london takes a look at the latest Chelsea transfer news and rumours…
Chelsea handed potential Ekitike blow
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike is one of the most in-demand forwards on the market this summer, and Chelsea’s interest in the Frenchman is well established. Football.london understands the interest is genuine – though not at the current €100 million (£84.5 million) asking price, which the Bundesliga club has so far been unwilling to lower.
According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, the player himself is in no rush to decide his future, with Premier League rivals Liverpool still firmly in the race. Tavolieri claims Chelsea are pushing to reach an agreement with Ekitike, but a decision is not expected imminently.
Football.london says: Chelsea and Liverpool appear to be locked in another transfer battle, but it’s unclear who will come out on top. Both clubs are attractive propositions, though Liverpool may need to offload either Darwin Nunez or Diogo Jota to make room for Ekitike. I
If the player delays a decision due to Liverpool’s interest, Chelsea may be forced to reconsider their options, particularly with the Club World Cup fast approaching.
Blues offered alternative
Chelsea may already have a fallback option in mind, with Sky Sports reporting that the Blues have been offered West Ham attacker Mohammed Kudus. The outlet claims Chelsea have not dismissed the opportunity and are considering whether to add the 24-year-old to their summer shortlist.
Kudus, a Ghana international, joined West Ham from Ajax in 2023 and has since made 80 appearances, scoring 19 goals and providing 13 assists.
Reports suggest West Ham may need to sell before they can buy this summer, putting Kudus, one of their most valuable assets, on the radar of several top clubs.
Football.london says: Kudus is an intriguing option due to his versatility. While not an out-and-out striker, he primarily plays on the right wing and can operate across all attacking positions.
That flexibility could appeal to Chelsea, especially after securing Delap. However, if Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku are both moved on before the new season, Chelsea may still need to bring in another centre-forward to support Delap.
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