Chelsea are back in action next week – and head coach Enzo Maresca will be hoping to get his hands on another piece of silverware. The Blues have jetted off to the United States for their FIFA Club World Cup charge.
Next week, Chelsea, who have been drawn in Group D, lock horns with Los Angeles FC before playing Flamengo. Then, the west Londoners will face Espérance Sportive de Tunis and, hopefully, qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.
Chelsea could also come up against the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid this summer, so Maresca will want his squad ready and refreshed. With that being said, football.london has rounded up all the latest Chelsea news and transfer gossip.
Man Utd resume Osimhen talks
According to French outlet Footmercato, Manchester United have resumed talks with Victor Osimhen. The report claims that the Red Devils – who want to sign a new striker this summer – initiated negotiations at the start of last month to discuss the conditions of a potential transfer.
It’s said that the Nigerian wants a €12m (£10.2m) salary, while Napoli wants his €75m (£63.5m) release clause to be paid in full. Footmercato add that Osimhen, who wants to join a new club, recently rejected a ‘lavish offer’ from Al-Hilal.
football.london says: “I’m personally glad Chelsea are no longer in the race for Victor Osimhen. If Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson can stay fit, they’re more than good enough to last Enzo Maresca until at least January, where the Blues can then reassess their options.”
New Chelsea target breaks silence
Nick Woltemade has shared an update on his future at VfB Stuttgart. The 23-year-old striker has recently emerged as a potential target for Chelsea this summer.
As quoted by Sky Sports Germany, Woltemade said: “I think that’s part of it. It wouldn’t be ideal if the clubs’ scouts didn’t have that on their radar. But now I’m with the U-21s, and I’m very happy about it and having a lot of fun.
“I was able to score three goals again today, and that’s the most important thing for me right now,” continued the Chelsea target. “Those are all things that I’m not really thinking about right now. I’m not thinking about my personal future at the moment.”
football.london says: “Nick Woltemade is certainly an interesting profile. I think he’d be better off at Strasbourg for the time being. If Chelsea really want to sign ANOTHER striker, then go for Victor Osimhen or Viktor Gyokeres. Hugo Ekitike wouldn’t be bad either if the price was right.”
Newcastle step up pursuit
According to The Telegraph, Newcastle have learned that Joao Pedro would be interested in a move to St. James’ Park. The report reckons that the Magpies are yet to submit a formal offer to Brighton for the 23-year-old forward, but they’re away he’s ‘likely to be allowed to leave this summer if a suitable bid is made’.
It’s said that the Seagulls want around £60m for Pedro. The Telegraph add that Newcastle are cautious of making their move because they know the Brazilian has been looked by several Premier League clubs – including Chelsea.
Eddie Howe has reportedly been a ‘huge fan’ of Pedro for a while now, even short-listing him as an option before securing the signature of Alexander Isak in 2022.
football.london says: “Joao Pedro would be a good signing for Newcastle. He’d arrive as an auxiliary forward, with Alexander Isak regarded as the main man, and I think he’d understand that. Chelsea already have two good strikers fighting for a place in the starting line-up. The Blues don’t need a third who’s arguably just as good.”
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