Enzo Maresca will be keen to welcome some new faces to Stamford Bridge before Chelsea are back in action. After winning the UEFA Conference League, the Blues will now turn their attention to the FIFA Club World Cup.
Later this month, Chelsea will jet off to the United States and compete for another piece of silverware. The west Londoners, who have been drawn into Group D, lock horns with Club Leon before facing Flamengo.
Then, Maresca’s side will play Espérance Sportive de Tunis and, hopefully, qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament. Chelsea could have the chance to test themselves against the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Manchester City will be the only other Premier League outfit at the Club World Cup. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up all the latest Chelsea news and transfer gossip.
Delap set for Chelsea medical
According to The Athletic, Chelsea are planning for Liam Delap to undergo his medical on Monday ahead of a potential £30m transfer from Ipswich Town. The report claims the Blues met the release clause in the 22-year-old striker’s contract, which was activated following the Tractor Boys’ relegation from the Premier League.
It’s said that Delap attracted interest from lots of top teams in Europe, including the likes of Manchester United, AC Milan and Juventus. They have now all been informed that the England Under-21 international, who prefers a move to west London, will be heading elsewhere.
football.london says: “For £30m, you can’t go wrong. This is a very good signing for Chelsea. The Blues create lots of chances, so Liam Delap should hit the ground running – especially with so many familiar faces at Stamford Bridge from his days at Manchester City. Top business.”
Tottenham make shock Chelsea approach
According to talkSPORT, Tottenham Hotspur have enquired about a potential transfer for Christopher Nkunku. The 27-year-old forward has struggled to impress since joining Chelsea from RB Leipzig for £52m in June 2023.
The report claims Bayern Munich made an initial approach for Nkunku in January and he was keen on a move, but the German outfit were put off by the Blues’ price tag. It’s said that Chelsea demanded north of £50m for the France international.
talkSPORT add that Nkunku remains open to joining the Bundesliga champions, but he’s ‘equally receptive’ to stay in the Premier League.
football.london says: “Unfortunately, it’s not worked out for Christopher Nkunku at Chelsea. He just never looked like he was prepared to fight for a place in the starting lineup. Whether it was his injury or English football, the Frenchman wasn’t the same player who tore the Bundesliga to shreds at RB Leipzig.”
Forgotten Chelsea ace set for return
According to CaughtOffside, Benfica remain interested in re-signing Joao Felix, who’s spent the second half of the season on loan at AC Milan. The 25-year-old winger disappointed in the Italian top-flight this season, scoring just two goals in 15 appearances.
The report claims that Benfica, which would be his preferred destination this summer, are progressing in talks with Chelsea. It’s said that the Portuguese giants want to sign Felix on loan, while the Blues would prefer a permanent sale.
football.london says: “The idea of Joao Felix is always better than the reality. He had some much promise, but the Portuguese ace just struggles to build any momentum or consistency. Get him gone.”
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