"Better than Riccardo Calafiori", "Time to ship Chilwell to Saudi" - Chelsea fans react as club complete signing of 20-year-old star

Chelsea fans have reacted excitedly to their their club completing the signing of Portugal U-21 captain Renato Veiga from FC Basel on a seven-year deal. The versatile 20-year-old has become the fifth permanent transfer completed by the Blues this summer as they ramp up preparations for the 2024-25 season.

Following a hugely disappointing 2022-23 season in which they finished 12th, Chelsea showed significant improvement in the 2023-24 season to finish sixth in the league. They also reached the final of the Carabao Cup and the semi-final of the FA Cup.

The club appointed Enzo Maresca as manager this summer, and the Italian has quickly carried out a squad reshuffle in this transfer window. The Blues were interested in a left-sided defender to play as a hybrid left-back and they targeted Bologna man Riccardo Calafiori.

After failing to reach an agreement with the Italian and his club, they moved swiftly to sign 20-year-old Renato Veiga for just £12 million. The versatile defender is capable of playing at left-back, centre-back and midfield, as evidenced by his performances for his former sides.

The signing of the youngster further shows the club's commitment to acquiring players that can fit into the ideology of their new manager. The fans shared their excitement at the signing on X after the announcement was made by Chelsea.

A fan expressed disappointment at the signing of the youngster, highlighting such signings as a problem for the club.

"Now Chelsea move like Ipswich town. Signing average players only. Another trophyless season coming"

Another fan was more optimistic and expressed joy at the signing.

"He's here. He's perfect 😊"

Another fan advised the club to sell vice-captain Ben Chilwell after his signing.

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"Sell Chilwel immediately 😂 Welcome home star boy"

Chelsea have now signed five players to their first team this summer, with Veiga joining a number of other additions. The Blues already completed deals for Tosin Adarabioyo, Omari Kellyman, Marc Guiu and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall this summer.

Chelsea pull out of race for Spanish striker - Reports

Chelsea have pulled out of the race to sign Spain U-21 international Samu Omorodion from La Liga giants Atletico Madrid after multiple attempts. The Blues will not be signing the forward this summer after failing to convince his club to release him.

Maresca's side have been linked with multiple strikers this summer as they are expected to sign a player to provide competition to Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku. The Italian manager is, however, content to work with the strikers at his disposal before deciding on whether to sign any others.

Marca reports that the Blues will not move for Omorodion this summer, regardless of whatever the manager decides. The club has decided that a deal for the 20-year-old will be nearly impossible after seeing multiple bids, including one of £45 million rejected.