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Chelsea ended last season without silverware, finishing the campaign in sixth place in the Premier League. The club parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino at the end of the season and have appointed Enzo Maresca as their new manager.
Meanwhile, the Blues are interested in Atletico Madrid forward Samu Omorodion. Elsewhere, the London giants are continuing talks to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summer.
On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on August 6, 2024:
Chelsea eyeing Samu Omorodion
Chelsea are working to bring Samu Omorodion to Stamford Bridge this summer, according to The Telegraph. The Blues are searching for attacking reinforcements this year and have apparently zeroed in on the Spaniard as an option.
Omorodion spent last season on loan at Alaves from Atletico Madrid, scoring nine goals and setting up one in 36 games across competitions. The London giants apparently believe that he could compete with Nicolas Jackson for a place in the starting XI.
Chelsea are reportedly working on a £40 million offer to secure his services, which could be enough to convince Los Rojiblancos. The two clubs have a cordial relationship after agreeing a deal for Conor Gallagher this summer.
Blues remain in talks for Victor Osimhen
Chelsea remain locked in talks with Napoli for the services of Victor Osimhen, according to acclaimed journalist David Ornstein. The Nigerian striker is a long-term target for the Stamford Bridge hierarchy, who are optimistic about a deal this summer.
The Blues are also in hot pursuit of Atletico Madrid's Samu Omorodion, but their interest in Osimhen is independent of a move for the Spaniard. The London giants want a proven face to lead the line next season and believe that the 25-year-old is the right man for the job.
Despite signing a new contract with the Italian club last year, Osimhen is expected to be on the move this year. While his reported €130 million release clause is likely to be a problem, Chelsea are apparently ready to include Romelu Lukaku in their offer to sweeten a deal.
Enzo Maresca blames PSR rules for Conor Gallagher exit
Enzo Maresca has laid the blame on the Premier League's new profit and sustainability rule for Conor Gallagher's possible exit from Chelsea this summer. Recent reports have suggested that the English midfielder is close to a move to Atletico Madrid this summer.
Gallagher is in the final year of his contract with the Blues but hasn't agreed to a renewal. His homegrown status makes an exit a tempting proposal for the club, as his sale could be registered as pure profit.
The London giants have reportedly agreed a €40 million deal with their La Liga counterparts for the 23-year-old. The player is expected to arrive in Spain this week for his medical ahead of a move.
Speaking recently, as cited by The Evening Standard, Maresca said that the rules must change to protect young players.
“This is not Chelsea’s problem, these are the rules. All the clubs at this moment are compelled to sell players from the academy because of the rules. It’s all of the Premier League clubs’ problems,” said Maresca.
He continued:
“If they want to protect academy players, then probably yes (PSR rules have to change). Absolutely (I want to promote academy players to the first team and not sell them for profit). I also think the intention of the club is not to sell players from the academy, but it is the rules at the end that you have to do it.”
He concluded:
“It’s not only us, it’s all the Premier League clubs. It’s a shame because in Italy, we have (Francesco) Totti with Roma, 20 years with the same club. One-club-man; we love that in football, the fans want to see that. But with the rules now it is different than the past.”
Gallagher was a first-team regular under Mauricio Pochettino last season at Stamford Bridge and was also wanted by Tottenham Hotspur this summer.
