Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues eyeing Liverpool ace, club close to securing Joao Felix, and more - August 19, 2024

Chelsea stumbled to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, August 18, in the Premier League. Goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic marked a disappointing start to Enzo Maresca's tenure in west London.

Meanwhile, the Blues have set their sights on an English defender who plays for Liverpool. Elsewhere, the London giants are close to getting their hands on Joao Felix.

On that note, let's look at the major Chelsea transfer stories from August 19, 2024.

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Chelsea eyeing Joe Gomez

Chelsea have entered the race to sign Joe Gomez this summer, according to The Times. The Blues are looking for a new defender this year, with Trevoh Chalobah likely to be on his way. Gomez has emerged as an option and will be allowed to leave Liverpool this summer.

The Englishman's versatility will suit Enzo Maresca's tactics. Gomez can operate as a central defender and in both full-back positions.

The London giants will face competition from Newcastle United and Aston Villa for the 27-year-old's signature. He was kept out of the match day squad for the weekend's game against Ipswich Town to help secure an exit from Anfield.

The player hasn't been a regular starter for the Reds in recent times and is now eager to leave in search of greener pastures.

Blues close to securing Joao Felix, says journalist

Chelsea are close to securing the services of Joao Felix this summer, according to journalist Matteo Moretto. The Spanish forward spent the second half of the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Stamford Bridge and the club are ready to bring him back permanently.

The Blues have also agreed a deal with Atletico Madrid for the transfer of Conor Gallagher. The Englishman is in the final year of his contract and has decided to seek a new adventure this summer.

In his column for The Daily Briefing, Moretto insisted that both deals are very close to completion.

“Atletico really want Gallagher through the door, and the English footballer himself wants to continue his career in Madrid. He has spoken with manager Diego Simeone, and is excited about his new adventure. On the flip side, Felix has said yes to Chelsea and will lower his salary to return to England and the Premier League," wrote Moretto.

He continued:

“The two clubs are outlining the structure of the deal, between a fixed fee and bonuses. Ultimately, Chelsea want to pay less than €45M as a fixed portion for the Portuguese playmaker, and are working towards a fee around €40m, plus bonuses. Gallagher’s valuation remains similar to what was previously agreed, that is, around €42M. The clubs are finalising the deal.”

Joao Felix spent last season on loan at Barcelona and was also linked with a return to Camp Nou this summer.

Former player urges Chelsea to sign new No. 9

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has advised the club to sign an established No. 9 this summer. Enzo Maresca started his tenure with a defeat at the hands of Manchester City as Nicolas Jackson failed to impress again.

The Italian manager is expected to sign a new No. 9 this summer and reportedly has his eyes on Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian is one of the finest in his position and could be a fine choice to lead the line at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking on beIN Sport, Mikel said his former side need someone like Erling Haaland as the focal point of their attack.

“You need a striker who knows how to hit a ball back in the back of the net and that’s what we don’t have,” said Mikel.

He continued:

“I know I talk so much about him (Nicolas Jackson) and sometimes I sound like I disrespect him. I don’t disrespect him. I think at Chelsea Football Club we need a top striker who can get us a goal. A bit like [Haaland], 91 goals [for City] that’s absolutely unbelievable.”

Recent reports have suggested that the Blues are in talks with Napoli for Osimhen and are ready to offer Romelu Lukaku to sweeten a deal.