Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues plan Victor Osimhen talks, club optimistic about Nico Williams move, and more - July 16, 2024

Chelsea have handed the charge of the first team squad to Enzo Maresca after parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino at the end of the 2023-24 season. The Argentinian manager failed to impress in his one-year stay, but Maresca will be expected to do better.

Meanwhile, the Blues remain interested in Victor Osimhen. Elsewhere, the London giants are quietly confident of securing the signature of La Liga star Nico Williams this summer.

On that note, let's look at the major Chelsea transfer stories from July 16, 2024.

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Chelsea plan Victor Osimhen talks

Chelsea are planning to initiate fresh talks for Victor Osimhen, according to Caught Offside. The Blues are in the market for a new No. 9 and have had the Nigerian striker on their radar for a while.

Osimhen is among the most feared strikers in the world at the moment and was key to Napoli's Serie A triumph in the 2022/23 campaign. While he failed to live up to those high standards last season, the 25-year-old still registered 17 goals and four assists from 32 games.

Osimhen has admirers at multiple clubs across the continent, but Napoli are expected to demand around €130m to let him go. That is likely to be a deal-breaker for his suitors, although the London giants haven't given up yet.

Chelsea are planning to sit down with Napoli for a new round of talks soon. They could include Romelu Lukaku and Cesare Casadei in their offer to sweeten a deal. The Belgian striker could be of interest to Antonio Conte, who took charge at Napoli earlier this summer.

Blues optimistic about Nico Williams move

Chelsea are optimistic about securing the services of Nico Williams this summer, according to The Athletic. The London giants have preferred to invest in talented young footballers in recent transfer windows and the Spaniard fits the bill.

Williams has enjoyed a steady rise in the world of football following his recent performances for club and country. The 22-year-old scored eight goals and registered 19 assists from 37 games last season for Athletic Bilbao, helping them win the Copa del Rey.

The winger was also indispensable for Spain at Euro 2024, scoring two goals and setting up one more to help La Roja lift the trophy. Barcelona are already hot on his heels, while recent reports have suggested that Arsenal are also eyeing Williams with interest.

The Blues, however, have done extensive groundwork regarding a move and are confident about getting their man. Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke have failed to live up to expectations at Stamford Bridge, while Raheem Sterling could be on his way out of the club this summer.

The Spaniard could add another dimension to Enzo Maresca's attack if Chelsea manage to secure his services. Williams signed a new contract with Bilbao last December and reportedly has a €58m release clause in his deal.

Chelsea eyeing Mario Hermoso

Chelsea have set their sights on Mario Hermoso, according to Radio Punto Nuovo. The Spanish defender is a free agent this summer following the expiry of his contract with Atletico Madrid.

The Blues are in the market for defensive reinforcements this year following Thiago Silva's exit. The veteran defender was a rock at the back in recent times at Stamford Bridge and the London giants are eager to rope in a suitable replacement.

Enzo Maresca has already signed Tosin Adarabioyo on a Bosman move earlier this summer. However, the uncertainty surrounding the future of Trevoh Chalobah could tempt the Italian manager to turn to Hermoso.

The 29-year-old could be a hit under Maresca. West Ham United also have their eyes on the Spaniard.