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After Chelsea endured their worst season since the Premier League was formed, American owner Todd Boehly took important steps to bring about change at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues went through a revolving door of three managers last season, including Thomas Tuchel (now at Bayern Munich), Graham Potter and caretaker manager and club legend Frank Lampard. Now Mauricio Pochettino, who previously guided London rivals Tottenham to the Champions League final, will take the reins and seek to restore stability to a club that only won the Champions League in 2021.
The club have already seen a staggering number of departures this summer, including several key players who have played key roles at Stamford Bridge in recent seasons. Eliminators include Edouard Mendy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly, N’Golo Kante, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic.
These departures mark the start of a new era at Chelsea and could be the transformative change needed for the club to regain its place in Europe.
Here are the latest transfers and transfer rumors regarding the Blues:
Brennan Johnson
Tottenham are far from agreeing on a transfer fee for Brennan Johnson as Nottingham Forest are unwilling to deviate from their £40m asking price and it could allow Chelsea to return as they have an interest in the 22-year-olds have held.
However, Chelsea value a pure centre-forward but there aren’t too many of those available and they might be ready to step up for Johnson when the deadline approaches. It’s a deal that could last into the final hours of the window.
Djordje Petrovic
Chelsea are reportedly set to complete the signing of the New England Revolution goalkeeper for up to £14million. It was the summer of goalkeeper escapes at Stamford Bridge after Kepa Arrizabalaga left the club for a loan move to Real Madrid and Edouard Mendy joined Al-Ahli.
Petrovic, 23, is likely to rival Robert Sanchez for the number one goalkeeper position, especially with Marcus Bettinelli out injured.
Romelu Lukaku
The Belgian has endured a rough patch at the club since his return in 2021 and is now expected to leave the club for the second time this summer. The 30-year-old is unlikely to return to Inter, where he was on loan last season, but could remain in Serie A as Juventus are reportedly interested in the striker and a swap deal with Dusan Vlahovic. Chelsea turned down a similar deal in July but are now said to be reconsidering the deal.
Chelsea will be happy to sack the striker as he is still under contract and on a high salary, but he is still at the club despite not training with the first-team, according to Sky. However, he has ruled out a move to Saudi Arabia, although the Saudi transfer window does not end until September 7th.
It could be more difficult for Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah to secure a move after picking up a hamstring injury
(PA cable)
Trevoh Chalobah
Wesley Fofana’s second long-term knee injury had meant Trevor Chalobah was likely to stay at Stamford Bridge to play as a centre-back. However, he sustained a hamstring injury in training which could affect his attractiveness to other clubs.
However, according to Sky in Germany, Chalobah is on the shortlist to replace Benhamin Pavard at Bayern Munich.
Mohammed Kudus
Kudus, who plays for Ajax, can play in a more attacking role in central midfield as well as on the right wing and could be the last player to leave the Dutch club as they continue their austerity measures after failing to qualify for the Champions League has qualified.
The Ghana international could cost as much as £40m and has attracted interest from several clubs. David Ornstein previously reported that Chelsea have been in touch with the Dutch side about a move for the 22-year-old, but it looks like he will be moving to the other side of London and West Ham. The BBC reported that David Moyes’ club are in talks with Ajax over the midfielder.
Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi may not travel to Fulham
(PA cable)
Callum Hudson-Odoi
Chelsea’s departures aren’t over for this summer, however, with Callum Hudson-Odoi most recently being linked with a move from Stamford Bridge. The 22-year-old was unsuccessfully on loan at Bayer Leverkusen last season and is reportedly currently training with the Under-21s.
However, he could still stay with him evening standard report that Fulham have waned interest in the player after failing to agree a transfer fee with their west London rivals despite summer discussions.
Folarain Balogun
According to the Daily mailChelsea are among a number of clubs across Europe who have expressed interest in the Arsenal forward. However, he could still travel abroad to Monaco.
Arsenal are believed to be paid around £40m for their talented youngster. Balogun spent last season on loan at Ligue 1 club Reims, scoring 22 goals in 39 games.
Source : www.independent.co.uk