Chelsea have now been in “direct contact” with a club’s “super boss” to discuss a move for a “fascinating” new signing in the final days of the market.

Blues' transfer activity hinges on outgoings

After a frantic start to the summer transfer window, there has been little recent activity at Stamford Bridge, with Todd Boehly focused on getting current players off the books before being able to bring in more new signings.

That has been the case for quite some time, with Fabrizio Romano nearly two weeks ago revealing the Blues are looking to sell both Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson before bringing in two new attackers.

Aston Villa have subsequently made Jackson their top target, while there is no shortage of interest in Nkunku, with Bayern Munich and Newcastle United being named as potential suitors.

Consequently, Enzo Maresca’s side should have little trouble sealing the departures of the two forwards, which would create space in the squad for both RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons and Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho.

According to an update from Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg on X, Chelsea have recently engaged in fresh talks over a deal for Simons, having been in “direct contact” with RB Leipzig “super boss” Oliver Mintzlaff.

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The Blues will “remain keen” on signing the Leipzig maestro right up until deadline day, and he is said to have agreed a deal until 2031, but the west Londoners are still waiting to finalize the sales of Jackson and Nkunku before advancing the deal any further.

"Fascinating" Simons could excel at Stamford Bridge

Given his fantastic goal and assist record in the Bundesliga, the Dutchman received high praise from scout Jacek Kulig during the 2024/25 campaign.

Not only that, but the RB Leipzig star, who is expected to cost £60m, has been lauded by former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, who also revealed what he thinks the 22-year-old’s best position is.

Tuchel said: “I think his best position is half winger, half 10, so he can be free. He is technically strong, calm with the ball, and very good in front of goal.”

With Nkunku scoring just three Premier League goals last season, and Jackson massively underperforming his xG over the past year, Chelsea could do with a new attacker who is clinical in front of goal, and Tuchel seems to believe Simons fits the bill.

Manchester United may have lost their opening Premier League game of the 2025/26 season, but there are certainly reasons to be positive for Ruben Amorim for the remainder of the campaign.

Matheus Cunha made his debut against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, producing an excellent performance which has given the fanbase a taste of what he can produce after his £62.5m transfer.

The Brazilian featured for the entirety of the contest, completing four dribbles – the most of any player on the pitch – just needing to add the clinical edge to build on his impressive start.

However, despite being one of three big-money additions within the final third, the hierarchy could be set to make further reinforcements across other areas of the squad.

The midfield department looks set to be the next area of improvement, but it appears that one of their targets won’t be making the move to Old Trafford before the September 1st deadline.

United’s pursuit of Carlos Baleba this summer

In an attempt to bolster the options for Amorim in the middle of the park, numerous options have appeared on their radar over the last couple of weeks.

The main target as of late has been Brighton and Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba, with the Seagulls star appearing at the top of their shortlist in a quest to bolster the ranks.

Talks had previously been held with Fabian Hurzeler’s side over a move to land the 21-year-old midfielder, who made 34 appearances in the Premier League last season.

However, any deal would’ve been an expensive one, with his current employers demanding a fee in the region of £100m to part ways with the Cameroonian international.

His current boss, Hurzeler, stated last week that he was confident the player would remain at the AMEX beyond the summer, forcing the Red Devils to pursue other options this window.

Man Utd targeting move for Baleba alternative

After leaving a deal to sign Baleba, Crystal Palace’s young star Adam Wharton has once again emerged as a potential summer option for United and Amorim.

However, like a deal for the Cameroonian, it would likely cost a fee in the region of £100m, a valuation that may be out of range given their £200m spending spree to date.

The Englishman isn’t the only player currently in their sights, with journalist Fabrizio Romano stating that Sporting CP star Morten Hjulmand remains a key target before the end of the window.

He states that interest has previously been registered in the Danish international, who spent two years playing his trade under Amorim in the Liga Portugal.

Romano also claims that the player himself would be keen for a reunion with his former boss, with the Portuguese outfit currently demanding a fee in the region of €50m (£43m) for his services.

Why United’s £43m target would be their own Rodri

Rivals Manchester City have often been the side to dominate the Premier League in recent years, with Rodri often being the player who has helped them in their quest for success.

The Spaniard has cemented himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, as seen by his ability to win the Ballon d’Or for 2024 – beating Vinícius Júnior to the prestigious award.

Whilst the 29-year-old has been missing for nearly a year, many Red Devils supporters would be wishing they had their own version of the world-class operator.

However, if they were to land a player of his quality, it would be an expensive addition, but a deal for Hjulmand could prove to be a bargain – especially if he can live up to Rodri’s level.

He’s been labelled as a similar player to the City star by FBref, managing to outperform him in numerous areas for the 2023/24 campaign – the last full-season he operated in before his ACL injury.

Hjulmand, who’s been labelled “complete” by analyst Ben Mattinson, dominated defensively, ranking in the 84th percentile for percentage of tackles won (58%).

Such a tally was higher than that of Rodri, who could only muster a tally of 10% less than the Dane, highlighting his ball-winning ability – something which the Red Devils desperately lack under Amorim.

How Hjulmand & Rodri compared throughout 2023/24

Statistics (per 90)

Hjulmand

Rodri

Games played

30

34

Goals & assists

5

17

Tackles won

1.6

1.3

% of tackles won

58%

48%

Blocks made

1.2

0.9

Interceptions made

0.9

0.8

Take-ons completed

67%

65%

Recoveries made

7.3

7.2

Fouls drawn

1.3

1

Stats via FBref

His top-level ability out of possession is further reflected in his higher tallies of blocks and interceptions made per 90 – having the talent to finally end the club’s hunt for a new presence at the heart of the side.

Whilst Baleba may have been many of the supporters’ first choice for the midfield position, it’s vital the club spend the funds available wisely – especially considering the money already splashed in this window.

Hjulmand could provide an excellent alternative for the Red Devils, having bags of time to build on his impressive start to his career, given his tender age of just 24.

If he can continue on his current trajectory, there’s no reason as to why he can’t reach the levels Rodri’s achieved in his career, potentially being the club’s answer to the Spaniard in the process.

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Manchester United Target Crystal Palace Star in Ambitious Midfield Upgrade

Posts 1 ByWill Miller Aug 18, 2025

Manchester United’s work in the transfer market this summer has certainly been impressive, landing numerous key attacking targets in their quest for success in 2025/26.

Matheus Cunha has already arrived at Old Trafford during the off-season, costing a fee in the region of £62.5m, likely being brought in to operate in one of the two number ten roles behind the striker.

He’s not the only addition made by the hierarchy in the final third this summer, with Bryan Mbeumo joining in a £71m deal from Brentford – handing Ruben Amorim two Premier League-proven options in attacking areas.

Whilst the pair will add 35 goals to the side based on last season, the club are still targeting added quality and depth to the squad, in an attempt to rise up the table in 2025/26.

A new striker has been at the top of the Red Devils’ shopping list in recent weeks, potentially making a breakthrough in a move for one player over the last couple of hours.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker

Benjamin Sesko is a player who’s been on their radar over recent days, with United finally making a move for the RB Leipzig striker’s signature, according to the latest updates.

Amorim’s side are said to have made a €85m (£74m) bid for the 22-year-old, leaving the player with a decision to make over his future, after Newcastle United also made an offer for his services.

However, whilst the Slovenian will remain as the club’s first choice for the centre-forward role, the Red Devils have been offered a deal to land Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson, according to Ben Jacobs.

He claims that the Blues are looking to offload the Senegalese international this summer after already landing Joao Pedro and Liam Delap during the current transfer window.

Jacobs also states that Enzo Maresca’s side could demand a fee of up to £80m to part ways with the 24-year-old during the off-season, but Amorim’s side could yet make an approach in the coming weeks.

Why United’s latest target would be the perfect Sesko alternative

United’s recent bid for Sesko highlights that the hierarchy are willing to spend big on a striker this summer, but they need to ensure they splash such cash on the right option.

In the past, the Red Devils have been guilty of wasting a lot of money on talents plying their trade outside the Premier League, leading to the recent cost-cutting operation at Old Trafford.

Rasmus Hojlund is arguably the biggest example of their poor dealings, costing £72m from Atalanta back in the summer of 2023 and only netting 26 times in his 95 appearances for the club.

The Danish international has previously been touted as a potential bargaining tool in the Sesko deal, even being allowed to depart Amorim’s side for as little as £30m this window.

There’s no denying that Sesko would be a huge addition, but they could turn to Jackson should they fail to land him, with the Senegalese international a more Premier League-proven option for the club.

He’s also managed to outperform in numerous key areas throughout the 2024/25 campaign, arguably being the perfect alternative for the number nine position this summer.

Jackson, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in the world” by Flamengo boss Filipe Luis, posted a better shot-on-target accuracy rate last season, providing a most consistent option when it comes to finishing within the final third.

How Jackson & Sesko compare throughout 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)	Jackson	Sesko
Games played	30	33
Golas & assists	15	18
Shot on target accuracy	45%	43%
Pass accuracy	76%	67%
Key passes made	1.2	0.7
Progressive carries	1.9	1.7
Carries into opposition box	1.3	0.5
Shot-creating actions	2.8	1.9
Stats via FBref

The Chelsea star also managed to register a higher pass completion rate, whilst posting more key passes per 90, offering a more suitable option for link-up play – allowing the likes of Cunha and Mbeumo to also hit the ground running at Old Trafford.

His dominance doesn’t end there, completing more progressive carries and carries into the opposition’s box per 90, possessing an all-round skillset that would be beneficial to Amorim in attacking areas.

Whilst he may be an expensive addition to Amorim’s side, it’s one that would hand the 40-year-old the added attacking threat he craves in his quest for success.

The bid for Sesko showcases the ambition of the hierarchy, but ultimately, the fanbase shouldn’t worry about potentially missing out on his signature, with Jackson arguably a better option this window.

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Getafe coach Jose Bordalas has fired back at Ferran Torres after the Barcelona forward criticised his team's style following a 3-0 defeat. Bordalas labelled the two-goal hero's comments as 'disrespectful', pointing to the massive financial gap between the clubs and stating, "the difference is a billion euros!"

Torres slammed despite brace

Getafe coach Bordalas has labelled comments from Barcelona forward Torres "disrespectful" after the player criticised Getafe's style of play following Sunday's La Liga match. Speaking after the game to , Bordalas pointed to the vast financial chasm between the two clubs as the reason for their different approaches.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTorres brace sinks Bordalas' side

The war of words came after Barcelona secured a comfortable victory at the Estadi Johan Cruyff on Monday. Two first-half goals from Torres himself and a second-half strike from Dani Olmo sealed the points for the hosts, who dominated the match with 71 per cent possession and 16 shots to Getafe's three. The defeat was Getafe's second of the season in La Liga.

'Disrespectful' – What Bordalas said

After the game, Torres allegedly claimed that Getafe "aren't offering anything" with their tactics, prompting a fiery response from Bordalas. 

"It's a very biased opinion because the difference is €1 billion. Barca is a team that has two top-level players in each position, who can combine and counterattack. It's disrespectful to make that comment," the Getafe boss lamented. "It's difficult. I've heard talk beforehand about a clash of styles. Style is a billion euros difference, that's style. They have two top-level players per position, they have many options; they can play combinations, play in space, counterattack, they can play however they want. We're very limited, and we do what we can."

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The bigger picture for both clubs

The result maintains Barcelona's unbeaten start in La Liga and keeps them in second place, just two points behind leaders Real Madrid. For Getafe, the loss sees them drop to eighth position in the table. Bordalas admitted he had rotated his squad for the clash, stating that his team's focus was already on their "most important" match of the week on Wednesday, highlighting his club's different priorities.

Liverpool are continuing to build a squad capable of fighting on all fronts this season and have now turned their attention to a defender who models himself on Virgil van Dijk, according to reports.

Liverpool set for return to action in FA Community Shield clash

After a summer that has yielded several statement signings at Anfield, Liverpool return to competitive action this weekend against Crystal Palace as they aim to win the FA Community Shield.

Speaking ahead of the tie, Arne Slot has confirmed the Reds won’t underestimate Crystal Palace as both sides take part in the curtain-raiser ahead of this season’s Premier League.

He stated: “It’s nice if you can start the season by winning something. We have a chance at the beginning of the season. We face a difficult Crystal Palace side. They have shown how hard it is to win a one-off game with them.

“Counter-attacks, set-pieces, long-balls to Mateta and individual quality of their forwards. Bilbao, AC Milan and Yokohama already gave us good competition (in pre-season). Palace hit the ground running again, it is still the same team. A good challenge for us to start the season.”

With Darwin Nunez heading for Al-Hilal, Liverpool are also expected to submit another bid for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, potentially lifting their attacking output into a different paradigm if they can force Eddie Howe into a sale.

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Real Madrid winger Rodrygo is also on the Reds’ radar, offering scope for a landmark end to a window that has already seen Slot raise the floor of his squad with additions such as Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.

Now, they could add to their defensive ranks with a signing that has previously expressed his admiration for their club captain.

Liverpool continue to push for Giovanni Leoni

According to Florian Plettenberg on X, Liverpool are courting Parma defender Giovanni Leoni and he is said to be “one to watch” on the market, though their focus still remains firmly on Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi.

Other Italian clubs could come to the table for the 18-year-old and he may indeed remain at his current employers, but the Reds indeed have him on their list and they are believed to be “closely monitoring” his situation.

Citing his biggest influences, Leoni has admitted he models his game on Virgil van Dijk, which would be something that could endear himself to supporters.

Last term, the Rome-born man registered a solitary effort in 17 Serie A appearances, though his arrival at Anfield would very much be deemed as a long-term project.

MatériaMais Notícias

O São Paulo fez uma excelente fase de grupos da Copa Sul-Americana, com cinco vitórias e um empate, somando 16 pontos, marcando 13 gols e não sofrendo nenhum tento. Essa campanha faz com que o Tricolor seja o melhor time da competição até o momento.

Para os tricolores apaixonados: produtos a partir de R$39,90 na FutFanatics!

Mas tem um time que pode tirar essa posição do São Paulo: o Newell’s Od Boys (ARG). Os argentinos conquistaram até aqui 15 pontos e jogam a última rodada do Grupo E contra o Audax Italiano, nesta quarta-feira (28), às 19h, no Estádio Coloso Del Parque, na Argentina.

ATUAÇÕES: Crias de Cotia resolvem para o São Paulo contra o Tigre

Para ser o primeiro lugar geral, o São Paulo torce por um empate ou uma derrota do Newell’s. Os argentinos têm sete gols de saldo, contra 13 do Tricolor. Já com relação aos tentos marcados, o São Paulo soma 13, enquanto o Newell’s balançou as redes dez vezes.

Agora, caso o Newell’s vença o Audax Italiano, os argentinos conquistam a primeira colocação geral e a vantagem de jogar as partidas de volta em casa até a final. Vale destacar que a equipe chilena, com dez pontos, não briga por mais nada na competição, já que não perde o segundo lugar do grupo, que é composto por Santos (quatro pontos) e Blooming (zero).

– Não daria para poupar porque o jogo era de risco, ainda queremos a primeira posição na classificação geral. O Newell’s ainda joga, e o resultado era muito importante. Não abro mão em competição nenhuma. Vai ter mescla porque confio nos jogadores. Sempre que possível seguro um ou outro jogador. Fico feliz porque tudo o que treinamos está sendo feito, como inversão, jogadas passando de pé em pé, outras saindo do goleiro – disse Dorival após a partida.

Whilst Nottingham Forest have secured a number of targets as of late, Rico Lewis is currently unlikely to join their list of incomings and that has forced the Tricky Trees to turn to an alternative option.

Nottingham Forest set to miss out on Lewis

After welcoming James McAtee from Manchester City, those at the City Ground were seemingly hoping to welcome a second Citizen in Lewis, only for the defender to decide to stay put at his boyhood club. Now, with the versatile defender reportedly closing in on a new deal at the Manchester club, Forest have been forced to end their pursuit and turn their focus towards other options.

What’s more, when asked about his future following last weekend’s 4-0 thrashing of Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening day, Lewis told reporters: “For me, I’ve never ever seen myself leaving. I’ve always wanted to play for City. It’s my dream. When I’m playing with the kind of players that I’m playing with, it brings out the best of me. So I’m so happy.

“Everyone wants that assurance and security, but at the end of day it’s on me. It’s on me to perform. Last season I played more than the season before. So it’s always the same goal – to become an established player.”

Nottingham Forest join Dortmund in race to sign "fantastic" Chelsea talent

Chelsea have already rejected Dortmund’s offer…

By
Tom Cunningham

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It’s a rare day when Evangelos Marinakis doesn’t get what he wants, but this time he’s been forced to look elsewhere for a defensive addition. As such, reports are already emerging that the Greek owner has shifted his focus towards a La Liga right-back.

Nottingham Forest in advanced talks to sign Carmona

As reported by ABC Sevilla and relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are now in advanced talks to sign Jose Angel Carmona from Sevilla this month. The Midlands club have reportedly tabled an opening offer worth €10m (£9m) and expect to reach an agreement with the right-back as soon as possible.

Pivoting away from Lewis and towards the Spaniard in rapid fashion, the fact that Marinakis has worked with Sevilla sporting director Antonio Cordon in the past may have helped advance the deal for those at the City Ground.

League stats 24/25	Carmona	Lewis
Minutes	2,942	1,893
Assists	0	2
Tackles Won Per 90	1.80	0.90
Ball Recoveries Per 90	5.02	4.52

When compared last season, Carmona is the clear standout. His ball recovery numbers were particularly impressive in the previous campaign and that’s the type of energy that could see the 23-year-old push Ola Aina all the way for a starting place at Forest.

Praised as “exciting” by U23 scout Antonio Mango in 2022, Carmona has now added experience to the talent that he already had in abundance. Now, he could be about to take the Premier League by storm as the perfect alternative to Lewis for Nuno Espirito Santo.

Arne Slot slammed Hugo Ekitike for picking up a "needless and stupid" red card after scoring Liverpool's winner against Southampton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. The Reds boss also gave full credit for Ekitike's goal to Federico Chiesa, who provided the unselfish pass for the Frenchman to claim the glory. Ekitike's sending off now means that he will be suspended for Liverpool's next Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace.

• Getty Images
  

  Ekitike's loss of control

  Ekitike, who replaced Alexander Isak right after the break, picked up his first yellow card seven minutes into the second half. He did redeem himself by scoring a last-gasp winner from Chiesa's assist, but seconds later, he "stupidly" removed his shirt to celebrate his winning goal, resulting in a second yellow card and a sending-off. 

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Slot rips into French striker

  Liverpool boss Slot pulled no punches when addressing the incident in front of the media, saying: "It was needless and stupid. The first one was already needless and to a certain extent stupid because you have to control your emotions. I know how hard it is when you are a No. 9 when the defender can to a certain extent do anything he likes. It's always the best to control your emotions. If you can't, do it in a way that doesn't lead to a yellow card.

  "I told him that if you score in the Champions League final in the 87th minute after outplaying three players and hitting it in the top corner, I can maybe understand he is like: 'This is all about me, what did I do.' But I am old-fashioned, I'm 47 and old. I never played at this level but did score a few goals and if I scored a goal like this, I'd have turned around and walked up to Federico Chiesa and said: 'This goal is all about you, this is not about me.' Needless, not smart, you call it stupid, I called it stupid right away as well."

• Ekitike issues apology to the "Red family"

  Moments after Slot slammed Ekitike, the Frenchman took to social media to apologise to the Liverpool fans as he wrote: "I was so excited tonight to help the team achieve another victory here in our home for my first Carabao Cup match… The emotion got the better of me tonight. My apologies to all the Red family. Thanks to the fans who always support as and to my teammates for securing this victory! #Reds."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Isak scores his maiden Liverpool goal

  Isak scored his first goal for Liverpool since completing a British record transfer from Newcastle on deadline day when he produced a calm close-range finish in the 43rd minute of the game. The Sweden international started ahead of Ekitike in the match and may retain his place for Liverpool's trip to Palace on Saturday with his French team-mate now suspended.

Everton have made some terrific moves in the summer transfer window to bolster David Moyes’ options across the pitch, with the headline-grabber so far being the arrival of Jack Grealish.

The England international has registered an eye-catching haul of four assists in three Premier League outings for the Toffees so far, per Sofascore, with two assists against Wolves and against Brighton.

Kieran Dewsbury-Hall also arrived from Chelsea on a permanent deal and produced a goal and an assist in the 3-2 win over Wolves in the top-flight at the weekend.

Everton eyeing new right-back

The Toffees are now looking at the other end of the pitch for potential reinforcements to improve the back four in front of Jordan Pickford before the deadline passes.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to journalist Alan Myers, Everton have an interest in Norwich City right-back Kellen Fisher ahead of the end of the summer transfer window this evening.

The reporter adds, though, that he is not aware of a formal bid having been placed for the England U21 international, which suggests that there has not been any concrete movement as of yet.

Everton’s interest in the 21-year-old talent does seem to show that the club are eyeing a last-minute move to sort their right-back position out.

What Kellen Fisher could bring to Everton

Moyes could have a natural right-back who could take Jake O’Brien out of that position if the club are able to strike a late deal with Norwich for the defender, who was hailed for his “crunching” tackles by reporter Connor Southwell.

Unlike O’Brien, who is a centre-back by trade, Fisher is an out-and-out right-back who has plenty of experience now playing for the Canaries in the Championship, and for England at U20 and U21 level.

In the 3-2 win over Wolves, the current Everton ‘right-back’ lost seven of his nine ground duels and lost possession of the ball a staggering 26 times, per Sofascore, whilst the Canaries gem only lost possession 7.4 times per game on averag last term.

That performance highlighted the need for the Toffees to have a natural full-back in that position to be mobile enough to win duels as well as good enough technically to progress up the pitch and create chances for the team.

Appearances

38

20

Big chances created

4

1

Assists

4

0

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.7

1.5

Duels won per game

3.9

3.8

Ground duel success rate

53%

53%

Aerial duel success rate

62%

58%

As you can see in the table above, Fisher and O’Brien’s respective statistics at league level last season suggest that the former is far more likely to provide a threat in the final third, by pushing on from right-back to create ‘big chances’ chances for his side.

The Norwich youngster being an athletic, pacey, right-back also means that he is more effective in duels, as illustrated by those statistics, because he is combative and quick across the ground, whilst O’Brien is a natural centre-back who wants to step off instead of potentially having to deal with a foot race.

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Therefore, Fisher has the qualities and the profile to replace O’Brien as the first-choice right-back for Everton if he can adapt to the Premier League, by offering the team more as a strong defender and as a creative threat in the final third.

Chelsea are believed to still be active in the summer transfer market, despite having just shored up their attacking line with two deals for Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho and Brighton’s Facundo Buonanotte.

23 transfers, 24 if you count Buonanotte, have been conducted by Chelsea – and that’s not even including their various outgoing loan deals for the likes of Marc Guiu and Aaron Anselmino.

BlueCo’s hustle in the market has yielded over £300 million in player sales with around £320 million spent on new signings, with Enzo Maresca’s side registering a net-spend of just £20 million as they navigate PSR excellently.

Joao Pedro

Noni Madueke

Jamie Gittens

João Félix

Jorrel Hato

Djordje Petrovic

Liam Delap

Lesley Ugochukwu

Dario Essugo

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

Mamadou Sarr

Renato Veiga

Estevao

Armando Broja

Kendry Paez

Carney Chukwuemeka

Alejandro Garnacho

Mathis Amougou

Facundo Buonanotte

Basir Humphreys

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Marcus Bettinelli

Christopher Nkunku

Alfie Gilchrist

Exits for Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Mathis Amougou and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall have made room for the likes of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Jorrel Hato, but if Chelsea want to register Garnacho and Buonanotte for their Champions League squad next season, more sales could be required.

This is especially the case if Maresca wants to include Barcelona star Fermin Lopez, who is now a top target for Chelsea heading into deadline day after they missed out on Xavi Simons to Tottenham.

The Spaniard has become a key player for Hansi Flick, bagging eight goals and 10 assists in 46 total appearances last season, and Chelsea are believed to be trying their luck to sign him.

Reports suggest Maresca has been in contact with Lopez personally, and Chelsea are prepared to offer Barça a maximum of around £50 million for the player, not to mention a lucrative contract worth £250,000-per-week, but the player’s club want £60m (Sport).

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have even made a £40m bid for Lopez, but Barça are not keen on selling and must rely on the player’s decision to force through a transfer – unless they trigger his seismic £433 million release clause, of course.

Chelsea "working tirelessly" to sign Fermin Lopez after Facundo Buonanotte

As per TEAMtalk, Chelsea are “working tirelessly” to convince Lopez to join them, even after their deal for Buonanotte.

The Blues are ready to offer him a “lucrative” long-term contract, as previously reported, and personal terms aren’t expected to pose any issue in this potential deal.

While Barça are a roadblock, Chelsea appear to be doing all they can on the player front.

TT sources also claim that Lopez is warming to the idea of a Stamford Bridge move, but is yet to fully commit to the idea. The 22-year-old has emotional ties to Barça, having grown up as a lifelong fan, and he’s publicly denied notions he would leave this summer.

That being said, players can pull U-turns, and the prospect of a Premier League move is enticing for any athlete at any level.