Chelsea have been on the hunt for a new forward in this summer's transfer window. There have been links between the Blues and Raheem Sterling, Robert Lewandowski, Ousmane Dembele, and Raphinha. As one of the only Premier League teams yet to make a signing this summer, it comes as a relief that the Blues are extremely close to signing Sterling. Fees are said to have been agreed on both personal and club terms, and a medical is set to be completed soon as Sterling returns to England from his vacation in Jamaica.
It's all heating up now, but despite making a bid that Leeds United are satisfied with, there is a hold-up in signing Raphinha as Barcelona continues to dabble into Chelsea's business. The Catalans have shared similar interests with Chelsea all summer long having lured Andreas Christensen to the Nou Camp and could also be taking Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso off their hands. In addition to this, Jules Kounde is also said to be awaiting the call from Barcelona despite being a long-term target for Tuchel's side.
A reunion was once on the cards for Dembele and Tuchel but it seems as though Barcelona are eager to keep the Frenchman. Xavi's side has offered a new deal that will sanction a 40% pay cut for the 25-year-old and Dembele is reportedly on board. Absolutely bizarre considering that the Blues were apparently involved in negotiations with the France international. Barcelona now have the option for Raphinha or Dembele, but what will that leave Chelsea with?
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Hakim Ziyech looks to be out of the door this summer as AC Milan are open to a loan move for the Moroccan. Ziyech hasn't had the stellar career at Chelsea that he would have liked, but the Champions League winner is ready for a move away. As announced, he will now be representing himself and will be in charge of his future moves after dropping his agent. With that being said, it may be worth Thomas Tuchel sitting down with the 29-year-old to discuss the potential of staying at Chelsea.
As it stands, it is not clear whether Raphinha or Dembele will be a Chelsea player by the end of the window. There is a queue of players that may not be too keen on seeing any of these transfers get over the line with the possibility of game time becoming limited. Christian Pulisic for example was not thrilled with his lack of game time last season and has been open to wanting more under Tuchel. The Blues are not keen on selling the 22-year-old American anyway. As a player and a valuable asset, it would probably be counter-productive to let him go even if the Blues end up with either Dembele or Raphinha.
Timo Werner and Callum Hudson-Odoi still have their futures to be decided upon. Apart from being used as a bargaining chip in Chelsea's move for Matthijs de Ligt, there has not been much speculation around Werner's future. He has previously been tipped for a move to Liverpool but nothing has materialised since then which could play in Chelsea's favour. The German forward, like Ziyech has had a tough time with the Blues but looks to be acclimatising to the league more and more. Callum Hudson-Odoi on the other hand is wanted by Eddie Howe in Newcastle.
Before Thomas Tuchel makes his move to allow yet another forward to leave the club, it's imperative that he awaits Raphinha and Dembele's outcome. According to the Mirror, those in charge at Barcelona could pull the plug on Raphinha if Dembele stays at the club. I guess we will have to wait and see.
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