Here is your Chelsea morning digest on Sunday, June 5.
Chelsea set to beat Spurs to Gvardiol signature
Chelsea could be set to beat London rivals Tottenham to the signing of Josko Gvardiol as the hunt for defensive recruits gathers pace. The 20-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as a potential replacement Antonio Rudiger.
According to the Daily Mail, the Blues are now expected to step up their interest in the Croatia international now that their ownership worries are behind them. Spurs have also been linked with a move for the centre-half, with Antonio Conte reportedly keen to add a left-sided centre-back to his squad.
Barcelona in for Kounde
Chelsea’s pursuit of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde continues to rumble on. The Frenchman has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge over the past year but is yet to make the switch.
The 23-year-old could be one of the solutions Thomas Tuchel's exodus at the back, according to Fabrizio Romano, via Barca Times. Kounde is valued between €55million (£47million) and €65million (£56million) by the Spanish giants.
However, while Chelsea may seem front-runners, the report adds that Barcelona hold 'serious' interest in landing the Frenchman this summer. Though, of course, the Catalan side's ongoing financial problems is a barrier that Xavi must overcome.
AC Milan and Juventus eye Pulisic
AC Milan and Juventus have joined race to sign Christian Pulisic, according to the MailOnline. The Italian giants are reportedly monitoring the winger, who has been frustrated by the lack of first-team opportunities.
The MailOnline add that Pulisic, who is valued at around £59million by CIES Football Observatory, is also one of several forwards who have courted Liverpool's interest amid Jurgen Klopp's pursuit to find a replacement for Sadio Mane. However, while some of Europe's biggest sides are queuing up for the American's signature, it remains to be seen whether Chelsea are open to selling the American this summer.
Though, one thing for sure is Pulisic's desire to attain greater game time. While away on international duty, he revealed that he's 'excited' for what lies ahead at Chelsea under new owner Todd Boehly, but refused to commit his future to the club.
Refusing to be drawn into transfer speculation, though keen to set the record straight, Pulisic said: "As far as right now, I'm obviously just focused on what I'm doing here [on international duty], and I'm super excited to be here. And yeah, that's it.
"Of course, I want to get more playing time. I want to be on the field as much as I can and be the sharpest I can be and fit as well. I think I still got a lot of games. But it's always something that I'm working at and trying to be regular at club level as well to put myself in the best position to be fit when I come here with my national team."
