The takeover of Chelsea Football Club is getting closer and closer with each passing day. On Wednesday, it was announced that the UK Government had approved the consortium led by Todd Boehly to take over the Blues.
It looks to be one of the final hurdles in what has been a lengthy takeover process. It's lasted about two months, but it's felt like an eternity for Chelsea supporters around the world.
Once the takeover is finally completed, Chelsea will be allowed to act in the transfer market once again. So, with all that being said, football.london takes a look at the latest Blues-related transfer rumours and news.
READ MORE: What Chelsea's perfect squad may look like after ten transfers, three new deals and £206m exits
Nkunku transfer interest
Chelsea remain interested in RB Leipzig attacker Christopher Nkunku ahead of the 2022 summer transfer window, football.london understands. The 24-year-old was scouted by the Blues during the 2021/22 season, and the club could look to make a move for him this summer.
Nkunku has two years remaining on his deal with the Bundesliga club, and Chelsea are looking to take advantage of this. However, Leipzig and Nkunku are in talks over a new deal, it is understood.
The Frenchman was crowned the Bundesliga's Player of the Season for his efforts throughout the 2021/22 campaign. Manchester United are also said to be keeping an eye on his situation.
Kounde's Premier League challenge
There's a growing expectation that Jules Kounde will be a Chelsea player at some point this summer. The Sevilla defender came close to joining the Blues last year, but a deal fell through at the last minute.
Now, though, football.london has been told that Kounde relishes the opportunity to challenge himself in the Premier League. This comes just days after the Frenchman was spotted roaming around London.
With Andreas Christensen looking set to leave the club, the right-hand side of the back-three will open up. Kounde could be the ideal replacement for Christensen.
Chelsea priced out of Rice deal
Chelsea's long-term interest in Declan Rice has been well publicised for some time now. However, a move for the West Ham United midfielder has been thrown into doubt this summer because of the Hammers' valuation of their star player.
According to The Guardian, West Ham wants £150million for Rice, and that means the Blues could well be priced out of a move in the coming months. Rice is the clear alternative to Aurelien Tchouameni, who the club look set to lose out on to Real Madrid.
