The wait goes on for confirmation of Chelsea's first major men's team signing of the Todd Boehly era as the weekend ushered in more reports of how close the Raheem Sterling deal was to completion as the first-team squad flew out to LA for the start of the pre-season tour.
Whilst the continued attempts to sign a new defender went on with Nathan Ake and Matthijs de Ligt updates, Barcelona hope to match Chelsea's £55m offer for Raphinha but an internal struggle could aid the Blues in the coming weeks.
football.london brings you the latest from Chelsea in the transfer window on Monday morning.
READ MORE: Chelsea handed Matthijs de Ligt Bayern setback as Todd Boehly given clear transfer obstacle
Koulibaly transfer message
Chelsea have been handed a major blow in the race to sign Kalidou Koulibaly this summer. The 30-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge after it emerged that his agent Fali Ramadani offered his services to Thomas Tuchel's side, according to Area Napoli, as quoted by Sport Witness.
Chelsea are said to be one of several top-flight sides in Europe who have been offered the defender, one of which is Barcelona. But, despite the flurry of interest, Napoli director Cristian Giantuli said: "Koulibaly is key player for us. There’s no bid from any club. We’ve offered him new deal for €6m net salary per season plus a future role as part of the board
"It’s a huge proposal, €60m gross for Napoli - Koulibaly deserves it all… We didn’t need to tell Koulibaly that we’re not selling him to Juventus - because we consider Koulibaly untouchable and non-transferrable."
Bayern rival Chelsea for Juventus defender
Chelsea are preparing a backup plan in the event that Bayern Munich hijack a deal for Matthijs de Ligt. The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and, while there is still progress to be made by all parties, a departure from Turin looks imminent.
football.london understand that the west Londoners have held talks with Juventus regarding the defender's future but the Blues are yet to table a bid. Bayern have since entered the frame to sign the defender and, according to SPORT1, De Ligt has verbally agreed to join the Bundesliga champions.
And, as a result, Chelsea have begun to monitor Dayot Upamecano's situation, according to the Evening Standard. The France international, who sees his contract at the Allianz Arena expire in 2026, impressed last season for Bayern, but De Ligt will almost certainly cast doubt over the 23-year-old's future, should he join this summer.
Guardiola hijacks Tuchel target
Pep Guardiola looks set to hand Thomas Tuchel a huge blow this summer, with Manchester City waving their bidding paddle in the race to sign De Ligt. According to Italian outlet Tuttomercato, the Premier League champions are prepared to offer the Old Lady £76million for the Netherlands international - of which could be funded by Chelsea's bid for Ake.
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