Your morning Chelsea transfer roundup on Tuesday, December 20.
Chelsea to miss out on AC Milan transfer
Algerian midfielder Ismael Bennacer is out of contract next summer and has spiked the interest of several Premier League clubs, including former owners Arsenal. As a player that is able to negotiate a free move away from Italy as early as next month, Bennacer came onto the radar of Chelsea.
Any chance of him joining may be slipping away though, with La Gazzetta dello Sport writing that a breakthrough has been made for an extension. Enzo Raiola is in charge of these discussions and is attempting to get a big raise for his client who is now valued at £44m.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly told why Arsenal and Chelsea must sign France World Cup star
Boehly targets Hutchinson repeat
Lewis Hall has already made his own breakthrough internally and could be followed shortly by several youth stars including Bashir Humphreys, Dion Rankine and Omari Hutchinson. The ex-Arsenal forward has made several matchday squads under Graham Potter and looks set to push for a first-team place when domestic football returns next week.
Hutchinson was one of those that joined over the summer after leaving the Gunners for free and he may be joined by a Manchester United starlet in a similar position. According to transfer expert Simon Phillips, Alejandro Garnacho has been spoken to about moving to Stamford Bridge.
Unfortunately for Chelsea, it appears that he would prefer to leave England altogether if he doesn't commit to Old Trafford, and Real Madrid are one of the clubs keen to snap him up. Although Chelsea look unlikely to get Garnacho, their continued push for investment in the club's future and also high-quality youth additions that are deemed as ready for action now, is promising.
Moukoko urged to reject Premier League
Chelsea transfer target Youssoufa Moukoko has been urged to refrain from making a big move to the Premier League and remain at Borussia Dortmund amid uncertainty of his future in Germany.
Chelsea have been touted as leading the race to sign the striker and there has been reports suggesting the Blues may push a move next month over a free transfer in the summer. However, they face tough competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool.
However, European football expert Julien Laurens has instructed the 18-year-old to remain with Dortmund to ensure his development reaches its highest potential, over sitting on the bench elsewhere. "I will expect him to do that (staying where he is). He was getting better," he told ESPN.
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