Chelsea are preparing to go big in the summer transfer market to herald the start of the Todd Boehly era.
Already, the Blues have waved goodbye to Antonio Rudiger with Andreas Christensen and possibly even Cesar Azpilicueta to follow at the end of their contracts.
That means a new defender is paramount in Thomas Tuchel’s plans to build the squad, while a new striker may be required to replace Romelu Lukaku.
Gabriel Jesus has emerged as a target up top and Jules Kounde is a long-term favourite at the back.
Here is our morning round-up of the latest Chelsea transfer rumours...
Jules Kounde
Chelsea will sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde by the end of the month, according to reports in Spain.
Estadio Deportivo detail the Blues’ plan to bid around £51million to £55m for the centre-back imminently, setting in motion his long-anticipated move to Stamford Bridge.
It would be a “major surprise” if the transfer is not completed this month, the report adds, with both clubs settled on the region of the fee ahead of an official bid landing.
Gabriel Jesus
Spanish daily AS report on Chelsea joining the bidding war for Gabriel Jesus.
The Manchester City man has 12 months left on his contract and is said to be available for £45m - although Arsenal and Real Madrid also want the striker.
Jesus is said by Cadena SER to prefer the Champions League holders yet they currently lack a non-EU player squad spot, per LaLiga rules. Vinicius Jr is applying for a Spanish passport but is reportedly experiencing hold-ups in that process.
Gabriel Slonina
Kepa Arrizabalaga has personally contacted former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri to arrange a move to Lazio, as reported by Il Messaggero.
The sale would lead to the Blues re-energising their efforts to land wonderkid goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina.
It is claimed by football.london that the 18-year-old Chicago Fire starlet is seen by Chelsea as Kepa’s ideal replacement although Real Madrid are also big fans of the American.
