As the January transfer window inches ever closer to its conclusion, those who work in the recruitment team at Chelsea remain intent on reshaping and improving Graham Potter's first-team squad.
There are several deals to be done; some more lavish than others. Chelsea continue to search for a new central midfielder with their pursuit of Benfica star Enzo Fernandez yet to bear fruit. Talks were reignited last week over a deal for the Argentine, but the Portuguese giants have stood firm on their stance: Fernandez's £105million buyout clause must be paid.
football.london understands interest remains and another proposal may be pitched before the window closes. Yet it is a difficult transfer to complete, as is prising Moises Caicedo away from Brighton. The Seagulls have reportedly placed a £100million price tag on the Ecuador international, who they signed for £4.5m two years ago.
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There is progress being made in Chelsea's search for a right-back. football.london reported earlier this week that the Blues had entered into talks with Lyon over the signing of Malo Gusto. No agreement has been found with the Ligue 1 side, however, a fee in the region of £35m is expected to be enough to secure the 19-year-old's services.
Chelsea's spending this term has moved toward the £500m mark – and there will need to be departures in order to maintain squad harmony and balance the books.
With five days of the January window remaining, there is interest in several members of the first team. football.london understands Newcastle United and Crystal Palace both sounded out Chelsea earlier this month over a loan move for Conor Gallagher but were rebuffed.
Interest remains in the England international, who has started the previous two matches and is thought to be valued at around £40million by Chelsea.
Newcastle have also been mooted as a potential landing spot for fellow academy graduate Ruben Loftus-Cheek. But sources have reaffirmed the 27-year-old is content at Chelsea and will not actively push for a move away from the club, especially as he has only just returned to full fitness following a thigh injury.
Hakim Ziyech has attracted interest throughout the month following his impressive displays at the World Cup for Morocco and his recent outings for Chelsea. The 29-year-old is understood to be willing to depart with interest from clubs in Serie A and Everton, although the Toffees are currently without a manager after sacking Frank Lampard.
It's been reported AC Milan hold an interest in Christian Pulisic but the American is currently sidelined with a knee injury sustained in the defeat to Manchester City. And Potter stated earlier this month a departure for the American winger is not something that has been discussed.
He said: “No chance, no, he will be out past that [the January window] and there was never any consideration about him leaving anyway. He is a couple of months out. He is disappointed but he is optimistic about coming back quicker than two months. He is in that phase where he is keeping his fingers crossed and hoping his rehab goes well.”
Following the arrivals of Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk and Joao Felix, Chelsea are open to letting Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leave the club. However, he would not be able to play for another European side this term having already featured in competitive games for both the Blues and Barcelona.
David Datro Fofana, who arrived from Molde at the start of the month, may still leave on loan and Galatasaray have shown interest. The Ivorian has been a regular in the matchday squad throughout January and made his debut in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester City.
Loan moves are also expected for certain members of the Development Squad. Talks are being held over Gabriel Slonina's next step – the goalkeeper has spent the past month training at Cobham following his arrival from Chicago Fire – and football.london has been told of Championship interest in Omari Hutchinson. A temporary switch for Cesare Casadei is also a possibility.
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