Their emphatic 3–0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in New York shocked the tournament favorites and secured the FIFA Club World Cup, with summer arrivals Joao Pedro and Liam Delap playing key roles. ..Continue Reading
Enzo Maresca’s team now faces a tight schedule, with less than a month until their first pre-season fixture and the start of the new Premier League campaign, following an exhausting 11-month season.
With Champions League qualification secured, Chelsea aim to build on their recent success—but they also need to streamline a squad that’s grown too large.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has already completed a move to Arsenal, and Noni Madueke is expected to join him at the Emirates. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic finalized a transfer to Bournemouth on Wednesday after missing the Club World Cup.
According to The Sun, up to nine additional players could depart before the transfer window shuts—including one who featured off the bench in the final against PSG.
The report claims Christopher Nkunku, who’s been linked with Manchester United, is likely to leave, with his last outing possibly being that memorable win over PSG.
Nkunku made three starts during the tournament and found the net once, but Chelsea are still open to offers for the French forward.
Joao Felix and Raheem Sterling, both excluded from the summer squad, are also reportedly available either for sale or loan. Benfica are interested in bringing Felix back, and Chelsea have set a £35 million asking price for him.
“If we could bring back players from our academy who have the quality and prominence that a player like Joao has, we would all like that,” said Benfica president Rui Costa according to Standard Sport.
“All Benfica fans would like that. The amounts involved, both in transfers and salaries, are very high and we have to respect that part.”
Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi, Carney Chukwuemeka, Lesley Ugochukwu, and Armando Broja are reportedly up for sale before the new campaign, following loan spells last season.
While Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall isn’t officially listed for transfer, Chelsea are said to be willing to entertain bids for the midfielder.
Maresca’s squad has also been bolstered by the arrival of Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, as the club continues its aggressive spending strategy this summer.
