Premier League team to finalise deal for “world-class” Chelsea player

Kepa Arrizabalaga—who joined Arsenal in a £5 million move—alongside defender Bashir Humphreys and goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, both of whom have also left Stamford Bridge.

Humphreys completed a permanent transfer to Burnley in May after a successful loan spell that helped the club secure promotion, while Bettinelli has moved to Manchester City to replace outgoing veteran Scott Carson.

These sales have brought in close to £19 million, but with Chelsea’s summer spending already exceeding £140 million, further outgoings are essential to remain compliant with Premier League and UEFA financial regulations.

Big-money arrivals such as Liam Delap from Ipswich, João Pedro from Brighton, and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens from Borussia Dortmund have pushed the club’s net spend higher, making additional sales a financial necessity before the September 1 deadline.

According to The Athletic, several players are now considered available for transfer, including Lesley Ugochukwu, João Félix, Renato Veiga, Ben Chilwell, David Datro Fofana, Armando Broja, and Axel Disasi.

Meanwhile, Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Raheem Sterling, and Noni Madueke have also been linked with potential exits.

Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Madueke as a possible backup or rotation option for Bukayo Saka. Given the history of transfer dealings between the two London clubs, a move for the England winger cannot be ruled out.

With Chelsea under pressure to balance their books and reduce squad size, more high-profile departures are expected in the coming weeks.

“Noni Madueke is one of the players Arsenal are looking at,” said David Ornstein to The Athletic.

“Arsenal have long been searching for back-up/competition for Saka. They first looked at Mbeumo, that didn’t work out, so they had to look at alternatives — Madueke is among them.

“A lot appeals to Arsenal about that profile because he can play on the other side too, he’ll be known to many of the Arsenal players, he’s London based and Chelsea are always open to conversations about trading.”

Chelsea may further reduce their crowded goalkeeping department, with both Robert Sánchez and Djordje Petrovic reportedly available for transfer.

Petrovic, who impressed during a loan spell at sister club Strasbourg last season, has attracted significant interest from clubs across Europe.

Numerous teams have reportedly contacted his representatives to explore a potential move, which comes as no surprise given Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior previously described him as “world-class.”

Now, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, one of those interested clubs—Sunderland—appears to be closing in on a deal for the Serbian international.

The newly promoted Premier League side are believed to be finalizing a transfer worth around £22 million, which would represent a strong return on Chelsea’s original investment.

For Petrovic, the move could be a smart career step, offering him the chance to become a regular starter under manager Régis Le Bris and play a key role in helping Sunderland stay in the top flight.