Chelsea continue their transfer activity as the summer window deadline approaches
The Blues are preparing for their Premier League season launch against local rivals Fulham in just two days’ time.
The campaign under new Spanish manager Xabi Alonso marks an important new era for the club, though focus remains on late summer transfer dealings.
There are ten days until the traditional frantic deadline day, with Chelsea expected to be among the clubs busy on September 1. Alonso has already welcomed ten new players, permitted four players to depart permanently and dispatched a further 13 players on loan deals.
The manager could complete his eleventh signing after reports connected the Premier League heavyweights with a move for Juventus winger Francisco Conceicao. The Portuguese international could occupy a roster spot vacated by Ukrainian Mykhailo Mudryk, should the forward secure an exit from Stamford Bridge this month.
Midfielder Enzo Fernandez’s situation remains unresolved amid continued speculation linking him to Manchester City in a £120million deal. Keep checking back for the latest developments on Chelsea’s transfer dealings as the final days of the window approach.
Enzo Fernandez appears set to begin the campaign with Chelsea, despite significant interest from Manchester City in the midfield talent. The Citizens had until last Friday to pursue a deal for him, with that deadline now having passed.
City manager Enzo Maresca, who previously worked alongside Fernandez at Chelsea, declined to address his former player’s situation less than two weeks before the window shuts. Maresca indicated that Enzo Fernandez is a Chelsea player and that he did not intend to discuss players who are not part of his current squad, adding that he believed such discussions would be disrespectful and that he himself dislikes when other managers speak about his own players.
Francisco Conceicao could become a Chelsea target once more this summer should they decide to allow Pedro Neto to depart. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Blues could renew their interest in the Juventus wide player but a deal would cost Alonso’s side £34million.
Neto has been connected with a move away from Stamford Bridge for much of the summer, with Al-Hilal emerging as the latest club credited with interest in him.
Chelsea begin their Premier League season on Monday against rivals Fulham.