Hello and welcome to football.london's Chelsea transfer blog.
This will be the best place to get all the latest news on the Blues this summer as we keep you up to date with what is happening at Stamford Bridge. One man is the focus of updates at the start of this weekend and that is Crystal Palace's Michael Olise.
It is believed Chelsea pulled out of the running to sign Olise on Friday night, with the winger now set to join Bayern Munich. The forward was thought to be keen on moving to a club in the Champions League and he shall likely get that wish now.
Elsewhere, we are awaiting official confirmation on Ian Maatsen's exit to Aston Villa but that is thought to be close. Youngster Charlie Webster did depart this week though as he joined League One's Burton Albion on a permanent deal.
Rumours also continue to suggest Barcelona's Jules Kounde could be of interest to the Blues as they look to strengthen their defence.
Keep across all the Chelsea transfer news, rumours and analysis below with our dedicated blog updates.
Key Events
Chelsea 'withdraw' from Olise race
Tom Coley
They think it's all over
Well it is now!
At least for today.
We'll be back tomorrow with more on Chelsea and the barmy transfer window they're in for.
Take it easy.
Tom Coley
Solanke interest
Another bit here from Matt Law.
Chelsea are still interested in Dominic Solanke, he says, but have not given up on signing Jhon Duran.
The Blues are said to want a winger and right-footed options, at that.
Another name linked is German forward Maximilian Beier, of Hoffenheim.
Tom Coley
Broja interest
Broja is said to be on Stuttgart's watchlist for the summer.
Although it's described as being unlikely, there's certainly something there for Florian Plettenberg saying that Broja is open to the move and is attracted at this stage.
Guirassy-Broja swap deal, anyone?
Tom Coley
Duran keen
Duran really, really wants Chelsea.
It is reported that he has asked his agent to get a deal done despite no formal proposal being made.
Permission has been granted by Villa for Chelsea to discuss personal terms but nothing is doing so far.
Tom Coley
Jonathan David talks
Hello there.
The late night Ornstein bomba (as Twitter/X calls it).
Chelsea have held talks with Lille striker Jonathan David over a possible move.
His contract is up next summer and relations between the clubs are said to be good.
Nothing is close yet though.
Tom Coley
Lukaku watch
A pretty good half for the still-Chelsea man.
He laid on for Youri Tielemans within two minutes and Belgium took the lead.
He has been at his dominant best up front, holding off defenders and making their life a nightmare.
He could easily have scored at least one as well.
Tom Coley
Kellyman agreement
Chelsea have agreed a fee with Aston Villa for the signing of Omari Kellyman.
Matt Law reports that it will be a six-year deal for the teenager and that his medical will be on Monday.
A deal is not yet complete, but Kellyman has given the greenlight and it's certainly getting there.
Tom Coley
Left winger
Chelsea are going to be pursuing a left-winger this summer rather than right-wingers.
Romano says that they are not advancing talks with Nico Williams either despite admiring him. A deal is thought to be too expensive.
What does the left-wing thing mean for Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk?
Tom Coley
Things of interest
Christian Falk from Germany writes that Micahel Olise's transfer to Bayern is now 'in the final phase.'
Meanwhile Jonathan Tah is described as being 'on hold' which impacts Chelsea due to the ongoing interest in Levi Colwill.
On Olise, the deal will be £45million plus another £5million in add-ons with a five-year deal.
Him linking up with Jamal Musiala will be scary.
It's something we'll have to think about now after a full agreement was reached.
Tom Coley
Williams interest
Chelsea re interested in Nico Williams but it is said that there is a concern over the payment.
With his wages and a £55million-plus release clause, it's not a deal that is seen as viable, reports suggest.
Similar to the Olise pursuit, it's not seen as likely at this stage.
Tom Coley
Anselmino bid
This one is picking up pace.
Argentine defender Aaron Anselmino has seen Chelsea make a bid for him.
It is said that he would be going to Strasbourg on a season-long loan if a deal is to be completed.
He has a release clause of around £15million in his contract, reports say.
Tom Coley
Juventus in for Cucurella
This is new.
Italian reports say that Juventus could make an offer for Cucurella on loan.
Chelsea have not ruled out moving on from the Spaniard this window and a deal with Juve could include an option to buy.
Chelsea would have to pay a large portion of his wages though.
Matthew Abbott
Maatsen medical
It's getting closer and closer.
Romano writes: "First part of medical ongoing for Ian Maatsen at Aston Villa right now, final part tomorrow.
"Medical being booked next week for Samuel Iling Jr and Enzo Barrenechea. Douglas Luiz’s medical at Juventus also being scheduled for next week".
Matthew Abbott
Chelsea move a 'dream come true' for Estevao
Estevao has described joining Chelsea as a 'dream come true' across social media after the club confirmed its agreement with the teenager's club Palmeiras.
"Thank you sir," Estevao posted on his Instagram Story and X, formerly Twitter. "Another dream come true," the player continued before mentioning Chelsea on the platforms.
The Brazil youth international punctuated the posts with two blue heart emojis.
Matthew Abbott
Grealish tipped to replace Gallagher
Chris Waddle believes Jack Grealish would be suited to a midfield role at Chelsea if they Conor Gallagher leaves the club this summer.
Waddle made the point while discussing with Betway where Grealish could move this summer after an underwhelming season at City that cost him a place at the European Championship.
I think [Grealish] has to go to a side where they are looking to play him as a midfield player. Chelsea could be an outside bet with Gallagher possibly going, you could see him playing that midfield role. He'd be more effective there. He's got vision, he can see things, he's good at give and go. But when he's stuck on that wing, you're thinking there is surely more in his locker.
Matthew Abbott
Chelsea 'frontrunners' for teenage defender
Chelsea are considered the frontrunners to sign Aaron Anselmino from Boca Juniors this summer, Fabrizio Romano reports.
Interest from west London is described as genuine with the club looking into the complexities of completing a deal for the central defender. Anselmino is understood to have a release clause of around £20m and discussions are said to be ongoing. But a deal is far from done, with reportedly no offer from Chelsea being made yet as they monitor the teenager.
Matthew Abbott
Chelsea confirm Estevao agreement
Chelsea have confirmed they have an agreement with Palmeiras for Estevao Willan to join the club next summer.
The announcement comes after reports over the weekend about a transfer potentially worth as much as £52m with the Brazilian club being struck. Estevao is has reportedly signed a nine-year contract until 2033 with the club.
Chelsea are said to be paying £29m up front with another potential £23m agreed in add-ons. The player will seemingly join the club after the Club World Cup in the United States next summer.
Matthew Abbott
Chelsea 'not giving up' on striker
Chelsea are set to make a fresh approach for Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion despite being discouraged by the Spanish club about continuing their interest, Fabrizio Romano reports.
Atletico reportedly rejected a £34m bid by the west London club and have turned down higher offers this summer. Chelsea, however, are said to be undeterred and will not give up despite Omorodion seemingly wanting to stay at the club.
Matthew Abbott
Estevao sparks transfer frenzy
Estevao has sparked a Chelsea transfer frenzy after sending a cryptic message amid reports he is soon to move to Stamford Bridge.
The forward has reportedly already passed a medical in West London and a fee of £30m which shall rise to £51m has already been agreed. With the negotiations seemingly almost completed, Estevao has hinted on social media that an announcement is imminent.
Taking to X, the youngster posted the hourglass emoji which could suggest his unveiling will be soon.
— Estevao Willian (@EstevaoWillian7) June 22, 2024
Read more about Estevao, here
Matthew Abbott
Georgia goalkeeper impressing amid Chelsea links
Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has made six saves for Georgia in the first-half of their match against the Czech Republic amid links to Chelsea.
Mamardashvili 'highly impressed' the club's scouts last year with his performance during a 1-0 win over Real Madrid. Interest in the 'keeper from Stamford Bridge is understood to remain this summer as their long-time admiration of the player continues.
Performances so far this summer in Germany will hardly hurt that interest. Mamardashvili made five saves in their opening game against Turkey and has already surpassed that total in a half versus Czechia.
Matthew Abbott
Chelsea warned about overpaying for Duran
Former Aston Villa CEO Keith Wyness is surprised Chelsea are reportedly willing to pay £40m for Jhon Duran and has warned that the Colombia international is not necessarily the answer.
Wyness said on Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast:
The price I’m seeing, £40million, is really surprising. For me, he’s still an up-and-coming talent but hasn’t shown that he can be a top scorer. I would’ve thought it would be around the £25-30million mark after add-ons. He’s an unproven asset, and I don’t necessarily think he’s the answer for Chelsea in attack.
Matthew Abbott
Cucurella came close to Madrid move
Getafe's owner and president Angel Torres Sanchez has acknowledged that Marc Cucurella could have joined Real Madrid before signing for Chelsea.
Speaking at the launch of the club's kit for this upcoming season, Torres said (via 90min):
I'm not surprised by the good Euros that Cucurella is doing; I offered him to Real Madrid when I was here. [The transfer was] close to being done.
Matthew Abbott
Chelsea 'contact' Bologna over Italy star
Chelsea are one of several Premier League clubs in touch with Bologna because of their interest in Italy international Riccardo Calafiori, according to TUTTOmercatoWEB.
Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also credited with an interest in the central defender. Juventus are seemingly leading the way to sign this summer after already taking Bologna's head coach Thiago Motta to Turin.
However, Real Madrid have reportedly watched the player's performances at the European Championship in Germany. Bologna, though, will not lose their player without a fight, especially after qualifying for the Champions League last season.
Matthew Abbott
Gallagher fit for Spurs move
Despite being one of Chelsea's best players this year, Stuart Pearce believes Conor Gallagher is ideally suited to Tottenham Hotspur.
Speaking to Footy Accumulators, Pearce said:
I think Conor Gallagher would be a good fit for Tottenham. He's impressed me. He's full of energy, full of life and he's quite infectious on a football pitch. I would probably arguably say he's been in the top maybe two or three Chelsea players this year. The way Ange Postecoglou plays, he fits the bill brilliantly. If you want someone to squeeze or press but also put in recovery runs, Connor's your man, without a doubt. He's absolutely ideally suited.
Jack Flintham
Sancho advised to join Chelsea to wait out Ten Hag
Former Man United striker Dwight Yorke believes a loan move to Chelsea will be enough to wait out Ten Hag's tenure at Old Trafford and allow for a fresh start at his current club once he is replaced.
Speaking to Best Payout Online Slots, Yorke said:
It's an uncomfortable situation for Jadon Sancho, the manager has won the battle in the end and he'll look for a way out of Man United now. If Sancho played under Erik ten Hag again and had one bad performance, everyone would be pointing their finger at him. Sancho is more than good enough to play for another team in the 'Big Six', he'll want to play for another top team. He might go on another year-long loan to a top club, maybe Chelsea or abroad somewhere like Barcelona, then he'll see if Ten Hag gets sacked, then he can kick-start his Man United career. If I was Sancho, I'd sit tight for a bit and negotiate a loan so I can see the manager's situation.
Matthew Abbott
Olise wages revealed
Michael Olise will earn £220k per week at Bayern Munich after the club pay the player's £55m release clause, Sport Bild reports.
Chelsea reportedly pulled out of doing a deal for the Crystal Palace winger due to the finances involved in the transfer. That figure would have put Olise among the club's highest earners, behind only Raheem Sterling, Reece James and Romelu Lukaku.
Ben Chilwell, Christopher Nkunku and Enzo Fernandez each earn considerably less than how much the France youth international seems set to make at Bayern. Those figures likely also prevented Newcastle United from progressing with their interest in Olise.
Matthew Abbott
Estevao deal 'done'
Chelsea have 'sealed' the deal to sign Willian Estevao from Palmeiras, Fabrizio Romano reports.
All documents are said to be signed by the west London club, who will reportedly pay an initial £29m to complete the move. There are then a further £23m in add-ons included in the deal which could rise as high as £52m across Estevao's nine-year contract, which runs until 2023.
The breakdown of those add-ons is £5m relating to appearances for Palmeiras, while a further £14m will be based on his performances once at Chelsea. An additional £3m are considered difficult to achieve and could ultimately keep the total fee below £50m.
Matthew Abbott
Chelsea 'in talks' to sign Villa teen
Aston Villa and Chelsea are in talks over teenage attacking midfielder Omari Kellyman, the Telegraph reports.
Villa reportedly value the 18-year-old at £20m barely two years after paying £600,000 in compensation to sign the player from Derby County in March 2022. The England under-20 international spent a decade at his boyhood club.
Since making the move Kellyman has featured six times for the first team, including two Premier League appearances last season. He also played a part during Villa's run to the Europa Conference League semi-finals.
Matthew Abbott
'Concrete interest' in Euro 2024 striker
Chelsea are one of several Premier League clubs pushing for Hoffenheim striker Maximilian Beier, Sky Germany reports.
The interest from west London is reportedly concrete, with the club doing their due diligence on the player this week. However, Chelsea are not considered favourites to land the player. Beier has around a £25m release clause but is reportedly in no rush to move and is currently with the Germany squad at the European Championship.
Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen are also credited with an interest in the centre-forward. Sport Bild has previously named Brentford, Liverpool, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest as other clubs keen on the 21-year-old.
Jack Flintham
Barcelona keen not to sell anyone amid Kounde links
Speaking back in February, Barcelona chief and former Chelsea star Deco expressed that the plan in Catalonia was not to sell any players this summer.
Realistically, this could be an impossible task for Barca considering they have financial issues at present.
The idea is not to sell anyone and to bring in one or two players. Our youngsters will be more experienced for another year and the squad will become more and more balanced. If we are forced to sell, we will try to do so without touching the heart of the team.