Chelsea transfer rumours: Torres, Mahrez, Antony, Demiral

Fresh from elation versus West Ham, and following disappointment against Arsenal, Chelsea travel north to meet Manchester United. There are still places to fight for: United are desperate for unlikely Champions League qualification; meanwhile the Blues attempt to solidify third position in the Premier League. After the clash at Old Trafford, the Pensioners travel to Merseyside to play Everton. Subsequently it is Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United, prior to the FA Cup Final versus Liverpool. CFC’s campaign ends with a trip to Watford, and then Leicester City’s King Power Stadium.

Let’s briefly focus on that Man Utd meeting, now, beginning with Red Devils team news. Unfortunately for Ralph Rangnick, he might be without up to four of his senior players. Scott McTominay, Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane are expected to be selected. While inconsistent but high profile midfielder Paul Pogba is unavailable. Fred is a doubt due to continued work on a hip flexor issue. Veteran striker Edinson Cavani is out, along with England international leftback Luke Shaw. Over in the ‘Chels’ camp, the big concerns lie with Mateo Kovacic, Reece James and soon-to-be Real Madrid man, Antonio Rudiger.

Assessing the latest Chelsea transfer rumours: Pau Torres, Riyad Mahrez, Antony, Merih Demiral

Whilst waiting for Thursday evening’s EPL fixture, we need something to concentrate on in the meantime. What better than analysing some transfer speculation. I know, right. First of all, it looks to me as though Romelu Lukaku is going to follow Antonio Rudiger out of the door on Fulham Road. That means two incredibly vital, core roles need filling; there is an argument that suitable players may be in the squad or on the books already.

But can Armando Broja be the main man to lead the Blues line? I am not too sure. Where I think Broja could fit in at Chelsea, is as ‘supersub’ or a backup centreforward. With regard to the centreback area, Trevoh Chalobah is considered by many as part of the future of CFC’s defence, and consequently will perhaps get his opportunity in 2022/23. There is also huge hype over up-and-coming left-footed CB Levi Colwill. He is part of the loan army; Colwill is currently featuring, to acclaim, at Huddersfield Town.

So, which apparent targets and wanted men are the latest to be linked with a move to West London this summer? Well, Pau Torres might be the guy to cover Rudiger eventually. Though Manchester United and Manchester City are both also said to have the Villarreal defender on their wishlists. Some say Torres could turn out to be ‘the next Aymeric Laporte’ so is worth pursuing in Pride of London’s view.

Riyad Mahrez is an interesting one, possibly only worth chasing if Hakim Ziyech departs Stamford Bridge. Supposedly Man City will offload if they secure Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland – and the Blues may pounce. Tellingly, the winger only has one-year remaining on his Citizens contract and can prospectively be gotten cheaply.

Another in similar style to the Algerian, is left-footer winger Antony; Antony is connected with a switch to Chelsea, as well. Yet not much seems concrete at the moment; however there is information here from transfer reporter Ekrem Konur. Finally CFC are said to join Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Everton in admiration for Merih Demiral. Is Demiral a successor for the exiting German? I am unconvinced.