Happy Monday to all, we are about to get busy. First of all, I’d like to give you the news item then move on to the rumour mill. To begin, Chelsea have exercised an option to extend highly-rated young midfielder Billy Gilmour’s current contract. The previous deal expired this time next year, with another 12 months being added at the start of this week. Gilmour spent much of 2021/22 with relegated Norwich City in the Premier League. Once again the Scotland international proved his worth at elite level. At the moment, football.london states that the player’s future is uncertain with regards to loans or being in rotation.
Now we will get into the fully up and whirring hearsay factory. Apparently MK Dons’ Harry Darling is possibly on the radar of the Blues. An impressive defender from lower leagues; Milton Keynes fans definitely believe this athlete is destined for the very top. When Absolute Chelsea shared the talk from Football League World, there were some rather ignorant comments attached from supposed Chels’ supporters. Obviously some impatient people expected instant marquee incomings, yet squad players and backups are also needed. Such as the pending deal for goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina from Chicago Fire.
Chelsea transfer news: Achraf Hakimi, Ousmane Dembele, Milan Skriniar, Rayan Ait-Nouri
Allow me to briefly brief you on CFC captain Cesar Azpilicueta now. Azpilicueta is ageing, though would undoubtedly be a loss for the outfit. Whether that status entails a pivotal starting XI role, as a substitute, or merely in and around the training ground.
Nevertheless, there were suggestions that the versatile defensive man wanted to relocate back to his home country. Fabrizio Romano explains a two-year offer from Barcelona on his Twitter account. ‘Azpi’ is likely to accept a Barca switch, if you ask me.
Pride of London will now assess the latest Chelsea transfer news. Which includes updates on Achraf Hakimi, Ousmane Dembele, Milan Skriniar and Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Dembele is a potentially major addition on Fulham Road: his profile alone will sell shirts and merchandise, but the impact on the pitch is what may be crucial. The heavily followed Spanish outlet Diario Sport say everything indicates that the winger will become a Chelsea player. Could he be the first major signing? Possibly.
Romano also details Hakimi, who has been on Thomas Tuchel’s wishlist for some time. Although, no approach has been made at present for the Moroccan who plays for Paris Saint-Germain. Caught Offside publish the Italian reporter’s insight on the situation.
The penultimate link Pride of London shall evaluate now is that of Inter Milan’s Skriniar. Daily Mail carry a story involving the centreback; if true, the Slovakian could perhaps hold the key to Romelu Lukaku’s exit as a sweetener in any prospective agreement. There is also a mention of Ruben Loftus-Cheek being another bargaining chip in any deal.
Journalist Alan Nixon has connected the Blues with eyeing Wolverhampton Wanderers fullback/wingback Ait-Nouri. With Romano also confirming Marcos Alonso wishes to depart, CFC might be needing left cover in defence.