Chelsea transfer window round-up: June 20 to June 27

3. Chelsea interested in Jonathan Clauss

The Blues have been monitoring the situation of Lens fullback Jonathan Clauss for well over a year. It now seems that Chelsea could very well make a move for the French international this during summer’s transfer window if certain criteria are met. The 29-year-old is valued at around £10 million by his parent club as there is only a year left on his current contract, and the player is not willing to sign a contract extension.

Clauss had an impressive season with five goals and 11 assists in 37 appearances across all competitions, which led to the first France call-up of his career. Chelsea does have space in its squad to add Clauss as a replacement for Cesar Azpilicueta, who has been linked with a move to Barcelona this summer. The club did have a gentlemen’s agreement with the captain which ensured that Azpilicueta could leave the club for free if he wanted, but that agreement was with the old regime. Now, as the regime has changed, it’s difficult to say whether that agreement is still valid or not.

One thing that can be said with certainty is that even if the club asks Azpilicueta to stay for another year or two due to multiple departures of defenders, Azpilicueta would be the last player that would throw a fit due to his current situation. The Blues would perhaps accelerate their interest in Clauss if they could agree on a fee for Azpilicueta with Barcelona. The club sees Reece James as the future of the right wingback/right back position, so Clauss would come in as a competitive back-up option who can be deployed in both wide defensive positions. Financially, this deal looks like a no-brainer, but it could potentially block the pathway of talented academy player Dujon Sterling, who did well on loan at Blackpool in the Championship last season.