Chelsea are closing in on their first two summer signings
On Thursday, Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly met with similarly important representatives from iconic Spanish club, Barcelona. The rendezvous took place at a restaurant in the Spanish city. But why did the new ownership front man want to talk directly to Barca executives? Simply put, the Blues have seen the Spaniards attempt to raid the CFC squad – along with their rivals taking Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid – for a number of targets. Those wanted men include Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso. But, first and foremost, Boehly was in Spain to acquaint himself with his well-known counterparts.
Fabrizio Romano suggests that the American billionaire’s wish was to ‘get to know them in person and discuss many topics’. Barca have supposedly agreed personal terms with Azpilicueta and Alonso. Yet the outfit resists paying CFC ‘too high of a fee’ because the pair’s contracts respectively expire in 2023. Obviously the Blaugrana haven’t merely been attempting to sign Chels’ stars, they have also reportedly been after the same players. In other words, they are actively trying to hijack prospective Chelsea deals.
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Chelsea close in on their first two senior summer signings
Meanwhile the man at the English side’s helm might perhaps have been planning to commandeer a Barcelona competitor for himself. The Mirror claim that Boehly’s ploy was to test the water on Frenkie de Jong and consequently, potentially, pip Manchester United to his signature. I must say, I’m liking ‘TB’s’ style so far.
Describing the apparent intentions, the outlet states further that this potential signing would be a Premier League”power move”. United are said to be confident of completing a switch for the Dutchman, though he was also labelled as ‘not for sale’ by Barcelona president Joan Laporta, Wednesday.
According to reports, Chelsea are closing in on two actual signings for the first team, which shall be their initial additions of summer 2022. Will Blues academy graduate Nathan Ake join Manchester City colleague Raheem Sterling in a move to West London? Yes, that possibility is becoming increasingly likely as the days go by.
Again going by Romano’s sources, the Blues have agreed contract specifications with Ake. However, despite being aware of contact, Man City await an official bid for the centreback. A price tag of approximately £40/45m was mentioned.
That touted fee is slightly high, as Pride of London view the valuation. Nevertheless Thomas Tuchel is obviously keen; his defensive knowledge and requirements are understood. But could Levi Colwill have been tried and tested during the the United States tour prior to this acquisition? Possibly.
Matt Law of The Telegraph has information for us on Sterling, too. Well, he essential says the Citizens double swoop is ‘edging ever closer’. With respect to the winger, becoming a Blue is ‘close’. The England international has an agreement on salary as well. And I have a feeling the wingman will be more impactful at Stamford Bridge than some expect.
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Sterling may just be on the CFC books in time to train with his new teammates, and feature in the USA friendlies. In fact, he could be ready to play in the non-competitive outing versus Club America in Las Vegas on Sunday, July 17.