Unlike the transfer windows of yesteryear, the ongoing one represents a strange prospect for Chelsea. During prior seasons, the club was always expected to spend big, in an effort to plug one of the many holes perforating our chances of winning the Premier League. However, for this window, it would be best if the Blues kept their pursestrings tightened.
This is because the London outfit filled a majority of its vacancies last season, which should help narrow the focus down to a few key positions. Given Chelsea’s historic proclivity to spray their money about willy-nilly, this could be easier said than done. But the dreams of ‘sustainable success’ sold by the current administration do give me a sense of hope.
No matter their approach though, you can expect the rumor mill to churn out all sorts of nonsense. Usually crafted by ‘ITK’ journalists that come alive whenever the market pops open, these rumors are best summed up as longshots on the proveribal dart board. Across the Roman Abramovich era, Chelsea were a common target for this brand of speculation. And I certainly don’t expect this to change anytime soon.
We’re barely into this year’s summer transfer window and some outlandish rumors have emerged already, alongside some admitedlly feasible ones, So let’s take a look at how the media thinks Cheslea’s transfer business will shape up.
Unlikely Chelsea transfer rumors
Harry Kane
Reprising an yearly tradition, the Arsenal reject turned Spurs legend, who would fix all of Chelsea’s goalscoring troubles, has been linked with the Blues yet again. Possibly the most complete striker in World Football, Kane sits at the top of the wishlist of many European clubs. And it wouldn’t be far-fecthed to suggest that Todd Boehly and co. could be interested as well.
But standing in the way of any possible deal is the ultimate boogeyman – Daniel Levy. The Spurs’ Chairman has been miffed with the Londoners ever since Willian pulled a fast one on them, or at least that is what I’d like to believe. No matter what the reason might be, Levy has no intentions of selling Kane to a direct rival. And so, it’s best to chuck this one into the ‘never happening’ pile.
Aurelien Tchouameni
On the surface level, this rumor actually makes a ton of sense. The Blues are actively on the lookout for a defensively astute midfielder who is comfortable in possession. And the France International is exactly that and much more. But the fact that Real Madrid splashed £85 million on Tchouameni last summer complicates matters.
The Spanish heavyweights won’t be too keen on selling the 23 year old just yet, which effectively nullifies the possibility of this rumor coming true. Personally, I’m holding out hopes for a loan deal, as Tchouameni has fallen down the pecking order at Madrid over the last few months.
Diogo Costa
With Edouard Mendy on his way to Saudi Arabia, Chelsea desperately need another goalkeeper for squad depth, and to possibly replace the typically inconsistent Kepa Arrizabalaga. As per rumors, the Blues have landed on Porto’s Diogo Costa to fill the vacancy, although the operation is likely to hit a stumbling block over the transfer fees.
The 23 year old currently has a reported release clause of £64 million, and Porto will insist on being triggered. This will probably result in Chelsea being priced out of the deal, which would honestly be for the best.
Likely Chelsea transfer rumors
Moises Caicedo
Beginning with the most obvious candidate, Brighton’s Moises Caicedo is reportedly at the top of Chelsea’s wishlist. The midfielder has really made a name for himself over the past two campaigns, and as such, the Londoners’ interest comes as no surprise. Various sources have stated that the Blues are currently the frontrunners for his signature, although they could face stiff competition from rivals Arsenal.
Nicolas Jackson
The Blue’s interest in the striker emerged just a few weeks ago, and as per recent reports, an agreement with Villareal has been sealed. The Premier League side appears all set to pay slightly over £30 million to acquire Jackson’s services, representing a clever bit of business from Chelsea’s scouting department.
Romeo Lavia
The Southampton midfielder is a talent far too exciting to toil away in Second Division Football. And as such, he is likely to move away from the Saints during this window. Chelsea’s Director of Recruitment and Talent, Joe Shields, is known to be a massive fan of Romeo Lavia, which further enhances the possiblity of a transfer coming to fruition.
However, Chelsea will reportedly be rivaled by the Gunners for his signautre, and it’ll take some convincing to bring Lavia to Stamford Bridge.