With Chelsea securing a number of exits in recent days, the expectation is that they will push for new additions very soon once again. Of course, the situation might have changed a bit with the recent news that Levi Colwill has suffered an injury in pre-season. If that turns out to be a serious one, with the extent of it unclear at the moment, the Blues might need to go out and sign a top centre-back this summer.
For now, let's just focus on the names they have been linked with. A move for Xavi Simons is expected to get over the line at some point with talks set to be moving in the right direction, even if at a slower pace than expected.
On the other hand, Chelsea were expected to wait until late in the summer transfer window to push for a move for Alejandro Garnacho. But now, it looks like that might not be the case.
As reported by David Ornstein, Chelsea have stepped up talks with Manchester United over a deal to sign Garnacho. The clubs have been in touch on the topic for some time and are now advancing.
'Advancing' - David Ornstein drops massive Chelsea news
So, it looks like Chelsea are more serious about signing Garnacho than many had thought. The general belief was that the Blues were looking at the deal as a good opportunity to sign a highly-rated talent for a bargain fee late in the window. Many even predicted a deadline day bid.
But it looks like Chelsea are ready to push for a Garnacho deal instead of leaving things late. Now, it remains to be seen if they are able to agree on a transfer fee with Manchester United.
Chelsea do hold most of the cards right now. Garnacho clearly wants to join them and it is very clear that he is no longer in Ruben Amorim's plans at Old Trafford. That means that Manchester United are in a tough negotiating spot, especially with limited interest in the player, and could have to let him leave for a bargain transfer fee this summer, just to make sure that an exit happens.