Chelsea plot Real Madrid transfer swap as Blues attempt offloading

If reports are true, Chelsea have a cunning plan to offload a couple of unwanted players. As a byproduct, the Blues might perhaps be able to secure a Real Madrid player in the process. Will the Spanish giants' Andriy Lunin be make his way to England and enter the Premier League with the west London club?

In the meantime, the Blues might be trying to secure a striker. Two prominent English top-flight centre forwards have been linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge this summer. In order to sign either Alexander Isak of Newcastle United or Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, Chelsea will have to shell out huge fees. What's the latest for CFC on those respective fronts?

Chelsea chase Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin and could exchange Kepa Arrizabalaga to convince the Spaniards

Enzo Maresca has obviously come straight into Chelsea's Cobham training ground and gotten down to business. He will have made immediate notes on the entire roster. Then decisions over which stars he'd like to keep, loan and sell would have been completed almost as quickly.

Judging by recent news and claims in the media, we can almost undeniably tell that Maresca does not desire Romelu Lukaku in his squad. That now makes a long and consecutive list of gaffers who have rejected the presence of the Belgian. I am unsurprised, to be absolutely honest.

Meanwhile Spanish stopper Kepa is not meant to be in the former Leicester City boss's plans either. Again, this is no surprise to those at The Pride of London headquarters. The 'keeper will likely wish to remain in Spain, and CFC recruitment have seemingly devised an ingenious ploy so to make that wish come true. Whilst, of course, obtaining an ideal deal for the Fulham Road outfit.

In spite of reports of a formal approach for the 29-year-old from Al Ittihad (Saudi Pro League), Chels' may have other ideas. They would like to 'tempt' los Blancos into allowing Lunin to join them, with Kepa going the other way. The latter is contracted to the Blues until 2025.

Updates on Blues' separate Alexander Isak and Ollie Watkins pursuit

Watkins or Isak - you decide!? Seriously, it'd be hard to pick between the pair, if you had to. I'll stick to my initial choice of Watkins.

Chels' definitely seem to want to sign one or the other. Obviously there's also the homegrown vote regarding Watkins as well. But what does most recent gossip suggest?

"Chelsea handed Ollie Watkins boost

Chelsea are keen on signing a new striker and England star Ollie Watkins has been linked.

With Aston Villa qualifying for the Champions League, however, the Blues could find it difficult to tempt the Midlands giants into selling.

Still, Chelsea might have a helping hand.

According to Football Insider, Cole Palmer has been trying to convince the striker to move to Stamford Bridge.

Alexander Isak transfer news

Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham continue to be linked with Newcastle star Alexander Isak, who proved excellent in the Premier League last season.

Still, according to Football Insider, the Magpies remain confident they can keep a hold of the striker this summer."