Chelsea transfer news LIVE: Mateo Kovacic on ‘top team’ Man City, Neymar linked with move, Todd Boehly message, N’Golo Kante nears Saudi switch
Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news, gossip and rumours from Chelsea in talkSPORT's live blog.
New Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino will have to hit the ground running once the summer window officially opens after inheriting a mess at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea finished a pitiful 12th in the Premier League - their lowest since the 1993/94 season - following a series of errors on and off the pitch.
Pochettino will be keen to bring his own players in to put his stamp on an already oversized squad but equally that may mean several high-profile stars could be on their way out.
Top stories
- Chelsea told Moises Caicedo transfer fee as Blues step up interest in Arsenal and Liverpool target
- Chelsea turn to Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia after refusing to match Paris Saint-Germain’s offer to Manuel Ugarte
- Kai Havertz to Real Madrid ‘imminent’ as Chelsea star emerges as potential Karim Benzema replacement
- Christopher Nkunku fires RB Leipzig to cup glory as he prepares for Chelsea move
- Mason Mount agrees terms with Manchester United
- Man City in talks to sign Mateo Kovacic
Follow our live blog below for all the latest news from Chelsea…
Alongside the Lukaku discussions, Chelsea are also set to open talks with goalkeeper Andre Onana.
According to the Telegraph, in the same meeting that the Blues will have with Inter Milan over Lukaku’s future, the possibilty of signing Onana will also be discussed.
Inter reportedly value the goalkeeper at £52m and Mauricio Pochettino could be tempted to pay that fee as he targets a new number one this summer.
Inter Milan will open talks with Chelsea over Romelu Lukaku after the Champions League final.
Lukaku’s priority is to stay at Inter but the clubs will meet for talks after he faces Manchester City in Istanbul this weekend, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Belgian is set to return to Stamford Bridge next season, with his loan at Inter coming to an end and new boss Mauricio Pochettino wants to assess if he fits into his plans.
AInter CEO Giuseppe Marotta recently admitted that the decision is in Chelsea’s hands. He said: “Romelu loves the shirt he wears, he is very comfortable at Inter.
“These are fundamental aspects, this desire of his to be with us. But he is on loan until June 30.
“He will return to Chelsea, and we don’t know what will happen on a technical level at that club.
“At the moment we are at the window.”
Chelsea target Federico Valverde is not for sale this summer.
Real Madrid will not even listen to offers for Valverde as they consider him as part of the club’s ‘strategic project’, according to AS.
Chelsea has been linked to the midfielder ahead of the transfer window, with new manager Mauricio Pochettino rumoured to be targetting him.
However, hopes of that deal seem to be over with Los Blancos looking forward to seeing Valverde play alongside Spain-bound Jude Bellingham next season.
Chelsea are set to provide competition to Arsenal for the signing Declan Rice this summer.
West Ham owner David Sullivan confirmed live on talkSPORT that Rice will be leaving West Ham after lifting the Europa Conference League title last night.
And Chelsea are one of many big names interested in signing the England midfielder, however, Arsenal remain the favourites for his signature.
talkSPORT understands that the Blues are pushing to sign Brighton’s Moises Caicedo after missing out on Sporting Lisbon’s Manuel Ugarte who is now set to join PSG.
But the club are yet to rule out a move for former Cobham academy star Rice alongside the Caicedo deal, according to 90min.
Barcelona boss Xavi has ruled out a return to the Nou Camp for Chelsea target Neymar.
Neymar has been linked to Chelsea in recent weeks, with reports in France claiming that the Blues have made contact with PSG over a possible move.
Meanwhile, rumours have also been swirling over the Brazilian making a return to Barcelona this summer.
However, manager Xavi has now spoken out about the links, with his answer certain to improve Chelsea’s hopes of getting a deal done.
When asked about the transfer stories, Xavi said: “I’m surprised… he’s not in our plan.
“I really like Ney as a friend, but we have different priorities.”
Former Chelsea star Eden Hazard is set to retire from football after leaving Real Madrid.
Hazard will not renew his contract at Los Blancos and will leave the club this summer, leading to the Belgian considering retirement, according to Mundo Deportivo.
And host of the Spanish Football Podcast, Phil Kitromilides confirmed to talkSPORT that the 32-year-old is very possibly going to be hanging up his boots.
“They’re saying he might retire, they’re saying that might be it for Eden Hazard, who joined Real as one of the best players in the world and his career has just fallen off a cliff,” Kitromilides said on White and Jordan when asked what the Spanish reporters believe his next move is.
“There’s a real suggestion that Eden Hazard is going to retire, he’s not going to go anywhere else.
“There was notions that a team in MLS – from Vancouver I think it was – were potentially interested in him.
“But really, I’m not sure what Eden Hazard would want.”
Mateo Kovacic expects to leave Chelsea this summer amid speculation linking him with Man City.
He said: “I have one more year with Chelsea, this season was very bad.
“Everything is going towards the fact that after 5 good years I will change, but in football anything can happen. Right now, I’m focused on Croatia and the Nations League.
“Manchester City is a top team and deserves to be in the Champions League final. That’s what I have to say. The summer is long, we’ll see what happens.
“Chelsea is phenomenal for me. I love the city and the fans, they love me, I have wonderful memories of Chelsea. We’ll see what happens.”
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Manchester United are set to make their opening bid for Mason Mount.
Chelsea remain determined to get a top price for the England star.
But United are said to be relaxed over the deal as they believe Mount wants to move to Old Trafford.
The Chelsea ownership group have sent a message to the fans reflecting on their first year in charge.The men’s team had a difficult season, finishing 12th, while the women’s team did a league and cup double.The statement read: “It’s been just over a year since we completed our purchase of Chelsea. It was and remains a privilege for us to be custodians of our wonderful club. Twelve months on, we want to take the opportunity to speak directly to all of you, our supporters, as we reflect on the season just gone.”Our promise to you was to make our fans proud. We remain completely committed to the long term and sustainable success of our club and fulfilling that promise we made to you. We know the huge potential we must grow to develop Chelsea FC and it is a role we take seriously. Everybody working here is relentlessly focused on driving us forward. “Clearly, for our men’s team, it has been a disappointing season and there is a lot we can and will do better. Throughout these difficult periods, our fans have supported our players and our team across the country, and Europe with unfailing loyalty. We could not be more grateful for your incredible support. The atmosphere at the Bridge when we played Dortmund will live long in our memories and serves as an important reminder of where we want to be.“For all the challenges of the past year, we are optimistic about the future. We are looking forward to welcoming Mauricio Pochettino as the head coach of our men’s team in July. We are building a modern scouting, talent identification, and recruiting infrastructure within our sporting department, led by Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, which will help us to identify and transform the squad around elite talent, a squad capable of consistently competing to win the Premier League, raise domestic cups and compete and win at the highest level in European football. We have also appointed Chris Jurasek as CEO to drive our business forward off the pitch, which in turn will make us more sustainable on the pitch.“The success we are aiming for is only possible with our supporters behind us. We are proud of the creation of our Fan Advisory Board, which will meet for the first time over this summer, and we are confident its new members will ensure you are at the heart of decision making at our club. We will continue to ensure your voices are heard as we look to the future.“For now, on behalf of the board and everyone at the club, thank you for your outstanding support. We hope you all have a good summer and look forward to welcoming you back to the Bridge in August.”
Reports in France claim that Chelsea have made contact with PSG over a possible move for Neymar.
French outlet Le10 have reported that the Blues have been in talks with PSG over an offer for Neymar, with the club said to be open to the deal.
Chelsea have been linked with the Brazilian star in recent weeks as Todd Boehly looks to add a star name to Mauricio Pochettino’s side this summer.
And with positive news coming out of France, Neymar may be getting closer to heading to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s chances of signing Lionel Messi this summer are over.
The Blues had been targeting a marquee signing of a player such as Messi during the transfer window but their dream will not become a reality.
Messi has now agreed to join Inter Miami in the MLS after announcing he will leave PSG following the end of his contract in July.
The football icon also had offers from Saudi Arabia but has now opted to join David Beckham’s franchise in America.
Former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham has undergone successful surgery following his ACL injury.
Abraham had been attracting interest from the Premier League, with Everton linked and Chelsea having a buy-back clause in their academy product’s Roma contract.
However, after suffering the unfortunate injury which will see him sidelined for a considerable amount of time, a summer move is now off the cards.
Roma released a statement reading: “Tammy Abraham underwent reconstructive surgery on the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on Wednesday.
“The operation was performed by Dr Andy Williams at London’s Cromwell Hospital, with AS Roma head of medical Massimo Manara in attendance, and was a complete success.
“The player will remain at the London clinic for a few days before beginning the rehabilitation programme drawn up by the club’s medical staff.”
“Wishing you a speedy recovery, Tammy!”
Saudi state media sources have confirmed that Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante has agreed to join Al-Ittihad.
According to L’Equipe, a source from inside the Saudi club has confirmed that Kante will make the move away from the Premier League this summer.
The majority of the contracts have now been signed and the final details are being completed before the €100m-a-year deal is officially announced.
Napoli have joined the race to sign Chelsea target Gabri Veiga.
The Blues were already facing competition from Barcelona and Liverpool for the 21‑year‑old Celta Vigo midfielder.
But now Napoli have shortlisted Veiga as a possible replacement for Piotr Zielinski, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Chelsea have landed themselves a bargain after confirming the signing of South American wonderkid Kendry Paez.
The 16-year-old Ecuadorian midfielder is set to move to Stamford Bridge after he turns 18 in May 2025 after a £17.27m deal was agreed.
Now, Paez’s club Independiente del Valle have confirmed Chelsea will actually pay less for him.
“Because of what the country is experiencing, I would not dare to give the amounts for the transfer of Kendry Paez to Chelsea,” he told Mach Deportes.
“But it is not the $20 million that is being talked about, it’s a smaller amount.”
N’Golo Kante to Al-Ittihad is a done deal, according to reports.
CBS Sports claim Kante is is already undergoing his medical ahead of his free transfer from Chelsea.
The Frenchman accepted the two-year deal – with an option for a third – last night worth €100m per season.
Marco Asensio rebuffed an offer from Chelsea to join Paris Saint-Germain instead, according to reports.
According to Spanish outlet Diario AS, Liverpool and Chelsea were among the clubs reportedly vying for his signature once it became clear the Spaniard was leaving Real Madrid on a free transfer.
The report adds that Asensio’s decision to join the Ligue 1 giants was due to guaranteed first-team assurances.
Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson has claimed Declan Rice will want to stay in London, meaning Chelsea or Arsenal should be his priority.
He told Neue Online Casinos: “I think Declan Rice will play for either Chelsea or Arsenal next season.
“I can see why Bayern Munich want him but I can’t see him going there. He’s a London boy and he’ll want to stay at home. The other big clubs will still be looking at Jude Bellingham, so I think he’ll end up at Chelsea or Arsenal.
“Rice is irreplaceable. West Ham will have to get as much money as they can, sign four or five players who between them can fill the void and improve the team. They won’t be able to sign another Declan Rice though.
“They can try to get over £100million for him, or even £110million with the way the market is at the moment.”
Chelsea legend Eden Hazard is no closer to deciding his future following his Real Madrid exit.
Spanish outlet Marca report that the Belgian only has one club interested in his services and that is MLS outfit the Vancouver Whitecaps.
The former Belgium captain is now considering the move or to retire from the game at the age of 32.
AC Milan are reportedly interested in signing Christian Pulisic but have put talks for Chelsea teammate Ruben Loftus-Cheek on hold.
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that talks over midfielder Loftus Cheek are on stand-by after Paolo Maldini’s sacking.
But Milan remain among the clubs keen on landing Pulisic, who is widely expected to leave this summer as Chelsea begin their summer clear-out.
Levi Colwill will push to leave Chelsea unless he is guaranteed playing time by new manager Mauricio Pochettino.
The Blues have rejected an initial offer from Brighton worth up to £30m to sign Colwill permanently after he impressed Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi during his loan spell.
Pochettino wants to keep Colwill, but with Brighton preparing to up their bid, the England under-21 international is keen to become a Premier League regular.
talkSPORT understands Brighton are also willing to entertain part-exchange offers for Chelsea target Moises Caicedo involving Colwill.
Unlike Liverpool-bound Alexis Mac Allister, Caicedo does not have a release clause in the new contract he signed in February, so Brighton are in a strong position to make their demands.
Chelsea’s pursuit of AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan is heating up!
The French stopper is one of four Milan stars who could look to leave the club, due to being unhappy at directors Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara being sacked, according to the Sun.
The 27-year-old is under contract until 2026 but the Blues are desperate to replace current No 1 Kepa Arrizabalaga, with back-up Edouard Mendy already being allowed to leave.
Chelsea have been handed a blow in their pursuit for West Ham captain Declan Rice.
Danny Murphy has told talkSPORT that Rice is getting close to joining the Blues’ London rivals Arsenal.
He revealed on White & Jordan: “I saw him at the golf club last week but I didn’t ask him [about his future].
“But what I’m hearing is Arsenal and that it’s pretty done. I know Bayern have come in late but I don’t know anything about that.”
Chelsea are set to rival Manchester United for Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar, according to reports in France.French publication, Le10 Sport, claim that the Blues ‘has just contacted PSG to officially open negotiations’ over a transfer for the Brazilian.The Ligue 1 side are said to be ‘listening’ to the proposal from Stamford Bridge as they are not opposed to Neymar leaving this summer.
Chelsea have entered the race to sign highly-rated Gabri Veiga.
The Guardian claim that the Blues face competition from Barcelona and Liverpool for the 21‑year‑old Celta Vigo midfielder.
But the report adds that Chelsea are prepared to push hard for him with Spaniard Veiga emerging as one of the best young midfielders in Europe.
And he contains a relatively modest £34.4m buyout clause.
