Chelsea transfer news LIVE: Havertz linked with Arsenal, Kovacic agrees terms with ‘top team’ Man City, Newcastle eye Gallagher, Neymar linked, 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
- 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…
Arsenal are monitoring Kai Havertz’s situation, with the German interested in a move away from Chelsea.
The Telegraph report that the Gunners are keeping an eye on developments surrounding Havertz’s future at Stamford Bridge.
Real Madrid are also interested in signing the forward but the asking price of £70m has put off any potential bidders from making an offer so far.
Both Real and Arsenal are aware of Havertz’s desire to move on as well as Chelsea’s need to sell off players this summer, leading to them believing the asking price will drop.
Pervis Estupinan has admitted that he is worried Chelsea target Moises Caicedo will leave Brighton this summer.
Estupinan is Caicedo’s teammate at club and international level and revealed his ‘fear’ of seeing him leave the Seagulls after an impressive season.
Speaking to ESPN, the left back said: “I think that having a player of Moi’s category, many teams would like him.
“We all fear that he will leave us .
“As I have always talked to him, if he stays I will be very happy to play next to him, to continue enjoying his football.”
Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic is reportedly open to a move to AC Milan.
Pulisic is eyeing a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer after struggling to break into the starting line-up for the Blues last season.
The USA international has attracted interest from Italy, with AC Milan one of the clubs interested and La Gazzeta dello Sport claim that he would be happy to move to the San Siro.
The Blues have reportedly set a £21million price tag for their winger who has recently commented on his future.
He said: “Right now my focus is obviously here with the national team. I’m just excited to get back playing and just enjoy myself and do what I love to do out on the field.
“And from there, this summer, we’re obviously going to have to see what happens.”
Newcastle are targetting Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher this summer.
talkSPORT understands that Gallagher is one of five Blues academy stars set to leave the club during the upcoming transfer window.
And Newcastle are considering a move for the midfielder, according to Mail Sport.
The Magpies are set to have £75million to spend and Gallagher is one of multiple midfield targets that include James Maddison, Scott McTominay and Moises Caicedo.
Former Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley has been released by Nice.
The 29-year-old joined Nice on a free transfer in September after leaving the Blues.
He made 28 appearances in all competitions, scoring four times, but the club have now announced he will be released at the end of his contract.
Rumoured Chelsea target James Maddison is in negotiations with Tottenham.
Tottenham have opened talks with Leicester over a move for Maddison, talkSPORT understands.
Leicester are looking for a fee of up to £60m for the England midfielder.
If the Blues are going to bring Maddison to Stamford Bridge this summer, they will now have to compete with London rivals Spurs as well as Newcastle.
And Mauricio Pochettino’s pursuit of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia looks to now be taking priority.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s summer move to AC Milan is now in doubt.
talkSPORT understands that Loftus-Cheeks is one of five Chelsea academy stars set to leave the club and he was already in advanced negotiations with Milan.
However, things have now taken a turn after Paolo Maldini was sacked as the Italian giants’ Sporting Director.
Milan’s transfer plans have been plunged into doubt, with Maldini playing a part in the upcoming summer dealings.
If the Italian side’s new director arrives and decides to change their approach, Loftus-Cheek’s move may not happen, leaving Chelsea in limbo.
The Blues are needing to offload players to raise money for Mauricio Pochettino’s squad overhaul.
Chelsea have signed American forward Catarina Macario from Lyon.
The 23-year-old has signed a three-year deal with the Blues and will join up with the squad on July 1.
Speaking after completing her move, Macario said: “I can’t wait to get started here!
“I’m really happy to sign for Chelsea and I hope to represent the jersey well over the next few years.
“I’ve been fortunate to have some great experiences in Europe already with Lyon, playing with many top players and of course winning the Champions League also.
“I hope to carry on those experiences here and bring home the trophy for Chelsea as well!”
Chelsea have now opened talks with Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia.
talkSPORT understands that Lavia is now a target for the Blues after they missed out on Sporting Lisbon’s Manuel Ugarte who is set to join PSG.
And the Belgian is reported to have began talks ahead of a move to Stamford Bridge, according to football.london.
Lavia only joined Southampton last summer but impressed in the Premier League and is already looking likely to move on from the Saints after their relegaton.
Mateo Kovacic has now agreed personal terms with Manchester City.
Kovacic had been in talks with the Premier League champions over the last week but there has now been a breakthrough, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Croatian is said to be keen on the move with Chelsea happy to let him go.
Speaking about the transfer rumours yesterday, he said: “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.”
Malang Sarr has already returned to Chelsea after completing his loan at Monaco.
Sarr spent last season with the Ligue 1 side but his time in France was marred by injuries.
And due to that, the defender is already back at Stamford Bridge after Monaco opted against signing him on a permanent deal.
Monaco director Paul Mitchell said: “Malang unfortunately got an injury, a muscular abdominal injury in training a few months ago.
“Malang has already gone back to Chelsea.”
Chelsea target Manuel Ugarte is set to be announced as a PSG player.
The Blues held a huge interest in signing Ugarte but pulled out of the deal after deciding not to match the French champions’ wage offer.
And now the Uruguayan is close to completing his move, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that revealing that he will sign a five-year contract with PSG.
talkSPORT understands that Chelsea are now pursuing Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia after pulling out of this deal.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is a huge fan of Blues target Neymar.
Pochettino and Todd Boehly are hoping to add a star to the team next season, with Neymar one of the big names being regularly linked to a move to Stamford Bridge.
The new boss has already worked with the Brazilian at PSG and he has spoken very highly of the winger.
He said: “It’s so easy with Neymar because you don’t need to do too much.
“From day one, he’s been very open to work. He’s very humble, he listens and always accepts all the instructions in a very good way.
“Brazilian players have something special inside. They love to play football because it’s like a dance. They play like they are dancing.
“Ronaldinho was my teammate when I was a PSG player and now Neymar. They need to feel good, to feel happy to perform in the best way.”
These quotes will excite Chelsea fans who will be hoping that a reunion can take place in the Premier League next campaign.
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!”
