Jules Koundé
Chelsea were recently linked to Jules Koundé, but Sevilla have rather exorbitant demands for the 22-year-old centre back, who has an €80m release clause in his contract.
But according to Diario AS, Chelsea might have a trick up our sleeves, and would be willing to offer a player in part-exchange, such as Tammy Abraham, Michy Batshuayi, Tiémoué Bakayoko, Kepa Arrizabalaga, or even Hakim Ziyech. That last name is a bit of a surprise, in just his first season at the club, but we do have an overabundance of attacking players in the squad.
Chelsea’s apparent willingness to do whatever it takes has seemingly catapulted us to favorites for Koundé, with Manchester United and Real Madrid also said to be in the race.
El Chelsea se fija en Koundé
— Diario AS (@diarioas) April 13, 2021
✅ Los viajes a Sevilla por la Champions han servido para acercar posturashttps://t.co/SqDcqlBMxs
José María Giménez
Giménez has been a long-term target of the club, with his name featuring in the rumor mill last summer as well. And according to Cadena SER, Atlético Madrid are now open to offers for the 26-year-old, as part of an a potential rebuild of the team. While a price is not mentioned, it’s fair to assume that it will be lower than his €120m release clause.
Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva’s contract extension talks with Chelsea are ongoing, probably, but other clubs are certainly keeping an eye on the situation as well, in the unlikely event that an agreement can’t be reached.
According to Radiosei (via La Lazio Siamo Noi), Lazio are one of those clubs, though their efforts, like any other team’s efforts are likely to be futile, with Silva himself confirming his desire to continue in the blue side of London.
“I hope to continue like this. I want to continue to play at this level and get to the World Cup in 2022. Thomas Tuchel is doing an amazing job here at Chelsea.”
-Thiago Silva; source: Sky Italia via Goal
Joachim Andersen
A new name has appeared in Chelsea’s rumor mill, with Olympique Lyonnais’s Joachim Andersen, currently on loan at Fulham, said to be on many Premier League teams’ radars, as per Danish-outlet BT Sporten.
The report claims that Chelsea, Manchester United, Leicester City, Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur are all monitoring the 24-year-old, with the latter set to hold talks with his representatives in the coming days. Andersen reportedly also wouldn’t mind staying at Craven Cottage if they manage to stay in the Premier League, but that appears to be unlikely.
Lyon signed Andersen for €24m, making him the most expensive Danish player of all time, but he doesn’t appear to have a future with the Ligue 1 side.
Raphael Varane
Chelsea were tenuously linked with the long-time Real Madrid centre back, and those links are becoming even more tenuous with El Chiringuito (via Mirror) reporting that long-term suitors Manchester United are now in advanced talks. Zinedine Zidane has supposedly given his blessing to sell Varane this summer, as opposed to losing him for free in 2022.
| Varane is in very advanced talks with Manchester United. Real Madrid are certain that he will NOT renew his contract and will leave the club this summer. @10JoseAlvarez #rmalive
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) April 15, 2021
Fikayo Tomori
Fikayo Tomori staying at AC Milan is practically a bygone conclusion, with AC Milan manager, Stefano Pioli himself confirming their desire to sign him permanently.
That won’t rule out some back-and-forth over a transfer fee of course, as Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness) and Fabrizio Romano explain. Chelsea will not entertain any discounts, and Milan will need to pay the full €28m of the previously agreed buy-option. That’s still daylight robbery considering Tomori’s performances in Rossoneri colors, but it’s good to know that we’re at least taking the steps to prevent any further fleecing.
Tomori situation. AC Milan are so happy with his performances - they’re keen to sign Fikayo on a permanent deal... but nothing will be decided/done before May. No talks yet with Chelsea. #CFC position as of today: €28m buy option fully paid or he’s coming back. #ACMilan
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 15, 2021