Chelsea seemed to have things nicely lined up to get this summer started early.
They knew their priority positions – centre back, left wing and striker, and already had targets they were working on.
But in defence Dean Huijsen seems to have slipped through their fingers to head to Real Madrid, and top striker target Liam Delap seems to be heading towards Man U. It’s time to get someone locked down, and there’s no time to waste.
Chelsea return to former target to strengthen defence
According to a source who spoke exclusively to us, the loss of Huijsen as a target has meant the revival of interest in another talented defender – Tomas Araujo of Benfica.
He has a monster €80m release clause, and our interest last summer was rebuffed because we didn’t come close enough to it. Our source says we’re considering a bid of €50m-€55m now, which is what we would have paid for Huijsen.
Whether Benfica’s stance has softened remains to be seen. Also in the race are PSG, Liverpool and Real Madrid – although presumably Los Blancos will drop out if and when Huijsen is secured.
There hasn’t been much push from 22 year old Araujo, who has so far been happy in Lisbon. But it seems he may now be ready for the next stage in his career.
Chelsea prepare defender sales to clear space for Araujo or others
Any signing in defence is going to require some sales, but that looks very possible right now. Axel Disasi and Trevoh Chalobah will definitely be sold, and others (including Tosin, Benoit Badiashile and potentially even Wesley Fofana) could join them if the right offer comes in.
Jorrel Hato is also emerging as a major post-Huijsen target for us in recent days.
Chelsea is not short in defence. And Chalobah need not be on any list to be sold as it has been proven coach after coach that, he is the best there even if the coaches do not like his face. He is up there with the best or better than them. Having the club in the blood is something we don’t buy from the market. It is earned. Assurance is all what is needed!
I agree with you
Selling Challobar shows Chelsea doesn’t know what they really want in transfer biz.
We’ve past lost Guehi, Livermento, Debryne, Sallah to same bad decisions.
Chelsea need a prolific striker in v.osimhen,not the goalkeeper,defender and midfielder or SACK E.Maresca…
Chelsea needs Challobar as a defender, he is good, he does the business very well, many clubs are interested in him. The problem Chelsea have is a powerful striker, not manage, in the likes of Victor Oshimen, he is a fighter, a goal getter and very good on the air. That’s the kind of sure ‘NO 9’ Chelsea needs.
Can’t Chelsea for once make a good decision to buy Osihmen? Will we always rely on Jackson and his lacklustre attitude? We need goals and a goal machine in V. Osihmen.
Also why attempt to sell Tosin and Challobah?
Osimhen is a must don’t dilly dally