Hello and welcome to football.london's Chelsea transfer live blog as the summer transfer window continues.
Enzo Maresca will officially begin his duty at Stamford Bridge on July 1 after succeeding Mauricio Pochettino in the hot-seat. However, he is certain to already be in talks with the club as they work behind the scenes to complete deals.
So far Chelsea have signed two players in Tosin Adarabioyo and Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian. The latter will remain in his homeland for another season before completing the move to London next summer.
Chelsea were looking to sign Crystal Palace star Michael Olise but Todd Boehly and Co. were said to be worried about the potential cost implications involved with that deal. He is now set to join Bayern Munich.
Focus has now switched to alternatives with Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams being a player of interest but Chelsea face stern competition from clubs across the Premier League. Lille's Jonathan David is the latest name to enter the rumour mill with Chelsea looking to rival Manchester United for his signature.
Elsewhere, Aston Villa youngster Omari Kellyman is expected to have his medical at Stamford Bridge after Chelsea and Aston Villa agreed on a £19m fee for the youngster. After Estevao Willian was announced by the club last week, Kellyman could be the next player.
Keep across all the Chelsea transfer news, rumours and analysis below with our dedicated blog updates.
Key Events
Chelsea 'withdraw' from Olise race
Bruna Reis
Jonathan David latest
Chelsea remain keen to sign a striker this summer and have been working behind the scenes to complete deals.
After seeing a £34m bid rejected for Atletico Madrid's Samu Omorodion, talks have taken place with David.
The Lille striker could cost less than £30m as he is set to enter the final 12 months of his contract. However, Manchester United, Tottenham and West Ham are also believed to be interested.
David is currently playing in the Copa America with Canada and remains to be seen whether this has an impact on a deal materialising.
Bruna Reis
Marc Cucurella 'happy' at Chelsea despite challenging season
Marc Cucurella has opened up on his struggles at Chelsea amid rumours he could return to Barcelona.
The left-back came in for heavy criticism last season and on the back of a £60m move in 2022, he fell short of expectations.
Asked if he had considered the possibility of returning to the Camp Nou, Cucurella told COPE: "Today I don’t even think about it, it doesn’t even cross my mind. I think that’s already happened.
"You never know what can happen, but I’m not thinking about that. At Chelsea I’ve had some difficult years, but I’m happy and my family is comfortable."
On the links to Real Madrid, Cucurella added: "Something was rumoured. I don’t know much either. But I try not to let them tell me many things if they are not going to be done because you get too crazy."
Bruna Reis
Marc Guiu closing in on Chelsea transfer
According to Spanish newspaper AS (via Sport Witness), the Barcelona striker is closing in on a move to Chelsea.
They add that the Blues will pay Guiu's £5m (€6m) release clause and his transfer to the Premier League could be 'officially announced in the next few hours.'
Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano states that a contract proposal has been sent for Chelsea who are keen to get a deal done soon.
Bruna Reis
Chelsea's stance on Nico Williams
Although the club's position on Williams has not changed and he remains on the shortlist, his 'current package' is deemed too expensive.
The Spain international has a £49m (€58m) release clause.
Bruna Reis
Cole Palmer responds to Estevao Willian celebration
The teenager scored for Palmeiras this weekend and performed Cole Palmer's iconic 'cold' celebration.
Palmer then took to Instagram to share William's celebration and wrote: "Soon," followed by a wink and blue heart emoji.
Jack Flintham
Why Williams may not be willing to negotiate on wages
According to both the player himself and Athletic Bilbao's president Jon Uriarte, Williams is happy at the Basque club and currently has no pressing ambitions to leave.
In a recent interview, Uriarte said:
We have impressive talent in the squad. When things are like this, it's normal that there are players who arouse interest, but we're not here to talk about rumours. Nico is happy in Bilbao and at Athletic and we're very happy with Nico. We don't worry about or pay attention to rumours. We're focused on creating an attractive project for all our players, fighting for titles and competing in Europe.
With Williams happy in Bilbao, the only thing which could tempt him to make a move to Chelsea is money but if that's not offered, there is little persuading the winger to make the switch to the Premier League.
Bruna Reis
Omari Kellyman latest
The 18-year-old is close to completing a £19m switch to Stamford Bridge from Aston Villa.
Kellyman is expected to undergo his medical today before signing a six-year deal with the option for another season.
Jack Flintham
New signing performs Palmer celebration
Estevao Willian has completed a move to Chelsea this weekend and looks to be keen to make a good impression with his new teammates.
The teenager scored for Palmeiras this weekend and proceeded to perform Cole Palmer's iconic celebration.
Jack Flintham
Chelsea could have Williams stumbling block
However, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Blues could hit a stumbling block in their negotiations when matters relating to his wages are concerned.
It is understood the Spaniard would be aiming for wages of at least £200,000 per week which would be way outside Chelsea's budget this summer.
Whether this is something Chelsea could look to negotiate down remains to be seen at this stage.
Jack Flintham
Chelsea happy to move for Williams
According to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Chelsea have informed Athletic Bilbao they would be willing to meet his release clause this summer.
It is understood this clause would be activated after a bid of around £49m is received. Such a figure is seen as a relatively small amount to pay for a player with potential as high as Williams.
The winger was a standout star in La Liga last season and his form has transitioned into Euro 2024 too.
Jack Flintham
Good morning
Hello and welcome to the Chelsea transfer blog this morning.
My name is Jack Flintham and I will be keeping you up to date with some of the stories emunating from Stamford Bridge as the transfer window continues to heat up.
First up, we will be discussing one man who could be replacing Olise as Chelsea's top target soon - Williams.
Jake Stokes
Petit offers his two cents
Speaking to Gambling.com, Emmanuel Petit said: "I think it's the wrong decision, he’s English! It’s important for the fans. There are so many foreign players at Chelsea.
"I’ve been at the club so I know just how important it is for the fans to have English players at the club. They will get good money for Gallagher but he is one of their best players!
"They can easily afford to sell 4 or 5 other players in the team instead!"
Jake Stokes
Sancho to Chelsea?!
Speaking to bestpayoutonlineslots.com, Dwight Yorke said: "It's an uncomfortable situation for Jadon Sancho, the manager has won the battle in the end and he'll look for a way out of Man United now.
"If Sancho played under Erik ten Hag again and had one bad performance, everyone would be pointing their finger at him. Sancho is more than good enough to play for another team in the 'Big Six', he'll want to play for another top team.
"He might go on another year-long loan to a top club, maybe Chelsea or abroad somewhere like Barcelona, then he'll see if Ten Hag gets sacked, then he can kick-start his Man United career.
"If I was Sancho, I'd sit tight for a bit and negotiate a loan so I can see the manager's situation..."
Jake Stokes
Spurs eye Gallagher!
football.london understands that Tottenham Hotspur have shortlisted Conor Gallagher this summer. It's believed that the Chelsea midfielder has 'very little intention' of leaving Stamford Bridge.
Gallagher currently sees his contract with the Blues expire in June 2025 and he's yet to pen an extension...
Jake Stokes
Olise deal!
According to Sky Sports, Bayern Munich have reached an agreement with Crystal Palace to sign Michael Olise. The 22-year-old winger has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea on numerous occasions in the past.
Sky Sports claim the Bundesliga giants will pay €60m (£50.7m) including add-ons to bring Olise to the Allianz Arena...
Jake Stokes
Omorodion update
According to Spanish publication Relevo, Chelsea have made three offers so far for Samu Omorodion this summer. The report states that Atletico Madrid have ruled out the 20-year-old striker's exit despite pressure from the Blues.
Relevo add that Omorodion has an €80m (£67.6m) release clause in his contract, meanwhile, Chelsea have offered the La Liga giants no more than €50m (£42.3m)...
Jake Stokes
Should Chelsea cash in on Maatsen?
Speaking to bestpayoutonlineslots.com, Dwight Yorke said: "I do think Ian Maatsen is a brilliant signing by Aston Villa. Unai Emery has the Champions League next season and we saw him perform brilliantly at Borussia Dortmund, he'll be a good player and it build on Aston Villa's already impressive squad depth.
"I think Chelsea will regret letting Maatsen go, but they have so many players at the club that they clearly don't even know who their best players actually are.
"Maatsen is another good player they've let go, and it's probably to help out their Financial Fair Play situation..."
Tom Coley
Cucurella to Barca?
Barcelona are said to have put Marc Cucurella on their list of possible transfer targets this summer.
Having come through as a junior at La Masia, Cucurella has impressed with his recent form.
When asked about a return, though, Cucurella said: “To tell you the truth, I don’t even think about it, the idea of moving back there doesn’t even cross my mind.”
Tom Coley
Guirassy decision soon
Florian Plettenberg says that are still four clubs involved in the race to sign Serhou Guirassy.
Chelsea are in the mix alongside Arsenal and AC Milan but it's Borussia Dortmund that are the most confident.
No agreement has been reached yet though with a decision set to be made soon.
Tom Coley
Summerville race
Chelsea are behind in the race to sign Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville.
According to Simon Phillips (from SPTC) it is Brighton that are ahead.
“Summerville has been scouted heavily all season and Chelsea could absolutely turn to him," he writes.
"However, at the moment SPTC sources believe it is Brighton who are leading in this one and the expectation is that he is likely to go there, with no moves made from Chelsea at all as of Sunday morning."
Tom Coley
Maatsen regret
Aston Villa are getting a good deal with buying Ian Maatsen, according to Dwight Yorke.
"I do think Ian Maatsen is a brilliant signing by Aston Villa," he says.
"Unai Emery has the Champions League next season and we saw him perform brilliantly at Borussia Dortmund, he'll be a good player and builds on Aston Villa's already impressive squad depth.
"I think Chelsea will regret letting Maatsen go, but they have so many players at the club that they clearly don't even know who their best players actually are. Maatsen is another good player they've let go, and it's probably to help out their Financial Fair Play situation."
Tom Coley
Going big on Williams
This is the deal of the moment.
So here's everything being said right now.
Ben Jacobs says that the situation with him is still the same. "His release clause, understood to be over just over £45m, is viewed as good value by potential suitors.
"However, total cost, including high wages, makes a deal difficult. Barcelona, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool have all looked at Williams. He's been excellent at Euro 2024 but may still need to lower his wage if a move is to happen."
Romano has since added: "The transfer fee would be over £50.7 million with taxes, and Nico Williams is already on a big wage and would ask for a 'really important salary' to leave.
"Chelsea won't do 'anything crazy' for Nico Williams."
Tom Coley
Maatsen deal done
We are just awaiting an announcement now.
Fabrizio Romano says that Maatsen has completed his medical having undergone it today at the Dutch Euro 2024 camp in Germany.
He will sign a six-year contract until 2030 with the transfer being £37.5million. Kellyman will join Chelsea in a separate deal.
Tom Coley
Williams clause
More here from Di Marzio.
Chelsea are said to have made it clear to Athletic Bilbao that they will pay the release clause of around £51million for Nico Williams.
Tom Coley
Napoli still after Lukaku
This one promises to go on and on and on and on and, you get it.
It is still suggested that Antonio Conte and Napoli could provide Chelsea a way out with Lukaku.
As ever, the £38million asking price is going to be a serious stumbling block.
It may well depend on whether Napoli can sell, and if they do, whether that is Osimhen or not.
Tom Coley
Beier interest
Chelsea are reportedly interested in Hoffenheim forward Maximilian Beier but are not in pole position to sign him, football.london writes.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a stellar campaign in the Bundesliga last term, scoring 16 goals and providing three assists for the German club. Beier's performances have seen him called up to Julian Nagelsmann's Germany squad for Euro 2024 where he is yet to play after two games.
And Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg has provided the latest on Beier's future, claiming that the Blues have gathered information about him. The centre-forward, who can also play as a winger, has a €30million (£25m) release clause in his Hoffenheim contract.
"Chelsea with a concrete interest in Maximilian #Beier," he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "#CFC have gathered information about the 21 y/o top striker from Hoffenheim in recent days!
"Beier, with a release clause of around €30m + salary and signing fees. 16 goals and 3 assists this Bundesliga season. Several teams from the Premier League are pushing for him.
"Leverkusen also have him on their list. He only wants to leave Hoffenheim if everything truly fits perfectly. Understand, that Chelsea is not in the pole position at the moment."
Tom Coley
Left wing switch
Reports last night claimed Chelsea have moved away from looking at right-wingers and will instead turn their attention towards the left flank.
Here's what I have to say on the matter.
Now this is interesting. It's not, however, a massive surprise. Chelsea's right-side is really quite strong. At least in terms of numbers, there is no shortage.
Olise was a unique opportunity at a good price to sign one of the best players in the role. Before him and outside of him, there was not a clear need to add yet more players to the huge list that can already occupy that side.
As for the left-side, what does this mean for Raheem Sterling and Mykhailo Mudryk? Chelsea, with Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku also capable of playing wide if needed, are surely just as well stocked here. Bringing in yet another left-winger doesn't seem feasible financially or necessary.
Sterling has been linked with a move away but football.london has always been told that he is happy at the club and wants to stay to prove himself. As the highest earner and now oldest member, there is an understandable train of thought that leads to him being up for sale.
Mudryk, on the other hand, is yet to really settle. If it weren't for the raw ingredients in his game that make him a unique player in certain aspects, then moving on from him after 18 months wouldn't be ridiculous either. Mudryk also commanded a big transfer fee, and getting anything near that back right now is close to impossible.
So really, Chelsea turning away from right-wingers is totally logical. But diverting that towards the opposite side really isn't.
Tom Coley
Kellyman first contact
Chelsea are said to have been admirers of Aston Villa's Omari Kellyman from as far back as January.
It was then that they first started discussing a move for Jhon Duran as well.
A move for Kellyman, unlike with Duran, appears to be well on its way to completion now.
Tom Coley
Thoughts on Estevao
Chelsea are prepared to die on the hill of buying young players. Estevao is a large drop in an even bigger ocean of money committed on teenagers that is already around the £200million mark.
Kendry Paez may have something to say, but many suggest that Estevao is the best of the lot so far. He is seen as someone with the same talent as Neymar. It's certainly big praise., especially for a player not yet dominating Brazil and a league that is a long way from being Premier League standard.
To this extent, it is still a risk. Chelsea thinks they're doing this the right way, and for that reason, there is no reason to expect that they stop with the youth recruitment charge. Perhaps by 2030, there will be something to show for it.
Tom Coley
Williams U-turn
Romano wrote yesterday that Chelsea are turning their attention away from Nico Williams with him set to cost far too much.
However, reports from Italy say that the Blues are ready to push for the player.
We'll have to wait and see what happens with this one as Williams is a popular player right now.
