Chelsea Transfer News: Lavia deal AGREED, Olise 'TAPPING-UP' concern and Kepa takes AIM
Cameron Smith
- 16 Aug 2023 04:30 BST
- 4 min read
Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, fighting off competition from Liverpool in the process.
The move has been confirmed by numerous sources - including Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein - with Chelsea set to pay an initial €61.7 million (£53m), plus a further €5.8m (£5m) in add-ons.
Lavia, 19, will undergo his medical at Chelsea this week after agreeing to the deal on Monday.
MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals
The Belgian midfielder, who has one senior international cap under his belt, was heavily pursued by Liverpool, but he opted against signing for Jurgen Klopp’s side in favour of joining Chelsea.
Lavia is set to join Chelsea this week and is one of three players on the verge of joining the club, along with Deivid Washington and Michael Olise. The Blues also signed Moises Caicedo from Brighton for a British transfer record fee on Monday.
MORE: How much have Chelsea spent on transfers so far this summer?
Olise concern
Chelsea have been accused of ‘tapping-up’ France U21 star Michael Olise as the Crystal Palace star nears a move to Stamford Bridge.
The 21-year-old reportedly has a €41 million (£35m) release clause included in his Crystal Palace contract, which has been triggered by Chelsea amid their summer rebuild.
However, negotiations have been unfolding while Palace believe Chelsea have acted in an unprofessional manner, according to the Daily Mail’s Sami Mokbel.
The Daily Mail have reported that Chelsea’s pursuit of Olise has ‘aggravated’ the south London side, who think the Blues have ‘tapped-up’ the Frenchman in a bid to persuade him to join the club.
The report states that “multiple sources have told Mail Sport that Palace have communicated their grievances in an unofficial capacity to their Chelsea counterparts."
However, the Blues have reached an agreement in principle to sign Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise and are believed to have activated his release clause, which stands at slightly less than €40 million, according to RMC Sport's Fabrice Hawkins.
Kepa wants permanent Real Madrid transfer
Kepa Arrizabalaga has openly admitted that he hopes to make loan move from Chelsea to Real Madrid permanent.
Real unveiled the Spain goalkeeper on Tuesday, having brought him in as cover for the injured Thibaut Courtois.
Speaking at his unveiling, Kepa said bluntly: “I really hope Real Madrid will keep me at the end of the season.”
He didn’t have to think twice about joining the 13-time European champions, adding: “The decision has been very easy. I had other important offers, but Real Madrid is Real Madrid. When Real Madrid wanted me, everything was clear.
“Spanish players always talk about Real Madrid during the international break; everything about this club is spectacular.”
