Chelsea Transfer News Today: Mudryk BLAMED at Euro 2024, Gallagher INTEREST and Duran UPDATE

Cameron Smith

17 Jun 2024 16:00 BST
5 min read

Mykhailo Mudryk, Chelsea, Ukraine, Euro 2024 — © IMAGO

Former Wales defender Ashley Williams has blamed Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk for Georgiy Sudakov's performance against Romania.

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Ukraine suffered a shock 3-0 defeat in their opening match of Euro 2024, with Mudryk and Sudakov on the wrong side of a huge loss.

However, Williams believes Mudryk played a role in Sudakov's underwhelming performance.

At half-time, Brentford boss Thomas Frabk said: "Sudakov hasn’t been at his best. Maybe it’s because it's his first big international tournament. He’s young. He’s not been that involved. He needs to get in the box."

This prompted an intriguing response from Williams. "I just wonder with Mudryk, with his end product, sometimes as a midfield player, you’re not going to gamble because you’re not sure if there’s going to be an end product," he said.

"You don’t know if he’s going to dribble it, get to the byline, come inside and shoot.

"You’re not sure. So as an attacking midfielder or a central midfielder, maybe you’re not going to make that 40-yard run because when Mudryk is on it, you’re not sure if he’s going to put it in the correct areas."

Atletico Madrid want Conor Gallagher

Atletico Madrid are eyeing up a shock move for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, according to reports in Spain.

The England international has been heavily linked with a Stamford Bridge departure over the past few months and Diego Simeone’s side are now eager to pounce amid his uncertain future in west London.

Gallagher only has one year left on his current contract at Chelsea and is being pursued by Premier League duo Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur.

However, Atletico Madrid are also interested in securing a deal for the Englishman and have contacted the Blues regarding a possible move, according to Spanish outlet Relevo.

Riccardo Calafiori competition

Real Madrid have joined the race to sign Chelsea and Juventus target Riccardo Calafiori, according to reports in Spain.

The 22-year-old shone as Bologna qualified for the Champions League last season, but he is now set to leave the club amid significant transfer interest.

Calafiori currently prefers a move to Juventus, as per multiple reports, and he is expected to join the Turin-based outfit following his participation at Euro 2024.

However, Chelsea are trying to hijack the move and Enzo Maresca reportedly sent a scout to watch the Bologna defender in action for Italy against Albania on Saturday.

Real Madrid are also keen, according to Fichajes, meaning the Blues face increased competition to land a player that Maresca admires greatly.

Michael Olise boost

Chelsea have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise following news that Newcastle United may turn their attention to Juventus’ Federico Chiesa.

Eddie Howe’s side are currently one of Chelsea’s competitors for Olise, but the Magpies are now interested in purchasing Chiesa, according to GiveMeSport.

The 26-year-old has been linked with a Premier League switch for the past few years, but a summer move is now on the cards, despite Massimiliano Allegri’s Juventus exit.

Liverpool have previously been touted as a possible destination for Chiesa, but the Italy winger, who is currently at Euro 2024 with his nation, could be heading to St James’ Park instead.

As a result, Chelsea may face one less competitor in the race to sign Olise.

Pedro Lima deal close

Chelsea are closing in on finalising a deal to sign Sport Recife defender Pedro Lima, via Strasbourg.

The Brazilian youngster will join Chelsea’s Ligue 1 sister club for €7 million, plus a further €3.5m in add-ons. Lima is then expected to subsequently join Chelsea in the future.

His move to BlueCo was first exclusively reported by The Transfers Podcast, in conjunction with FootballTransfers, while Lima was absent during Sport Recife’s Serie B match against Mirassol on Sunday as the move edges closer.

Jhon Duran latest

Chelsea are expected to make a decision on whether to sign Jhon Duran soon, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Duran reportedly wants to join the Stamford Bridge outfit, while talks with his agent have already taken place, but the Blues are also considering other options.

Chelsea have engaged in swap deal talks with Aston Villa, amid rumours of Ian Maatsen moving the other way, however Maresca’s side are yet to decide whether or not Duran would be an astute signing.