Chelsea Transfer News Today: WONDERKID to sign, Enzo Fernandez GUILTY, Maresca REPLACEMENT search

Updated: 19 Jul 2024 18:42 BST
6 min read

FootballTransfers runs through the latest Chelsea football transfer news updates, including the latest on Andreas Pereira, Enzo Fernandez and Estevao Willian.

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Chelsea to sign wonderkid

Chelsea are "expected to complete" the signing of Gabriel Mec, an 18-year-old Brazilian wonderkid who plays with Gremio.

The Blues have already captured a string of talented, young players and, according to the Telegraph, they are rapidly closing in on another deal.

Radio Imortal, who broke the news of the Blues' talks, a transfer could be wrapped up by the end of the week.

Gabriel Mec could not, however, join Chelsea until he turns 18 in a deal that mirrors the one they made with Kendry Paez.

Andreas Pereira wanted

Chelsea will target Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira if Conor Gallagher leaves the club this summer, according to reports in Brazil.

Gallagher, 24, has just one year left on his current contract at Stamford Bridge and he is expected to depart before the 2024 summer transfer window ends.

According to Brazilian outlet Globo, Chelsea are hoping to sign Fulham midfielder Pereira as Gallagher’s replacement.

The Stamford Bridge outfit are reportedly in contact with his agent Kia Joorabchian, who has confirmed Chelsea’s interest in his client.

Chelsea are prepared to pay up to €40 million for Pereira, but a move will only happen if Gallagher is sold.

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Enzo Fernandez found guilty

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has been found guilty of a driving offence and could lose his licence as a result.

The BBC confirms the Argentina World Cup winner has been found guilty of failing to identify the driver of a Porsche which allegedly ran a red light in Carmarthenshire.

Fernandez was accused of driving a Porsche Cayenne through a red light in Llanelli, Wales, and has also been accused of driving without insurance on that same day, 28 November, 2023. No plea was entered and the charges were withdrawn.

He will be sentenced on 11 September and could lose his driving licence.

Current ETV

ETV Range

€34M - €56.7M

Chelsea players still furious with Enzo

Chelsea players remain furious with Enzo Fernandez despite his text message apology, FootballTransfers has learned.

Earlier this week, the 23-year-old shared an Instagram video showing him and his Argentina teammates reciting a song with racist and transphobic lyrics aimed at French players of African descent as they celebrated their Copa America final victory over Colombia.

Fernandez later apologised for the video that went viral, stating it did not “reflect my beliefs or my character.”

We are told that several players are still upset about the footage and sources indicate that reconciliation will only occur if Fernandez apologises to them face-to-face.

Maresca's replacement? BlueCo to appoint new Strasbourg coach

Patrick Vieira's departure from Strasbourg has opened the door for BlueCo to appoint a new manager at the Ligue 1 club who might one day take the reins at Stamford Bridge.

According to L'Equipe, that is certainly the plan. BlueCo want to appoint a young Englishman whose philosophy fits the Chelsea model.

Estevao scare

Chelsea have been handed an injury scare regarding new signing Estevao Willian.

The Brazilian wonderkid will officially join the Blues in 2025, when he turns 18, but he has suffered a sprained ankle and knee while playing for Palmeiras.

Estevao was taken off in the 81st minute of their 1-0 defeat to Botafogo on Thursday and reports from Brazil suggest he has suffered a sprained ankle and knee.

There were no fractures and he is unlikely to require surgery, but it is a concern for a player who cost Chelsea a reported €60m.

Estevao has five goals and four assists in 17 league matches so far this season.

Robert Sanchez update

Robert Sanchez faces an important pre-season as he prepares to regain his place as Chelsea’s number one goalkeeper, according to Matt Law.

The Telegraph reporter told the London is Blue Podcast: “It's a big pre-season for Robert Sánchez. I have spoken here about the fact that they [Chelsea] don't want to sign a new goalkeeper, they think Robert Sánchez is Maresca’s prototype goalkeeper.

“He has to show that because if he has a bad pre-season and the distribution doesn't go well, they might have to rethink.”

N’Golo Kante set for Premier League return?

West Ham United are interested in signing former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante, according to The Guardian.

The France international, who starred at Euro 2024, joined Al-Ittihad on a free transfer last summer, but West Ham are reportedly eager to bring him back to the Premier League.

Kante, 33, made 269 appearances for Chelsea during his time at the club, winning six trophies, including the Champions League.

© IMAGO - West Ham want to sign N'Golo Kante

Strahinja Pavlovic to join Milan

AC Milan are keen to complete the signing of Strahinja Pavlovic within the next week, according to Italian media.

The 23-year-old centre-back has been linked with Chelsea in recent weeks, but it is looking increasingly unlikely that he will be playing his football at Stamford Bridge next season.

Last week, it was revealed that the player has agreed personal terms with AC Milan and the Rossoneri are now keen on striking a quick deal, though work still needs to be done.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Milan are ready to 'advance' in their pursuit of the defender, while Calciomercato goes a step further and states that they want to wrap up the deal within the next week.