Chelsea Transfer News Today: Watkins SWAP DEAL, Ugochukwu LOAN, Lukaku LATEST

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 15 Jul 2024 15:08 BST
• 4 min read

The latest Chelsea football transfer news updates, with the hottest updates on all the potential new signings and sales at Stamford Bridge, including Ollie Watkins, Lesley Ugochukwu and Romelu Lukaku.

Ollie Watkins swap deal

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and they are prepared to include Conor Gallagher in a player-plus-cash swap deal for the England forward, according to Football Insider.

Watkins scored 19 goals and provided 13 assists in the Premier League last season, while he netted the winner in England’s Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands. Chelsea see him as a viable option as they pursue a new number nine.

However, Gallagher is reportedly unwilling to move to Villa Park. Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in the English midfielder, with his Chelsea contract due to expire in 2025.

Lesley Ugochukwu to leave on loan

Chelsea are set to send Lesley Ugochukwu out on loan for the 2024-25 campaign following an injury-hit debut season in England.

The 20-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge for €27 million this season, but he mustered just 15 appearances in all competitions last year, largely due to a hamstring problem.

As a result, Chelsea are eager to loan out the Frenchman next season, according to Foot Mercato.

Everton are reportedly one of the clubs interested in signing Ugochukwu on loan, with the Toffees set to sell Amadou Onana to Aston Villa for a reported €60m.

An unnamed Ligue 1 club are also keen on Ugochukwu, although the 20-year-old is reportedly eager to seal a Premier League loan as he looks to establish himself in English football.

Chelsea reject Kepa

Chelsea have turned down an offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad for Kepa Arrizabalaga, with the Spaniard still thought to be holding out for a return to Real Madrid.

Kepa is expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, having entered the final 12 months of his contract, and the 29-year-old has been training away from Chelsea’s first-team upon his return to pre-season.

Furthermore, Al-Ittihad have submitted an unspecified bid for the Blues goalkeeper, however it has been turned down, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

Despite this, talks are expected to continue as Chelsea look to sell the ex-Athletic Club goalkeeper.

Romelu Lukaku blow

Chelsea are still hoping to sell Romelu Lukaku this summer, but their efforts could take a setback thanks to one of their former players.

AC Milan have registered interest in Lukaku over the past few weeks, as they search for an Olivier Giroud replacement, but the Rossoneri are now pursuing a move for Tammy Abraham.

The AS Roma forward could be on his way to San Siro and this would end Milan’s bid to sign Lukaku - which would be a huge blow to Chelsea.