- 11 hours ago
Chelsea Transfer News Today: PRIORITY summer target revealed, Broja WANTED and Alvarez LATEST
Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise has been named as Chelsea’s priority target this summer as the Blues look to back Enzo Maresca in the transfer market.
The Frenchman notched 16 goal contributions in just 19 Premier League appearances last season and he is expected to leave Selhurst Park before the 2024-25 campaign begins.
Manchester United and Chelsea are leading the race for his signature, but multiple reports have stated that a move to Stamford Bridge is currently deemed the most likely scenario for Olise.
In addition, GiveMeSport have revealed that Olise is now Chelsea’s priority target as they seriously pursue a move for the Palace star.
Tosin Adarabioyo became Maresca’s first Chelsea signing last week and the ex-Fulham star could be joined at Stamford Bridge by Olise before the summer window shuts.
Julian Alvarez 'happy' at Manchester City
Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez has insisted he remains "happy" at the club, despite links with a summer move away.
The Argentina international is behind Erling Haaland in the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium, and amassed x Premier League starts last season.
Chelsea have been linked with an Alvarez pursuit amid their desire to sign a new number nine, but the 24-year-old remains settled in Manchester.
He told ESPN (via GOAL): "These are things that are said, but I am calm, I am comfortable and happy at City. We will see what happens."
Everton want Broja
Armando Broja looks set to leave Chelsea this summer and Everton have joined the race to sign him, according to Ben Jacobs.
The Albania international spent the second half of last campaign on loan at Fulham, but he mustered just 81 minutes of action, largely due to the late-season form of Rodrigo Muniz.
Several Premier League clubs have been linked with a permanent move for Broja over the past few months, including his former club Southampton, but Everton have put their name in the ring and are reportedly discussing a €35 million deal for the Chelsea star.
Sean Dyche relied on Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Beto last season, but the pair notched just 10 league goals between them in 2023-24.
Mauricio Pochettino ‘open’ to Premier League return
Mauricio Pochettino left Chelsea by mutual consent following the conclusion of the 2023-24 Premier League season, but the Argentine has insisted he is willing to listen to any opportunities that come his way.
The former Tottenham Hotspur boss managed the World XI at Soccer Aid on Sunday and he spoke to TalkSPORT after the match.
“I have full energy and I think we [Chelsea] finished [the season] really well,” Pochettino said.
“Now we just wait and see what happens. In football you never know, things can happen – today, nothing but tomorrow can appear and any opportunity, we are open to listen.”
When asked if he would consider a Premier League return, Pochettino replied: “Open to football, we’re open to football.”
Pochettino has been linked with replacing Erik ten Hag at Man Utd, although it remains to be seen if the Dutchman will be sacked by the Red Devils.
Kendry Paez sends Chelsea fans MAD
Ecuadorian wonderkid Kendry Paez will join Chelsea in 2025 after an agreement was reached with Independiente del Valle last year.
The 17-year-old is regarded as one of the best young talents in world football and he is already a fully-fledged senior Ecuador international.
👕🤝🏻 Kendry Páez, exchanging his jersey with Leo Messi after the game last night…
Ecuador’s number 10 already at 17, Páez will join Chelsea in 2025, as soon as he turns 18.#CFC extremely happy with his progress and waiting to welcome Kendry at Cobham. pic.twitter.com/aw0Ht9hMs9— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 10, 2024
While on national team duty, Paez played 90 minutes against Argentina on Sunday evening and he swapped shirts with Barcelona legend and current Inter Miami star Lionel Messi after the match.
The image of Paez swapping shirts with Messi has done the rounds among Chelsea fans on social media, sending Blues supporters into a frenzy.