Chelsea open Lacroix talks as Rogers plan takes shape
Chelsea are reportedly interested in free agent John Stones as they look to strengthen in defence after England’s World Cup campaign.
Chelsea have opened talks with Crystal Palace for Maxence Lacroix, who is valued at more than £55m. The Blues want a centre-back with Premier League experience as further exits loom, while Morgan Rogers has arrived for a medical ahead of a £117m move from Aston Villa.
Fabrizio Romano says Chelsea are not pursuing Rafael Leao after moving for Morgan Rogers. Milan are still waiting for elite bids, with the only concrete written offers so far coming from Turkey. Leao’s sale would help to fund Milan’s summer business.
Chelsea could keep Tosin Adarabioyo for his experience amid an expected centre-back overhaul, with Maxence Lacroix among their defensive targets.
Chelsea are monitoring Bayer Leverkusen attacker Kerim Alajbegović, with Xabi Alonso interested in the 18-year-old and any move dependent on player sales.
Chelsea have added a Stamford Bridge friendly against Real Sociedad on 15 August, the final match of Xabi Alonso’s pre-season before Fulham.
Chelsea are interested in Alex Scott, but Bournemouth have rebuffed interest from the Big Six and insist the midfielder is not for sale this summer.
Chelsea are progressing well in talks over a new long-term deal for Shim Mheuka, with a loan move likely after the youth striker signs.
Chelsea are monitoring Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup despite Tottenham’s contact, with Benfica’s asking price rising after his World Cup.
Chelsea have quoted £25m for Marc Guiu. The 20-year-old striker scored six goals in seven matches in the Conference League main phase and has Champions League goals for Chelsea and Barcelona. Sunderland are keen but prefer a loan.
Chelsea’s £117m deal for Morgan Rogers will count as £23.4m on this year’s books, helping their PSR position, and the club plan for him to start on the left with Cole Palmer central under Xabi Alonso.
Aston Villa have made an 'official bid' for Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho after Unai Emery approved the move. Chelsea want a permanent sale, while Villa are offering a loan with a buy clause.
Chelsea and Aston Villa are monitoring Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe, who is valued at €40m-€45m. He is seen as a contingency option, with Chelsea assessing wide cover if Alejandro Garnacho leaves Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea could add Barcelona assistant Thiago Alcantara to Xabi Alonso’s staff, with the former Liverpool midfielder named as a backroom target.
