Robin Bairner
Reece James, Chelsea, 2023/24
© IMAGO
All the latest Chelsea transfer news, rumours and gossip, with doubts over the future of Reece James and Christopher Nkunku addressed as the Blues get mixed news on the attacker front.
More Reece James doubts
Following the revelations that Chelsea are ready to cut ties with Reece James at a bargain price, more has been revealed about the latest injury of the England right-back.
The Telegraph reports that his latest setback is set to see him miss out until potentially January following a scan on his hamstring.
Chelsea have refused, however, to put a timeframe on how long the England star might be sidelined for. They do not want to rush him into a return.
“I think the best thing we can do for Reece James is not to talk too much about him,” Enzo Maresca said on Wednesday.
“The more we talk, the more pressure we put on him.”
James has taken to social media to explain how his injury problems have affected him mentally.
“This message is to the people that understand and have respect for what I’m going through... I appreciate you so much, your support and kind words go further than you could ever imagine,” he said.
“And just to touch on me... I’m doing okay, been better and also been worse. Another challenge ahead accepted. Eventually I’ll come out on top. Against all odds.
“Lastly, I’d like to touch on the festive period coming, these times are tough for everyone! I wish you all a happy and peaceful festive season.”
Chelsea have reportedly grown frustrated with the repeated setbacks and are seeking a new right-back, which means James could be sold. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are among the interested clubs.
Maresca addresses Nkunku’s future
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has comprehensively ruled out the possibility of Christopher Nkunku leaving during the January transfer window.
Asked if the former RB Leipzig is not for sale in January, the Chelsea manager replied: “Absolutely, yes.”
He added: “I spoke to Christo days ago and he did not say he was unhappy. For sure, he would like to play minutes but like many players. We have so many games, especially in December.”
Nkunku has been linked with a move to Manchester United amid claims that he has grown unhappy at Stamford Bridge due to a lack of game time.
Although he has featured in 18 matches across all competitions this season, scoring 10 goals, he has played only 163 minutes in the Premier League and has not started into the competition since the opening day of the season against Manchester City.
Chelsea get Nico Williams boost
Chelsea’s prospects of landing Nico Williams from Athletic Club next summer have received a boost with the news that Barcelona have put one condition on the signing of the winger.
Nico was close to signing for Barca last summer but turned down the possibility of completing a €58 million move.
Having been embarrassed once by the forward, the Catalans want him to show that he really wants to move to Camp Nou.
Arsenal are also thought to be keeping an eye on the Euro 2024 winner, yet the signs were that he preferred to stay in Spain during the summer as speculation swirled over his future.
Nico Williams
© IMAGO - Nico Williams
Liam Delap: Chelsea target Ipswich ace
Chelsea want to sign Liam Delap following him impressive start to the season with Ipswich, but the Blues face serious competition from Manchester City for the centre-forward.
According to Football Insider, Maresca’s side are playing catch-up in this deal, with City boasting a buy-back clause that will give them first refusal on the striker.
In just 12 Premier League appearances, he has scored six goals and created one more, while he has shown strong all-around attributes that make him attractive to any side in need of a striker.
Chilwell given exit opportunity
Ben Chilwell has been totally frozen out at Chelsea but the England international left-back could be given his opportunity to leave the club in January.
According to Rudy Galetti, Chilwell is one of three players on Manchester United’s shortlist to fill a problem position for them.
Lampard back in work
Former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is back in work more than a year after leaving his post as interim boss at Stamford Bridge. He has been appointed Coventry City boss.