Maresca is hoping to guide his side to a World Cup winplaceholder image
Maresca is hoping to guide his side to a World Cup win | Getty Images
All the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Chelsea as they prepare to face Benfica.
In the meantime, the Blues are stepping up their efforts to improve their squad as Enzo Maresca looks to build a squad capable of being involved in the Premier League title race. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Stamford Bridge.
Ter Stegen interest
Chelsea are said to be considering a move for Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen as Maresca ponders replacing Robert Sanchez as number one. CaughtOffside claim ter Stegen is one of the keepers Chelsea are considering as they mull over the possibility of signing a new keeper.
Barcelona have just signed Joan Garcia, who ready to be a starter, but he is not likely viewed as a starter ahead of ter Stegen, who has been a very steady hands over recent years, although he struggled with injury last season. The deal may not be a cheap one to pull off.
Departure done
Chelsea are said to have sold goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to rivals Arsenal for just £5million despite initially signing the Spaniard for as much as £72million.
The deal has been expected for weeks, and Fabrizio Romano has now posted on X: “Kepa has completed his medical at Arsenal on Wednesday and formal steps will now follow. £5m release clause already activated.” Kepa impressed out on loan with Bournemouth last season, helping them to a superb season, and Arsenal will feel they have landed a bargain to fill their back-up keeper spot. Their two main keepers will be Spanish.
Delap praise
Liam Delap opened his Chelsea account against ED Tunis this week, and he is already getting fans and pundits excited after what was a very well taken goal. One pundit who is getting very excited about Delap’s trajectory is Gary Lineker.
“I really enjoyed Liam Delap’s goal,” said Lineker. “The way he brought it down, cut inside, and then very coolly slotted it into the corner of the net. Really wasn’t the play of someone that you think is overawed a little bit by the move, which will be hugely encouraging I think for Chelsea supporters in particular, and perhaps England supporters down the line.
“Is he the heir apparent possibly to Harry Kane? Well, he certainly looked cool and collected in that position in front of goal. A player I’ve really liked for a long time, I really think he’s got what it takes, and perhaps he’ll be the first Chelsea number nine since Didier Drogba to be excellent.” Chelsea paid £30million to sign Delap, and that is already looking like being a bargain fee based on the presence he is showing on and off the ball during his early appearances for the Blues in the United States.
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