Chelsea are stepping up their summer businessplaceholder image
Chelsea are stepping up their summer business | Getty Images
All the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Chelsea as they prepare for their Club World Cup quarter-final.
Chelsea are now hard at work preparing for this week’s FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final clash with Palmeiras after the weekend’s extra time win over Benfica. The Blues may be chasing silverware in the United States, but the work continues back at base as the club look to land new signings aplenty this summer.
Bynoe-Gittens deal on track
Chelsea are expected to wrap up the £55million signing of winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens in the coming days, and Borussia Dortmund chief Sebastian Kehl has all-but confirmed the deal.
He said: "We have given Jamie permission to hold talks with another club, which are still ongoing. There are still things to be clarified. Things are moving, but no decision has been made yet. We were aware that the player has a higher market value than what was on the table two weeks ago. We’ve exuded confidence. In the final analysis, we’ll see if we receive adequate compensation."
Walker-Peters claim
Chelsea are being linked with a move for free agent defender Kyle Walker-Peters, who left Southampton at the end of his contract on Monday evening. The wing-back has plenty of Premier League experience owing to his time with Tottenham, as well as his time with the Saints.
Walker-Peters would surely be a depth signing for Chelsea, but CaughtOffside say the Blues are tracking him as they weigh up their options. Walker-Peters will surely have other Premier League offers to consider this summer given his pedigree.
Joao Pedro tipped to justify fee
Former Premier League boss Alan Pardew believes Chelsea’s proposed £60million signing of Brighton star Joao Pedro will be justified by his performances at Stamford Bridge. He told TalkSport: “This fee does look excessive, but obviously Newcastle wanted him, he’s established, he can play through the middle, he can play off the side, he gives you great variation, so I think he’s a great player. It’s a big fee, but I think he can justify that fee.”
The 23-year-old scored 10 goals and provided seven assists for Brighton last season, and he was said to have been a serious target for Newcastle United before Chelsea muscled in and wrapped the deal up quickly. Pedro was handed plenty of praise from Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler last season. The Seagills boss told The Athletic: “He is already one of my leaders. He is in my leaders group. Therefore, I also treat him like a leader and I demand a lot from him.
“Today he was a role model in working against the ball, doing good counter-pressing, reacting well and supporting his team-mates. That is something I expect from him in every game. He has set high standards and I will judge him exactly after his behaviour today. He was a great leader.”
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