Chelsea are expecting yet another busy transfer window with the priorities for Enzo Maresca perfectly clear. The Blues have one of the biggest squads in the Premier League, but injuries have exposed problems and that has shown exactly where signings are required.
The addition of an elite-level striker is one of those with Nicolas Jackson requiring some help up top. Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak and Victor Osimhen have all been linked while further back, Dean Huijsen and Tomas Araujo are of interest. Outgoings will be on the agenda as well with Maresca looking to trim down his squad
Several deals have already been agreed ahead of the summer with the majority of those as incomings, but Chelsea now look look set to sanction some departures as well. With all of that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest Chelsea transfer news and rumours.
Subtle Huijsen transfer message
Huijsen is wanted by just about every big European club after a breakthrough season at Bournemouth. The 19-year-old only arrived at Vitality Stadium this past summer for around £12.5million from Juventus, but the Cherries could recoup four times that with the release clause in his contract standing at £50million.
In terms of Premier League clubs interested, Chelsea are joined by Newcastle United and Liverpool but it could be the latter he favours. After making his debut, the teenager posted an update to Instagram with the Netherlands' Virgil van Dijk the centre of one of the three photos.
As he represented the Dutch at youth level, Huijsen may want to replicate his pathway of playing on the south before joining Liverpool which could see him be the long-term replacement for Van Dijk at Anfield. Up against the 33-year-old and the Netherlands again, Huijsen picked up an assist in his side's Nations League triumph.
football.london says: At this current moment, it would make much more sense for Huijsen to join Liverpool over Chelsea. Though he may not be an immediate starter, learning from Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate could prove invaluable.
At Chelsea meanwhile, he would go into an already young defence with pressure very quickly on his shoulders. Capable of playing with both feet, Huijsen can slot into either side of defence with relative ease and the lack of a natural left-footer on Merseyside could benefit his chances of playing more.
It will also be far more beneficial for Chelsea to place their focus on signing a striker, central midfielder and goalkeeper before looking at strengthening their defence.
Chelsea sanction five exits
Kepa Arrizabalaga, Ben Chilwell, Armando Broja, Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi are all expected to depart Chelsea on a permanent basis this summer, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The five players are all currently out on loan and therefore Chelsea will be hoping their respective values can increase with the combined total currently sitting at £68.8million, as per transfermarkt.
football.london says: It is no surprise to see those five players seemingly with no future at the club. For a number of reasons, it has not quite worked out in a Chelsea shirt for any of them, but from their loan stints thus far, it is clear Kepa, Chilwell and Disasi are good enough to remain in the Premier League.
Broja has been so unlucky with injuries and therefore may have to bide his time before getting the chance to play regularly again. As for Sterling, with so many trophies to his name, absolutely no one can doubt his ability but it may be time to seek a new adventure elsewhere and away from the spotlight.
Regardless of their struggles, Chelsea will be aiming to take in some significant funds with it likely they can do exactly that seeing how Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth have helped.