Chelsea are closing in on their first incoming transfer of the summer transfer window, as Enzo Maresca looks to strengthen his side ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap is close to completing a move to Stamford Bridge after the Blues activated a £30 million release clause in his contract. The transfer will see him reunited with both Maresca and Cole Palmer, who he worked with during his time at Manchester City.
Chelsea beat off a lot of competition for the striker, who impressed in his first full season in the Premier League in the season just gone. Manchester United were heavily linked with an interest in the player.
Following the arrival of Delap, Chelsea are expected to add further to their squad before the end of the transfer window in September. There has been a lot of talk over potential incomings at Stamford Bridge ahead of a season that again contains Champions League football.
So, football.london have taken a look at a couple of the latest stories doing the rounds and also given our thoughts on the situations.
Victor Osimhen transfer domino
Victor Osimhen’s expected exit from Galatasaray could have an impact on Chelsea in more ways than one this summer. Reports in Turkey, via Yeni Akit claim that Osimhen is closing in on a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, with official confirmation expected ‘this week’.
Chelsea have been one of the teams linked with an interest in the Napoli striker, who has spent the season on loan with Galatasaray.
Not only would the transfer see Chelsea move onto other striking options, Fanatik also claim that Galatasaray have added Blues’ forward Christopher Nkunku to their transfer list if they have to search for a replacement for Osmihen.
It is added that the Turkish side are ready to make an ‘official offer’ to Chelsea for the player, although it’s not said how much that offer will be.
FL says : Osimhen has been linked with a move to Chelsea for the last few transfer windows, but a move has never materialised. While the Blues are on the lookout for a striker this summer to provide competition to Nicolas Jackson, there may be cheaper options out there, especially when taking into account wages, which have been the problem in previous windows.
If Osimhen does complete a move to Saudi Arabia, the potential domino effect on Chelsea could be good news. Christopher Nkunku looks set to leave the club, and the Blues could use Galatasaray’s need to replace Osimhen to their advantage and get the best deal possible.
Jamie Gittens timeline
Chelsea are thinking of making a bid for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens, with the winger expected to cost around £50 million, according to the Guardian .
The report also said that they want a deal completed before the start of the Club World Cup which takes place later this month. football.london understands that the Blues have made their first move for the 20-year-old winger and have opened talks with Dortmund over a potential deal.
Chelsea have been long-term admirers of the winger, who has been included in the England U21 squad for the upcoming Euros tournament.
FL says : It may be a race against time for Chelsea to get a deal done before the Club World Cup. The mini transfer window before the tournament is open, and closes on June 16.
However, matters may be complicated by Gittens’ involvement in the U21s Euros. England are in action on Thursday, 12 June, Sunday 15 June and Wednesday 18 June.
Any transfer business will have to be completed either before or in between those dates. With Chelsea in action in the Club World Cup between 16 June and 20 June, there is also a clash with the U21s Euros.
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