When it comes to Chelsea, there is always an air of inevitably that there will be plenty of transfer business done in the summer. Not so much so in the mid-season transfer windows, but when the summer rolls around, the Blues are more likely than not to be busy.
We are now in the middle of a 'mini' transfer window that closes on June 10 with the FIFA Club World Cup on the horizon. The window then reopens - in a more orthodox state - on June 16 before it closes on September 1 at an earlier time of 7pm.
Chelsea have been active already in the first of the two transfer windows. Liam Delap will be a Blues player very soon, with everything completed for the 22-year-old's move from Ipswich Town, football.london understands. We just await the official announcement from Chelsea and Ipswich, but that should be very soon.
Meanwhile, the Blues are working on a deal to bring Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens to Stamford Bridge this summer. The 20-year-old is someone who has been looked at for numerous years by Chelsea and talks are underway with the Black and Yellow over the possible sale - with the German club understood to be demanding at least £50million - of the speedy winger.
Chelsea also expressed an interest in Dean Huijsen back in March, football.london understands, with several clubs after the Spain centre-back. However, Real Madrid won the race for his signature, with Bournemouth receiving £50million for the defender's services.
In many ways, that has given away the game from Chelsea's point of view. We know the west Londoners are in the market for a central defender this summer, with the club considering several options behind the scenes, including the likes of Marc Guehi, Murillo, Tomas Araujo, Jorrel Hato, Jarrad Branthwaite and Ousmane Diomande.
Nothing is advanced as of yet regarding a central defender coming through the door at Stamford Bridge but Chelsea are in no rush in that regard. Chelsea have a pool of five centre-backs to choose from for the upcoming Club World Cup, although the squad is yet to be announced to the public.
Aaron Anselmino could well get some minutes. The 20-year-old defender has not played for the Blues' senior side yet since being recalled from Boca Juniors in January, while Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah look likely to travel to the United States. Wesley Fofana is still recovering after he underwent successful hamstring surgery in April.
The futures of a couple of the aforementioned defenders remain uncertain, however, with Chelsea understood to be willing to listen to offers for Chalobah. Sources close to Badiashile have refused to rule out an exit for the Frenchman this summer after another frustrating season on a personal level.
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