Chelsea are keen to bolster their already star-studded squad, recently valued as the most expensive in football history, ahead of tomorrow's Club World Cup transfer deadline.
A UEFA report placed Chelsea’s squad valuation at £1.39 billion as of the end of the 2024 financial year. Despite the club’s considerable depth, manager Enzo Maresca is eager to add further quality as the Blues prepare for a title challenge in the upcoming Premier League season.
While Chelsea have until 7pm on Tuesday (June 10) to register players for the Club World Cup, any deals not finalised in time can still be completed when the main transfer window reopens on June 16. Here are the latest developments.
Hugo Ekitike latest
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed via CaughtOffside that Chelsea admire Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, but the 22-year-old is “currently too expensive” for the Blues.
Frankfurt’s £84.2m valuation is proving a stumbling block, especially after Chelsea’s recent £30m signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich. While not out of reach, such a fee would require Chelsea to rethink their transfer strategy.
That said, the Blues are not entirely walking away from the situation. The club are expected to monitor developments closely over the coming weeks—especially with Frankfurt under pressure to raise funds and with Ekitike reportedly open to a Premier League move.
Mike Maignan update
Chelsea are interested in signing Mike Maignan from AC Milan but the Blues are reluctant to meet the Rossoneri's asking price
Chelsea are interested in signing Mike Maignan from AC Milan (Image: Sportingfoto/DeFodi Images)
According to L'Équipe, AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan has informed his representatives that he plans to leave the Serie A club for free next summer if no transfer is agreed this window.
Despite interest from Manchester United, Maignan is reportedly “determined” to join Chelsea. The Blues are hoping that they can finalise a deal before tonight’s Club World Cup deadline.
The 29-year-old is currently on international duty with France, producing a mixed run of form—shipping five goals in a loss to Spain, but keeping a clean sheet in a win over Germany.