Maresca has areas he needs to improveplaceholder image
Maresca has areas he needs to improve | AFP via Getty Images
All the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Chelsea as they turn their attention to the new season.
Chelsea can now start counting down the days to the start of their Premier League campaign after ticking off their two pre-season friendlies. The Blues won both games, but they did come at a cost, with key defender Levi Colwill picking up a serious injury that will keep him out for much of the season.
The Blues will have to find a replacement for Colwill, while they also need to address some other areas they have not yet been able to strengthen. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Stamford Bridge.
Araujo interest
Chelsea are said to be interested in a move for FC Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo as they look to fix their centre-back crisis, which appeared to deepen with Trevoh Chalobah suffering an ankle injury against Milan.
According to Football España, Chelsea are now focusing on wrapping up a deal for Araujo, and they are reportedly willing to pay £43.3million to get a deal done. Barca boss Hansi Flick said of Araujo after the defender’s return in the winter: "Ronald is back stronger than ever. He's an excellent option for us, very professional, and ready to play. I don't pay attention to the rumours. I'm just happy to have him on my side. I have told the team, 'there is only outside noise, you have to be cohesive and strong'. It's a great season, we have done well in general. We have to be focused. We have played well for the club and we can do better. I know what we want."
Simons swap deal
Chelsea continue to be linked with a move for RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons, and it’s now being reported that a swap deal could be in the works as the Blues looks to reduce what would be a £60million outlay to sign the Netherlands international.
According to The Guardian, Chelsea will offer Christopher Nkunku back to Leipzig, with the Frenchman having been marked for sale this summer. Nkunku played his best football with Leipzig, and the German club may be tempted to take him back, although they would likely still demand a sizable payment on top to part ways with Simons.
Maresca on Milan win
Chelsea boss Maresca spoke after his side’s 4-1 win over Milan, who were reduced to 10 men after 18 minutes. Maresca said: “ think the performance was very, very, very good until the red card. We started the way we wanted to start, intense and with a high tempo on and off the ball. The red card changed a little bit the game but it’s also normal [that the energy dropped a little] as Milan started pre-season on 4 July, 40 days ago, and this was their sixth friendly game. For us, it’s our second one. But overall, I’m very happy and now we start the Premier League.”
On Liam Delap, who scored twice, the Italian added: “Liam played some games in the USA [at the Club World Cup] and he scored here today. They have to be without pressure or stress, and they will score goals for sure and miss goals for sure. But at the end, they are going to help us.”
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