Chelsea transfer news: The latest round-up of media reports on the Blues with reaction to stories on Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Victor Osimhen and Mauricio Pochettino's plans
Welcome to the football.london transfer briefing. To help you keep on top of all things Chelsea going on in the market we've got the latest noises coming from social media, journalists and so-called ITKs, rounding up what's what in the world of the Blues.
Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign Sergej Milinkovic-Savic for just £34 million ($43.2m) this summer after his agent, former Blues attacker Mateja Kezman, sought a solution for his future.
As Chelsea look to continue their midfield revamp, starting to add players in following the sale of five first team stars from last season, Moises Caicedo is the primary target but his £80m ($101.6m) price tag is steep in comparison to Milinkovic-Savic.
The 28-year-old had yet another impressive season in Italy, scoring nine and assisting eight in 36 games. Across the past four league seasons he has 35 league goals and 35 assists. As a more attacking but still physically imposing option, Kezman has sounded out Chelsea as a destination, especially given the need to replace Mason Mount.
football.london says: Milinkovic-Savic promised to be one of the great transfer stories that never happens. He always appeared destined to be a Premier League player without much progress truly being made towards it happening. Now, as he is in his peak, it would be an exciting deal.
There have been high profile flops from Italy recently that may well put many in doubt but with an almost non-existent midfield and an even greater lack of senior players part of the plans for next season, a 28-year-old international with 43 caps is near enough a no-brainer.
The only issue is that given he could be available for free next year and has no prior experience in England, it would be a risky transfer that cannot really be afforded to go wrong at this current stage.
Victor Osimhen has hinted a stay in Naples this summer despite mass interest from across the continent. The 23-year-old fired in 26 league goals with five assists last season, asserting himself as one of the premier marksmen in the world.
"I have never seen a city crazier about football like the way the Neapolitans are," he told SoccerNet. "They show all their players love. And wherever I go to, I am being respected. Kids love me, a lot of people admire me, they idolize me by putting on the replica of my mask.
"It shows the hard work I have given to them and what I mean to them. And for me, there’s no better place to be than this place.
"I am so happy I made the right choice by coming here. And achieving this kind of greatness with the Neapolitans is something that I will wake up and always smile about.
"My children’s children will come into this world and realize that their father has done something amazing."
football.london says: Actions speak louder than words but they are certainly not the words of someone angling for a transfer. It is evident that the Napoli team created a remarkable bond throughout the season and unlike other exciting squads that have been ripped apart across the past decade, this one is set to remain together.
Kim Min-Jae has already found a new club but other than that the core is set to remain. Osimhen, though, is the real jewel in the crown. He is the one player they will be desperate to keep, even just for an extra season. He has just one year left on his contract after the 2023/24 season though and delaying a potential transfer would only see his price drop.
yipabdenp
1
This lineup is wick....expecially the forward
jusilmopry
1
Better value than Caicedo. Age will balance that mid. It's full of kids
dunalnuz
0
this line up will dominate premier League next season
Shmonny
4
Name a more underrated player 👇
matdikmty
1
Victor your stumbing block is your dramatic chairman who loves money too much. Your price tag is out of this planet. I am sorry for u
ManUnited-Red
2
We can snatch him up 💯
jodcdklnos
3
milinkovic savic is great player...get him
Hibbceiknt
3
He is good
Hibbceiknt
9