Chelsea is actively working to enhance several key areas within Enzo Maresca`s squad as they prepare for their return to the Champions League next season and participate in the Club World Cup. Their transfer activity began strongly with the acquisition of Liam Delap.
Chelsea`s Transfer Activity After Delap Signing
Delap`s move to Stamford Bridge is complete following a medical, with Chelsea reportedly activating his £30 million release clause to secure their first summer signing.
However, Delap might not be the only new striker arriving. According to reports from Sky Germany`s Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea remains keen on Eintracht Frankfurt`s Hugo Ekitike.
Beyond strikers, Chelsea is also exploring options for attacking midfielders or wingers. According to Simon Phillips, a diverse list of potential targets includes Kenan Yildiz (Juventus), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Jeremy Doku (Man City), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Max Tillman (PSV), Jamie Gittens (Borussia Dortmund), Alejandro Garnacho (Man United), and Athletic Bilbao prospect Nico Williams.
The club`s ownership is reportedly pushing hard to reinforce key positions before the Club World Cup begins shortly, indicating Chelsea`s serious approach to the tournament, which offers significant financial rewards, potentially up to £97 million in prize money if they win.
Amidst preparations, securing a new centre-back before the CWC is a priority, as reported by Simon Phillips. After reportedly holding productive talks but missing out on Dean Huijsen when Real Madrid intervened, Chelsea has shifted focus to alternative defensive targets, including Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite.
Serious Interest in Jarrad Branthwaite
Branthwaite, an England international who debuted last year, has impressed with his consistent and assured performances for Everton. The 22-year-old is high on Chelsea`s list of defensive targets, even though Everton boss David Moyes is reportedly eager for him to remain at the club.
TEAMtalk has provided an update on the situation, reporting that Chelsea is “seriously” considering a “big-money” offer for Branthwaite, which could reach up to £75 million.
Chelsea`s interest is considered more “advanced” compared to rivals like Tottenham. Despite this, Everton is reportedly in a strong position regarding financial regulations (PSR) and has the option to extend Branthwaite`s contract by another year. This means Chelsea will likely need to submit a very substantial bid to even get Everton to the negotiating table for the highly-rated young defender.
While Branthwaite is expected to be an expensive potential acquisition, he is widely regarded as one of England`s most promising young defenders, with Jamie Carragher having described him as a “special” player.
