Chelsea have already had a remarkably busy summer. Following their qualification for next season`s Champions League, Enzo Maresca`s squad is also preparing to participate in the Club World Cup.
Chelsea Pursue Transfer Targets
The initial deadline for signing players before the CWC has passed. However, if Chelsea want to add more players during the tournament, they have a specific registration window from June 27 to July 3, provided they are still competing.
Should they be satisfied with their squad for the CWC, where winning could bring in £97 million in prize money, BlueCo still has ample time to reinforce the team before the next Premier League season begins. The main summer transfer deadline is September 1.
The transfer window is scheduled to reopen on June 16. This allows Chelsea another chance to pursue key targets they couldn`t secure before Tuesday`s 7 pm deadline for CWC registration.
| Chelsea`s best performers in the Premier League last season | Average match rating |
|---|---|
| Cole Palmer | 7.33 |
| Moises Caicedo | 7.02 |
| Enzo Fernández | 6.95 |
| Nicolas Jackson | 6.88 |
| Noni Madueke | 6.82 |
Chelsea were unable to reach an agreement with AC Milan for French international goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The Blues withdrew from negotiations for a pre-CWC transfer after declining to meet Milan`s valuation of their captain.
A similar situation occurred with Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens. According to Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea had three significant bids rejected as Dortmund (managed by Niko Kovac) continued to demand a higher fee.
It`s uncertain if Chelsea will resume talks for either player. However, these failed negotiations likely frustrated officials at Stamford Bridge who were rushing to secure them before the CWC deadline.
If Chelsea do revive their interest in Maignan, who is reportedly keen on joining, their already large number of goalkeepers suggests more departures are likely. Indeed, one has already left.
Insiders `Surprised` by Marcus Bettinelli`s Departure
Manchester City has signed goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli on a one-year contract after his departure from Chelsea.
Despite making only one senior appearance for Chelsea during his time at the club, the 33-year-old was highly regarded internally. Many argue that the role of a third-choice goalkeeper is often underestimated in its importance for squad support.
Scott Carson, for example, was a popular presence in Pep Guardiola`s City squad in a similar capacity. City evidently saw Bettinelli as a suitable replacement for the void left by Carson.
Following confirmation of the move, journalist Graeme Bailey told Manchester City News that insiders at Chelsea are reportedly surprised by the club`s decision to allow Bettinelli to leave, detailing the internal reaction to his departure.
“They are very happy with him,” Bailey commented on City`s announcement of Bettinelli`s signing.
“He has big shoes to fill at City, as Scott Carson was an extremely popular figure,” Bailey added. “I am told many people at Chelsea are surprised the club was prepared to let Bettinelli depart Stamford Bridge.”
