Chelsea Transfer News: Latest on Wesley Fofana, Frenkie de Jong and other summer 2022 window player signings, loans & deals

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With Todd Boehly now at the helm of Chelsea, the Blues can begin to ramp up their summer transfer window, with plenty of changes in store for the club.

The club previously looked set for an uncertain build up to the 2022-23 Premier League season due to Roman Abramovich’s sanctioning by the UK Government due to his alleged links with Vladimir Putin, but Boehly came to the rescue, purchasing the club and installing himself temporarily as Sporting Director.

With his guidance, moves have already been made to bring in the likes of Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella and more transfers are expected. There’s also been plenty of movement out of Stamford Bridge, with Antonio Rudiger departing on a free transfer to Real Madrid while Romelu Lukaku returned to Inter Milan on loan.

JUMP TO CHELSEA TRANSFER RUMORS: TOP STORIES | OTHER RUMORS

JUMP TO CHELSEA CONFIRMED DEALS: TRANSFERS IN | TRANFERS OUT | UPDATED SQUAD LIST

CHELSEA ANALYSIS: Why Chelsea bought Raheem Sterling | Chelsea squad & preseason schedule | Blues top Club America in first preseason match

Last update: August 12, 05:25 ET / 10:25 BST

Chelsea ‘confident’ of sealing Fofana deal

Football London is reporting that Chelsea believe their next offer for Wesley Fofana will be accepted by Leicester City.

The Foxes have little interest in selling the promising centre-back, but it is believed Chelsea are prepared to make Fofana the most expensive defender in history in order to force through a deal.

A third bid is expected from Thomas Tuchel’s side imminently, which could be worth more than the £80m United paid Leicester for Harry Maguire in 2019.

Timo Werner closing in on RB Leipzig move

According to Manuel Veth of Transfermarkt on August 7, Chelsea striker Timo Werner is getting closer to a switch back to Germany.

Werner was not in the Chelsea squad for the season-opening win against Everton, and he seems to be behind Kai Havertz, Raheem Sterling, and Christian Pulisic in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

UPDATE (August 9): James Olley of ESPN, with some wiggle room for add-ons.

The move sheds some roster fat in the attacking third, with the likes of Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech, and Michy Batshuayi all still at the club, plus new arrival Raheem Sterling and breakout youngster Armando Broja.

Dortmund interested in Hudson-Odoi, Southampton also

Having been left out of Chelsea’s squad for the Everton game, it seems Callum Hudson-Odoi is nearing the exit door at Stamford Bridge.

Nizaar Kinsella of the Evening Standard claims Chelsea could allow the 21-year-old to leave either on loan or a permanent deal as they look to trim their squad and recoup some transfer funds.

Leicester City and Southampton are also said to be interested in the winger, with Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Chelsea attacker Callum Hudson-Odoi could be sent out on loan this season. Hudson-Odoi is poised to make the call on his immediate future soon with the 21-year-old playing just 15 games in the Premier League last season. 

Tuchel wants younger talent amid Fofana rumours

Thomas Tuchel added weight to suggestions Chelsea will try to sign Wesley Fofana as he called on the club to bring in some younger defenders.

Despite signing Kalidou Koulibaly in this window, Chelsea are reportedly keen on Leceister City’s Fofana, although the Foxes are said to be demanding around £85 million ($103m).

Speaking after the 1-0 win at Everton, Tuchel made it clear the Blues need to be focusing on the future of their defence. He said: “We also need to make sure we have a new generation to take over in the next years, but the guys are strong, that is why they are under contract and the guys have our trust.

“There needs to be [balance]. I think it is necessary. The game in general is very physical and demands a lot. This is the situation. We knew it before.”

Azpilicueta signs new Chelsea deal, but Alonso heading for exit

While the future of Marcos Alonso remains up in the air, Chelsea have locked in Cesar Azpilicueta’s services, as the Chelsea captain will not be leaving the club this summer, as the 32-year-old signed a new two-year contract with the London side.

Azpilicueta, a Spain international, has been with Chelsea since moving from Marseille in 2012, and has developed into a leader for the club, with the ability to play both centrally along the back line and out wide to the right.

However, talks are ongoing between Chelsea and Barcelona for the transfer of full-back Marcos Alonso. Christian Falk of German publication Bild reported that the discussions are ongoing, while Spanish publication Sport reports that Barcelona are “optimistic” about completing the deal.

This saga has dragged on all summer, and it has left Thomas Tuchel in a difficult position following the departure of a number of other Chelsea players.

UPDATE (August 7): Thomas Tuchel has confirmed Marcos Alonso will be leaving Chelsea for Barcelona after not naming the defender in his squad to face Everton. 

“Yes, Marcos asked to leave and we agreed to this. It would make no sense to put him on the pitch today,” Tuchel said on Saturday after a 1-0 win. 

Blues bid for Leicester City’s Fofana

With a few players player set to leave Stamford Bridge, the Blues are pushing to bring in Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana. 

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have made a bid of over £70 million but the Foxes remain firm in their stance of not selling the player.

Chelsea seal £50m Cucurella deal, beating Man City to defender

Chelsea confirmed the signing of Marc Cucurella from Brighton on a six-year deal on Friday, August 5 – one day before their league opener against Everton,

The Spanish defender had handed in a transfer request to try to force through a move to Manchester City, but with the two clubs unable to agree a fee, Chelsea swooped in.

The Blues jumped at the chance to sign the 24-year-old. They are thought to have met Brighton’s demands for £50 million ($61.4 million), and in a bid to secure the deal, defender Levi Colwill has joined Brighton on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

The England under-19 defender had a successful spell with Huddersfield Town last season and will now spend the season with the Seagulls.

UPDATE (August 5): Chelsea mocked Brighton with their transfer announcement finally confirming Cucurella’s arrival in a tweet. Just 48 hours earlier, Brighton tweeted: “Contrary to inaccurate reports from numerous media outlets this evening, no agreement has been reached with any club to sell Marc Cucurella.”

UPDATE (August 3): Just a day after reportedly submitting a bid, the deal is apparently complete. BBC journalist Alistair McGowan and others report that Cucurella to Chelsea is complete, with a bid of over £50 million accepted.

UPDATE (August 2): Fabrizio Romano is now reporting that Chelsea have formally submitted a bid for Cucurella and are hopeful reaching an agreement with Brighton. The defender is also eager to join the Blues. 

Chukwuemeka seals Chelsea move from Aston Villa

On August 4, Chelsea announced the signing of teenager Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa.

The 18-year-old midfielder completed his surprise move to Stamford Bridge after a reported fee of £20m ($24.4m) was agreed between the clubs. The England youth international has signed a six-year contract.

“It’s been quite hectic but I couldn’t get Chelsea out of my head the last few days so I’m just happy and relieved that it’s all done,” Chukwuemeka, who was a rumoured target for Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund, told Chelsea’s website.

“I’m so excited and just can’t wait to get on the pitch, meet all the players and try to win games and trophies with Chelsea.”

Aubameyang not a likely possibility

After a disappointing transfer window to date, Chelsea have now set their sights on Barcelona forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. 

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims the Blues have already opened talks with the former Arsenal captain. 

Chelsea are yet to make a bid for Aubameyang, but Barca do need to offload players with Robert Lewandowski’s arrival opening the door for Aubameyang to potentially depart.

UPDATE (August 4): Just a day after Romano’s report, Spanish publication Sport claim that Xavi considers Aubameyang “untransferrable” and the striker will not be leaving the Catalan club this summer.

Chelsea join chase for Frenkie de Jong

The Blues are poised to make an offer for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong, reports Sport. 

A summer target of Manchester United, De Jong has been hesitant to leave Camp Nou but the fact Chelsea are in the Champions League makes a move to Stamford Bridge more appealing. 

Both the Red Devils and Blues are reportedly willing to pay out the remainder of his Barca contract which he deferred part of due to the Spanish club’s recent financial difficulties. 

Should De Jong depart, Xavi’s side will sign Bernardo Silva from Manchester City with a full agreement already reached for the midfielder. 

Date Player Publication News
July 28 Jules Kounde None Chelsea were heavily involved in a transfer for
the Sevilla defender, but the move was hijacked
by Barcelona, and the player stayed in Spain.
July 28 Presnel Kimpembe Le10Sport The PSG defender was thought to be a high
priority for Chelsea, but he will now stay with the
Ligue 1 club for another season.
July 15 Nathan Ake The Athletic Reports linked Chelsa to the Man City defender,
but he will be staying at the Etihad.
July 14 Cristiano Ronaldo The Telegraph The Man United striker was linked with the Blues,
but the London club has now pulled out of
negotiations.
June 28 Ousmane Dembele talkSPORT The Frenchman was linked with a free transfer
to Chelsea at times during the summer, but has
returned to Barcelona by signing a new contract
June 15 Raphinha Football.London Chelsea reportedly had interest in the Leeds
United winger pre-sanctions, but he has
completed a move to Barcelona.
June 9 Denzel Dumfries Gazzetta dello Sport The Blues reportedly wanted the Dutch
full-back as part of the Lukaku deal, but this
never materialized as Lukaku moved on loan.
June 9 Christpher Nkunku Fabrizio Romano
(via CaughtOffside)		 The RB Leipzig striker reportedly interested
Chelsea, but he has signed a new contract with
the Bundesliga club.
June 8 Ibrahim Sangare Sky Sports Chelsea reportedly want the PSV midfielder
who has a €35m release clause in his contract.
June 8 Richarlison The Sun The Everton forward reportedly “favored” a move
to Chelsea, but ultimately completed a switch to
London rivals Tottenham.
June 7 Gabriel Jesus AS Chelsea reportedly had interest in the Man City
forward, but he has signed for Arsenal instead.

Chelsea Transfers: Summer 2022 transfer window

Players In:

Date Player Position Age Club Transfer/Loan Fee
Jul. 13, 2022 Raheem Sterling LW/ST 27 Man City £50.8m (€58.8m / $61.8m)
Jul. 16, 2022 Kalidou Koulibaly CB 31 Napoli £34.4m (€39.7m / $41.8m)
Aug. 2, 2022 Gabriel Slonina GK 18 Chicago Fire £12.4m ($15m / €14.8m)
Aug. 4, 2022 Carney Chukwuemeka CM 18 Aston Villa £20m (€23.9m / $24.2m)
Aug. 5, 2022 Marc Cucurella LB 24 Brighton £50m (€59.3m / $61.4m)

Raheem Sterling: Chelsea made a splash by securing the England international to bolster the attacking ranks. Sterling will likely play up front as a striker, replacing Lukaku at the head of the attack, although he’s more natural as a left winger. Sterling arrives on a five-year deal through the summer of 2027.

Kalidou Koulibaly: The Napoli centre-back is the crown jewel of Chelsea’s defensive revolution. With Rudiger and Christensen already gone and others close to a departure, the arrival of Koulibaly was critical. The 31-year-old defender signed a four-year contract through the summer of 2026.

Gabriel Slonina: The young American was chased by Real Madrid as well, but Chelsea won the race, loaning Slonina back to his MLS side Chicago Fire until the end of the American club season.

Carney Chukwuemeka: The England Under-19 star finalised his move to Chelsea on August 4 and could be in the squad to face Everton in the opening weekend of the Premier League.

Marc Cucurella: The talented left-back penned a six-year deal with Chelsea after the Blues struck a deal with Brighton. He made 35 appearances for the club last season, scoring one goal and making two assists.

Players Out:

Date Player Position Age Club Transfer/Loan Fee
Jul. 1, 2022 Saul Niguez CM 27 Atletico Madrid End of Loan
Jul. 1, 2022 Danny Drinkwater CM 32 Unknown Free Transfer
Jul. 1, 2022 Romelu Lukaku CF 29 Inter Milan Loan (Fee: €8.4m)
Jul. 1, 2022 Antonio Rudiger CB 29 Real Madrid Free Transfer
Jul. 4, 2022 Andreas Christensen CB 26 Barcelona Free Transfer
Aug. 2, 2022 Gabriel Slonina GK 18 Chicago Fire Loan
Aug. 5, 2022 Levi Colwill CB 19 Brighton Loan
Aug. 9, 2022 Timo Werner CF 26 RB Leipzig Transfer (fee not disclosed)

Romelu Lukaku: After a massively disappointing first year at Chelsea following his gargantuan deal last summer, Lukaku heads back to Inter for a measly €8.4 million loan fee. It’s an embarrassment for Chelsea, but the club should be commended for not continuing to force what clearly wasn’t working.

Danny Drinkwater: The former Leicester star was released at the end of last season having made just 12 Premier League appearances for the Blues since joining in 2017. He is currently a free agent.

Antonio Rudiger: As widely reported throughout the latter half of last season, the German international has officially moved to Real Madrid at the expiration of his Chelsea contract.

Saul: The Blues declined to trigger the purchase option in the 27-year-old’s loan deal, sending him back to Atletico Madrid.

Andreas Christensen: With Barcelona looking for a few cheaper adds, Christensen made his way to the Camp Nou on a free transfer. The 26-year-old never truly established himself at Stamford Bridge, earning consistent minutes but never locking down a true starting role that the likes of Rudiger enjoyed.

Levi Colwill: The young defender spent last season on loan at Huddersfield Town and will now test himself in the Premier League on loan with Brighton.

Timo Werner: The German forward has secured a return to RB Leipzig after a difficult two years at Stamford Bridge.

Below is the updated Chelsea first-team squad. New additions during the summer 2022 window are noted in bold:

Goalkeepers (3): Edouard Mendy, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Marcus Bettinelli.

Defenders (8): Cesar Azpilicueta (RB), Thiago Silva (CB), Trevoh Chalobah (CB), Marcos Alonso (LB), Ben Chilwell (LB), Marc Cucurella (LB) Malang Sarr (CB), Reece James (RB), Kalidou Koulibaly (CB), Antonio Rudiger (CB), Andreas Christensen (CB).

Midfielders (8): N’Golo Kante (CM), Jorginho (CM), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (CM), Mateo Kovacic (CM), Carney Chukwuemeka (CM), Mason Mount (CAM), Ross Barkley (CAM), Kenedy (CAM), Saul (CM), Danny Drinkwater (CM).

Forwards (6): Christian Pulisic (LW), Hakim Ziyech (RW), Timo Werner (LW), Kai Havertz (CF), Callum Hudson-Odoi (RW), Raheem Sterling (LW), Romelu Lukaku (CF).

CB = centre back; LB = left back; RB = right back; CM = central midfielder; CAM = attacking midfielder; CF = centre forward; LW = left wing; RW = right wing

The current Chelsea projected first-choice starting lineup, when completely healthy, currently looks like:

Chelsea projected starting XI (3-4-3): Mendy (GK) — Azpilicueta, Silva, Koulibaly — Alonso, Kante, Jorginho, James — Mount, Havertz, Sterling

Chelsea in Premier League 2022/23 TV channels, live streams

  UK USA Canada Australia
TV channel Sky Sports, BT Sport USA Network, Telemundo, Universo — —
Streaming NOW TV, Sky Go, Amazon Prime fuboTV, Peacock fuboTV Optus Sport

UK: Matches are carried across Sky Sports and BT Sport streaming and TV platforms, with select matches on Amazon Prime.

USA: Select matches are televised on USA Network (English) and Telemundo or Universo (Spanish), and all three channels can be streamed on fuboTV. The rest of the matches are streamed on NBC platform Peacock for subscribers.

Canada: Every Premier League game streams live and on demand exclusively via fuboTV.

Australia: Fans in Australia can stream matches live and on demand on Optus Sport. 

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