Transfer Gossip: Chelsea make bold decision regarding £93m duo with world-class upgrade potentially on the way; Newcastle lead La Liga midfielder race

Chelsea could be planning to sell two players from the same position next year in order to make room for an upgrade, while Newcastle have learned how much to pay for a midfielder they want more than anyone else and West Ham are bracing themselves to lose a summer signing already – all in Wednesday’s transfer gossip.

KEPA AND MENDY BOTH ON CHELSEA CHOPPING BLOCK

Chelsea could get rid of both Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga next summer, a report has claimed.

Goalkeeping duties have been shared between Mendy and Arrizabalaga at Chelsea since the former joined the club in 2020 to account for the latter’s struggles to justify his massive price tag from his own arrival two years before.

Mendy became the first choice for Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel. But current head coach Graham Potter has been putting his faith back in Arrizabalaga since his appointment.

Still, The Sun is reporting that both goalkeepers are at risk of a sale in 2023, when Chelsea might look to bring in a new number one of a world-class standard.

According to the report, which does not identify any potential targets to succeed Mendy and Arrizabalaga, Chelsea are considering cutting their ties with both their current keepers.

Mendy has already been linked with an exit after being overtaken in Potter’s pecking order by Arrizabalaga. As for the Spaniard, there have been some struggles to shift him previously, when Chelsea did not want to keep him as a costly backup option.

Now, the Blues could be looking at getting rid of both in order to start afresh when it comes to their goalkeeping hierarchy.

Chelsea ready to find new number one

They will have youngster Gabriel Slonina arriving from Chicago Fire as one for the future. But they also need someone they can rely on to be their regular first choice.

Both Mendy and Arrizabalaga – who cost Chelsea around £93million to sign between them – are under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2025. However, Chelsea now deem it unsustainable to keep both of them – and could in fact dispose of both in favour of bringing in an upgrade.

Any change will likely come in the summer rather than January, when Chelsea are likely to be quiet.

By the end of the season, though, they will be looking to modify their goalkeeping ranks, as well as focusing on adding another striker and a midfielder.

NEWCASTLE MOST INTERESTED SUITOR FOR LA LIGA MIDFIELDER

Newcastle United are the “most interested” club in Mallorca midfielder Kang-In Lee, per a report – and have learned how much they might have to pay for him.

Lee joined Mallorca from Valencia in 2021, but the attacking midfielder might be ready for the next step now.

Newcastle have been taking a look at him recently, so much so that Marca say they are the keenest club when it comes to his potential transfer.

To acquire him, they would have to meet his €17million release clause, which equates to £14.7million. Thanks to the backing by their Saudi Arabian owners, Newcastle would be able to afford that figure.

However, there are other Premier League clubs ready to rival them for Lee, potentially as early as the January transfer window. Championship side Burnley are another admirer.

Mallorca have Lee under contract until 2025. They will be powerless to keep the South Korea international, though, if anyone activates his exit clause.

The La Liga side ought to be keeping an eye on Newcastle’s interest, then, as the prospect of a January move materialises.

WEST HAM STRIKER SIGNING ON SERIE A SHORTLIST

Gianluca Scamacca after a West Ham match

West Ham are already at risk of losing one of their summer signings, it has been claimed in Italy.

Gianluca Scamacca is the addition in question, following his arrival from Sassuolo in the summer. The striker has only scored twice in the Premier League so far.

Despite that, the Italy international has already become a target for a Champions League club back in his native country.

According to journalist Ciro Venerato, Napoli have shortlisted Scamacca as a potential successor to Victor Osimhen, who has been linked with the likes of Manchester United himself.

Appearing on 1 Station Radio, the Rai journalist revealed there are at least eight candidates on Napoli’s shortlist.

Scamacca is one of them, as is Chelsea academy graduate Armando Broja. In fact, Venerato is “sure” that Napoli are monitoring the Premier League pair.

It will take an offer above €100million (£86.5million) before Napoli consider selling Osimhen in the first place. But if they do, they could be ready to reinvest in West Ham’s number seven.