Chelsea Transfer News Today: Calafiori COMPETITION, Olise BOOST and Duran UPDATE
Riccardo Calafiori, Chelsea, Italy, 2023/24
Real Madrid have joined the race to sign Chelsea and Juventus target Riccardo Calafiori, according to reports in Spain.
The 22-year-old shone as Bologna qualified for the Champions League last season, but he is now set to leave the club amid significant transfer interest.
Calafiori currently prefers a move to Juventus, as per multiple reports, and he is expected to join the Turin-based outfit following his participation at Euro 2024.
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However, Chelsea are trying to hijack the move and Enzo Maresca reportedly sent a scout to watch the Bologna defender in action for Italy against Albania on Saturday.
Real Madrid are also keen, according to
Fichajes
, meaning the Blues face increased competition to land a player that Maresca admires greatly.
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Michael Olise boost
Chelsea have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise following news that Newcastle United may turn their attention to Juventus’ Federico Chiesa.
Eddie Howe’s side are currently one of Chelsea’s competitors for Olise, but the Magpies are now interested in purchasing Chiesa, according to
GiveMeSport
.
The 26-year-old has been linked with a Premier League switch for the past few years, but a summer move is now on the cards, despite Massimiliano Allegri’s Juventus exit.
Liverpool have previously been touted as a possible destination for Chiesa, but the Italy winger, who is currently at Euro 2024 with his nation, could be heading to St James’ Park instead.
As a result, Chelsea may face one less competitor in the race to sign Olise.
Pedro Lima deal close
Chelsea are closing in on finalising a deal to sign Sport Recife defender Pedro Lima, via Strasbourg.
The Brazilian youngster will join Chelsea’s Ligue 1 sister club for €7 million, plus a further €3.5m in add-ons. Lima is then expected to subsequently join Chelsea in the future.
His move to BlueCo was first exclusively reported by The Transfers Podcast, in conjunction with FootballTransfers
, while Lima was absent during Sport Recife’s Serie B match against Mirassol on Sunday as the move edges closer.
Jhon Duran latest
Chelsea are expected to make a decision on whether to sign Jhon Duran soon, according to
Fabrizio Romano
.
Duran reportedly wants to join the Stamford Bridge outfit, while talks with his agent have already taken place, but the Blues are also considering other options.
Chelsea have engaged in swap deal talks with Aston Villa, amid rumours of Ian Maatsen moving the other way, however Maresca’s side are yet to decide whether or not Duran would be an astute signing.