Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues end Dominic Solanke pursuit, Atletico Madrid eyeing English ace, and more - July 23, 2024

Chelsea have put their trust in Enzo Maresca this summer. The Italian manager - who guided Leicester City to the Championship title last season - was roped in as Mauricio Pochettino's replacement in June.

Meanwhile, the Blues have pulled the plug on their pursuit of Dominic Solanke. Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid are interested in an English midfielder.

On that note, let's look at the major Chelsea transfer stories from July 23, 2024.

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Chelsea end Dominic Solanke pursuit

Dominic Solanke

Chelsea have exited the race to sign Dominic Solanke this summer, according to Football Insider. The Blues are in the market for a new No. 9 this summer.

Enzo Maresca took charge at Stamford Bridge last month and is likely to seek an upgrade on the striker options at hand. Nicolas Jackson has failed to impress since arriving last year, while Romelu Lukaku is no longer part of plans.

Recent reports have stated that the London giants have their eyes on Solanke. The 26-year-old rose through the ranks at Chelsea but left for Liverpool in 2017. He eventually moved to Bournemouth in 2019 and hasn't looked back since.

Last season, Solanke registered 21 goals and four assists from 42 games across competitions. His efforts have apparently earned him admirers at his former hunting ground.

However, it now appears that Bournemouth's valuation of the Englishman has put the Blues off. The player apparently has a release clause in his contract worth around £65m and the Cherries will only let him go if a suitor exercises that option.

The player is under contract at the Vitality Stadium until 2027, which gives the club the upper hand in negotiations. The London giants believe that the player is too costly for them this summer and will consider alternate targets.

Atletico Madrid eyeing Conor Gallagher

Conor Gallagher

Atletico Madrid are planning to take Conor Gallagher to the Civitas Metropolitano Stadium this summer, according to AS. The English midfielder was an indispensable part of Mauricio Pochettino's team last season, registering 50 appearances across competitions.

However, his contract with Chelsea is set to expire in 2025 and he hasn't agreed to an extension yet. The Blues are likely to consider his exit this summer if an agreement cannot be reached soon.

Multiple clubs in the Premier League are already hot on Gallagher's heels, including Tottenham Hotspur. Los Rojiblancos have now entered the race and have already submitted an initial offer for the 24-year-old, which has been rejected by Chelsea.

The Englishman's work ethic and ability on the ball are likely to entice Diego Simeone. The La Liga giants are now planning to return for Gallagher soon and have sought the help of former player Kieran Tripper to convince the 24-year-old.

Blues interested in Filip Jorgensen

Filip Jorgensen

Chelsea have set their sights on Filip Jorgensen, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Blues signed Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic last summer for the No. 1 role but neither player has managed to convince new manager Enzo Maresca.

Meanwhile, Kepa Arrizabalaga spent last season on loan at Real Madrid and has his heart set on a return to the Santiago Bernabeu. Maresca wants a new face between the sticks next season, preferably someone good with his feel.

Jorgensen has emerged as an option. The Danish goalkeeper rose through the ranks with Villarreal and enjoyed an impressive 2023/24 campaign with the club. The 22-year-old registered six clean sheets from 37 games and is being eyed by multiple clubs right now.

The London giants have already established contact to take the player to Stamford Bridge this summer. However, they are yet to submit a formal bid. Maresca also has his eyes on Leicester City's Mads Hermansen.