Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues eyeing Aston Villa star; club set Conor Gallagher price, and more - July 13, 2024

Chelsea are looking to further reinforce their squad following a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League last season. Mauricio Pochettino has departed, and Enzo Maresca has been given the task of getting the team back to the top.

Meanwhile, the Blues have set their sights on Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins. Elsewhere, the London giants have set their asking price for midfielder Conor Gallagher.

On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on July 13, 2024:

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Chelsea eyeing Ollie Watkins

Ollie Watkins

Chelsea have entered the race to sign Ollie Watkins this summer, according to club insider Simon Phillips. Maresca is in the market for a new No. 9 this summer as he looks to turn the club's fortunes around.

The Italian is seeking an upgrade on Nicolas Jackson, who has endured an underwhelming stint at Stamford Bridge. Meanwhile, Armando Broja, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Fulham, is likely to leave.

Watkins has been identified as the ideal candidate to lead the line next season. The Englishman enjoyed an exceptional 2023-24 campaign with Aston Villa, scoring 27 goals and setting up 13 in 53 games across competitions.

He became the darling of his country after scoring a 90th-minute winner against Switzerland in the Euro 2024 semi-final. However, prising him away from Villa Park is likely to be next to impossible this summer.

The 28-year-old is a key part of Unai Emery's plans, and Villa are likely to demand an exorbitant fee for his signature. Watkins is under contract till 2028 and is also wanted at Liverpool.

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Blues set Conor Gallagher price

Conor Gallagher

Chelsea want £55 million to part ways with Conor Gallagher this summer, according to 90 Min. The English midfielder has entered the final year of his contract but hasn't signed an extension yet.

Gallagher was a permanent feature under Pochettino last season, scoring seven goals and setting up nine in 50 outings across competitions. However, the London giants are apparently willing to let him go this summer.

Gallagher is not short of options, with Tottenham Hotspur hot on his heels for a while. Aston Villa are reportedly keen on the 24-year-old as well, as they look to continue their recent rise under Emery.

However, the Blues' asking price could be a dealbreaker, especially given the player's contract situation.

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Chelsea open to Marc Cucurella exit, says Fabrizio Romano

Marc Cucurella

Chelsea could offload Marc Cucurella for a decent fee this summer, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The left-back has been integral to Spain's march to the Euro 2024 final, where they face England in Berlin on Sunday (July 14).

Cucurella caught the eye with his assured performances and has turned heads at multiple clubs across the continent. The player wasn't initially a first-team regular for the Blues last season, but his fortunes improved in the later stages of the campaign.

Manchester United were interested in a loan deal last summer, and recent reports have suggested that they are eyeing him once again. The player's agent recently said that the 25-year-old is settled at Stamford Bridge.

However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano said that Cucurella will consider his options if the need arises.

“I don’t think that it was a big statement that Marc Cucurella’s agent made recently, he simply confirmed that Cucurella wants to stay at Chelsea, and he’s happy at the club. But, in case the club decide to sell him, Cucurella would consider his options," wrote Romano.

He continued:

“It’s really quiet now, there are no talks, but for example clubs appeared at the end of the summer one year ago. Chelsea are happy with Cucurella but with big proposals, everything could be open for Cucurella or … Ben Chilwell."

The Spaniard is under contract with the London giants till 2028.