Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues eyeing Jonathan David, Romelu Lukaku wanted in Middle East, and more - June 26, 2024

Chelsea have invested heavily in youth in recent seasons and the trend is expected to continue this summer. The Blues have already appointed Enzo Maresca as their next manager after parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino last month.

Meanwhile, the Blues are interested in Jonathan David. Elsewhere, Romelu Lukaku could be off to Saudi Arabia this summer.

On that note, let's look at the major Chelsea transfer news from June 26, 2024.

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Chelsea eyeing Jonathan David

Jonathan David

Chelsea have set their sights on Jonathan David, according to The Evening Standard. The Blues are looking for a new No. 9 this summer and are scouting multiple targets. They had their eyes on Benjamin Sesko, before the Slovenian decided to continue his development at RB Leipzig.

Victor Osimhen is also a target at Stamford Bridge, but his exorbitant price tag makes a move almost impossible this year. David has now emerged as a cost-efficient alternative for Enzo Maresca to consider.

The Canadian striker enjoyed a fantastic 2023/24 campaign with Lille, scoring 26 goals and setting up nine more from 47 games across competitions. The London giants believe the 24-year-old could be a fine option to lead the line next season.

David is also wanted by Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United, as per reports. As such, he could ignite a bidding war this summer. The Canadian striker is under contract with the French side until 2025.

Romelu Lukaku wanted in Middle East

Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku is wanted in Saudi Arabia this summer, according to Caught Offside. The Belgian striker was shipped off to AS Roma last summer on loan and did a commendable job at the Stadio Olimpico. Lukaku registered 21 goals and four assists from 47 games across competitions for the Serie A side.

However, it might not be enough to earn him a second run at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea opted to sign Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal last summer to replace the 31-year-old. Although the Senegalese failed to live up to the task, the door might already be closed for Lukaku's return.

The Blues are already planning to bring in an established No. 9 this summer and do not have the Belgian in their plans. However, the player is not short of options ahead of the new campaign. AC Milan are already plotting to take him back to Serie A, albeit on loan, while Jose Mourinho-led Fenerbahce are also eyeing the player with interest.

Meanwhile, Saudi clubs are ready to match Lukaku's asking price and take him permanently to the Middle East. Al Ahli, Al Shabab, and Al Qadsiah are all hot on his heels and the player is also open to a move to Saudi Arabia.

Blues plan to trigger Marc Guiu release clause, says Fabrizio Romano

Marc Guiu.

Chelsea are all set to take Marc Guiu to Stamford Bridge this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Spanish forward is the latest talent to emerge out of La Masia and is already backed to become a future superstar.

Guiu broke into Barcelona's first team in the 2023/24 campaign, appearing seven times and scoring two goals. His efforts have already convinced the Blues, who have shifted to a youth-centric transfer policy of late.

In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that the London giants will trigger the player's €6m release clause this week.

“Marc Guiu to Chelsea is a ‘here we go’. Chelsea believe this was a fantastic opportunity for two reasons: huge potential as top talent, good price as his €6m release clause at Barcelona is considered a bargain. They are very happy to proceed with the Guiu deal, and they’re just working on formal steps now to trigger the clause this week,” wrote Romano.

He continued:

“I’m not sure this will be the only signing Chelsea make up front, I think they will take their time and consider other options, though my understanding as of now is that there’s still nothing new on Samu Omorodion or Jhon Duran, we’ll see what Chelsea decide to do.”

Guiu rose through the ranks at Camp Nou and has been at the club since he was seven years old.