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Chelsea finished sixth in the Premier League last season under Mauricio Pochettino, who was removed at the end of the campaign. Former Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca, fresh from winning the Championship with the Foxes, has been appointed as the Argentinean's replacement.
Meanwhile, the Blues are planning to move for Lille striker Jonathan David this summer. Elsewhere, a former player has advised the London giants against signing Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.
On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on July 14, 2024:
Chelsea eyeing Jonathan David
Chelsea have set their sights on Jonathan David, according to Football Insider. The London giants are looking for a new striker this summer, with the club hierarchy apparently not completely convinced by Nicolas Jackson.
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The Senegalese arrived from Villarreal last summer but has blown hot and cold in his debut season. Maresca wants a proven No. 9 to lead the line next campaign and has reportedly identified David as an option.
The Canadian was a revelation for Lille last season, registering 26 goals and nine assists in 47 outings across competitions. The 24-year-old's contract with the Ligue 1 club expires in a year, but he hasn't signed a new deal yet.
David is likely to be on the move this summer, and the Blues want to secure his services. However, they are likely to face competition from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United for the Canadian.
Blues advised against Marc Guehi move by former player
Former Chelsea defender Wayne Bridge has advised the club against a move for Marc Guehi. The English defender is apparently a target for the Blues this summer, if recent reports are to be believed.
Guehi caught the eye with Crystal Palace last season and has been outstanding for The Three Lions at Euro 2024. Maresca wants to add more steel to his backline before the start of the new campaign, and the 24-year-old has emerged as a target.
Thiago Silva's departure has left a big hole at the back at Stamford Bridge. Maresca has already welcomed former Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo to his roster this summer, but further reinforcements are expected.
However, speaking recently as cited by Chelsea News, Bridge insisted that Guehi might not be the ideal candidate to replace the legendary Brazilian.
“He’s a great player, but I’m not sure. Chelsea already have a number of centre-backs, and I think if they’re going to buy another it needs to be guaranteed they’re the main one. I don’t know if Guehi is going to be that one,” said Bridge.
He continued:
“You don’t need anymore centre-backs as squad players. You need that one player that’s going to be their rock at the back like Thiago Silva was for them.”
Guehi is under contract at Selhurst Park till 2026, and recent reports have suggested that the Eagles want £70 million to let him go.
Chelsea plan player-plus-cash offer for Ollie Watkins
Chelsea are willing to offer Conor Gallagher in a player-plus-cash offer for Ollie Watkins this summer, according to Football Insider. The English striker enjoyed a fruitful run with Aston Villa in the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 27 goals and setting up 13 in 53 games across competitions.
His efforts have apparently convinced the Blues, who are eager to rope in a new No. 9 this summer. However, convincing Villa to let go of their prized asset is unlikely to be a simple task.
The 28-year-old is under contract at Villa Park till 2028 and is integral to Unai Emery's plans. Villa have been on the rise under the Spanish manager and are under no pressure to let Watkins go.
The London giants are planning to use Conor Gallagher to sweeten the deal and convince the Birmingham-based club. The Englishman was an indispensable part of Pochettino's plans last season, but his status at Stamford Bridge appears to have changed following the Argentinean's exit.
Given that Gallagher is proven in the Premier League, Villa could be tempted by the chance to add him to their kitty.
