Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues fail in Victor Osimhen race, Armando Broja leaves on loan, and more - August 31, 2024

Chelsea are putting together final preparations ahead of their Premier League tie against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, September 1. Enzo Maresca's team have blown hot and cold this season, winning two and losing two in all competitions.

Meanwhile, the Blues failed with a late attempt to sign Victor Osimhen this summer. Elsewhere, Armando Broja has moved to Everton on loan.

On that note, let's look at the major Chelsea transfer stories from August 31, 2024.

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Chelsea fail in Victor Osimhen race

Victor Osimhen

Chelsea failed to convince Victor Osimhen to move to Stamford Bridge, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Nigerian forward was identified as a priority target by the Blues early this summer and they tried until the final hours of the transfer window to script a deal.

Osimhen was also wanted by Al-Ahli, who had agreed a deal with Napoli for the 25-year-old, as per Romano. However, the player refused to give his green signal to the move, even though the Saudi club offered him €25-30m per season in net wages.

The Nigerian was apparently holding out for a move to Stamford Bridge. Unfortunately, the Blues' offer wasn't up to his liking either and the transfer failed to materialize.

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Armando Broja leaves on loan

Armando Broja

Armando Broja has left Chelsea to join Everton on a temporary move. The Albanian has been a forgotten figure at Stamford Bridge in recent times and spent the second half of last season on loan at Fulham.

The 22-year-old failed to impress at Craven Cottage, with the club opting not to pursue a permanent deal. However, the Blues were eager to move him on this summer as he was deemed surplus to requirements by Enzo Maresca.

Everton were looking for a new No. 9 and have opted for Broja this summer. Fabrizio Romano has added that the Toffees will have the option to sign the player permanently for £30m next summer.

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Journalist backs Jadon Sancho to excel at Stamford Bridge

Jadon Sancho

Journalist Kaveh Solhekol believes Jadon Sancho will rediscover his good form at Stamford Bridge. The English forward has joined Chelsea on loan from Manchester United on deadline day.

Sancho hasn't been in his element since arriving at Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund in 2021. The Blues already invested in Pedro Neto and Joao Felix, so their decision to sign the Englishman has raised a few eyebrows.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Solhekol admitted that the move will come as a surprise to fans.

“I know it will come as a surprise to Chelsea fans who will be scratching their heads thinking, ‘do we need Jadon Sancho?’ with so many wide players already. Chelsea have signed Joao Felix and Pedro Neto. What it seemed they needed really was an out-and-out No.9. Well, they haven’t got the No.9 but they will almost certainly now be signing Jadon Sancho," said Solhekol.

The journalist went on to add that the coaching staff at Stamford Bridge are confident of getting Sancho back to his best.

“The reason they have gone for Sancho is that it was too good a deal to turn down. There are people here at Chelsea who used to work with Sancho at Manchester City. They believe that while he has had problems at Manchester United, they believe that with a fresh start, they can bring the best out of him," said Solhekol.

He continued:

“Three years ago, Sancho was a player who moved from Borussia Dortmund to United for a fee of around £85m. They feel it is a risk worth taking and that he can get back to his best at Stamford Bridge this season, but of course he is going to have a fight on his hands to get into the side because they’ve got so many wide players.”

The west London giants have an obligation to buy Sancho for £20-25m if they finish 14th or higher in the Premier League this season, as per Fabrizio Romano.