Chelsea are preparing for the upcoming season after an underwhelming 2023-24 campaign. The Blues have already parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino after a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League and handed Enzo Maresca the charge of the first team.
Meanwhile, the London giants are preparing their opening offer for Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi. Elsewhere, Athletico Madrid have set their sights on Blues midfielder Conor Gallagher.
On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on July 10, 2024:
Chelsea offer €30m for Karim Adeyemi
Chelsea are working on a €30 million offer for Karim Adeyemi, according to Caught Offside. Maresca is looking to shore up his attack ahead of the new campaign and is eyeing multiple candidates for the job.
Maresca initially had his sights on Michael Olise, but the Crystal Palace man opted to move to Bayern Munich this summer. Maresca has now turned to Adeyemi, who's coming off a mixed campaign with Borussia Dortmund.
The 22-year-old registered five goals and two assists in 34 games across competitions, but the Blues believe he could be a hit at Stamford Bridge.
The London giants have apparently earmarked Adeyemi as a possible replacement for Raheem Sterling, who remains heavily linked with a move to the Middle East. Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United also have eyes on the German, but Chelsea are reportedly in the driving seat in the race.
Atletico Madrid want Conor Gallagher, says Fabrizio Romano
Atletico Madrid have set their sights on Conor Gallagher, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The English midfielder has entered the final year of his contract with Chelsea but hasn't signed a new deal yet.
Gallagher was a regular starter under Mauricio Pochettino, appearing 50 times last season and even wearing the armband in Reece James' absence. However, the Argentinean's departure has raised questions about the 24-year-old's future.
Gallagher has always maintained that he wants to stay but has been linked with an exit for a while. Los Rojiblancos are keeping a close eye on the situation, with Diego Simeone looking for midfield reinforcements ahead of the new campaign.
On his YouTube channel, Romano added that the La Liga giants have already contacted the player's camp to discuss a move.
“What I'm hearing is that Atletico Madrid keep dreaming of Conor Gallagher and keep contacts active for Conor Gallagher.
"So Conor Gallagher is the dream target of Atletico Madrid for the midfield. I say dream because it's an expensive deal. It's not an easy deal. It's not something that you close in one or two days," said Romano.
He continued:
“But Atletico Madrid keep discussing this possibility, for Conor Gallagher, made contact with people close to the player. So Atletico’s intention to try for Conor Gallagher is there. It's not easy for sure, it's not imminent for sure, but the contacts are concrete.”
The arrival of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City this summer could tempt the Blues to let go of Gallagher.
Newcastle United eyeing Noni Madueke
Newcastle United are interested in Noni Madueke, according to The Athletic. The English forward arrived at Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in January last year but hasn't lived up to the billing so far.
Madueke registered eight goals and three assists in 34 appearances across competitions, starting 19. With the Blues looking for reinforcements in attack this summer, the 22-year-old's future has been thrown up in the air.
The Magpies have been monitoring his situation and have enquired about his availability. Manager Eddie Howe is looking to improve his frontline this year and wants a new wide forward. Despite Madueke's struggles at Stamford Bridge, the Englishman has been identified as an option.
The 22-year-old could be tempted to leave the London giants this summer in search of regular game time. He's under contract with Chelsea till 2023, so the Blues have to decide whether to keep trust in the Englishman or let him go this summer.