Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues plan player-plus-cash offer for Michael Olise, club make Nicolas Jackson decision, and more - June 16, 2024

Chelsea are preparing to usher in a new era under the tutelage of Enzo Maresca. They roped in the Italian manager as Mauricio Pochettino's replacement after a disappointing 2023-24 campaign.

Meanwhile, the Blues are working on a player-plus-cash offer for Michael Olise. Elsewhere, the London giants have made a decision regarding Nicolas Jackson's future.

On that note, let's take a look at the major Chelsea transfer stories from June 16, 2024.

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Chelsea plan player-plus-cash offer for Michael Olise

Michael Olise

Chelsea are ready to include Noni Madueke in a deal for Michael Olise, according to The Guardian. The Crytal Palace forward enjoyed an impressive 2023-24 campaign and has forced clubs around the Premier League to take note.

Olise registered 10 goals and six assists from 19 appearances, despite missing much of the season due to injuries. His efforts have already turned heads at Manchester United and Arsenal as well. The 22-year-old reportedly has a £60 million release clause in his contract.

The Blues are now hoping to sweeten the deal by offering Madueke as a part of the proposal. The Englishman has failed to strike a chord at Stamford Bridge and is surplus to requirements. Olise's arrival could push him further down the pecking order.

Blues make Nicolas Jackson decision, says journalist

Nicolas Jackson

Enzo Maresca has decided to keep his faith in Nicolas Jackson for the upcoming campaign, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs. The Senegalese striker has blown hot and cold since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Villarreal last summer.

Jackson registered 17 goals and six assists from 44 games across competitions. The situation has raised doubts on his future, especially with the Blues expected to sign a new No. 9.

However, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs insisted that the London giants trust the 22-year-old and could sign a young striker to complement him.

“Chelsea have got faith in Nicolas Jackson, which might mean that they do lean a little bit younger, because they feel like there's a lot of players that will chip in. You've also got Christopher Nkunku, who can play as a false nine in that central position," said Jacobs

He continued:

“And the belief within Chelsea is that because of his unfortunate injuries and his lack of game time last season, this coming season is going to see a fit Nkunku get into double figures. If Palmer gets into double figures and Jackson gets into double figures, then suddenly you can buy younger.”

Jackson's contract at Stamford Bridge runs until 2031.

Jhon Duran in talks for Stamford Bridge move, says journalist

Jhon Duran

Jhon Duran is in active talks to complete a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, according to Ben Jacobs. The Colombian striker has become a wanted man this summer after a decent debut campaign with Aston Villa.

Duran appeared 37 times in the 2023-24 campaign, mostly from the bench, but still managed eight goals. Enzo Maresca is looking to add more quality to his squad before the start of the new season and the 20-year-old has been identified as a target.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs added that the Blues were very close to signing Duran in January.

“I think Chelsea are in active talks for Jhon Duran, and he has become a front-runner, which is no real surprise, because they nearly did a deal in January, and then Duran got injured. And, at that point, Duran was liking Chelsea posts, and that's a clear indication that the player would like the move," said Jacobs

He continued:

“But it's not just the player that would like the move. Unai Emery doesn't see Duran as part of his plans, which is another crucial part of the jigsaw, and Chelsea will look to capitalise on that in, at the time of talking, ongoing talks to try and get a lower price.”

Duran could be a fine alternative to Benjamin Sesko, who was a target for Maresca this summer but opted to stay at RB Leipzig.