Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues receive Victor Osimhen boost; club agree move for Barcelona star, and more - June 25, 2024

Chelsea parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino last month following an underwhelming 2023-24 campaign. Former Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca was roped in as the Argentinean's replacement and has been tasked with getting things in order at Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile, the Blues have received a boost in their efforts to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summer. Elsewhere, the London giants have reached an agreement to sign Barcelona striker Marc Giui.

On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on June 25, 2024:

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Chelsea receive Victor Osimhen boost

Victor Osimhen

Chelsea have received some good news in their pursuit of Victor Osimhen. According to Calciomercato, Napoli have slashed their asking price for the Nigerian from €150 million to €100 million.

Osimhen is one of the finest strikers in the world at the moment and powered the Italian side to a Serie A triumph in the 2022-23 campaign. He signed a new deal last year but is largely expected to be on the move this summer.

The Blues are looking for a new No. 9 to lead the line next summer, and Osimhen is reportedly their preferred target. The 25-year-old would be a fine replacement for Romelu Lukaku, who spent last season on loan at AS Roma and has no future at Stamford Bridge.

However, Osimhen is a wanted man this summer, and Arsenal are also hot on his heels. The Gunners could also offer the Nigerian the chance to play in the UEFA Champions League next season, which could give them an edge in the race.

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Blues agree Marc Guiu move

Marc Guiu.

Chelsea have reached an agreement with Marc Guiu ahead of a possible move to Stamford Bridge this summer, according to journalist Luis Rojo.

The Spanish striker appeared 27 times across competitions for the youth and senior Barcelona sides in the 2023-24 campaign, scoring nine goals and setting up four.

The Blues have targeted talented young players in the transfer market recently, and Guiu fits the bill. The 18-year-old has reached personal agreements on a deal that would triple his current wages.

The Blaugrana would have liked to keep hold of their prized asset but might be powerless to let him go. Guiu reportedly has a release clause in his contract, which the London giants are planning to exercise.

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Chelsea considering Dominic Solanke, says journalist

Dominic Solanke

Chelsea are interested in taking Dominic Solanke back to Stamford Bridge this summer, according to club insider Simon Phillips. The English striker caught the eye with Bournemouth in the 2023-24 campaign, registering 21 goals and four assists in 42 games across competitions.

The Blues are looking to revamp their attack this summer, and a new No. 9 remains on their agenda. Solanke is proven in the Premier League and could be an upgrade on Nicolas Jackson.

In his column for Substack, Phillips added that the 26-year-old could return to his old hunting ground this year.

“One situation of this could certainly be certainly Dominic Solanke, because things have been happening here, although SPTC sources still maintain nothing is advanced,” wrote Phillips

He continued:

“But he’s absolutely seriously being considered, I’ve heard from yet another source last night that Solanke is a name mentioned to them too. It’s a unanimous report now from SPTC sources. Let’s see if anything goes any further."

However, Phillips added that there are complications regarding the finances involved in a possible deal.

“Last we heard was that Bournemouth do not wish to let Chelsea pay the release clause in instalments, and maybe it does end there. But there’s always room for negotiations in these things, and Chelsea would look for the player to push," wrote Phillips.

He concluded:

"Solanke is open to a return. Again, nothing advanced, but certainly something going on there, there’s just far too much noise for it to be absolutely nothing in it.”

Solanke's contract with the Cherries expires in 2027.