Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues not in talks for Lille ace, club backed to move for Everton star, and more - June 24, 2024

Chelsea have handed Enzo Maresca the responsibility of getting them back to their heydays. The Italian manager was roped in as Mauricio Pochettino's replacement earlier this month.

Meanwhile, the Blues are not in advanced talks to sign Lille striker Jonathan David. Elsewhere, the London giants have been backed to move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

On that note, let's look at the major Chelsea transfer stories from June 24, 2024.

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Chelsea not in talks for Jonathan David

Jonathan David

Chelsea are not in talks to sign Jonathan David this summer, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Blues are looking for a new striker this summer and recent reports have suggested that they have their eyes on the Canadian international.

David enjoyed a fantastic 2023/24 campaign with Lille, scoring 26 goals and setting up nine more from 47 games across competitions. His efforts have apparently turned heads at Stamford Bridge, with Enzo Maresca expected to bolster his options in attack before the new campaign.

In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that David is almost certain to leave Lille this summer.

“It’s not something that at the moment I’m told is imminent or close. So I think they’re just speaking to many clubs and many agents to understand the situation of several strikers on the market. But at the moment, I’m not hearing anything imminent. I still expect Jonathan David to leave Lille in the summer transfer window,” wrote Romano.

He continued:

“He has one year left on his contract and Lille want to make a profit. The player wants to try a different experience, so there is a good opportunity. I think a 90% chance to see Jonathan David leaving Lille. But at the moment, I’m not aware of anything advanced club-to-club between Chelsea and Lille.”

David is under contract at Stade Pierre-Mauroy until 2025, so he could be available for a reduced fee this year.

Blues backed to move for Jarrad Branthwaite by former CEO

Jarrad Branthwaite

Chelsea could move for Jarrad Branthwaite as the transfer window progresses, according to former Everton chief Keith Wyness. The English defender has earned rave reviews with his recent efforts for the Merseyside club.

Branthwaite appeared 41 times across competitions for the Toffees in the 2023/24 campaign, all of which were starts. Recent reports have stated that Manchester United already have their eyes on the 21-year-old and are pushing to secure his services.

Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, however, Wyness pointed out that Branthwaite could be a fine replacement for Thiago Silva at Stamford Bridge.

“With Thiago Silva going, I think they’re going to have to look at bringing in another centre-half. I thought they would’ve been in for Branthwaite, I thought they would’ve been prepared to bring him in,” said Wyness.

He continued:

“They may still come in, later in the window, it could happen soon. They certainly need more talent in the centre-back area. Chelsea also haven’t solved their attacking situation. There’s no doubt they need another in there.”

Recent reports have suggested that Everton want £70m for their prized asset, who is under contract at Goodison Park until 2027.

Chelsea set Omari Hutchinson price

Omari Hutchinson

Chelsea want £30m to part ways with Omari Hutchinson, according to Football London. The 20-year-old spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Ipswich Town and played a key role in their promotion to the Premier League.

Hutchinson finished the campaign with 11 goals and six assists from 50 appearances across competitions. His efforts have already earned him admirers at multiple clubs across Europe.

Ipswich are eager to keep him permanently at Portman Road Stadium and are apparently willing to offer £20m for his signature. The Blues would ideally like to keep hold of a talent like Hutchinson, but his sale can help the club ease FFP concerns.