Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues wanted La Liga ace; David Fofana eager to leave, and more - September 7, 2024

Chelsea are looking to usher a new era under Enzo Maresca. The Italian manager left Leicester City in June to take charge at Stamford Bridge after winning the Championship, leading them to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Meanwhile, the Blues were interested in Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams this summer. Elsewhere, forward David Fofana is looking to leave the London giants in the coming days.

On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on September 7, 2024:

---

Chelsea wanted Nico Williams this summer, says journalist

Nico Williams

Chelsea enquired about the availability of Nico Williams this summer, according to journalist Matteo Moretto. The Blues made multiple additions to their squad and also had the Spaniard on their wishlist.

Williams was a sought-after man this year following a spectacular rise with club and country. He was heavily pursued by Barcelona but ended up staying at Athletic Bilbao.

In his column for Caught Offside, Moretto added that the London giants left the race after learning about his salary demands.

“For me, the Nico Williams saga could be back in play at some point down the line, because Barcelona are still interested in him. The parties did not close a deal in part due to the finances, but also due to personal preference," wrote Moretto.

He continued:

"Williams decided to stay, and as he voiced himself, he is still excited by the prospect of wearing the Athletic Club shirt in Europe. Those two reasons are why he stayed there."

Moretto concluded:

“I still think Barcelona will be an option next summer. This summer, Chelsea enquired but did not move due to his salary demands, other outlets have said there was an offer from Aston Villa, but I don’t have information on that. Arsenal also enquired but did not make a move.”

Williams is likely to leave San Mames next summer.

---

David Fofana eager to leave Stamford Bridge

David Fofana

David Fofana is desperate to leave Chelsea in search of regular football, according to Football Insider. The Ivorian forward has been deemed surplus to requirements by Maresca.

Fofana joined Union Berlin on loan last summer, scoring two goals in 17 outings across competitions in the first half of the season. He moved to Burnley on a temporary deal in January and registered four goals in 15 games.

The 21-year-old hasn't lived up to expectations since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Molde in January last year. He has appeared four time for the Blues and was linked with the likes of Sunderland and Everton in the summer.

With the transfer window still open in Turkey and Belgium, the London giants are hoping to move him on in the coming days. The player is training away from the first team and is eager to leave to get his career back on track.

Fofana is under contract with Chelsea till 2029, and the club are open to both permanent and temporary exits this year.

---

Blues submitted significant offer for Victor Osimhen, says journalist

Victor Osimhen

Chelsea submitted a decent proposal to sign Victor Osimhem on loan this year, according to journalist Matt Law. The Nigerian hitman was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, but the Blues failed to get a deal across the line.

It's believed that the player was reluctant to leave on loan and that a personal agreement couldn't be reached in time. However, Osimhen went on to join Galatasaray on a temporary deal earlier this week.

On the London is Blue podcast, Law added that the English side's offer was superior to the one Osimhem agreed to with the Turkish giants.

“I’m told their (Chelsea’s) loan offer for Osimhen was better both for him and Napoli than whatever he signed with Galatasaray on loan,” said Law.

Osimhen has a strained relationship with Napoli and is likely to be sold in 2025 despite playing a key role in their Serie A success in 2023.