Chelsea opted to rope in former Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca for the hot seat at Stamford Bridge this summer. The Italian tactician is coming off a Championship triumph with the Foxes and will be hoping to fare better than his Blues predecessor Mauricio Pochettino.
Meanwhile, Conor Gallagher has given his green signal to switch to the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium. Elsewhere, Crystal Palace are interested in Trevoh Chalobah.
On that note, let's look at the major Chelsea transfer stories from August 8, 2024.
Conor Gallagher agrees to Atletico Madrid switch
Conor Gallahger has agreed a move to Atletico Madrid, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The English midfielder's future has been making headlines all summer.
Gallagher has entered the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge and hasn't agreed to a new deal. Chelsea have seen three renewal offers turned down by the 24-year-old.
The Blues have already agreed a €40m deal with Los Rojiblancos for the Englishman. Gallagher took some time to make a decision regarding a move to the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium, but has now given his green signal.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano added that the player will travel shortly to Spain for his medical.
“Another big name on his way to Atletico Madrid is Conor Gallagher. The Chelsea midfielder said yes to the La Liga giants after a complicated saga that took some time – he’s now agreed to the contract terms and will fly for his medical. The verbal agreement is in place, but all still waiting to get all signed in order to feel finally safe on this saga, it’s almost ten days now,” wrote Romano.
He continued:
“Chelsea will make a guaranteed €40m from the sale of Gallagher, so it’s a good sale for them, especially as they preferred to sell him abroad even though he also had interest from Premier League clubs. Tottenham wanted him for next summer as a free agent, but no formal bid was sent to Chelsea this summer.”
The London giants have already strengthened their midfield this summer by signing Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City.
Crystal Palace eyeing Trevoh Chalobah
Crystal Palace have identified Trevoh Chalobah as a possible replacement for Marc Guehi, according to The Telegraph. Guehi has earned rave reviews following an impressive 2023/24 campaign at Selhurst Park.
The Englishman was also a central figure for the Three Lions team that reached the Euro 2024 final. The 24-year-old's efforts have already earned him admirers at multiple clubs across the continent.
The Eagles have no desire to let him go, but are still keeping contingency plans in place if he ends up leaving. Chalobah is no longer part of the Chelsea's plans and will be allowed to leave this summer.
The London giants have already roped in Tosin Adarabioyo this year to replace the outgoing Thiago Silva. The Blues reportedly want £25m for Chalobah, whose homegrown status could further help in adhering to the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules.
Apart from the 25-year-old, Palace also have their eyes on Wolfsburg's Maxence Lacroix, who could be a cheaper option.
Chelsea reach Samu Omorodion agreement
Chelsea have agreed a deal with Atletico Madrid for the services of Samu Omorodion, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Blues recently entered the race to sign the Spanish striker and have moved quickly to strike a deal for the player.
Enzo Maresca is looking to improve his attack and wants more competition for Nicolas Jackson in the squad. The Italian manager has already roped in Marc Guiu from Barcelona this summer.
However, Maresca was keen on further reinforcements and the Blues have found their man in Omorodion. Los Rojiblancos are close to securing the services of Manchester City hitman Julian Alvarez and have decided to let the 20-year-old leave.
The London giants have already agreed a seven-year contract with the player, who is set to have his medical soon. Chelsea will pay £35m for his services, beating the likes of Bayer Leverkusen in the race.