Chelsea reach agreement in principle over £8.5 million deal to sign MLS defender: David Ornstein  

Chelsea have reportedly struck a deal to snap up Atlanta United left-back Caleb Wiley. The 19-year-old is set to be loaned out to Strasbourg to gain first-team experience.

Wiley has contributed a goal and two assists in 22 games across competitions for Atlanta this season. That includes a goal and an assist in 21 games in MLS, where his side are 10th in the Eastern Conference after 22 outings.

David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported that the Blues have struck a deal 'in principle' to sign the full-back on a seven-year deal worth £8.5 million and immediately loan him out to Strasbourg. The Blues' 'good relations' with Atlanta have reportedly helped talks between the two parties.

The two-times capped USMNT international has been selected to represent the US football team at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics later this month. It's pertinent to note that the teenager wasn't a part of Gregg Berhalter's squad that bowed out of the 2024 Copa America in the group stage.

New manager Enzo Maresca has replaced Mauricio Pochettino - who left at the end of the previous season after just a year in charge. The Italian is fresh off leading Leicester City back to the Premier League at the first attempt by winning the Championship as he embarks on a new challenge at Stamford Bridge.

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A look at Chelsea's 2023-24 season

Former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino

Former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino oversaw an expensive overhaul lst summer, signing a plethora of new and young players and jettisoning the old guard.

The Blues initially struggled for consistency - especially in the Premier League - where they were slated for back-to-back mid-table finishes. However, a strong end to the season - five straight wins - saw Pochettino's side finish a creditable sixth and qualify for Europe.

They were slated to play next season's UEFA Europa League, but with Manchester United winning the FA Cup, the Blues dropped down to the UEFA Europa Conference League instead.

Chelsea also fared well in both domestic cups. The Blues lost 1-0 in extra time to Liverpool in the EFL Cup final and lost 1-0 in regulation time to holders Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-finals.