Chelsea transfer news: The Blues are still ready to be active in the summer window with plenty of business still to be done

Neymar has been tipped to complete a move away from PSG this summer (Image: Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)

Chelsea’s transfer work has changed drastically over the past three weeks. Having all-but-completed their mass clearout from start to finish, there is now a slight panic in chasing new signings.

The sale of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signalled a close to the end of a rapid-fire exodus to cut down Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, but the demands don’t rest there. The Argentine head coach is determined to get in some experienced players to complement his swathe of young talent.

Although Romelu Lukaku and Hakim Ziyech are yet to find new homes, there is anticipation and expectation that the final stages of such a wide-scale operation can be completed swiftly. Now, with the funds in the bank from over £200million ($256m) worth of outoings, a push for some fresh targets can be lead.

Be it in midfield, striker, goal or on the right of attack, there are no shortage of choices for Chelsea and football.london has taken a look at the latest odds from the bookies. Here’s who Bet365 have as favourites to be in blue come August 31.

Mohammed Kudus – 1/3 (13/2)

A new leader in the race, since July 4, Kudus has risen almost exponentially to be the clear frontrunner. After reports emerged that the Blues have come close to agreeing personal terms with the exciting attacker, it is just left to the two clubs to agree a fee.

Arsenal are also in the mix but with a £40million ($51m) price tag and the money available to Chelsea compared to their rivals, Kudus could well be on his way to Stamford Bridge. The Gunners are second favourites at 5/1 but still some way off at this point.

Moises Caicedo – 4/7 (1/10)

The big change in the opposite direction is Caicedo. He is now considered much more likely to remain at Brighton than he was less than one month ago. Chelsea have found it hard going in talks with the Seagulls and keep running into a brick wall when they send offers.

The latest, thought to be around £80million ($102m) is still short of the £100million ($124m) valuation of the player and at this stage Chelsea and the Caicedo are both wasting time. If any club are to sign him then it’s still expected to be Chelsea but the lack of progress is worrying.

Romeo Lavia – 7/1 (2/1)

If Caicedo to Chelsea is becoming uncertain then Lavia to London is just as in doubt. Although the Blues have never been leading the race for the Belgian teenager, Liverpool are making their moves instead. Although he is still an option being considered and at this stage Southampton look set to get the bidding war they wanted, £50million ($64m) is a big sum.

Saints have rejected an offer from Liverpool worth that and it’s possible Chelsea will come firing on all cylinders if Caicedo progress continues to be hard to come by.

David Raya – 5/1

The first fresh option on the list. Raya has long been linked with Chelsea but more as an outsider. It was thought that Tottenham would be making a move for the Brentford shot-stopper but they have turned elsewhere. Pochettino’s men, meanwhile, are still thinking about life after Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The Spaniard hasn’t been at his best in pre-season and could find himself under serious pressure as Chelsea continue to track ‘keepers across the world. Raya is a cheap option compared to Mike Maignan or the quoted price for Andre Onana earlier in the window but also hasn’t come much closer to leaving having been heavily courted by Spurs some months ago.

Federico Chiesa – 6/1

Often a name linked with a move, Chiesa has long been on Chelsea’s radar but no such attempts to buy him have come to fruition. Primarily a player from the left, the Blues look well stocked in this area but the Italian is also able to feature across the frontline and that is certainly something they are keen to look at.

With two years left on his deal at Juventus and the prospect of Romelu Lukaku ending up in Turin himself, perhaps something can be done. He’s seen as most likely to remain with the Old Lady (4/6) but Newcastle (5/1) are also tipped at this stage.

Emi Martinez – 8/1 (5/1)

Another goalkeeper, but one that has taken a hit in the past month. Martinez is seen as a strong contender to remain at Aston Villa this summer (1/3) but is one more to watch. Chelsea have been interested in the Argentine World Cup winner for a while given their instability in the net.

He offers experience for a relatively cheap price and wouldn’t necessarily block the path of other players either. Perhaps a smart deal.

Harry Maguire – 10/1

Not one that too many fans will be keen to see. Maguire has been strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge after having the captaincy of Manchester United ᵴtriƥped from him.

The 30-year-old is now looing for a final chapter to his career and is in demand with West Ham (9/4) certainly keen on his services, just not for the £50million ($64m) being reported. Chelsea are unlikely to truly consider Maguire but given previous links and the injury to Wesley Fofana, it could be a stop gap signing. Unless the Red Devils drop their price and the player considers a wage reduction, this one might not budge.

Neymar – 12/1

It’s nearly impossible not to get links with Neymar at this stage. Paris Saint-Germain are trying to revamp their squad and players are on the way out. Kylian Mbappe, more on him to come, and Lionel Messi look to be departing and Neymar could yet join them.

With Todd Boehly’s desire to make a statement global superstar signing, the 31-year-old is up their with the biggest names there is. Having previously worked with Pochettino it also makes some sense. He can play off the wing and behind a striker plus a fee might not be astronomical as it seems.

Staying in Paris (1/8) is seen as the most likely outcome but moves to Saudi Arabia (8/1), Barcelona (10/1) or SW6 aren’t too far back to be considered.

Kylian Mbappe – 50/1

Why not? Hardly considered an option at this stage but Chelsea are the joint fourth favourite to complete this deal, albeit level with six teams all seen just as unlikely.

Real Madrid (2/5) lead the way as expected but perhaps that is optimistic given their desire to do a deal in 2024. Saudi Arabia remains on the list despite reports suggesting he would rather sit on the bench in France, an option at 2/1 here.

Mbappe to Chelsea doesn’t feel likely but then again, 12 months ago neither would a move to the Middle East.

Notable other picks are Eden Hazard at 25/1 because fans can always dream of a return. Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun at 16/1, though Inter lead that race clearly. Romelu Lukaku to stay is at 8/1, maybe to the frustration of supporters, whilst Goncalo Ramos is surprisingly low at 9/1.

Soucre: football.london