'More contact' - Fabrizio Romano issues double Chelsea transfer update

Chelsea are still working on offloading a number of players ahead of Monday night’s transfer deadline. The Blues will still be looking to add an attacker, but we are likely to see more incomings than outgoings ahead of the window slamming shut.

Enzo Maresca has made it clear he will allow fringe players to move on as they look to secure more regular football, with a handful of players having struggled to convince the Italian.

Chelsea are hoping Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka will attract interest in the final stages of the window, while things are a little more advanced when it comes to Cesare Casadei and Joao Felix. In the case of the former, it was reported earlier in the window that Lazio had wrapped up a deal, but it turned out that the two clubs could not agree on the payment formula, with Chelsea now said to be wanting an £11million fee plus a sell-on clause worth 35-40%.

Fabrizio Romano has said of the situation: “There’s still no green light to get Cesare Casadei deal signed with Lazio as talks continue. Chelsea have been approached by many clubs from Torino to Porto, the saga will be decided soon.”

Elsewhere, Joao Felix has attracted interest from Aston Villa during this window, with Unai Emery said to be a big fan of the creative midfielder’s. The Blues are said to be open to losing Felix despite only signing him for £40million during the summer window. According to Romano, conversations are still ongoing over Felix, saying: “Aston Villa had more contact over Joao Felix today.”

Maresca on exits

Speaking about exits this month, Maresca has said: "Ben (Chilwell) has been top. I have to say that; very professional, works hard. I feel shame because of that situation but in terms of behaviour, he has been very good. At the moment, I am not aware that there is an agreement for Renato. Yesterday he was here working with us and today he will be here. At the moment, he is our player.

"The only thing I can say is that we bought Renato from Basel, he has played in different positions and has played well. This has allowed him to be in the senior national team for the first time in his life. Even if he is not playing in his position, it means he can do well in the position he is playing.

"I had a chat with Renato (Veiga). I told him the same thing I told you; in terms of playing in the position he is playing with us, it gave him the chance to play for the national team and it caused speculation around him, meaning clubs are looking at him because he is doing well. If there is a player that just wants to play in one position, then they are going to struggle. It is a good thing for the team and for the club."

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