Chelsea 'enquire' about 4 final striker targets as Fabrizio Romano makes 'concrete possibility' claim

Chelsea are now on break for a couple of weeks as they turn their attention to the FIFA Club World Cup. The Blues finished off their regular campaign with the Conference League final on Wednesday night, and they will now prepare to compete in the new-look Club World Cup.

The time will give Enzo Maresca chance to sit down with the club’s transfer chiefs to strategize ahead of another important summer. With that in mind, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea draw up shortlist

Chelsea are said to have drawn up a shortlist of four striker ahead of the summer transfer window. The Blues need a new frontman this summer as they look to add a striker capable of competing with Nicolas Jackson for a starting spot.

According to Sky Sports, the Blues have reported marked down Liam Delap, Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike and Viktor Gyokeres as their priorities for the summer window. It’s claimed Chelsea have made early enquiries for all four players to see what deals are possible and at what price. It’s claimed Chelsea will step up their efforts after Wednesday when a special early transfer window opens for 10 days.

Maresca on Sancho deal

Maresca has refused to commit to a decision on Jadon Sancho, with the winger having an obligation to buy in his contract, though the Blues can get out of the deal by paying a penalty fee.

Asked whether Sancho will be kept, Maresca said in his latest press conference: “I don't know. I said that when in the last weeks you asked me about different players, I always said the same. And the reason why is because it's the truth. It's not the moment, we have the final. Then in 24 hours, 48 hours, we're going to start to talk about the future. But at this moment, there is not any thought or any decision made on Jadon or any different players.”

Cundy on Sancho

Jason Cundy has had his say on Chelsea keeping Sancho, and he is not convinced that the winger has justified the fee the Blues would need to pay. He said on TalkSport: “I’m not convinced. I’m unconvinced if I’m brutally honest. I don’t know the exact financial agreement, but I believe there is a penalty — whatever you want to call it — fee for him to go back to Manchester United. Has he done enough? It’s not a lot, 25 million, is it? It’s not a lot of money. I don’t know whether I’ve seen enough.”

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has said his YouTube channel, Romano has said: “Chelsea vs Betis could be the last game for Jadon Sancho. Keep an eye on the situation of Jadon Sancho, because at the moment doesn’t have any sort of guarantee on the situation at Chelsea. Chelsea have not communicated anything to Sancho about leaving or staying at the club. Today, Enzo Maresca confirmed in public that no decision had been made.

“Chelsea can send the player back for £5m, and this possibility is still a concrete possibility. After the final, Chelsea will inform the player of the decision, but the possibility to see Jadon Sancho return to Manchester United is a concrete possibility.”

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