Chelsea get 'green light' from priority transfer target as exiled star given new option

Chelsea are still hard at work on transfers as they look to build a squad good enough to challenge for the Premier League title during the coming season. The Blues have already made three attacking signings, and they are now looking to add a centre-back, winger and attacking midfielder.

Enzo Maresca and his men are currently on their pre-season break, which comes later than most clubs due to the Club World Cup, but the recruitment efforts are continuing. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Stamford Bridge.

Simons latest

Chelsea are still said to be pushing for a deal to sign RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons. Simons has attracted interest from Bayern Munich, while he has also been linked with Arsenal, but the Blues lead the race.

Fabrizio Romano has posted on X: “Chelsea and RB Leipzig continue direct club to club talks for Xavi Simons deal. RB Leipzig aware of Xavi being very keen on move and tempted by Chelsea. Bayern have made calls to be informed this week but #CFC clear favourites, already in talks & with player’s green light.”

Sterling update

Raheem Sterling is still looking for a new club after a very forgettable loan spell with Arsenal last season. According to Fotospor, Sterling’s most likely destination is Türkiye, with Besiktas said to be the most likely club to make an offer.

There have been a few clubs linked with Sterling, but no offer has been forthcoming. Chelsea are reportedly asking for £20million to sell Sterling, willing to take a big hit on their initial investment, which was worth £45million.

Mourinho plays down FCWC win

Jose Mourinho doesn’t see any value in the FIFA Club World Cup beyond commercial value after Chelsea’s success in the United States. He told Canal 11: “This Club World Cup also highlighted a kid who also had a great season at Chelsea, Cole Palmer. But this run to the semi-finals reminded me every time I went to the United States for pre-season with Real Madrid and Inter, it reminded me a little of those games we played there.

“So, I think this Club World Cup title is only important for Chelsea, as they’ll sell a lot of jerseys with the logo on there. So, I think PSG was the big winner this season, not because of what they did domestically, because they always win domestically, but winning the Champions League and the way they did, especially with the idea of losing their best player.

“It reminds me of when I won at Inter, when Ibrahimovic had left for Barcelona and we were the ones who won. I think this PSG team is the best team of the season, and these Portuguese players [Vitinha, Joao Neves, Nuno Mendes]… Gonçalo Ramos played less, despite often being decisive. I love them both [Vitinha and Joao Neves], I can’t tell the difference. The only thing I’d say is that there’s still a small group of good midfielders there, and now full-backs like that… I’d like one of them to win [the Ballon d’Or], obviously, but then Jorge Mendes will get mad at me because he only thinks [Lamine] Yamal, his player, should win!.”

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