Chelsea 'nearing deal' as £80m asking price emerges and departure confirmed

Chelsea are still working hard on new deals as they look to build a squad capable of competing for the Premier League title. Though, given the way Arsenal and Liverpool are spending, Enzo Maresca’s men look as though they are going to have to take a big step forward this season.

But there are positive signs aplenty, with Chelsea winning the FIFA Club World Cup and going into the new season with plenty of optimism. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Stamford Bridge.

Hato deal nearing

Chelsea are said to be close to reaching a ‘compromise’ in their bid to land Ajax defender Jorrel Hato. The two clubs were still said to be apart in their negotiations going into Monday, but there is hope that a deal can be done in the coming days.

David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported that while the deal is not agreed yet, the two clubs are nearing a middle-ground that will see the 19-year-old make the move to Stamford Bridge.

Jackson ‘asking price’

Chelsea are said to be demanding big money to sell striker Nicolas Jackson this summer. The striker has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge after a turbulent end to the season, but is seems the Blues are not actively shopping out.

According to Mark Douglas, Chelsea are asking for around £80million to sell Jackson, which would suggest they will only sell if they receive a deal that too good to turn down. Maresca is said to be happy with his striker options at this point, and a Jackson sale would require Chelsea to go back into a striker market that is quickly drying up amid plenty of big deals this summer, including Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen, while Benjamin Sesko could also be on the move.

Penders departs

Chelsea have now confirmed the departure of young keeper Mike Penders to sister club Strasbourg on a loan deal. A statement read: Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders has joined Ligue 1 club RC Strasbourg on a season-long loan. Signed by the Blues from Genk in August 2024, Penders spent the remainder of last season with the Belgian club, making 26 first-team appearances. He also received a call up to Belgium’s Under-21 squad.

“The 19-year-old joined up with the Blues ahead of the Club World Cup and was part of our squad that went on to lift the trophy Stateside We look forward to monitoring and supporting Mike’s development throughout his loan. Good luck, Mike!”

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