Chelsea informed of asking price as 'really good' player attracts Saudi Arabia interest

Chelsea are now on break as far as the players and Enzo Maresca are concerned, but work continues behind the scenes to make sure the squad is in place and of high order by the time the Premier League season kicks off next month.

The Blues have already been busy in the summer window, but they have plenty of business still to do, both in terms of incomings and outgoings. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Stamford Bridge.

Hato price

Ajax will reportedly ask for as much as £60million to sell defender Jorrel hato this summer amid reported interest from Chelsea. The Blues were said to be hoping to get a deal done for around £40million, but the Dutch club are set to hold out for a big fee. That’s according to Ben Jacobs.

Chelsea need to add a centre-back this summer with depth required, but centre-backs do not come cheap this day in age, and Ajax know they have a top talent, with Hato still only 19 years of age.

Gilchrist likely to leave

Chelsea youngster Alfie Gilchrist could be set to depart the club on a permanent deal this summer amid interest from the Championship and much further afield. Journalist Ben Jacobs reports that Saudi Arabian clubs like the look of the 21-year-old who spent last season on loan with Sheffield United.

Jacobs posted on X: “Alfie Gilchrist set to leave Chelsea this summer with multiple Championship clubs interested. Saudi clubs have also made an approach with Gilchrist viewed as a strong profile fit by Saudi Pro League officials.”

Gilchrist made his Chelsea debut under Mauricio Pochettino, who said at the time of his performance: “Really good. Really good. The most difficult thing is to manage the stress. He knew he wasn’t going to play but then he was going to play. All the young ones need time to relax and not spend energy thinking before the game.”

He added: “It’s really important for his career. He needs to compete with different players in his position. It’s important for all the academy players who have the opportunity to play to cope and show they can play for Chelsea. We are so happy in the way he’s producing.”

Rogers warning

Chelsea have been told that signing Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers, who is reportedly carrying an asking price of £80million or more, would be ‘overkill. That’s according to Emile Heskey. “It would be interesting as it’s another Manchester City player who might make their way to Chelsea, but I think he should spend another year at Villa, at least,” he told Goal.

“He’s going well, the club are on the up, and they could break into that top four this season. That’s a really big challenge and a good one for him, too. I think if he did go to Chelsea, he could be fantastic, but for Chelsea it might be overkill, buying players for the sake of it.”

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