Chelsea receive 'approach' for £20m man as Tottenham 'likely to bid' for England star

Chelsea and Tottenham will already be hard at work as they look to improve their respective squads this summer, with the players not involved in international competition already back at base. Early pre-season preparations have already begun, with fitness testing already underway.

Enzo Maresca will want to put his own stamp on his new squad before the transfer window is over, while Ange Postecoglou needs to add quality in key areas to ensure his side are better equipped to put together a consistent campaign from start to finish. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding both clubs.

Chukwuemeka interest

Chelsea could send Carney Chukwuemeka out on loan for the coming season amid interest from Italy. According to CaughtOffside, AC Milan are eyeing a deal for the former Aston Villa star, chasing a loan deal despite Chukwuemeka having a release clause of £40million.

It’s claimed Milan do want an option to buy worth around £20million, but the player himself is said to prefer a Stamford Bridge stay. The report adds that Chelsea may also want to keep Chukwuemeka around this season, but it’s unclear whether an offer will change that. The Blues spent £20million on the youngster in 2022.

Doue chase

Chelsea are said to be interested in a move for France under-21s star Desire Doue, who has been impressing with Rennes since breaking through to the first team in 2022. According to The Sun, the Blues are looking to quickly wrap up a deal for the young midfielder who will compete at the Olympics with France this summer.

Teammate Baptiste Santamaria has said of Doue: “He's a very talented player with a great sense of football. But he's still young (editor's note: 18). But he's a player who aspires to go to the biggest clubs. He's one of a kind: he likes to hit the ball but he's solid on his feet. Desire's technical, percussive and physical qualities are quite incredible. When he becomes more consistent, he'll be unplayable. For his age, he's the most gifted youngster I've seen in my career.”

Spurs ‘eye’ Gallagher

Tottenham are said to remain interested in Chelsea star Conor Gallagher, and they might just have a clean run at the midfielder with other clubs falling short or focusing on other players. Journalist Ben Jacobs has told the London is Blue Podcast: “I think Villa can’t afford Gallagher at the moment even though they made an exploratory approach. Atletico Madrid made an informal offer of about €20m, which is way below Chelsea’s valuation, so there’s nothing doing there.

“That really only leaves Spurs at the moment, and even with Archie Gray joining Tottenham they’ll still be in the mix for Conor Gallagher. Their valuation is the same as it was 12 months ago, somewhere around £35m, whereas Chelsea are saying Gallagher should go for a similar price to Mason Mount, a £55m package. We wait and see if something gives. £40-45m might do it, but Chelsea are bullish at the moment. Right now the situation is as it has been for months. Nothing advanced with a new Gallagher deal, Chelsea want £50-55m, Tottenham are likely to bid.”