Chelsea set £40m price tag for unwanted player as fresh striker interest emerges

Chelsea returned to action on Thursday night against Shamrock Rovers in the Conference League, but all focus will have already been on Sunday’s Premier League clash with Everton for many of the first team players. The Blues are now in a title race, and they will be determined to stay there over the course of the festive fixtures.

Enzo Maresca’s men have a chance to be top for Christmas with a win on Sunday and the right result in the Liverpool game, with the Reds taking on Tottenham. In the meantime, we have rounded up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the Gunners.

Chukwuemeka price tag

Chelsea reportedly want a big fee for unwanted midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, who looks destined to leave on some sort of deal this January, be it a permanent or loan deal.

Ben Jacobs said on Playback: “I would keep an eye on Milan still, who are interested in a loan with an option. And if Chelsea are to permanently sell Carney Chukwuemeka, I’m still told they want 40, 45 million all in.” That’s a big fee for a player who still isn’t a proven commodity at the top level.

Sesko links

Chelsea are said to be interested in a deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. TeamTalk have reported that Sesko could still be available despite him signing a new long-term contract that theoretically keeps him in place until 2029.

Arsenal have been heavily linked previously, but both the Gunners and the Blues are on the lookout for a striker, with Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic always being linked, given Victor Osimhen is being seen as a pricey option by both. Sesko may move on for a top-level club, especially if Leipzig miss out on the Champions League this situation - currently fourth - and Chelsea are said to be monitoring the situation.