Chelsea in 'talks' over midfielder signing as player gives 'green light' to transfer

The Chelsea players now have some much needed time off after their busy summer competing in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. Enzo Maresca’s men won the inaugural Club World Cup, with FIFA deciding to start again with the list of winners due to the competition taking on a new format.

The Blues have already recruited plenty of new players this summer, and they are expected to keep adding to their talented squad. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Stamford Bridge.

Xavi Simons ‘talks’

Chelsea are said to be pressing ahead with talks to sign RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons. Florian Plettenberg reported on X: “Talks between Chelsea and #Xavi Simons’ camp, which also includes his brother Faustino, will continue today. The goal is to reach a verbal agreement. Xavi is open to a move to #CFC.

“Talks with Leipzig will follow in due course. In the event of a transfer, Chelsea can imagine playing with two number tens. Arsenal are so far only waiting in the wings. As for FC Bayern, he remains a personal topic for Max Eberl. At present, however, there is still no progress despite stalled negotiations regarding Nick Woltemade.”

Fernandez claim

Enzo Fernandez is said to be attracting interest during this window, and according to Fichajes, Real Madrid have received a positive response from the midfielder’s camp as they look to sign a holding midfielder this summer.

The report claims Fernandez has given the green light to a move, and a bid of around £130million is now expected. Though, with Fernandez such a huge part of Enzo Maresca’s plans, it would be a huge surprise to see Chelsea cash in at this stage. Losing Fernandez would be a big backwards step for the Blues as they look to become Premier League title contenders.

Mikel hits back at Carragher

John Obi Mikel has hit back at Jamie Carragher over his comments on Chelsea’s Premier League hopes on the back of their Club World Cup success. Carragher said: “Chelsea winning the FIFA Club World Cup doesn’t guarantee success in the Premier League or the Champions League. The Club World Cup is nowhere near as competitive or demanding as those two. If Chelsea think lifting that trophy means they’ll dominate the Premier League, then they’re only fooling themselves."

In response, Mikel said: “Honestly, Jamie Carragher isn’t someone we need to be worried about because his football career hasn’t made any significant impact that people can learn from or admire. People who truly know Chelsea understand exactly what the club is capable of achieving. I think Carragher is just trying to use Chelsea’s name to boost his own relevance.

“This is the same Jamie Carragher who once criticized the Africa Cup of Nations, calling it the worst tournament with no value. That alone shows the kind of mindset he carries, and it’s clear his opinions are not grounded in fairness or respect.”

Your next Chelsea read, Enzo Maresca must allow Chelsea player to leave for £113m - opinion