Fabrizio Romano: Chelsea “in talks” with Juventus over player exit as Newcastle "deal on" despite failed bid
The latest transfer news and rumours from Chelsea as they prepare to host Wolves in the Premier League
Chelsea’s transfer business this month has largely focused on which players are likely to leave the club as Enzo Maresca looks to trim his squad to a more manageable number. A host of stars have been left out of the Italian plans following his arrival as head coach in the summer. Those not considered for selection at Stamford Bridge are keen for moves away this month in order to secure more game time.
One player strongly linked with a departure is Renato Veiga. Chelsea have discussed a possible deal with Borussia Dortmund but now Juventus have entered the race to sign the defender who joined the Blues back in July. He signed a seven-year deal after leaving FC Basel. Now Fabrizio Romano has reported that Juve are keen on signing the player.
He wrote on X: “Juventus have entered the race to sign Renato Veiga, talks have started with Chelsea. Borussia Dortmund also remain in talks with Chelsea, after initial proposal sent last week. Lloyd Kelly and Renato Veiga are both in Juventus list as they want two CBs.”
Newcastle ‘reject’ Kelly offer
Lloyd Kelly joined Newcastle United on a free transfer in the summer after rejecting the chance to remain at Bournemouth. He was also targeted by Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool but opted to for a switch to the north east to reunite with Eddie Howe having worked with the Englishman at the Cherries.
However, as referenced above, he is now the subject of interest from Juventus. A successful move for Kelly will not see the Turin club quell their interest in Veiga as they target two new centre-backs this month. Juve have already had one verbal bid rejected, however, but Romano has said a deal is “on”. He provided an update on X: “Juventus have asked for Lloyd Kelly as new centre back with verbal bid rejected by Newcastle for loan with buy option clause. Juventus remain interested after #NUFC rejected €13m proposal from Fenerbahçe this week; Juve now hope to advance for fee around €15m. Deal on.”
What has Enzo Maresca said about Chelsea’s transfer business?
Enzo Maresca has not ruled out departures for two players this window after he was quizzed on the futures of Tosin Adarabioyo or Axel Disasi ahead of Monday’s contest with Wolves. Chelsea are short of options at centre-back but he could not give complete clarity on whether the pair would remain in West London beyond this month.
He said: “At the moment they are both us. The intention is not to allow them to go, but we are in January and anything can happen.”
Maresca was also asked if Chelsea plan to sign a striker amid a run of five Premier League games without a win. He said: “No, because I think by being a little bit more lucky, we can convert and can score more goals. It’s not about [signing] a ‘killer’. In this moment, the one that’s probably missing the goal is Nico. But the way he is working is fantastic, and we don’t have any doubt that Nico is soon going to start scoring goals.”