Amidst speculation around the significance of this summer’s revamped FIFA Club World Cup, the lure of a £97 million prize fund is hard to ignore. Chelsea, one of the chosen few for the prestigious tournament in the United States, commence their quest on a breezy Monday evening against Los Angeles FC in Atlanta. Following this opener, the Blues are set to tackle Flamengo and Esperance in the vibrant city of Philadelphia, with many tipping them as favourites to top their group. Though the knockout stages will pose sterner tests, Chelsea have set their sights on hoisting the trophy come mid-July, along with the considerable financial windfall it promises.
Such success would deliver a substantial boost to Chelsea’s transfer coffers ahead of the summer window. Having already welcomed the talents of Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, and Mamadou Sarr to Stamford Bridge, more transactions are anticipated from the window’s reopening on June 16th until its closure on September 1st.
The Blues are eyeing a renewed approach for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens once the window is ajar. Their initial £42 million offer was rebuffed by the German outfit, who are set on a £50 million fee for the young star, as reported by football.london. Gittens himself is keen on a move to Chelsea, raising hope of striking an equitable agreement with Dortmund.
Similarly, a deal for AC Milan’s shot-stopper Mike Maignan remains on the cards, after initial talks stalled over valuation. Chelsea’s offer, just shy of £13 million due to Maignan’s age and contract length, fell short of Milan’s £21 million expectations. However, with the Club World Cup bounty in sight, Chelsea remain poised to return to negotiations for the French international.
Should these moves materialise, Chelsea could secure both Gittens and Maignan for a combined outlay of £71 million. With the Club World Cup prize potentially more than covering these costs, they present an enticing proposition for the Blues’ hierarchy.
In defence, Chelsea’s radar is firmly fixed on adding reinforcements. Promising left-back Jorrel Hato, capable of slotting into the heart of defence, is under consideration, but he is not the club’s sole target. The likes of Murillo, Jarrad Branthwaite, Tomas Araujo, and former Blue Marc Guehi are also piquing interest, as manager Enzo Maresca seeks to bolster his squad depth for the upcoming campaign.
Meanwhile, Hugo Ekitike has emerged as a striker of significant interest. Despite Eintracht Frankfurt valuing the Frenchman at an eye-watering €100 million (£85 million), Chelsea are holding firm and will abandon negotiations unless the German side’s stance softens.
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