Chelsea are making significant moves ahead of the January transfer window, with plans extending as far as 2027. The club's hierarchy are focused on the uncertainty surrounding Manchester City, the development of young talent from their academy, and defensive restructuring under head coach Xabi Alonso.
Ryan Sherki: 90 million euros amid City's financial crisis
Chelsea have rekindled their interest in Manchester City's French playmaker Ryan Sherki, according to reports from Spanish outlet Fichajes. The London club have been tracking the midfielder since his days at Lyon, and the current financial turmoil at the Citizens has made a transfer more feasible.
The eight-time Premier League champions are awaiting a verdict on 114 financial charges, and the potential for sanctions could spark an exodus of their star players. Chelsea's head coach, Xabi Alonso, is a big admirer of Sherki's talent, and the club's hierarchy, led by Todd Boehly, are weighing up a deal worth around 90 million euros, despite the player being valued at approximately 103.5 million euros.
Olutayo Subuluye set for loan in January
18-year-old central defender and Chelsea U21 captain Olutayo Subuluye is poised to go out on loan during the winter transfer window, as reported by The Evening Standard.
The defender impressed during the senior team’s pre-season tour of Australia and Asia. The coaching staff believe regular game time in senior football is crucial for his development. Several European clubs and Championship representatives have already expressed interest in a loan deal. Chelsea's hierarchy holds high hopes for the young Englishman, who is under contract for another three and a half years.
Fight for Jules Kounde: Premier League giants in the mix
According to Spanish outlet SPORT, Chelsea and Arsenal are leading the race for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde. The French international has also attracted interest from Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United.
Kounde's place in Barcelona's starting lineup has been jeopardised under Hansi Flick, having started just once in the current La Liga season and spent the last three matches on the bench. Despite having a contract that runs for over three and a half years, his status as a substitute is nudging him towards a potential change in club home in 2027. Barcelona have not yet received any official offers for the defender.
Giovanny Kenda's wait and Trevo Chalobah's revelations
Giovanny Kenda is biding his time: the Portuguese winger, who joined from Sporting Lisbon, has yet to establish himself in Xabi Alonso's plans, having played only 27 minutes across all competitions due to fierce competition from Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, and Pedro Neto. The 19-year-old remains calm: I can’t control the coach's decisions. My job is to keep giving my all.
Trevo Chalobah has spoken out regarding his move to Como, emphasising that his summer departure from Chelsea was entirely his own choice. Despite starting 31 matches in the Premier League last season and the Blues signing Maxence Lacroix, he felt it was the right moment to explore new challenges after achieving success with his boyhood club. The defender has already helped the Serie A newcomers secure three victories in five matches.
Setback in pursuit of JJ Gabriel
Chelsea have encountered a setback in their attempts to lure 16-year-old wonder-kid JJ Gabriel from Manchester United's academy. According to talkSPORT, the young Englishman has refused to train with United and has requested to have his contract terminated.
With an Irish passport, he is eligible to move to a European club before reaching adulthood without the legal restrictions imposed by Brexit. The player's representatives have held talks with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, PSG, and Real Madrid, ruling out a switch to another Premier League club mid-season.
