Thomas Tuchel may have only celebrated success in the Champions League less than three weeks ago, but the Chelsea boss is already stepping up his transfer business ahead of a busy summer transfer window.
The Blues boss guided his side to an unexpected European triumph after just five months in charge, having succeeded Frank Lampard in January.
But the German will know there are certainly improvements which can be made to his squad as he eyes a Premier League title challenge in 2021-22.
With both Manchester clubs and Liverpool planning to strengthen their respective squads, Tuchel has acknowledged the club’s need to recruit to improve the squad.
The 48-year-old revealed in a press conference in May that he would like “up to three” new signings, with several players set to head for the Stamford Bridge exit.
The club confirmed the departure of central defender Fikayo Tomori to AC Milan on Thursday in a deal worth a reported £26m on, rising to £30m with add-ons.
And there is little doubt the club’s director Marina Granovskaia, who handles their transfer dealings, will be using the proceeds from the sale to fund moves elsewhere to seal moves for Tuchel's targets.
Here is the latest transfer news and speculation coming from west London…
No Haaland agreement yet
Would you pay £100m to sign Erling Haaland, Chelsea fans? Let us know the comments section below.
Chelsea fans will be growing excited about the prospect of landing one of football’s brightest talents as it appears they are edging closer to striking a deal for Erling Haaland.
The Borussia Dortmund frontman scored 41 goals in as many games this season and such performances have seen him linked with Europe’s elite, including Manchester City, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The 20-year-old is likely to command a fee in excess of £100m, with Dortmund reportedly demanding £150m to sell the Norwegian striking sensation in the summer transfer window.
It was claimed on The Transfer Window Podcast, as reported by The Sun, that the Blues had agreed personal terms with Haaland, but Sport Bild insist no deal has been struck yet.
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The German publication’s chief correspondent, Christian Falk, says that while Chelsea are actively pursuing him as a top target but they must iron out more details before an agreement is reached.
Billionaire owner Roman Abramovich is said to have personally involved himself in negotiations to try and broker a deal with the Bundesliga giants, suggesting the European champions are desperate to sign Haaland.
Hakimi exit confirmed
The agent of Achraf Hakimi has handed a huge boost to Chelsea in their pursuit of the Inter Milan star.
Tuchel is believed to be looking to sign a new right wing-back after trialling Reece James, Cesar Azpilicueta, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic in the position with mixed results.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed a fine season with the Nerazzurri, who secured their first Serie A title since 2011 under Antonio Conte, scoring seven goals and laying on eight assists for his team-mates.
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But the Italian head coach resigned from his role in protest over sales of key players as the club look to balance the books amid concerns of their finances.
Chelsea have stepped up their interest in signing the former Real Madrid full-back and have lodged a bid of £50m plus Marcos Alonso in a bid to stave off competition from Paris Saint-Germain.
And the player’s representative, Alejandro Camano, has confirmed the Italian club will sell the Morocco international this summer.
“The only one who is going to leave Inter for now is Hakimi, who I also represent,” Camano said, as quoted by The Metro.
“[With Lautaro] there is still no clear situation. [But Hakimi] he is going.”
Maddison to replace Ziyech
Despite the rise of Mason Mount over the past two seasons, Tuchel appears to be in the market for another creative midfielder.
Chelsea were linked with Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish earlier this week and now it appears they have turned their attention to Leicester ’s James Maddison, report Leicestershire Live.
The 24-year-old has fallen out of favour in recent months after suffering in a dip in form and the England international was warned by the club over a coronavirus breach when lockdown measures were in place.
His actions do not appear to have deterred Chelsea in their pursuit of the playmaker, who scored 11 goals and registered six assists in all competitions last season. Arsenal are also interested in the ex-Norwich midfielder.
Maddison only penned a new contract last year to keep him at the club until 2024 and with the Foxes reluctant to sell, it could take an offer of around £70m to kickstart negotiations.
He could replace Hakim Ziyech, the winger who has struggled to replicate the same form he showed for Ajax in 2019-20.
The 28-year-old has been linked with a move to Italy, with AC Milan and Juventus keen, and the Blues could use the cash from his sale to make a move for Maddison.