Transfer gossip: Luiz linked with Real Madrid
Some of the recent transfer speculation involving Chelsea….
The Express have picked up on speculation linking David Luiz with Real Madrid.
The story originates from the Gambling Times, which claimed that ‘sources close to Chelsea’ are suggesting Real are among a number of clubs interested in the Blues defender.
AC Milan, Inter Milan and the Brazilian’s former club Paris St-Germain are also said to be keen on Luiz, who was recently dropped by boss Antonio Conte.
Mail claim Chelsea are eyeing Arp
Chelsea are interested in Hamburg striker Jann-Fiete Arp, it’s claimed.
The Mail say Tottenham have joined a list of clubs keen on the Germany Under-17 international. That list apparently includes Chelsea as well as Arsenal.
The Blues are said to have been monitoring Arp, who has scored twice in three appearances since breaking into Hamburg’s first team.
Barkley speculation continues
Chelsea are again being tipped to move for Ross Barkley in January.
Everton’s Barkley backed out of a move to Stamford Bridge during the summer, since which Tottenham have been tipped to sign the England midfielder.
The Mirror say Chelsea are still keen to sign him and will compete with Spurs for his signature when the transfer window reopens.
The Telegraph run a similar story – and again suggest Chelsea are interested in Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke.
Blues boss Antonio Conte is said to be an admirer of Benteke and unsure that Michy Batshuayi is the right man to lead Chelsea’s attack if Alvaro Morata is out.
Batshuayi could be made available for a loan move if Chelsea sign another striker, the Telegraph say.
Mail link Chelsea with Diakhaby
Chelsea are considering a move for Lyon’s France Under-21 international Mouctar Diakhaby, according to the Mail.
Manchester City are also said to be interested in the 20-year-old, as are Italian club Juventus.
The Mail say Chelsea have been monitoring Diakhaby’s situation ahead of a possible move.
Blues eyeing De Jong, Sun claim
Chelsea are interested in Ajax midfielder Frenkie De Jong, The Sun say.
The newspaper say Arsenal and Manchester City are expected to target the 20-year-old in the January transfer window and that Chelsea are monitoring his situation.
The Sun say Arsenal and City have both already spoken to Ajax about De Jong, who has 18 months left on his contract, and that clubs believe he could be sold for as little as £5m.
Blues keen on Benkovic – Mirror
Chelsea are among clubs keen on Dinamo Zagreb youngster Filip Benkovic, the Daily Mirror say.
The Mirror say Chelsea and Tottenham are interested in the 20-year-old defender and have also picked on reports in Italy linking Arsenal with him.
Benkovic, a Croatia Under-21 international who has been nicknamed ‘Big Ben’, has also been linked with Inter Milan in the Italian press.
Speculation over Musonda’s future
Charly Musonda has told Chelsea he wants to leave the club in January, according to the Mirror.
It follows recent speculation about the youngster’s future and reports claiming that Arsenal are keen to sign him.
The Mirror say Arsenal were sounded out about the Belgian, 21, but apparently believe they have enough young talent with the likes of Reiss Nelson coming through.
Musonda is said to be frustrated at his lack of first-team opportunities at Stamford Bridge.
Blues still being linked with Carrasco
Chelsea have again been linked with Yannick Carrasco, this time amid reports he has fallen out with Atletico Madrid.
Spanish media reports have suggested that the winger wanted to return to his native Belgium while he recovers from an injury and is unhappy that Atletico refused him permission.
The Sun have duly followed that up by declaring that Chelsea are monitoring the situation. It is claimed that the Blues tried to sign him during the summer.
Gulacsi also linked
Chelsea have also been linked with RB Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi.
A number of newspapers have picked up on a story by ESPN, who believe the Blues and Arsenal are interested in signing the Hungary international.
It is claimed that Chelsea are looking for a new keeper because of supposed doubts over Thibaut Courtois’ future and that Arsenal have a identified Gulacsi as a possible replacement for the Gunners’ former Blues keeper Petr Cech.
Fabregas in line for new deal – Times
The Times say Chelsea are ready to offer Cesc Fabregas a new contract amid renewed interest from Manchester United in the midfielder.
United’s former Blues boss Jose Mourinho has often been tipped to move for Fabregas since taking over at Old Trafford.
The Times believe United want to sign the 30-year-old Spaniard and that Chelsea are looking to secure his future at Stamford Bridge.
Fabregas has 18 months remaining on his current deal.
The Times say he wants to sign for an additional two years but could settle for a shorter deal given that Chelsea’s general policy is to offer only one-year extensions to players over the age of 30.
