Welcome to our football.london CareFree Chelsea daily news round-up. Maybe not the first, we've definitely done transfer round-ups before, and European round-ups, so I guess in some ways it's not that new at all.
Anyway, we thought we would enter the world of football in a broad and roundabout manner for you and have some fun with some of the stories and captions doing the daily rounds.
United close in on Kounde
Todofichajes have reported that Manchester United are looking to beat Chelsea in the race for Jules Kounde.
The Manchester club is looking ready to pay the 80 million Euro release clause, that Chelsea were haggling on in the summer transfer window.
In that window, Chelsea were heavily linked with the French defender but a deal failed to materialise after Sevilla were looking to get the maximum for the player.
Our take: Sevilla may just bow to the heavy interest from England for Kounde.
After United’s leaky defence record in the Premier League this season, it’s no wonder Old Trafford are looking at a makeover for their backline, after bringing in Raphael Varane to the team in the summer.
Barcelona on Chelsea haul pursuit
Spanish outlet AS are reporting that Barcelona are planning a swoop for three Chelsea players, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech.
The report states that none of the three players are happy under Thomas Tuchel are looking for a combination of permanent and loan moves for the attackers.
They certainly would boost new manager Xavi, after having slim pickings of attackers because of a lengthy injury list.
Our take: The latter two will be a huge loss, but with Hakim Ziyech failing to fit into the Chelsea squad and be consistent in his performances it could be a player that the club are okay to have to let go of perhaps.
But Hudson-Odoi and Pulisic are two players that fans will want to stay at Stamford Bridge. It’s hard to see Chelsea letting all three go and might compromise on an offer if it’s good enough for one player.
Blues keep an eye on Insigne
Chelsea are monitoring the European Championship winner and Jorgino’s international teammate, Lorenzo Insigne.
This is per the reports of Marca who say that Insigne is on top of the Blue’s transfer list, alongside Jules Kounde and Matthijs De Ligt.
They also report that the club are looking for consistency in forward options, after having options who are young and not bringing in that firepower upfront week in week out.
The 30-year-old striker will need some convincing to leave Napoli, with him being contracted to the club his entire club football career so far.
The Italian’s contract ends at the finish of this season and it could be a move that entices someone who is arguably playing out the last five years or so of their career.
Follow our CareFree Chelsea trends writer Renuka Odedra on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts in the comments section below.
