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Jake Stokes

Chelsea identify £68m Declan Rice alternative as Thomas Tuchel handed Christian Pulisic dilemma

Chelsea fans are still waiting for their side to make their first signing of the summer transfer window with plenty of work to do ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Antonio Rudiger has already left to join Real Madrid while Andreas Christensen, Romelu Lukaku, Cesar Azpilicueta and Timo Werner could all join the German out the door. Todd Boehly has promised Thomas Tuchel a transfer kitty of £200million for the summer, with an overhaul possible before the new campaign.

A number of big names have been linked with moves to Stamford Bridge this summer and there will be little rest for those in charge of the club. With that in mind, football.london runs you through the latest rumours.

READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo has already delivered verdict on his Man Utd future amid Chelsea transfer link

Liverpool ignite Bellingham transfer race

Chelsea could be set to lock horns with Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United this summer for the transfer of Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund. The 18-year-old has been subject to growing interest from a handful of Europe's leading sides as he continues his development at the Signal Iduna Park.

According to Goal, Jurgen Klopp is a fan of the England international, whose contract at Dortmund expires in 2025. However, it's said that Liverpool are aware of the 'fierce' competition that could arise, with Chelsea among several potential suitors lurking in the shadows.

The report adds that the west Londoners have lodged their interest in Bellingham, however Dortmund could outline a £100m asking price. Goal claim that the Englishman would likely commanded a salary that would place him among the highest earners, if he were to leave the German side.

Read the full story here.

Chelsea find Rice alternative

It has been reported that the Blues have opened initial talks to sign £68m-rated midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic from Maurizio Sarri's Lazio outfit. The former Chelsea boss has already been credited with an interest in both Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Emerson Palmieri, but a potential swap deal has already seemingly been rubbished.

This is according to Italian outlet CalcioNews24, who have reported that talks have begun between the two clubs who could be doing multiple deals together across this summer transfer window. The report goes on to clarify that Sarri himself is willing to let go of a player that has been compared to Juventus' new signing Paul Pogba in the past if it meant that a few of his former colleagues from west London were to join him in Italy this summer.

Read the full story here.

Pulisic can help Tuchel sign De Ligt

Christian Pulisic could play a major role in Chelsea completing the signing of Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt this summer. The 22-year-old centre-half has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, with Thomas Tuchel eager to replace Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.

However, while a deal is yet to have materialised, it's said that either club are open to navigating various avenues in order to complete a transaction. And, according to Tuttosport, via Marca, Pulisic is of interest to the Italian giants amid the west Londoners' pursuit for De Ligt.

The report adds that Juventus would be open to discussing a swap deal with Chelsea to ensure that a transfer suits all parties involved. Tuttosport add that Juve would, hypothetically, receive Pulisic - or Timo Werner - plus cash in order for Chelsea to sign De Ligt.

Read the full story here.

READ NEXT:

Chelsea make Jules Kounde transfer U-turn as Cristiano Ronaldo influence revealed

Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from Stamford Bridge

Full Chelsea Premier League fixture list for 2022/23

What Thomas Tuchel has said about Cristiano Ronaldo as Todd Boehly discusses transfer with agent

Jules Kounde makes 'financial' decision as Chelsea turn transfer attention to Matthijs de Ligt

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