Here is your Chelsea morning digest for Monday, June 1.
Chelsea head race for Coutinho - report
Chelsea have reportedly moved into pole position in the race to sign Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho.
The 27-year-old moved to Barcelona in 2018, but has spent recent months out on loan to Bayern Munich - who do not wish to sign him permanently.
The player's agent Kia Joorabchian has made it clear that he wants to head back to England, where he enjoyed great success with Liverpool.
And he is available on loan or permanently - with the Express reporting Chelsea have now edged ahead of London rivals Arsenal in the tussle to secure his signature.
Bids in for Osimhen
Lille owner Gerard Lopez has confirmed that he has already received plenty of bids for striker Victor Osimhen - one of Chelsea's reported summer transfer targets.
The 21-year-old has scored 18 goals in Ligue 1 this season after signing on a five-year deal from Sporting Charleroi in Belgium in 2019.
“There are multiple offers,” Lopez told the Daily Mail. “We turned down one English and one Spanish offer this January transfer window.
“Whatever number you heard, the high number I have read is very much on the money of the offers that we have received. That's where we are.”
Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have also been linked with a move for the Nigerian international.
Sancho alternative identified - report
Chelsea are said to be preparing a bid for a Liga star - who they see as an ideal alternative to the much in-demand Jadon Sancho.
According to reports in Spain, they are tracking Samuel Chukwueze of Villarreal - who has scored four goals and set up four more this season, and made the breakthrough to the senior Nigeria side.
The winger is a fan of the Blues - which gives them a distinct advantage over the other interested clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City.
Reports suggest that he does have a significant release clause in his Villarreal contract - but the figures reported differ, ranging from €50million to €100million.
