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Football London
Football London
Sport
Lewis Pangratiou

Chelsea take first step to sign Barcelona star and it's not Ousmane Dembele

The summer transfer window is now open and it's the start of a really busy few months for Chelsea. The Blues are set to revamp their squad in order to try and get closer to the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City next season.

Thomas Tuchel knows he has a big challenge ahead of him to try and mount a serious title challenge with Chelsea, but it's one that can be achieved if the recruitment is right this summer. It's easier said than done, of course, but a busy summer period is expected either way.

football.london understands that Chelsea have agreed a fee with Southampton for goalkeeper Eddie Beach. The 18-year-old impressed this season on the south coast, having played a pivotal role in the Saints lifting the Under-18 Premier League South division.

READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel must confront Antonio Conte Chelsea record after Premier League fixture release

football.london also understand that several clubs were interested in securing the shot-stopper's signature this summer, but Chelsea won the race. Ironically enough, Beach's final appearance of the 2021/22 U18 Premier League campaign came against the west Londoners in a 5-2 win.

Even though Beach is expected to be the Blues' first summer signing, the club remain busy elsewhere, and reports are now suggesting that the club have made their first move for Barcelona star, Alejandro Balde.

Chelsea have been strongly linked to Balde's teammate Ousmane Dembele, but according to Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea have already contacted Balde's representatives as they hope to complete a transfer in the coming weeks.

Whether they can get a deal over the line remains to be seen, but as their rivals have all already confirmed at least one signing, the Blues will be looking to get as many over the line as possible.

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