Chelsea may be readying themselves for Sunday’s FA Cup third round tie against League Two side Morecambe, but transfer talk never halts.
The Blues are experiencing a dip in form at the moment and pressure is growing on Frank Lampard to deliver some results after a run of just one win in their last six league games.
Owner Roman Abramovich sanctioned the signings of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Kai Havertz, Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell and Edouard Mendy last year, but recent results could tempt the west London club back into the market this month.
Meanwhile, Chelsea also need to focus on trimming their current stable of players, with plenty of people hoping to make a permanent move or find a new home on loan.
It is set to be a busy period on and off the pitch for the Blues, and with that in mind here are the latest transfer rumours surrounding the club.
Lampard and board at odds over Rice pursuit
There is reportedly tension between Chelsea’s board of directors and manager Lampard over the club’s interest in West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.
That’s according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, who reports that some figures at Stamford Bridge “harbour reservations” about Rice, who was released from the club’s academy when he was 14 years old.
Lampard is a big admirer of Rice and it is the Blues boss who is leading the pursuit of the 21-year-old, but the club are unconvinced of his qualities and the amount it would take to sign him.
Sky Sports reported that Chelsea saw a £50million bid rejected in August and it seems that, behind the scenes, the club are not agreed on the possibility of making another bid.
Piazon set to end Blues association
Lucas Piazon is finally about to end his 10-year association with Chelsea by signing for Braga, according to Portuguese publication Record.
Piazon joined Chelsea as a 17-year-old in 2011, but has spent much of the following 10 years out on loan with Malaga, Vitesse Arnhem, Frankfurt, Reading, Fulham, Chievo and Rio Ave.
He has reportedly been recalled from his latest loan at Rio Ave in order to finalise a transfer away from Stamford Bridge.
Bordeaux, Norwich City and Stoke City were all reportedly interested, but Record states that Braga will make the 26-year-old midfielder signing official soon.
Miazga open to Anderlecht transfer
Chelsea defender Matt Miazga has revealed that he is open to making his move to Anderlecht permanent.
The 25-year-old centre-back is on loan at the Belgian club this season, where he has made 10 league appearances for Vincent Kompany’s side.
The USA international has said he is enjoying the experience and would be happy to stay for another season - be it on loan or permanently.
“I am open to it. I play here every week, the competition suits me, the atmosphere is good and life is pleasant,” he said in an interview with Het Laatste Nieuws.
“It helps that everyone speaks English. So, I would definitely like to stay, but it also depends on what Anderlecht and Chelsea desire.”
