As Chelsea players returned to small group training sessions this week, with Frank Lampard beginning to ramp up his preparations for the resumption of the Premier League, work behind the scenes continued to rumble on.
The Blues have positions of need throughout the squad. They are in search of some offensive firepower in the attacking positions and also have a loan army to manage, navigating the careers of many young prospects.
In today’s transfer rumours, there are updates on Philippe Coutinho, Antoine Griezmann, and a potential young loanee departure.
Here are your Chelsea transfer rumours for Friday, May 22nd.
Barcelona open to selling Coutinho
Amid consistent links to Stamford Bridge, Miguel Rico of Mundo Deportivo via Sport Witness reports that Barcelona are open to selling Philippe Coutinho this summer.
Per the report, Barcelona are looking to sell Coutinho by the end of next month as the Bundesliga is scheduled to finish before July.
Previously, agent Kia Joorabchian said that Coutinho would welcome a move back to the Premier League.
“The Premier League is something that he has always enjoyed playing in, and loved playing in, and would probably love to come back and play in,” Joorabchian told Sky Sports News.
Griezmann links shut down
Another report from Diego Rico and Mundo Deportivo via Chelsea News states that the club has no interest in Coutinho’s teammate, Antoine Griezmann.
Rico states that Barcelona will not consider selling Griezmann this summer after only signing him last summer in a €120 million move. Griezmann has struggled for form since arriving at the Nou Camp.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are in the search for offensive reinforcements. Their striking options are unreliable, with only Tammy Abraham offering long-term security at the position, while both Willian and Pedro could depart this summer as their contracts expire.
Conor Gallagher wanted on loan
Another member of the Chelsea Loan Army, Conor Gallagher, could be set for another loan spell away from Stamford Bridge, this time overseas.
After a strong season for Charlton Athletic and Swansea City in the Championship, Gallagher has attracted interest from Turkish side, Trabzonspor.
Per Turkish newspaper Karar via Football League World, Trabzonspor are keen to add the 20-year-old who has tabled six goals and seven assists this season across his two spells.
Chelsea initially recalled Gallagher in January from his loan at Charlton, only to then send him out on loan to fellow Championship side Swansea. Gallagher impressed again, adding five assists in only 900 minutes of action, and could now be set to challenge himself away from English football.
