Chelsea’s season may be on hold as the world battles the coronavirus crisis, but that has not stopped reports claiming they are looking ahead and planning their summer transfer business.
It remains to be seen when the transfer window will open this summer, as leagues and associations battle to conclude their current campaigns.
But managers, and their recruitment staff, are believed to be keeping busy in isolation by planning deals well in advance if the latest reports are to be believed.
With that in mind, here are the latest transfer rumours from Stamford Bridge.
Blues lose Antony hunt
Antony’s agent has revealed that Ajax beat off interest from Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund to sign the Brazilian forward.
The Dutch giants signed Antony from Sao Paulo for around €15.75 million, with the winger the intended replacement for Hakim Ziyech, who is off to the Blues this summer.
Speaking on the move, Junior Pedroso said : “Borussia Dortmund was close by and even sent someone to Brazil. There was also interest from two major clubs from England, including Chelsea. We spoke to a total of twelve clubs.”
Milan in Mertens talks
AC Milan are in talks with Napoli striker Dries Mertens over a summer move.
Chelsea were linked with a move for Mertens in the January transfer window, with the forward’s deal at Napoli set to expire this summer.
The 32-year-old has 121 scored goals and claimed 73 assists for Napoli in 311 games, and according to La Stampa, negotiations are underway over a move to AC in the upcoming window.
Werner boost
Liverpool have told Timo Werner’s representatives they need more time to decide on whether to make a formal offer for the forward.
Werner was believed to be keen on a move to the Reds this summer, with Chelsea also believed to be interested in the German.
And now it appears that the Blues have been handed a boost in their pursuit with the Guardian claiming the Reds want to wait to see what impact the coronavirus outbreak will have on the next transfer window before making any offers for players.
