Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
George Smith

Manchester United make key transfer decision that could have a huge impact on Chelsea

A sense of excitement is lingering in the air above Stamford Bridge.

After sealing a top-four finish in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon with a 2-0 home victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, which secured a place in next season's Uefa Champions League in the process, Chelsea are now looking forward to this weekend's FA Cup final against Arsenal and the summer transfer window.

The Blues, who will be looking to inflict revenge on the Gunners for their FA Cup final defeat in 2018, have already been actively busy in the transfer market ahead of next season, sealing the signings of Ajax midfielder Hakim Ziyech and RB Leipzig star Timo Werner, both of whom have already started training with their new teammates at the club's Cobham training base.

Frank Lampard on impact of Champions League on transfers

Despite having splashed out more than £80million on luring both Ziyech and Werner to the Premier League, Chelsea are still looking to add further additions to Frank Lampard's squad ahead of mounting a Premier League title charge next season.

The Blues are understood to be close to sealing the signing of Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz, whilst also being linked with moves for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly and Ben Chilwell of Leicester City.

Whilst it is clear that Chelsea do need to bolster their defensive options this summer, they are also believed to be on the hunt for a new goalkeeper, with Lampard having doubts about the qualities of current Blues shot-stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

In recent weeks, the Blues have been heavily linked with moves for Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak and Manchester United shot-stopper Dean Henderson, who has recently returned to Old Trafford following a second successful loan spell at Sheffield United.

Whilst Oblak is already classed as one of the very best goalkeepers in world football, Henderson is a player working towards that target, as he is being tipped to go far, despite only being 23-years-old.

Oblak has a release clause in his Atletico contract worth around £110million, meaning Chelsea could struggle to fund that deal if they splash out the best part of £90million on Havertz.

On the flip side, Henderson, who kept 13 clean sheets during his time on loan at Sheffield United this season, is thought to be valued at around £50million, according to the Express.

However, any hopes Lampard may have had of luring Henderson to Stamford Bridge this summer could be dashed by Manchester United's plans to tie the former Shrewsbury Town loanee down to a new contract.

According to a report by Sky Sports, United have entered a "crucial stage" in their hopes of tying Henderson down to a new long-term deal.

Should United's plans to keep hold of Henderson go to plan, it could spell the end of Chelsea's chances of signing the goalkeeper, many tip to be England's No.1 for years to come, this summer.

If that proves to be the case, Chelsea may be forced to switch their full focus back onto Oblak, despite the Slovenian international being valued at a significantly higher price that Henderson.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.