Here are your Chelsea evening headlines for Monday, March 30.
Firm interest in Magalhaes
Alan Smith, football.london’s Chelsea correspondent, has said there is “firm interest” in Lille defender Gabriel Magalhaes.
The 22-year-old has played 24 times for Lille in Ligue 1 this season and has attracted interest from Chelsea, Everton and Arsenal.
The Brazilian plays in the centre of defence and transfermarkt has valued him at £19.80m after an impressive season in France.
“There is firm interest in the Lille defender, he would cost about £30 million but do not expect any agreements to be confirmed until the lockdown is over,” Smith said on the highly-rated defender.
Potential £221m transfer loss for Blues
According to CIES, Chelsea could be set to lose £221m from their squad value if the season is not completed.
Football has been postponed until April 30 at the very least due to the coronavirus pandemic that is impacting all countries around the world.
CIES say that Manchester City are set for the biggest loss, with Frank Lampard’s side predicted to lose over £200m.
The Blues’ current squad value is just over €1 billion (£884m) and their database has predicted that it would be a 24.9% fall to €757m (£663m).
“The greatest loss in relative terms concerns ageing footballers with short-term contracts who played fewer matches during the current season than in the previous one,” CIES explained.
Alternatives to Sancho
Chelsea correspondent Smith also named Timo Werner and Moussa Dembele as potential alternatives if the Blues do not land Jadon Sancho this summer.
Sancho has been linked with Chelsea, as well as Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool.
However, if a deal for the highly-rated Borussia Dortmund winger cannot be completed, then the Blues could look elsewhere, as Smith explained.
“I believe the emphasis on strengthening in attacking midfielders and wide areas will also depend on who stays or moves on,” football.london’s Chelsea reporter said.
“If Willian and Pedro depart, Chelsea will have to strengthen in that area but if they could agree last-minute extensions it would seem less pressing.
“Moussa Dembele remains in the mix and can play in a variety of roles, Timo Werner will be hot property and Hakim Ziyech is already on his way.
“Let’s also remember that Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi, fitness depending, are still on steep development curves.”
