Ronaldo, Sterling and the NINE players Chelsea are in talks with

FT Desk

• Updated: 2 Jul 2022 17:17 BST
• 4 min read

Premier League clubs have already spent over €500 million on new players this summer, but Chelsea are one of the few teams who are yet to sign a single player.

The main reason for that, of course, was the transfer embargo enforced on the club due to the war in Ukraine, with Roman Abramovich forced to relinquish control.

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Chelsea are now under the ownership of American Todd Boehly, who is in charge of all transfer matters due to the departures of Marina Granovskaia, Petr Cech and Bruce Buck.

The Blues are now actively working on a host of transfers.

Over the last week, Chelsea have either been in fully-fledged negotiations, primary talks or asked for information on at least nine players.

On paper, the most advanced transfer of the nine is for Leeds winger Raphinha. Chelsea have had a transfer bid accepted by Leeds for the Brazilian and only personal terms now need to be agreed for the deal to be completed.

Barcelona, Arsenal and Tottenham have also put in offers for the player. Raphinha would prefer a move to Barcelona and has reportedly told his agent Deco that he doesn't want to sign for Chelsea.

Raheem Sterling is the one transfer that seems likely to go through. Chelsea and Man City are now in relatively advanced talks over a transfer fee, while personal terms will not be a problem.

Chelsea have made the signing of at least one winger a priority this summer, and they have also been in contact with the entourage of Ousmane Dembele.

Dembele sees his contract at Barcelona expire this week. It is still possible he could renew but Chelsea have been monitoring developments over a possible free transfer. Anyhow, Chelsea won't be signing more than two wingers.

Staying in attack, Romelu Lukaku is set to complete his loan return to Inter this week. This opens up a space in the centre of attack.

Chelsea held talks with Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes last week. Mendes is trying to find a new club for his client, despite Man Utd hoping to keep him for another season.

It has been revealed that Ronaldo has asked Man Utd to let him depart the club this summer if they receive a respectable offer for his services.

WHAT PLAYERS DOES JORGE MENDES REPRESENT?

The most pressing area on the pitch for Chelsea is the centre of defence as they've lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers to Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively.

Thomas Tuchel’s team will likely sign two top centre-backs this summer.

Jules Kounde had been Chelsea’s top target for the position but no longer is. Nevertheless, Chelsea are still in contact with the player’s entourage.

Matthijs de Ligt has now become Chelsea’s main target for the defence. Chelsea and Juventus will hold talks on Tuesday and Wednesday over a possible deal.

Chelsea have also asked for information on Inter Milan star Milan Skriniar, who is available for sale for around €70-80m this summer. PSG are already in negotiations to sign Skriniar, but Chelsea are threatening to enter the race.

Should De Ligt prove too expensive and with Skriniar more likely to join PSG, Chelsea have also opened talks with the entourage of Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly. The Senegalese centre back's future is in doubt as his contract expires in 2023.

Finally, Chelsea are considering making a bid for former defender Nathan Ake, who is well-liked by Tuchel but has failed to make the grade at Man City.