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Chelsea Transfer News Today: Blues chase Europe's most in-demand midfielder as €100m battle heats up
Cameron Smith
- 14 Dec 2025 15:20 CST
- 5 min read
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FootballTransfers runs through the latest Chelsea transfer news, including updates on Yan Diomande and Kees Smit.
Yan Diomande price tag set
Chelsea and Liverpool have been told that they must pay over €100 million to sign RB Leipzig wonderkid Yan Diomande next year.
The Ivory Coast winger has racked up seven goals and four assists in 16 appearances so far this term and he has been the subject of links to various Premier League clubs over the past few weeks.
Current ETV
Yan Diomande
F (L), AM (R)
RB Leipzig
Yan Diomande
F (L), AM (R)
RB Leipzig
ETV Range
€22.8M - €27.8M
Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City have all registered interest in the teenager, although Sky Germany have confirmed that it will cost a fee in excess of €100m to sign him.
Furthermore, Diomande is fully focused on performing for Leipzig and a transfer will only become a genuine possibility after the 2026 World Cup.
Kees Smit update
Chelsea have ‘taken the lead’ in the race to sign AZ Alkmaar wonderkid Kees Smit, who has also attracted attention from teams such as Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle ahead of 2026.
Only two players have played more minutes than the 19-year-old for AZ this season but the Dutch side could be willing to cash in on Smit if they receive an offer in excess of €30 million, according to The i Paper.
The report claims that Chelsea have held recent dialogue with Smit’s camp but it is currently unclear if the Premier League giants will make a move in January as rumours have indicated they are set for a quiet winter window after a busy summer.
Newcastle had been pushing the hardest for Smit and are keen to attempt a mid-season move, but the Magpies are described as ‘less optimistic’ of acquiring his signature in recent weeks as Chelsea’s interest has developed.
Enzo Maresca rift
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has an “internal issue” at the club, as per a bombshell report from talkSPORT.
It has been claimed that he was surprised at the lack of support he received following their disappointing 2-1 loss to Atalanta in the Champions League last week and while Maresca has been encouraged to rotate his first-team squad, he believes he is scapegoated whenever this backfires - such as the defeat to Leeds United in early December.
It comes after Maresca seemingly took aim at the Chelsea hierarchy following their win over Everton.
After a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto, the Blues head coach told reporters: “The effort, the open mind, the way they want to learn has been fantastic and this is the reason why I praise the players because with so many problems, they are doing very well after a complicated week.
“Since I joined the club, the last 48 hours have been the worst 48 hours since I joined the club because many people didn't support us.”
Asked if he was specifically referencing the Chelsea fans, Maresca replied: “Worst 48 hours since I joined the club because people didn't support me and the team.
“I love the fans and we are very happy with the fans.”
It comes amid rumours that Maresca could be sacked, with Chelsea eyeing a possible move for Oliver Glasner.
Iliman Ndiaye to join?
Chelsea fans have speculated that Iliman Ndiaye could join the club next year after he was spotted talking to Reece James following Eveton’s 2-0 loss at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The Senegal star has been linked with a number of top Premier League clubs amid his eye-catching form for Everton and Chelsea supporters believe that James may have told him to join the club in 2026.
Kobbie Mainoo latest
Chelsea and Bayern Munich are currently leading the race to sign Man Utd midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, as per CaughtOffside.
The England star is yet to start a Premier League match this season, after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim, and he is expected to pursue a January exit in a late bid to be included in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
As many as 12 clubs are eager to sign Mainoo during the winter window and although his priority is a move to Napoli, it’s claimed that Chelsea and Bayern are leading the chase for his signature.
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Premier League
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Iliman Ndiaye
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