Chelsea Transfer News Today: Blues in shock world-class striker pursuit

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 11 Mar 2026 09:47 CDT
• 4 min read

News

All the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea are desperately on the hunt for a midfielder, while there are contrasting claims about their summer plans in attack.

Chelsea linked with shock Lautaro Martinez deal

Chelsea are seriously tracking Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, according to Argentine newspaper La Nacion.

It claims that the Blues could be ready to offer the Nerazzurri as much as €100 million for the striker, who has been laid up for close to a month after suffering an injury in the Champions League clash away to Bodo/Glimt.

Lautaro’s recovery from his current physical glitch will be vital in Chelsea’s decision over whether they make an offer, the report briefly claims.

Delap transfer stance outlined

Chelsea have taken the surprising stance that Liam Delap is not for sale, according to a report from The Mirror.

Delap arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer in a €35m deal from Ipswich but has struggled for form and fitness since signing for the Blues, netting just one Premier League goal to date.

Internally, there is still confidence that he has the makings of a top Premier League striker, the report claims.

Chelsea have already agreed a deal to sign Emmanuel Emegha from Strasbourg next summer, meaning that Delap faces the prospect of increased competition in Liam Rosenior’s plans.

Chelsea face Sunderland competition for Avom

Lorient midfielder Arthur Avom has emerged as a summer transfer target for Chelsea, but they face competition from Sunderland if they are to land the energetic youngster, Africa Foot reports.

Despite falling out of favour in recent weeks with the Ligue 1 side, Chelsea are closely tracking the box-to-box midfielder, who will be a free agent at the end of the season.

The 21-year-old Cameroon international is in talks with Sunderland over a move to the Stadium of Light, with the Black Cats ready to offer a four-year contract with the option of a fifth.

The Blues face a major battle to persuade the €9.2m-rated star not to hook up with former Lorient boss Regis Le Bris at their Premier League rivals.

Blues target ‘Declan Rice 2.0’

Johan Manzambi is another central midfield option that Chelsea are tracking, though competition in this case promises to be intense. According to TeamTalk, Manchester United, Arsenal, PSG and Bayern Munich are all following the Freiburg star.

Manzambi is another box-to-box player on the Stamford Bridge club’s shortlist, with the 20-year-old Switzerland international noted for his energy and technical ability.

The Bundesliga side want a €50m fee for a player who has been described as 'Declan Rice 2.0'.