Chelsea have been one of the busiest clubs in the 2023 summer transfer window thus far with the Blues offloading 11 players and bringing in seven signings. Out of the seven additions, only two of them are senior players – with the focus on bringing in the next generation of talent to Stamford Bridge.
However, there are expected to be multiple more incomings before the summer transfer window closes in a month-and-a-half. The Blues remain locked in talks with Brighton over a deal to sign Moises Caicedo this summer.
The Ecuadorian midfielder has made no secret of his desire to move to Chelsea and football.london understands that personal terms have already been agreed on, although nothing has been signed at the time of writing.
Rather frustratingly, there has not been too much progress with the deal, with Brighton once again proving to be stubborn negotiators. There does, however, remain a confidence from Chelsea's side that a deal can be struck eventually, but by the sounds of things, that will not be anytime in the very near future.
Meanwhile, Chelsea this week stepped up their interest in Lyon star Rayan Cherki. football.london understands Chelsea have contacted Cherki and his representatives to see if he would be keen on the move and the feedback from his camp was very positive.
It is now up to Chelsea to speak directly to Lyon to try and negotiate a deal for someone they view as a generational talent. The French club are determined not to sell Cherki this summer but interestingly enough they have not ruled out a sale.
Following the departures of Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic and Kai Havertz, Chelsea are on the lookout for another attacking option with only Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke to call upon in those roles behind the strikers. Cherki has now been identified as their priority in that position with a genuine belief that he can grow into a world-class talent.
Hakim Ziyech, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Romelu Lukaku are all expected to leave at some point. Lukaku is more advanced than the other two, with Inter Milan locked in talks with Chelsea over an appropriate fee for the striker after seeing a bid in the region of £30million rejected. Ziyech and Aubameyang, meanwhile, are still searching for clubs to end their nightmare spells at Stamford Bridge.
Callum Hudson-Odoi is also expected to end his time with the Blues. Fulham and Nottingham Forest are seriously interested in the Cobham graduate. Conor Gallagher is another one that could leave Stamford Bridge in the coming weeks. The England international has big interest from fellow Premier League clubs, including Tottenham, Newcastle United and West Ham United.
Chelsea will listen to offers for the 23-year-old but may be tempted to wait until they get some more in the door first. Gallagher, football.london understands, is still considering his future and will make a decision soon .
Trevoh Chalobah is in a similar boat to his fellow academy graduate Gallagher. Chalobah has interest from elsewhere – including Inter Milan – and while he is open to leaving, it is understood he won't push for a move away.