Key events
Sky Sports are suggesting another unwanted Chelsea player, Trevon Chalobah, may be headed to Stuttgart on loan. If that comes off, he’ll be playing Champions League football.
Jacob Steinberg
The Chelsea goalkeeper, Djordje Petrovic, is going to join Strasbourg on loan after losing his place to Robert Sánchez and Filip Jörgensen.
Jacob Steinberg
Wolves are interested in signing Nayef Aguerd on loan from West Ham. The Morocco centre-back is out of favour at the London Stadium and has emerged as a target for Gary O’Neil’s team.
That earlier Kepa news, as written up by Ben Fisher.
Jacob Steinberg
There’s cautious optimism at Chelsea about their move for Victor Osimhen, the feeling at Stamford Bridge being that they can convince the Napoli striker to join them on a salary that fits into their wage structure.
A new striker remains a priority for Enzo Maresca, as he is wary of pressing ahead with Nicolas Jackson as the only senior No9 in his squad. However doubt remains over whether Osimhen will end up a Chelsea player. He has a huge offer from Al Ahli and the Saudis are trying hard to get the Nigerian to take it. There’s talk, too, that there could be a late move from PSG.
More negotiations today. Chelsea have alternatives but it doesn’t sound like they are sure on going for for Ivan Toney.
Meanwhile Chelsea are still working on a deal to sign Jadon Sancho from Manchester United. A loan to Juventus is the other option for the United winger. Meanwhile another Chelsea goalkeeper is heading for the exit – Djordje Peteovic is set to join sister club Strasbourg on loan.
Jeremy Lee gets in touch: “Whilst the fact United have been surprisingly un United like in the effectiveness of this window’s transfers – ie we have actually got some decent players at reasonable prices to fill positions that really needed filling – can someone please explain to me why Sterling would even come on to the radar of the boys at Ineos?
“Swap one overpaid , underperforming player with a severe attitude problem for an even more overpaid, underperforming player with another severe – well, you get the point! I note with caution that on Wikipedia Sterling is compared to Alexis Sanchez – and we ll know how well that went for United. Keep your money in your pocket Sir Jim please Keep the Faith.”
The word from Bretntford is that Ivan Toney may stay at the club. Chelsea and Al-Ahli have shifted attentions to Victor Osimhen.
Manchester clubs set for quiet window closure
Jamie Jackson
Despite the sale of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid for €95m (£81.5m) earlier this month Manchester City are unlikely to replace the forward or do any other business before the summer window closes on Friday at 11pm, though the usual caveat of never say never remains, is the understanding of this correspondent.
Across town, Manchester United have no cash left once the expected €50m (£42.3m) plus €10m buy of Manuel Ugarte is completed (which may occur on Thursday) but if Jadon Sancho departs on a permanent deal – the player’s preference is Chelsea though Juventus are still keen – there may be finance to consider acquiring Raheem Sterling from the west London club.
News on a summer signing, bad news, actually. Brighton signed Matt O’Reilly only for his to get injured in the opening minutes of his debut against Crawley. Fabian Hurzeler speaks: “It’s a bad injury, he needs ankle surgery and I can’t say how long he’s out. We will support him and try to get him back fast on the pitch. He’s a good character, and is a really positive guy. It’s really important to stay mentality strong and I am certain he will come back stronger from this.”
Kepa loaned to Bournemouth
Done deal: Kepa Arrizabalaga has joined Bournemouth on loan, after signing a contract extension, thus reducing Chelsea to a mere 114 goalkeepers.
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has signed a one-year contract extension and completed a season-long loan move to #PL side Bournemouth.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 29, 2024
“We are delighted to bring a player of Kepa’s calibre to Bournemouth,” chief executive Neill Blake said. “We were aware of his availability and were keen to take the opportunity to bring him to the club on loan. We believe he will be an exciting addition to our talented goalkeeping department.”
Preamble
Good morning. Friday 11pm draws near, and desperation takes hold among some clubs, while others are looking for the deal to complete a decent summer. Some deals we expect to complete – or fall apart:
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Federico Chiesa: Juventus to Liverpool
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Manuel Ugarte: PSG to Manchester United
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Romelu Lukaku: Chelsea to Napoli
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Aaron Ramsdale: Arsenal to Southampton
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Scott McTominay: Manchester United to Napoli
And many many, more. Let’s find out, shall we?