Transfer gossip: Speculation over Azpilicueta’s future
Some of the latest transfer speculation involving Chelsea…
The Express have linked Chelsea with three possible ‘replacements’ amid reports claiming that Cesar Azpilicueta could join Barcelona.
Azpilicueta’s contract expires in the summer and there has been speculation over his future. He can speak to non-English clubs next month.
It has even been claimed that an agreement has already been reached for the Spaniard to join Barca.
The Express say Chelsea could move for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, who was previously a target, Wolfsburg’s Maxence Lacroix or Fenerbahce’s Attila Szalai.
Azpilicueta has indicated that he expects to stay at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea tipped to move for Digne
Chelsea are being tipped to move for Everton left-back Lucas Digne following the news that Ben Chilwell could miss the rest of the season.
Digne was previously touted as a potential signing for Chelsea should Chilwell be out for a long spell.
And the Frenchman is being strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge now it has been confirmed that Chilwell will remain sidelined.
Digne has fallen out of favour under Everton boss Rafael Benitez, prompting speculation about the player’s future.
The Guardian reports that Chelsea could sign him on loan so he can act as cover while Chilwell is out.
Chilwell requires knee surgery and looks likely to miss the rest of the campaign.
Milan man also touted for move
Chelsea have also been linked with AC Milan’s France left-back Theo Hernandez.
Italian outlet Tuttosport say Chelsea have made an enquiry about Hernandez and been told he would cost around £50m.
Everton ‘considering Barkley loan deal’
Ross Barkley is being linked with a possible return to Everton.
Barkley is down the pecking order of midfielders at Chelsea, who signed him from the Merseyside club four years ago.
The Telegraph say Everton are considering taking Barkley on loan for the rest of the season.
Real want James, it’s claimed
Spanish outlet El Nacional claim Real Madrid are interested in Reece James and could offer Eden Hazard to Chelsea in exchange.
Hazard has struggled for fitness and form since his big-money move from the Blues to Real and has been linked with a return to the Bridge.
It has now been claimed that Real could suggest to Chelsea that Hazard rejoins them as part of a deal that would see James move to Spain.
Lazio linked with Hudson-Odoi
Callum Hudson-Odoi is another Chelsea player being linked with a move abroad.
Tuttosport claim Lazio’s former Blues boss Maurizio Sarri wants to sign the winger.
Raphinha linked too
The Express have picked up on reports linking Chelsea with Leeds winger Raphinha.
Liverpool are also said to be keen on the Brazilian and both clubs have been tipped to make an attempt to sign him in the summer.
