Chelsea are 11th in the Premier League after eight games. They next face local rivals Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on October 21 in the league.
Meanwhile, the Blues are interested in RB Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo. Elsewhere, manager Mauricio Pochettino has called for calm amid a shaky start to the campaign.
On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on October 13, 2023:
Chelsea want Dani Olmo
Chelsea are interested in Dani Olmo, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Spanish attacking midfielder has been a rage since joining RB Leipzig in January 2020. He has registered five goals and one assist in four games across competitions this season, confirming his status as an elite playmaker.
The player's efforts have turned heads at Stamford Bridge, where Pochettino is keen to add more creativity to his ranks. The Argentinean reckons Olmo could be the solution and is planning to move for the 25-year-old next year.
However, the Blues face competition from Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Arsenal for the player's signature.
Mauricio Pochettino calls for calm
Mauricio Pochettino has called for calm after a rocky start to his tenure as Chelsea boss.
The Argentinean manager took charge of the first team this summer and invested heavily, spending nearly £450 million. However, the Blues have struggled to hit top gear, registering just three wins in eight league games and five in 10 games across competitions..
The team have shown signs of a recent revival, picking up three wins on the run across competitions. Speaking to the club's website, Pochettino pointed out that his young squad needs time and training to reach their full potential.
"It’s always about building a team. It’s a young squad, a team that still need to to know each other. Only with time and training can we provide the team with what it needs. It’s why it is only a matter of time, no doubt," said Pochettino.
He continued:
"We need to be calm in the way we judge players and the team. I think we are growing, and very good things are coming. You can feel that, even if sometimes we have some ups and downs. But, in the end, we will succeed together, for sure."
Pochettino also stressed the importance of being emotionally vested in his job.
"Young guys today demand a lot of energy. They need your work, your support, your say always. They need to feel confident and comfortable.
"For that, you need to know each other and spend time together. It’s a big job from all the coaching staff, but it is a thing that we love to do," said Pochettino.
Pochettino will be keen to make a statement when Arsenal come calling later this month.
Blues unlikely to secure top-four finish, say Marcel Desailly
Chelsea legend Marcel Desailly is unsure if the club will manage a top-four finish this season. The London giants are 11th in the league, six points behind Liverpool in fourth place.
Desailly told Gambling Zone that the Blues' squad have the potential to come good, though.
“I don’t see Chelsea achieving a top-four finish. It pains me to say that, but it’s the truth!
"I hope I’m wrong, but I don’t see how they can do that. Chelsea have too many players who need to adapt and perform week in and week out," said Desailly.
He continued:
“It’s all about rebuilding a new foundation for the club with talented players. It’s good to see them generating confidence because they were so poor for so long.
"There were so many mistakes. Sometimes I watch Chelsea, and I’m so disappointed, but, other times. I think they’re amazing. The potential is there.”
Mauricio Pochettino's side entered the international break with a 4-1 win over Burnley at Turf Moor in the league.
