Chelsea transfer news: Chelsea superstar ready to join Real Madrid, new signing to be unveiled in 48 hours, and more - 23rd January 2018

The January transfer window is in its last week of action with Antonio Conte expected to be one of the busiest of the lot. Chelsea are linked with a number of players but until now, only one player has signed on the dotted line.

On that note, let's take a look at all the transfer stories concerning Chelsea that made the news on January 23rd, 2018:

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Thibaut Courtois ready to join Real Madrid

Is Courtois off to Madrid?

Chelsea's no.1 custodian has reportedly decided where his future lies. Don Balon has claimed that Thibaut Courtois has his heart set out on a return to La Liga and is looking to dethrone Keylor Navas from his position.

Real Madrid do need a keeper in the summer after the boardroom recently came to a conclusion that Navas has not shown previously high levels of performances since returning from injury.

Florentino Perez believes that a pursuit for David De Gea may prove to be taxing and has hence made Courtois his top goalkeeping target. The Belgian who spent three years with Atletico Madrid (2011-2014) has reportedly suggested his agent to work out a deal with Real Madrid as soon as possible.

It is believed that Courtois is intentionally delaying talks of an extension with Chelsea as he is holding out for a bid from Spain. His contract expires in 2019 and wants to resolve his future this summer itself.

Meanwhile, according to reports from Sky Sports, Guillem Balague has claimed that PSG have also entered the race for Courtois and have reportedly completed preliminary formalities. Meanwhile, wherever Courtois plays next season, he is set to become the world's highest paid goalkeeper.

Emerson Palmieri transfer to be wrapped up within 48 hours

From Rome to London

Goal understands that Chelsea are set to complete the signing of Emerson Palmieri from AS Roma in the next 48 hours. He is expected to sign a four and a half year deal with the Blues. Antonio Conte is also hoping that negotiations for Edin Dzeko also see the day of light and the club completes a double sweep for the Roma duo for around £50 million.

It is reported that Emerson's agent started talks with Chelsea last week but the discussions gathered pace over the weekend. Conte is expected to welcome the left-back to the fore and has hoped that the 23-year-old will be ready to be included in the squad for the weekend's FA Cup clash against Newcastle United.

But Chelsea will need to manage his playing time with minute attention as Emerson has just returned from a serious knee injury and has played just two matches this season. Meanwhile, Emerson holds a dual citizenship with Brazil and Italy and hence won't require a work permit in England which will further fasten his official announcement.

Newcastle United set to sign Kennedy on loan

Kennedy will join the Toons on a short loan spell

The Daily Mail has reported that a deal has been cracked between Chelsea and Newcastle United which will see Kennedy join the Magpies on a six-month loan spell. The out of favour winger was pictured in Tyneside last night and an official announcement is expected to be made in the next 24 hours.

Kennedy joined Chelsea from Fluminense two years ago for £6 million. He has failed to warrant a spot as a wing back too and now with the imminent arrival of Emerson Palmieri, Antonio Conte took the decision to send Kennedy on loan.

Kennedy has made just 5 appearances this season with his playing time being limited to cup competitions. Rafa Benitez has been a long-term admirer of the winger and after Kennedy, Newcastle are looking for two more fresh faces in their squad.