Chelsea Transfer News: Blues eye shock move for Liverpool target, To trigger £89 million release clause of La Liga Superstar and more - August 7, 2018

Transfer Deadline Day is fast approaching and Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has a lot of work lined up on his plate. Several complicated matters need to be sorted out with the ongoings uncertainties looming around Stamford Bridge as the Blues lack vision heading into the Premier League campaign.

Thibaut Courtois has decided his future and made his intentions clear to Sarri and the entire Board. It is high time that Chelsea start speeding up their transfer activity with only two days left in the transfer window and have the desired squad rallied in place for all the major competitions.

On that note, here are the top transfer stories of the day pertaining to Chelsea:

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Blues in contention for Fekir

Fekir scored 18 goals in Ligue 1 last term

According to the Metro, Chelsea have joined the pursuit for Olympique Lyon captain Nabil Fekir. The French international has also been targetted by Liverpool in recent months and was close to joining the Reds.

Liverpool were on the verge of signing Fekir for £53 million in June but a failed medical saw the deal collapse. Meanwhile, Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas has reiterated on a timely basis that the 25-year-old is going to stay for the forthcoming season and will not be sold this window.

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is keen on adding more firepower in his midfield to complement N'Golo Kante and new signing Jorginho. The Blues seem very interested in Fekir and are likely to launch a £60 million offer to bring him through the door at Stamford Bridge before the closing of the British transfer window on Thursday.

Nabil Fekir stated that he remains content playing in Ligue and similarly has not ruled out the possibility of leaving Lyon this month.

Chelsea target Oblak and Kepa

Oblak conceded just 22 goals in La Liga last campaign

With Thibaut Courtois asserting that he desires to leave Chelsea this month, the Blues have stepped up the search for their next number 1. Atletico Madrid's Jan Oblak and Athletic Bilbao shot-stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga along with Jack Butland of Stoke City are the three shortlisted goalkeepers.

According to the Mirror, Chelsea are prepared to activate the £89 million release clause of Oblak with Courtois' exit from Stamford Bridge edging closer. The Slovenian has cemented his claim as one of the best goalkeepers in the world in recent seasons and is regarded as the ideal replacement.

Similarly, the Blues are ready to trigger Kepa's €80 million release clause, another backup option viewed by Maurizio Sarri. The Italian was keen on recruiting the Athletic keeper during his stint as Napoli manager last season and could force a deal for Arrizabalaga this time around.

Butland is third in line to replace Courtois and is available at the lowest fee of the three goalkeepers. Talks have begun between both parties and Stoke are willing to sell the Englishman for £30 million with add-ons.

Willian opens up about Chelsea future

Willian came off the bench against Manchester City in the Community Shield

Willian responded to the continuing developments about his Chelsea future and revealed that he aims to stay in West London for the forthcoming season, according to The Sun.

The Brazilian has been linked with the likes of Barcelona, Manchester United and Real Madrid in the last one month. In a recent interview, Willian explained about his relationship with former boss Antonio Conte and the difficulties he endured during the Italian's reign.

However, Willian did say that he has high expectations from new boss Maurizio Sarri and is looking forward to working with him. The 29-year-old also affirmed that he seldom remains in contact with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho and would like to play under the Portuguese tactician sometime again in the future.

However, Willian reemphasised that he is happy at Chelsea and wants to remain at Stamford Bridge for the 2018/19 campaign despite the growing interest from Man Utd and offers from Barcelona last month.

Willian added: "I have my head here and I intend to continue in the club unless the club wants to sell me. I also like living in London, it is an amazing city, and my family is well adapted. So yeah, I intend to stay at Chelsea."

Here is the video of Willian's interview on ESPN Resenha: