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Chelsea are preparing for their final game of the season against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday, May 19, at Stamford Bridge. A win will secure sixth place for Mauricio Pochettino's side irrespective of other results.
Meanwhile, the Blues are interested in outgoing Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane. Elsewhere, the London giants could sign Girona striker Artem Dovbyk for €40 million this summer.
On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on May 17, 2024:
Chelsea eyeing Raphael Varane
Chelsea have identified Raphael Varane as a possible replacement for Thiago Silva, according to Fichajes.
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The Brazilian defender is set to leave once his contract expires at the end of the season and will rejoin former club Fluminense. The Blues are scouting the market for an influential figure to take the place of the veteran defender and have found their man in Varane.
The Frenchman remains a legend of the game, but he has endured a mixed time with Manchester United. Varane will also be available as a free agent this summer, and his next destination hasn't been decided yet. The London giants are considering a move for the 31-year-old, but his injury history should be a cause of concern.
Varane has suffered 11 different injuries since joining the Red Devils from Real Madrid in 2021. He has missed 29 games for the club since the start of last season.
Blues learn Artem Dovbyk price
Chelsea have to trigger Artem Dovbyk's €40 million release clause to secure his signature this summer, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
The Ukrainian striker has been in sizzling form for Girona this season, helping them to third place in the league after 36 games. Dovbyk has scored 21 goals and set up nine in 39 outings across competitions. The Blues are expected to sign a new No. 9 as replacement for Romelu Lukaku this summer, and the 26-year-old Dovbyk has emerged as an option.
In his column for Caught Offside, Romano said that Girona won't accept a reduced fee for Dovbyk.
“Dovbyk has a release clause in his contract and the value of this clause is €40m, which Girona have no intention to negotiate around – this is the price any interested clubs would have to pay for the 26-year-old.
"So, whoever wants to sign Dovbyk has this possibility, but not by negotiating with Girona, it would require paying the €40m clause and agreeing personal terms with Dovbyk," wrote Romano.
Romano also refuted claims that the London giants were close to signing the Ukrainian in January this year.
"We know many clubs around Europe are looking for strikers this summer, so Dovbyk could be an interesting name to watch. Chelsea were rumoured with a move in January but he was never close in January, in the summer is still open situation," wrote Romano.
He concluded:
“As for the player, he’s really open in terms of his next move, he doesn’t have a specific league in mind – it depends on the project, the manager, and what they want to do with him.”
Dovbyk's contract with the Spanish side runs till 2028.
Former player backs Mykhaylo Mudryk to excel
Former Manchester City full-back Gael Clichy believes Mykhaylo Mudryk can turn over a new leaf next season.
The Ukrainian arrived at Chelsea from Shakhtar Donetsk in January last year but has failed to live up to expectations. The 23-year-old has appeared 41 times across competitions this season, registering seven goals and two assists, but is yet to convince fans.
However, speaking to Ladbrokes Fanzone, Clichy pointed out that Mudryk has all the qualities to be a hit next season.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Mykhailo Mudryk comes out next season and becomes the best winger in the Premier League, because he’s absolutely got all of the attributes which you want in a winger,” said Clichy.
He continued:
“Why is he not performing now? His club is not performing, maybe he’s not feeling himself, and maybe that will change next season. We all have quick opinions, and it’s very easy to judge when we haven’t got all of the cards in front of us.”
The Blues saw off stiff competition from Arsenal to sign the Ukrainian for £88.5 million last year.
