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Chelsea are preparing to face Arsenal at the Emirates on Tuesday, April 23, in the Premier League. Mauricio Pochettino's team are coming off a disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City in the FA Cup semifinal on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Blues are not in talks to bring Lille striker Jonathan David to Stamford Bridge. Elsewhere, defender Trevoh Chalobah is likely to leave the London giants this summer.
On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on April 22, 2024:
Chelsea not in Jonathan David talks, says Fabrizio Romano
Chelsea are not working on a move for Jonathan David, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
The Blues are expected to sign a new No. 9 to lead the line next summer, and the Canadian is the latest name to be linked to the club. David has been in fine form for Lille this season, registering 24 goals and seven assists in 42 games across competitions.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano said that neither the London giants nor Napoli are engaged in talks for the 24-year-old.
"Another Chelsea story that I wouldn’t read too much into at the moment involves links with Lille striker Jonathan David. I’m aware there has been speculation about the Canadian forward being on Chelsea’s radar, but also being of interest to Napoli as a potential replacement for Victor Osimhen," wrote Romano.
He continued:
“I have no confirmation about Napoli negotiations at this stage. Of course many clubs appreciate David so I’m sure he will be one to watch this summer with one year left on his contract, but Napoli have not decided their main target as striker yet. It’s the same for Chelsea – there is no concrete update on my side.”
Interestingly, Victor Osimhen also has admirers at Stamford Bridge and is wanted at the club this summer.
Trevoh Chalobah likely to leave, says Fabrizio Romano
Trevoh Chalobah is likely to leave Chelsea this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The English defender struggled with injuries in the first half of the season and was expected to be offloaded in the winter, amid interest from Bayern Munich and Nottingham Forest.
However, a move didn't materialise, and he has worked his way back into the starting XI in recent games. The situation has sparked talk of a possible stay at Stamford Bridge.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano said that the Blues want to cash in on the 24-year-old at the end of the season.
“Another defender who could be one to watch on the market this summer is Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah, and I thought I’d clarify his situation as some fans have been asking me if his situation could change now that he’s been playing more often recently and performing well in Mauricio Pochettino’s line up," wrote Romano.
He continued:
“My understanding is that the expectation is still for Chalobah to leave, so that Chelsea can make profit and for Chalobah to be a regular starter. Having said that, it was the same in January and didn’t happen at that time because you need to make all parties happy to make the deal happen."
He concluded:
“I’ve spoken about interest from Bayern Munich and Nottingham Forest in the past, but there’s nothing happening now. Let’s see who’s going to move on that, at the moment there is nothing concrete yet in terms of talks.”
Chalobah has appeared in 10 of the last 11 games, seven of which have been from the start.
Blues willing to be patient with Nicolas Jackson, says Fabrizio Romano
Chelsea are willing to afford Nicolas Jackson time to help him find his feet at Stamford Bridge, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Senegalese striker arrived at the club from Villarreal last summer but has blown hot and cold. The Blues are searching for a new No. 9 ahead of the summer, raising doubts about Jackson's future.
However, speaking to Caught Offside, Romano said that the 22-year-old remains firmly in the club's plans.
“Nicolas Jackson is being made a bit of a scapegoat after missing some big chances, but it’s his first season, coming from Villarreal, and he’s still very young.
"We need to understand that players are not robots, it’s been a difficult season for Chelsea but Jackson scored an important number of goals and club believes he has an important potential," said Romano.
He added:
“They will give him time for sure. They are still very happy with a signing they completed for a normal fee.”
Jackson has appeared 37 times across competitions this season, registering 13 goals and five assists.
