Chelsea transfer news: The latest Blues media briefing with reaction to the sales of six stars in one day and a potential battle with Newcastle for Sandro Tonali
Welcome to the football.london transfer briefing. To help you keep on top of all things Chelsea going on in the market we've got the latest noises coming from social media, journalists and so-called ITKs, rounding up what's what in the world of the Blues.
Chelsea agree six deals
One of the most bizarre and busiest days in recent transfer memory took place on Wednesday as Chelsea agreed to the sales of six first team players in effectively one big go.
With the trio of players older than 30 all headed to Saudi Arabia to help develop the Middle East's footballing project and the other two set for cross league moves to Arsenal and Manchester City respectively, it is a large chunk of work for the window done.
football.london says: For all the talk of a mass exodus from Stamford Bridge it was still hard to imagine a day quite like this. Chelsea needed these sales to happen this summer in order raise capital - these deals will bring in around $215million - and to reduce the squad size, but few thought it would be this quick.
As for Kovacic, he has been increasingly injury prone and wasn't likely to sign a new deal. Having spent $51m to make his loan from Real Madrid permanent four years ago, getting $38m back for him is a healthy dose.
Chelsea battle for Newcastle target
Chelsea are planning to try and stop Newcastle from signing Italy and AC Milan star Sandro Tonali this summer. The midfielder is set to bring in over $66m to San Siro with clubs now circling to make him a statement addition with the latest reports via David Ornstein claiming an agreement between Newcastle and Milan is 'close'.
It is said in Italy that Chelsea have told Milan of their intentions to try and bring Tonali to London, offering out players in exchange including Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic.
Newcastle are seemingly ahead in the race, though, and have agreed personal terms with the player as they look to add Champions League experience to their squad.
football.london says: Chelsea certainly need a new midfielder this summer and have had a good look at Tonali after facing him twice in the Champions League group stages. Whilst it would be petty, but oh so typical Chelsea, this could be a chance to lay down a marker to Newcastle as well.
The Geordies are trying to ramp up their investment another notch and prepare for life at the top end of the Premier League but Chelsea have been here longer and won't be too keen on losing out to the new kids on the block. It will not only be adding a player in a position of great need but also stopping a rival from getting that much better.
Tonali is hardly a player that had previously been looked at other than just admiration for his quality and football.london can't see him wearing the Chelsea blue next season
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