After the international break, Chelsea is expected to give the go-ahead for seven summer transfers
Chelsea can begin their summer transfer business after the international break ends later this week.
This year's FIFA World Cup will not be held in May, June, or July for the first time in the competition's history. Instead, the international tournament will be held in November and December, potentially giving Chelsea an advantage in the summer transfer market.
When players are on international duty for their respective countries, it makes signing them that much more difficult. When the UEFA Nations League fixtures conclude tomorrow, Chelsea will be able to accelerate their plans for the summer.
The Blues, who are now under new ownership, are aiming for an extremely busy summer. With so many outgoings expected, Thomas Tuchel and the club's board will be looking for even more incomings than usual.
So, with that in mind, football.london examines the seven deals Chelsea can pursue once the international break concludes later this week...
Jesus Gabriel
Chelsea is interested in Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus this summer. The Blues have held talks with the agent of the Brazil international, football.london understands, with only a year left on his contract in Manchester.
The 25-year-old joined City from Palmeiras in 2017 as a number nine, but Pep Guardiola has used him all over the front three.
Chelsea will also be hoping for Ousmane Dembele on a free transfer.
The France international's contract with Barcelona is set to expire at the end of the month, and many clubs are interested in signing him.
Dembele and Chelsea have already discussed a summer transfer, football.
london understands, but PSG, who are also interested in the winger, remain a threat to the Blues. The 25-year-old will now leave the France camp, with Les Bleus playing their final Nations League match (until September) last night against Croatia (Monday evening).
Kounde, Jules
Jules Kounde is another man who is set to return from the France camp. Chelsea are hoping to reach an agreement with Sevilla in the near future to sign the 23-year-old centre-back, who they came so close to signing last summer.
Kounde has already agreed personal terms with Chelsea, according to football.london, but a fee for his services has yet to be agreed upon. The Blues must continue to negotiate with Sevilla in the coming weeks in order to bring in their first-choice central defender.
Chelsea are close to completing a deal to sign 18-year-old Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, according to football.london on Sunday evening. The Blues are hoping to sign the teen American in the near future, ahead of Real Madrid, who are also interested.
Kante, N'Golo
N'Golo Kante's contract at Stamford Bridge expires in just over a year. Chelsea's manager emphasized at the end of last season how important the France international, who suffered an injury while on duty for his country, is to his Blues squad
"I think he's our key, key, key player," he said, "but key, key, key players need to be on the field." "If he only plays 40% of the games, it is a miracle that we are in third place." He's our Mo Salah, our Virgil Van Dijk, and our Kevin De Bruyne. He's just that player, our Neymar and Kylian Mbappe." He is the one who makes the difference, and if you only have him for 40%, you have a huge problem.
Given that percentage, it's a miracle that he gets results.
"It puts everything into perspective, because I saw Liverpool struggle without Van Dijk last season. You can tell the difference. N'Golo is a key player for us, and we need him on the field."
Lukaku, Romelu
Romelu Lukaku was also injured while on international duty. Last week, the Belgian striker limped off for his country due to an ankle injury. However, there is a chance Lukaku will play in the Red Devils' match against Poland this evening.
football.london understands that despite only rejoining Chelsea last year, the 29-year-old striker is desperate to leave this summer. Inter Milan are thought to be Lukaku's preferred destination, but no agreement has been reached.
Chelsea will be reluctant to lose much of the £97.5 million they paid for the Belgian last summer. Inter, on the other hand, will be unable to afford anything close to that sum and would prefer to bring him in on a season-long loan.
That is complicated by the fact that Lukaku's current salary at Chelsea is said to be around £325,000 per week. If he does leave Stamford Bridge this summer, the Blues may have to pay a significant portion of his weekly wage. Any deal for the aforementioned Jesus could hinge on Lukaku's exit.
Jorginho
Jorginho, like Kante, is nearing the end of his Chelsea contract. The Italian midfielder continues to divide opinion and has been linked with a return to Serie A.
Juventus are said to be monitoring Jorginho's situation and may make a move for him before the start of the new season. After drawing 0-0 with England at the weekend, the midfielder could be in action for Italy tonight as they travel to Germany in their Nations League match.
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