Breaking News: According to reports, Chelsea has made a €25 million offer for a Fenerbahce center-back as an alternative to Thiago Silva.
Chelsea has shown significant interest in acquiring a new talent who impressed at the Euro, with a high possibility of securing the transfer.
Sporting Director Lawrence Stewart and Paul Winstanley have been closely monitoring the player and are awaiting the right offer before finalizing the deal.
Ferdi Kadıoğlu, one of Turkey’s standout players during Euro 2024 who were eliminated by the Netherlands in the quarterfinals, is rumored to be on Chelsea’s radar.
Reports indicate that Chelsea plans to meet with his representatives soon to discuss securing his transfer.
Kadıoğlu could be a valuable addition for Chelsea, with Enzo Maresca aiming to complete the deal before the end of July.
According to a Turkish newspaper, Chelsea has offered €25 million (£21 million) for the full-back.
However, Chelsea’s offer falls short of Fenerbahce’s €35 million valuation, a price that doubled after Kadıoğlu’s impressive performances at Euro 2024.
Chelsea, having completed six transfers already, needs additional funds and will likely need to sell another player to make the transfer happen.
Conor Gallagher has been put on a potential exit plan, while Trevor Chalobah has been rejecting offers from clubs like Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, though he has the option to choose his next move since he’s not nearing the end of his contract.
Enzo Maresca has been seeking a new right back along with two strikers, and Chelsea is actively considering offers as they look to finalize the deal soon.
Chelsea has also been negotiating with Aston Villa’s head coach and sporting director to complete the transfer of Ollie Watkins this summer.
Unai Emery is focused on revitalizing Villa’s squad after a tough season, actively managing player transfers.
With Enzo Maresca overseeing the transfer process, Chelsea might need to part with another key player to secure Watkins’ signing.
Watkins scored 27 goals and provided 13 assists last season for Villa, earning a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024. Despite limited playtime, he made a crucial impact by scoring in the 90th minute of the semi-final against the Netherlands, helping England reach the final.
Watkins could be a significant addition for Chelsea, meeting the criteria set by the manager for strengthening the squad.
Aston Villa is reportedly interested in acquiring a promising talent from Chelsea, making it an opportune time for a deal since the player is willing to move to West London.
Chelsea has offered £60 million for Conor Gallagher, while Aston Villa values Watkins at £47 million plus add-ons.
Villa’s manager Unai Emery and sporting director Monchi have been working hard to enhance the squad this summer, bringing in players like Ian Maatsen, Samuel Iling-Junior, Lewis Dobbin, Enzo Barrenechea, and Ross Barkley, while Douglas Luiz and Tim Iroegbunam have left the club.
Watkins has also attracted interest from Arsenal, with former defender William Gallas praising his potential fit with playmaker Martin Odegaard.
“For Arsenal, I like Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins,” Gallas said in an interview with Lord Ping. “He has the pace needed for a striker, and paired with Odegaard, it would be magnificent. Defending against Watkins is tough because he’s so clever with his runs. With Odegaard, they could cause significant damage. If I were at Arsenal, I’d choose him.”
To secure Watkins, Chelsea should consider making a bid before Arsenal intensifies their interest or include their midfielder in the offer.
Adding Watkins would mark a remarkable transfer season for Chelsea under Enzo Maresca, giving the manager numerous options for the next season.