Chelsea-now have a week to prepare for next Monday’s Premier League clash with West Ham United. The Blues suffered a blow in their bid to land a top four spot over the weekend, losing to Manchester City, and they won’t want to lose any more ground having fallen down to sixth place.
In the meantime, the search for now signings goes on, while Enzo Maresca is also managing what is likely to be a handful of exits. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Stamford Bridge.
Veiga deal
Chelsea have agreed to loan out Renato Veiga to Juventus, with the player having already put pen-to-paper on the deal, according to Fabrizio Romano. He tweeted: “Renato Veiga has just signed his Juventus contract, deal sealed. Official soon — exclusive story, confirmed.”
Veiga has struggled for regular game time this season despite Maresca having previously praised the defender for his versatility. He will depart on a loan deal, but Juventus have no option to make it permanent, showing just how much Chelsea thinks of Veiga and his potential future at the club.
Chelsea are said to be interested in a deal to sign AFC Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, who has a release clause in his contract that will come into force this summer. Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Understand Dean Huijsen has released a clause into his contract valid from this summer.
“Told Chelsea really appreciates Huijsen and he’s high on the list, Bayern called to be informed. Bournemouth are unbeaten since Huijsen entered the starting XI, with 8 clean sheets.”
Felix interest
Aston Villa are on the lookout for an attacking midfielder this month, and according to RMC, they have turned their attention to Blues star Joao Felix, who has been linked with an exit this month. Felix only arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer, but he has struggled to convince Maresca, often appearing from the bench.
It’s claimed Villa and the Blues have held conversations over a possible loan deal lasting until the end of the season. Neither Chelsea or Villa are likely to commit to a future purchase option at this stage. The issue for Chelsea is that they would be loaning a player to a direct top four rival, a move they may rue down the line.
