Chelsea transfer news and rumours: Raphinha contract ‘agreed’; Nathan Ake breakthrough; Koulibaly latest

Marc Mayo
·2 min read
(AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Chelsea are taking the final steps to make their first big-money transfer since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital’s takeover.

Blues fans have become gripped by the possibility of Raphinha, Raheem Sterling and more arriving at Stamford Bridge after the exit of Romelu Lukaku was confirmed.

It is not only in attack where Thomas Tuchel wants to improve his options, though.

Central defenders Nathan Ake and Kalidou Koulibaly have reportedly sparked Chelsea’s interest along with Matthijs de Ligt and Milan Skriniar.

Here is your morning update of Chelsea transfer news and rumours...

Raphinha

Personal terms worth £115,000-a-week and a five-year contract are “broadly” agreed between Chelsea and Raphinha now, according to the Telegraph.

Leeds are also happy with a fee in the region of £55million yet one last play by Barcelona could disrupt the deal.

Marca report on Raphinha’s agent, former Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder Deco, holding talks with the Spanish club as they await a decision from Ousmane Dembele on his contract and a £160m sale of a percentage of their TV rights before being able to make a bid.

However, Leeds will not wait forever for Barcelona to stump up the cash.

Nathan Ake

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

A deal to bring Ake back to Stamford Bridge from Manchester City is growing closer.

That is according to Revelo journalist Matteo Moretto, who names the fee at around £40m for the Dutchman.

Pep Guardiola is reportedly ready to let Ake go with Tottenham, Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Newcastle United and West Ham reeled off by 90min as in the mix.

Kalidou Koulibaly

Napoli could sell star defender Koulibaly this summer for as little as £40m, making him a target for Chelsea according to the Mirror.

With 12 months left on his deal, the experienced Senegal international would pose a cheaper option than De Ligt of Juventus and Skriniar of Inter Milan.

The report adds that Tuchel does prefer Koulibaly’s Serie A colleagues for a summer move, relegating him down Chelsea’s shortlist while remaining an option nonetheless.

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