Maignan deal could be paused until January and Gittens talks continuepublished at 13:17 BST 10 June
13:17 BST 10 June
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
Chelsea have a clear valuation for goalkeeper Mike Maignan but they are refusing to pay AC Milan's asking price, so a deal is not expected to happen today.
It is worth noting the Blues can go to Maignan in January and sign him on a pre-contract for a free transfer.
They did see him as an opportunity but remain content enough with current goalkeeping options Robert Sanchez, Djordje Petrovic and Filip Jorgensen.
Mike Penders, who signed a contract almost 12 months ago, and Jorgensen cost the club £45m last summer.
Belgium Under-19s international Penders is seen as one of the best teenage goalkeepers around and will officially join the Chelsea fold this summer.
Sanchez had a good final six games to help the team qualify for Champions League and Blues boss Enzo Maresca has not asked for a goalkeeper.
The current recruitment has been led by the club's sporting directors who explored the Maignan opportunity, but only at their right price.
It is also unlikely a deal for Jamie Gittens will be completed before the first arbitrary transfer deadline.
Talks will continue beyond Tuesday with a seven-year deal on the table.
Nevin picks out the best deals so farpublished at 10:05 BST 10 June
10:05 BST 10 June
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty Images
The mini transfer window has been interesting with some intriguing stories.
Matheus Cunha to Manchester United seems to make some sense, certainly more that many of their transfer deals in the past few years. At least Cunha has proved he can do it in the Premier League.
Liam Delap had his pick of a few clubs because of his affordable £30 million buyout fee. Well done to the agent who got that written into his contract. Trent Alexander-Arnold is older but still big news. However, I do not think he is the most important deal done in this window thus far.
There was not too much fanfare following Dean Huijsen's £50million move from Bournemouth to Real Madrid but it is hard to imagine any other transferred player having the same long-term impact.
Liverpool might have been tempted by him as the eventual replacement for Virgil van Dijk, but then Huijsen was unlikely to turn down Real, having already elected to represent Spain over his birth nation, the Netherlands.
The 20-year-old is a class act. It is very unusual for such a young centre-back to be so assured and mature. My suspicion has always been that he will be an enduring world star if he steers clear of major injuries.
Trent grabbed much more attention in the short term, but Dean is more likely to be the long-term superstar Galactico in Madrid.
Abramovich hopes for 'proper goodbye'published at 09:09 BST 10 June
09:09 BST 10 June
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich says he wants to return to Stamford Bridge for "a proper goodbye", in his first interview since sanctions forced him to sell the club in 2022.
The oligarch, who the UK Government allege has strong links to Russian president Vladimir Putin, has not spoken since the sale of Chelsea and his last known interview was with Forbes in March 2021.
In an interview in Abu Dhabi in February for the book "Sanctioned" by Nick Purewal, Abramovich ruled out re-investing in Chelsea or, indeed, any other football club.
But he said he wants to return to Stamford Bridge someday.
"Perhaps one day there would be a situation where I could attend a match and say a proper goodbye, but nothing more than that," he is quoted as saying.
He added: "I don't have any interest in any role in a football club, certainly not a professional role."
Abramovich also says he still wants a resolution to the war in Ukraine, insisting his efforts to act as a peacekeeper in talks in Turkey in 2022 were genuine.
This is the first time he has spoken since he sold Chelsea for £2.5bn to Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, who have overseen two underwhelming years before finishing fourth this season to qualify for the Champions League and winning the Conference League.
Boehly, who also part-owns successful baseball franchise the LA Dodgers and basketball team the LA Lakers, said in the book: "If you look at our ambitions for the Dodgers and for the Lakers, you're here to win, and it's our business to win; and we're doing everything we can do to win.
"Our goal with Chelsea is also to win silverware, because we know, and I know, how much it means to the fans. It makes you appreciate again that sport makes people happy, especially when you win. And Chelsea is supposed to win.
"But I really believe that sustained success is an investment, and no matter what business I'm in, or any industry, there are no shortcuts."
Meanwhile, Abramovich's comments have emerged just a week after the UK government threatened to sue him,with proceeds from the sale of the club still stuck in a frozen bank account.
'No more signings' and 'no reason to panic' - fan views on deadline daypublished at 08:03 BST 10 June
08:03 BST 10 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on whether Chelsea needs to have any transfer activity before the first of the two summer transfer windows shuts on Tuesday.
Here are some of your comments:
Gary: I would like to see both Jamie Gittens and Mike Maignan come in, but I don't think it will happen in this window. Chelsea's owners have a track record of dragging their heels when things need wrapping up quickly.
Phil: Has to be Maignan. A top keeper is a priority for any team wanting to challenge for honours.
Jack: No more signings. Signing Liam Delap is great business, and I'm excited to see how he is integrated into the squad, but we don't need multiple signings right now. We've only just escaped the bloated squad syndrome of previous seasons, so let this team grow and evolve together without adding more young players into the mix. Djordje Petrovic seems like a fairly obvious solution to our goalkeeping woes.
Stuart: Given that we can sign players again next week, there is no reason to panic before this 'deadline'. I'd like us to bring in Mohammed Kudus, who has looked good in the Premier League at West Ham, but if we need to wait to get a better deal, then that's fine. Not sure we need Maignan as I'd like to see Petrovic (who I've always rated over Sanchez) given a chance. Obviously got a few to move on, but we can do that throughout the summer.
Jim: Yes, let's get in Gittens and Maignan, and an experienced centre-back, and we will dominate the Club World Cup.
Colin: The Club World Cup should be a good opportunity to get deals done because it's going to be a competition that probably won't come around too often for some to play in. Today will be the day to get the deals done, and then it's off to the USA.
Follow transfer deadline daypublished at 08:02 BST 10 June
08:02 BST 10 June
Today is the first of two transfer deadline days this summer as the window shuts for seven days before reopening on 16 June.
In a change to the summer transfer window norm, it opened early to allow clubs involved in the Fifa Club World Cup 10 days to sign players for inclusion in the competition.
Whether it turns out to be a day of transfer action or a pretty quiet one for your club, you will be able to keep across it all on BBC Sport.
Man City in talks to sign Chelsea's Bettinellipublished at 20:48 BST 9 June
20:48 BST 9 June
Shamoon Hafez and Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporters
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester City are in talks to sign English goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea.
The 33-year-old has been third choice at Stamford Bridge for the past four seasons and City will aim to complete a deal before Tuesday's transfer deadline.
Earlier on Monday, City announced veteran goalkeeper Scott Carson will leave the club when his contract expires this summer.
Pep Guardiola also completed the signing of Algerian full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves for £31m on Monday.
The predominantly left-winger, 20, has caught the eye after a breakthrough 2024-25 season in the Bundesliga where he scored 12 goals and provided five assists across 48 games in all competitions.
His purple patch came over Christmas, scoring or assisting in six out of seven games between November and January - but, notably, did find the net just once more after this.
With the amount of recruitment in attacking areas for Chelsea in recent seasons, fans might well be thinking - in the words of DJ Khaled - 'another one'?
However, with Jadon Sancho returning to Manchester United after his loan spell, Mykhailo Mudryk's future still unclear and Raheem Sterling likely to be heading for the exit, it does leave the Blues light on that side of the pitch before a campaign where they will need more depth to cope with Champions League football.
With Chelsea choosing against signing Sancho permanently, it seems Gittens is the replacement, but how does he compare?
When it comes to output, Gittens just comes out on top for combined goals and assists, with 17 compared to Sancho's 15. However, they were equal in their goalscoring efficiency, with both having a shot conversion rate of 15.6%.
Sancho's strength lay in what he did for others, creating more chances than Gittens playing more passes into the box and winning possession in the final third more often, according to Opta.
Gittens on the other hand, was particularly strong on what he did with the ball at his feet.
The England Under-21 international proved higher for dribbles completed (3.6 to 2.2), 10 or more progressive carries (181 to 133), duels won per 90 (7.2 to 3.6) and then winning over half of those duels (50.1% as opposed to Sancho's 44.7%).
In Enzo Maresca's time at Chelsea, wingers have been interchangeable, with players often switching positions during matches.
The right-hand option has generally been Noni Madueke and he has excelled with his output in attack.
His goals and assists per 90 edges out Gittens at 0.6 compared with 0.5, while he had also more shots per 90 (3.5) and more shots on target per 90 (1.5) than both Gittens and Sancho.
Madueke's 2024-25 also featured more touches in the opposition box per 90 than the other two (8.6 compared to 6.0 and 6.5).
The numbers suggest there is still room for improvement in Gittens' game, and the drop-off towards the end of the season that saw him start only three of the final 10 matches could be a concern.
But, Chelsea often favour potential over ready-made and, at just 20 years old, he has time on his side to become to become a top-level talent.
Dortmund make their movepublished at 11:28 BST 9 June
11:28 BST 9 June
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
It is not only Chelsea and Manchester City who are getting their transfer business in order for the Club World Cup. German giants Borussia Dortmund are also working hard in the market.
A fee for Sunderland's Jobe Bellingham is now in place for him to follow brother Jude Bellingham to the German club, while negotiations continue with Chelsea over Jamie Gittens.
BVB have already rejected one offer, but I expect Chelsea to come back with an improved deal.
Dortmund's fortunes were transformed by their late season run of seven wins in their final eight games to secure a place in next season's Champions League.
With Club World Cup finances to come - they are the only European team in their group so you would expect them to reach the last 16 and probably go further than that - they find themselves in a better negotiating position than it had appeared a couple of months ago.
🎧 Rise of American ownership in English footballpublished at 11:07 BST 9 June
11:07 BST 9 June
It is not just at the top of the Premier League where American ownership has a foothold in English football.
Twenty years on from the Glazer takeover of Manchester United, one third of the 72 EFL clubs now have either majority or minority US backers.
In a special episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast, Kelly Cates is joined by a group of experts to investigate whether this trend is likely to continue.
Do you want business on deadline day?published at 08:34 BST 9 June
08:34 BST 9 June
On Tuesday, the first of two summer transfer windows will come to a close.
So, do you expect business to be done at Chelsea before the deadline? Do you want players to come in or exit? If so, what or who do you think is needed?
Gossip: Chelsea ready bids for Gittens and Maignan published at 07:24 BST 9 June
07:24 BST 9 June
Chelsea's offer of 35m euros (£29.5m) for English winger Jamie Gittens has been rejected by Borussia Dortmund, who are demanding 50-60m euros (£42-£50m) for the 20-year-old. (Sky Sports, external)
Meanwhile, the Blues are prepared to pay AC Milan up to 15m euros (£12.6m) for 29-year-old France goalkeeper Mike Maignan. (Sky Sports, external)
'Kudus is the type of winger Maresca likes'published at 17:58 BST 6 June
17:58 BST 6 June
Image source, Getty Images
Former West Ham first-team coach Edu Rubio has been speaking to BBC Sport about Mohammed Kudus and how he could potentially fit in at Chelsea, should the Ghana winger end up moving to Stamford Bridge.
"Mohammed Kudus can add more attacking threat to Chelsea now that Jadon Sancho is confirmed to go back to Manchester United after the end of his loan spell," said Rubio.
"Kudus is a very versatile attacker like Chelsea duo Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke, as he can play down both flanks and come inside into the middle.
"He fits Blues manager Enzo Maresca's 4-2-3-1 system as well as he is the type of winger he likes.
"But he can also add an aggressive high-press style. His approach to close down the man on the ball is exceptional. He is rapid, intense and effective with it.
"Kudus can also add goals into the Chelsea squad. His work rate off the ball is very good too.
"He may need to improve his decision-making when on the ball. At times, a pass-and-go can be more effective than trying to beat your man one-on-one.
"Overall, he can add goals to this Chelsea side, has great work rate off the ball, and can contribute to the winning mentality that the Blues have got back into after their Conference League success."
Gunners keen on Chelsea's Kepapublished at 17:19 BST 6 June
17:19 BST 6 June
Alex Howell BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal are interested in signing goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga as they look to bolster their options in the position.
Neto, who was on loan this season at the Emirates from Bournemouth, has returned to the Cherries, and the Gunners are now without an experienced back-up for David Raya.
Chelsea's Kepa spent 2024-25 on loan with Bournemouth and seems to be surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have a number of goalkeepers on their books, including Robert Sanchez, Djordje Petrovic and Filip Jorgensen - while they have also signed 19-year-old Mike Penders from Genk.
Raya is the undisputed number one at Arsenal and Kepa would have a tough task to take his compatriot's position.
Kepa made 35 appearances in all competitions last season and kept nine clean sheets.
Sign Maignan or give Petrovic chance as number one?published at 16:00 BST 6 June
16:00 BST 6 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on reports linking Chelsea with Mohammed Kudus and Mike Maignan.
Here are some of your comments:
Mike: These would be two wonderful signings in exactly the areas of the pitch needed. Good sides upgrade their teams as they progress and these would be statement signings. Jackson, Kudus, Neto, Delap all stretch sides - even those with a low block - and Palmer will find even more space.
Matthew: While Sanchez had a decent end to the season, a goalkeeper of Maignan's quality should be snapped up! Would be an instant upgrade, and would set us up in that department for years to come! Not really sure Kudus is required, apart from as a back-up to Palmer. But if we sign Maignan, and get Kudus on the cheap with Sanchez going the other way - that would be a great outcome!
Liam: Maignan is a clear upgrade on Sanchez. However, with Petrovic in our roster, having enjoyed a good season at Strasbourg, is Maignan the best use of our money? I would be happy to see Maignan join, but wouldn't be devastated if Maresca gave Petrovic a chance. Kudus is promising but not sure he is worth the £85m release clause. Also, are there better targets for the left wing?
Tony: Kudus? Do we need another attacking midfielder? Let's not forget Andrey Santos and Estevao join this summer. Maignan, why? Petrovic was the best keeper in Ligue 1 last year, has been playing out from the back and didn't make one error leading to a goal.
Peter: I've admired Kudus for a while, he looks a good technical player, so a part-exchange including Sanchez would a good result for Chelsea.
Are Chelsea changing transfer approach?published at 14:32 BST 6 June
14:32 BST 6 June
Nicola Pearson BBC Sport journalist
Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital's takeover of Chelsea in 2022, the club's transfer windows have often felt more focused on gathering some of the best young talent around and less on targeting specific positions for improvement.
When the new ownership first arrived, there was little structure in place at director level. The club have since appointed Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley as co-sporting directors and about 15-20 new personnel in the scouting and analytics departments.
Even with this, many have questioned the £1.5bn 'stockpiling' approach after the Blues ended up with 42 first-team players listed on their website at the beginning of the season and a so-called 'bomb squad' of players that Enzo Maresca deemed not part of his plans.
However, it feels like things could be changing at Chelsea this summer.
Despite securing Champions League football and winning the Conference League, it was still apparent there were areas that needed strengthening.
For all the attacking talent the Blues had brought in, they still lacked an out-and-out number nine.
Another area supporters were calling to strengthen was in goal and Chelsea are understood to be in talks with AC Milan over signing France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
At 29, he would break the mould of only buying young talent and could bring a more experienced head into the Blues' backline.
When comparing his stats to Chelsea's current first-choice goalkeeper Robert Sanchez since 2021-22 when Maignan joined Milan, he comes out on top in a number of areas.
Having played 12 more games than Sanchez, he understandably has racked up more clean sheets (47 to 30) and saves (310 to 297), however, he does have a higher save percentage (72% to 69%) and has conceded fewer goals (113 to 128).
And, key to what the Blues are looking for, Maignan has fewer errors leading to shots (nine to 20) and errors leading to goals (four to eight).
The Blues used several players in wide attacking areas last season, although Jadon Sancho is set to depart at the end of his loan spell and there is uncertainty about Mykhailo Mudryk's availability.
How does Kudus compare with Chelsea's most prominent wingers, Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke?
Image caption,
Statistics per 90 minutes
At first glance, Kudus does not appear to offer a significantly greater creative threat than Neto. The Portugal international has been more clinical in front of goal, boasting a superior shooting accuracy of 51.52% and missing fewer big chances.
Neto also proves more effective at drawing fouls in dangerous areas, winning 0.52 fouls per 90 minutes in the final third - nearly double Kudus' tally of 0.28.
Where Ghana international Kudus sets himself apart is in his ability to beat players one-on-one. The former Ajax man averages more than twice as many completed dribbles per 90 minutes as Neto, establishing himself as one of the Premier League's most prolific ball-carriers.
Kudus tends to be slightly more wasteful in possession, losing the ball 14.29 times per 90 minutes - higher than Neto's 12.78. While his fearless dribbling can unpick defences, it can also lead to turnovers in key areas.
Image caption,
Statistics per 90 minutes
Based on last season's statistics, Madueke offers greater balance across key attacking metrics, however, Kudus distinguishes himself again with his exceptional dribbling ability. In one-on-one situations, few can rival the West Ham winger's explosiveness and technique.
While Kudus is the more clinical finisher in terms of shot efficiency, it is Madueke who finds the back of the net more often.
Much like Neto, Madueke also proves more adept at drawing fouls in advanced areas. The Chelsea winger wins 0.35 fouls per 90 minutes in the final third, compared to Kudus' 0.28.
Kudus brings a unique edge that sets him apart. His fearless dribbling, ability to destabilise defences in isolation and knack for creating something out of nothing make him a rare asset. But, both Neto and Madueke boast attributes that outshine Kudus in certain areas.
For Chelsea, the question is not whether Kudus is better than what they already have - it is whether his explosive, game-changing style adds a new layer to their attacking blueprint.
In a squad rich with talent but still searching for consistency in the final third, Kudus could become an unpredictable spark that tilts tight games in their favour.
'An incredible place for me to develop'published at 11:42 BST 6 June
11:42 BST 6 June
Image source, Getty Images
New Chelsea forward Liam Delap is hoping to help the club contend for more major trophies and continue his development over the past couple of years.
Delap, signed from Ipswich Town for £30m, has joined a team that has just won the Conference League and is participating in the Club World Cup later this month.
The England Under-21 international told club media:, external "I've grown up as a little boy watching this club and the stature of it and how incredible it has been over the years, and to be able to play here is going to be incredible.
"The growth of the club over the past few years, the players, the manager, the trajectory they are on - it's going to be an incredible place for me to develop and continue playing good football and hopefully achieve amazing things with this club.
"When I spoke to everyone at the club, they want to continue winning trophies. Obviously, the back end of last season, they won one, and I think we need to take the club back where it belongs.
"I'm super hungry, I love to battle, I'll work hard or I'll fight defenders, I obviously love to score and put the ball in the back of the net. The passion and the desire, the speed and strength is something hopefully everyone can come and see."
