Chelsea

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Chelsea are interested in a talented young winger - far from the first time that storyline has appeared during a transfer window.

The latest name on their lips is Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Gittens.

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.

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.

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.

Listen on BBC Sounds

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?

Let us know

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)

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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Chelsea captain Reece James says it "takes a lot out of you" to keep getting setbacks when trying to return from injuries.

The 25-year-old has had a difficult three years with different injury and fitness issues that have left him struggling for consistent game time.

His 19 Premier League appearances this past season is the most he has made since the 2021-22 campaign.

He was able to finish the 2024-25 season strongly with the Blues, helping them secure Champions League football and win the Conference League.

The right-back's form has seen him return to the England fold and have the chance to feature in their World Cup qualifier against Andorra on Saturday.

"For sure I'm moving in the right direction. I finished the season strongly and I am in a good place," James told a pre-match news conference.

"I had a difficult two or three seasons. Always injured, coming back and breaking down again - it was tough.

"It takes a lot out of you when have had so many setbacks but I feel like I have come on leaps and bounds this season.

"Playing consistently, playing for England again, feeling strong - so for sure I am moving in the right direction."

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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."

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

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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.

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.

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.

They have tried to rectify that with the £30m signing of Ipswich striker Liam Delap - someone young but, in this case, with Premier League experience.

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).

Elsewhere, with Jadon Sancho heading back to Manchester United and the future of Mykhailo Mudryk still unclear, the Blues have been looking at winger options such as West Ham's Mohammed Kudus.

It is also expected that a number of players who have been surplus to requirements - including Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell - will head elsewhere.

How confident are you in Chelsea's summer transfer plans? Heading in the right direction, or are you yet to be convinced?

Make your choice

Karan Vinod
BBC Sport Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea are among the clubs to have enquired about signing West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus.

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?

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.

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.

Statistics provided by Opta.

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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."

Image source, Getty Images

Sources have told BBC Sport that Chelsea are among the clubs to have engaged in early discussions with West Ham over forward Mohammed Kudus, who has a release clause of £85m.

The prospect of at least one Blues player heading across London as part of the deal has been discussed, with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez among those to have been mentioned during early talks.

Chelsea are also in talks with AC Milan over signing France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

The Italian club value Maignan at about £25m, but the Blues do not want to meet that price and are in talks about a lower fee.

So, what do you make of these two potential incomings? Would you be happy with the signings or are there other names you would prefer? And what about the prospect of Sanchez or another player moving in the opposite direction?

Let us know here

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Lee Carsley has named his squad for the U21 European Championship in Slovakia as the Young Lions look to retain their title.

It has been a challenging squad for Carsley to select and he will be without Liam Delap, who was set to be his main striker before his £30m move to Chelsea. The Blues are now taking him to the Club World Cup.

Carlsey also lost Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton to injury but there is a lot of quality in the midfield area with Tottenham's Archie Gray, Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest and Sunderland's Jobe Bellingham all named.

Bellingham's participation had been questioned as he is the subject of interest from Borussia Dortmund, who - like Chelsea - will also participate in the Club World Cup.

Manchester City's James McAtee was a late addition to the squad following the pullouts of Wharton, Dennis Cirkin and Dane Scarlett all with medical issues.

McAtee could have been part of the Manchester City squad at the Club World Cup too, but he is set to play an important role on Carsley's squad for the tournament.

There is no recognised left-back in the squad but Tino Livramento and Samuel Iling-Junior have both played there for Newcastle and Middlesbrough respectvely this season.

Carlsey did not play with a natural left-back for the majority of the tournament in 2023 and that did not stop them lifting the trophy.

Borussia Dortmund's England Under-21 winger Jamie Gittens is a top summer target for Chelsea. (Sky Sports, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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While some might scoff at the idea of a football curse, for others, it is hard to shake the feeling that there is a reason why their club always misses out on a certain piece of silverware or no player can fill the boots of a past legend.

For Chelsea fans, the news that new signing Liam Delap has taken on the number nine shirt will bring back feelings they have managed to bury for the past two seasons.

That is because that particular shirt has become synonymous in recent times with forwards that have ultimately underwhelmed and led to some to call the squad number 'cursed'.

It has not been in use since 2023 and when you take a look at the past 10 players who wore that particular shirt number, it it is understandable why some feel this way about it:

• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (2022-23): Three goals in 21 games

• Romelu Lukaku (2021-22): 15 goals in 58 games

• Tammy Abraham (2019-20 - 2021-22): 30 goals in 82 games

• Gonzalo Higuain (2018-19): Five goals in 19 games

• Alvaro Morata (2017-18): 24 goals in 72 games

• Radamel Falcao (2015-16): One goal in 12 games

• Fernando Torres (2010-11 - 2014-15): 45 goals in 172 games

• Franco Di Santo (2008-09 - 2009-10): Zero goals in 16 games

• Steve Sidwell (2007-08): One goal in 25 games

• Khalid Boulahrouz (2006-07): Zero goals in 20 games

Of course among that list is a natural midfielder and defender and it could be argued that Tammy Abraham did break the curse among those 10.

And there are also some incredibly successful names associated with the number from the legendary Peter Osgood through to Gianluca Vialli and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

But, it is still little wonder that Blues supporters now view it with trepidation for whoever is wearing it and it takes a brave striker these days to take the Chelsea number nine shirt on.

So, how do you feel about Liam Delap taking this squad number? Can he break the number nine 'curse'?

Make your choice

Karan Vinod
BBC Sport Journalist

Chelsea's acquisition of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town signals more than just another youth-focused signing; it marks a statement of intent. The highly-rated forward arrives at Stamford Bridge not to warm the bench, but to stake his claim as the spearhead of a new attacking era.

Meanwhile, the jury remains out on Nicolas Jackson. Despite flashes of promise, the Senegalese international has yet to fully convince the Chelsea faithful that he can lead the line for a club with ambitions of challenging for the Premier League and making a serious return to the Champions League elite.

So, how do the two strikers stack up? What does Delap offer that Jackson might lack, and vice versa? Let's take a closer look at how these two frontmen compare as Chelsea shapes their forward line for next season.

While Jackson edges Delap slightly in height, it's the England Under-21 international who holds a clear advantage in the air. Delap's aerial prowess became particularly evident during his time at Ipswich Town - a side that operated with the least possession in the Premier League.

In such a system, Delap's role was pivotal. He wasn't just a goal threat; he was a release valve. His ability to hold up the ball under pressure gave Ipswich's defence much-needed breathing room, while his strength and timing in the air made him a menace for opposition backlines. Whether contesting long balls or attacking crosses, Delap brought a physical edge that added structure and bite to Ipswich's forward play - qualities Chelsea may find invaluable.

Then there is the simple fact that Delap (12) scored more goals in the league than Jackson (10). By no means are either of these numbers outstanding, but this was the Englishman's debut season in the top-flight division as a starting forward, and he played for a side that was relegated and had the third-worst attack in the league.

Image source, Getty Images

Delap's shooting accuracy, excluding blocks, is at 60.38% whilst Jackson is at 54.69% for the same category. Delap is also better at dribbling past players. The former Manchester City youth academy player completed almost twice as many dribbles per 90 as Jackson does.

Aesthetically and statistically, Delap draws inevitable comparisons to a certain Chelsea legend. Dare it be said: there are shades of Didier Drogba in his game. Like Drogba, Delap boasts a towering presence, the physicality to lead the line on his own, and the raw power to bully defenders. He's also deceptively quick, capable of stretching defences and creating chaos in transition. While matching Drogba's legacy is a nigh-on impossible task, the early signs suggest Delap shares more than just a few traits with the iconic No.11.

There's a new striker at Stamford Bridge and his stats show he's not there to make up the numbers.