Chelsea and Tottenham are already back on the grass and building their fitness ahead of the new season, with pre-season fixtures fast approaching. A number of players remain with their international teams across Euro 2024 and Copa America, but those players will return before the start of the season after some hard-earned holiday time.
Enzo Maresca has already made a number of new signings this summer, and Ange Postecoglou has also made progress with his summer shopping, and more signings are expected at both clubs over the coming weeks. Here we round up all the latest transfer news surrounding both clubs.
Chukwuemeka latestChelsea star Carney Chukwuemeka has been linked with AC Milan over recent days, with the Serie A giants reportedly wanting to sign him on loan. Chukwuemeka only arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer, and he could well figure in Maresca's plans for the new season.
It is perhaps for that reason transfer 'insider' Fabrizio Romano is surprised by talk of a move. He told CaughtOffside: "Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka has also been linked as a loan target for Milan, but I'm not aware of this story either. Chelsea don't want to loan him out, so the situation is quiet and in any case he has a PS40m release clause in his contract."
Lukaku 'chooses'Chelsea will secure a transfer windfall in some form this summer with Romelu Lukaku almost certain to depart. In truth, the Blues will lose a significant amount of money on their PS100million investment, but the Belgian striker is still expected to bring in more than PS25million this summer.
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Lukaku has plenty of interest from Italy, and he has chosen to join Napoli due to the presence of former boss Antonio Conte. Though, Napoli are not expected to be able to pull off a deal unless or until they sell Victor Osimhen. That is likely to delay the transfer significantly due to the money Osimhen will go for and the few clubs that can actually afford him.
David to Spurs rumoursTottenham are being linked with Canada and Lille striker Jonathan David this summer, with a bargain deal worth around PS25million reportedly available. But there is a real battle emerging over the striker, with other Premier League clubs also said to be chasing a deal.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has told The Boot Room: "Jonathan David is the other one to keep an eye on. Newcastle are the newest suitors there. West Ham could turn their attention to David and I think there's very much substance to the Spurs links as well."
David has said of his future: "There's always a lot of noise. But I'm still here. I'm still at Lille. From there, we'll see if I end up going back to Lille for preseason, or if I'm somewhere else, I don't know. Things are obviously moving slow. I think things are going at the right pace. Obviously, I think everyone sees there's a lot of clubs interested. Right now I'm still waiting for an offer to be put on the table to Lille. Then after, I'll have to make a choice and make the right choice, whether it's to leave, or to stay or what team do I pick, really."