Chelsea could swap Lukaku for Vlahovic, sign Ugochukwu

Chelsea have completed the signing of midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu from Rennes for a transfer fee of €27 million (£23.2 million). Additionally, they are currently contemplating an offer from Juventus, which involves a potential swap deal for Romelu Lukaku, with Juventus keen on acquiring the Belgian striker.

Juventus is pushing for Chelsea to take Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic in return and pay around €40 million. Although Chelsea had previously turned down opportunities to sign Vlahovic earlier in the transfer window, they are reconsidering their stance as they try to find a suitable solution to offload Lukaku, who has been on loan at Inter Milan. Despite having an option to move to Saudi Arabia, Lukaku prefers to continue playing in Europe.

Chelsea’s main priority in the transfer market remains Brighton midfielder Moisés Caicedo, and they are currently in talks with Brighton regarding the potential signing of goalkeeper Robert Sánchez. However, their most recent bid of £80 million for Caicedo was rejected.

As for Ugochukwu, although he primarily plays as a defensive midfielder, he is not expected to be an instant first-team regular at Chelsea. Mauricio Pochettino, the manager, will ultimately decide whether to send him out on loan. The 19-year-old midfielder boasts an impressive record with 60 appearances for Rennes and is also a France Under-19 international.

Chelsea is also set to secure the services of defender Axel Disasi from Monaco for a sum of €45 million. Additionally, they have shown interest in Crystal Palace forward Michael Olise, though they face stiff competition from Manchester City, who also have Jérémy Doku as another option for that position. Doku, a Belgium international, currently plays for Rennes.

In the meantime, Inter Milan is preparing an improved bid of approximately €25 million for West Ham United striker Gianluca Scamacca, and an agreement between the clubs is expected to be reached soon, as the Italy international is eager for the move.

West Ham United, on the other hand, has suffered a setback as Ajax has hijacked their attempt to sign Manchester City winger Carlos Borges. Despite having a verbal agreement with West Ham United, the 19-year-old winger is now en route to Amsterdam for a medical. West Ham United has not made any signings in this summer transfer window.