With less than a week remaining until the transfer window closes, Chelsea’s transfer dealings are far from complete. The futures of Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Tyrick George, Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi, David Datro Fofana, and Alfie Gilchrist still need to be resolved, and there are also loan arrangements for youth academy players that require attention.
The 24-year-old Jackson and 27-year-old Nkunku have been training with Enzo Maresca’s first-team squad, rather than separately with the "bomb squad" (a group of players not in the first-team plans).
They already have potential suitors. Clubs such as Newcastle United and Aston Villa have shown interest in Jackson; meanwhile, teams like RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich have expressed interest in Nkunku.
One issue is that Chelsea prioritizes permanent transfers over loans.
The club still hopes to secure a transfer fee of around £80 million for Jackson and approximately £40 million for Nkunku, both of whom joined Chelsea two summers ago.
In fact, valuation is not the key factor here. It depends more on how much other clubs are willing to pay. The reason they are still training under Maresca is to prepare for the possibility that they might end up staying at the club after September 1.
As for George, Italy’s AS Roma and Germany’s RB Leipzig are both interested in this youth academy prospect, but Chelsea’s asking price has not been made public. If any other club wants to sign George, Chelsea will insist on a high transfer fee for his permanent sale.
For players like Sterling and Chilwell, if they remain at the club beyond this summer, the chance of them returning to the first team is very slim.
Chelsea is willing to accept an offer of £20 million for the 30-year-old, or even less. Sterling prefers to stay in London, with West Ham United, Fulham, and Crystal Palace among his potential destinations.
It is expected that his future will not be resolved until just before the transfer window closes. Other European clubs, such as Turkey’s Besiktas, have also inquired about Sterling’s availability.
However, given his wage demands, a last-minute loan deal might become the final last resort. Chilwell could also be sold at a reduced price or loaned out if necessary.
Both Sterling and Chilwell have maintained professionalism and have not shown any signs of giving up this summer.
There was a time when Chelsea would refuse to do business with certain "unconventional" clubs, most notably Tottenham Hotspur. Such restrictions no longer exist now. Of course, the club would prefer not to sell players to direct rivals, but if Tottenham decides to sign Nkunku this week, Chelsea would be open to the deal.
Sources from Bournemouth have confirmed their interest in Disasi, and the two sides are still negotiating over the transfer fee, with their respective valuations yet to be agreed upon.
Regarding Gilchrist, four EFL Championship clubs are currently interested in him. Chelsea has so far insisted on selling him on a permanent basis. But with only a few days left until the deadline, it has now been learned that the club will consider loan offers for him.
