Chelsea Football Club might end up having the most interesting and news-worthy summer transfer window when all is said and done. There are numerous story lines buzzing around the football news world this summer, and certain transactions could have ripple effects, sending a domino theory into motion.
It starts with the inability of striker Diego Costa and Manager Antonio Conte to coexist, and Costa’s desire to return to Atletico Madrid, which is complicated by the La Liga club’s transfer ban.
Then you have reports of Conte being unsettled and wanting both more players and more control within the club. It’s thought that if he doesn’t get his way he could return to his native Italy.
Among the new players being linked to Chelsea, three of which, Cristiano Ronaldo, Radja Nainggolan and Alvaro Morata, have all also been linked with a move to Manchester United. If and when (most likely when) Costa bolts, Chelsea will need to replace him with another forward and conventional wisdom currently says that’s Everton’s Romelu Lukaku.
The same Lukaku who spoke out about the United and Chelsea transfer rumors surrounding him about six weeks ago.
Today, the London Evening Standard has a scoop claiming that the Blues could be closing in on returning Lukaku to his former club, and moving closer towards adding Temoue Bakayoko. LES writes that:
Chelsea are hopeful of finalising deals for Tiemoue Bakayoko and Romelu Lukaku soon.
Antonio Conte is looking to make six signings this summer and has identified Lukaku as a priority target, while he hopes to partner Bakayoko with N’Golo Kante in midfield next season
The Blues have already agreed terms with free agent Willy Caballero and the 35-year-old keeper’s arrival is expected to be confirmed on July 1.
If the Evening Standard report ends up coming to fruition, with the Blues adding six new players this summer, then the potential for a truly blockbuster summer at the Bridge is very real.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes to WGN CLTV and KOZN.
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