Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall became Chelsea's first big-money signing of the window (Image: Getty Images)
It's shaping up to be another busy summer of transfer activity for Chelsea. Todd Boehly is readying to once more swing open the metaphorical purse strings this window.
The Blues' spending spree has showed no sign of letting under Boehly's control, despite pushing the boundaries of the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules (PSR). They've already secured the signing of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City in an early boost for their summer plans.
He's been joined by defender Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham, Aston Villa youngster Omari Kellyman and Barcelona striker Marc Guiu. But new boss Enzo Maresca is still set to receive a centre-forward and another centre-back, reports the Mirror, with several players linked so far.
Dewsbury-Hall arrived as Chelsea's first paid-for signing this summer, commanding a reported £30million fee and reuniting with former King Power manager Maresca. The young Foxes protege, who delivered 12 Championship goals last season, has signed a five-year deal.
"It is amazing to be sitting here as a Chelsea player," he said upon his arrival. "This is a club people grow up watching and hoping to one day play for, so it is a privilege to be here. I'm really excited to get going and can't wait to show everybody what I can do.
"I have made it pretty public about what I think of the new head coach. He is fantastic. He is top. He completely changed the way Leicester wanted to play last season, and we saw that it worked. I am very confident coming here that he is going to implement his style and that the lads are going to buy into it and are going to enjoy it."
The loss of Thiago Silva, coupled with the expected departure of Trevoh Chalobah, mean another defensive addition is needed. And having conducted business with Nottingham Forest before, they've reportedly contacted them about £70m-rated Murillo.
His agent alluded to that when telling Brazilian press: "We know through the club that there are talks between Nottingham and some clubs.
"I think it is very difficult for a player who has exceeded all expectations to continue. It is very difficult for a club like Nottingham to keep a player who is being sought after by the biggest clubs in Europe."
Euro 2024 has been lit up by Nico Williams (Image: Getty Images)
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Nico Williams
Rumoured to also be on rivals Arsenal's radar, Euro 2024 sensation Williams is tipped to ignite serious competition among top flight clubs for his signing this summer. The hefty £46.5m release clause in his contract could incite Boehly to join the pursuit of the winger, whose addition would undoubtedly enhance Chelsea's wide areas.
In an interview with AS, Williams addressed the speculation by saying: "I prefer to focus on one thing and go for it because if one thing or another comes to me, in the end, my head doesn't work very well. My agent, my parents and my family know me perfectly, and they know that I don't want to hear anything until the Euros are over."
He added he "doesn't know" where he'll be playing next season. For now, potential suitors will have to sit tight after Spain progressed to the semi-finals in Germany.
Aston Villa could make a second sale to Chelsea (Image: Getty Images)
Jhon Duran
It appeared that the Colombian striker was set to join Chelsea early in the transfer window, but negotiations are on hold and seemingly at a standstill. Multiple factors hindered it, with Villa needing to make sales due to PSR constraints while Chelsea were seeking a low cost asset.
With Duran travelling to the Copa America, it seemed the deal was off the table. However, Chelsea need a forward, and Victor Osimhen's £120million release clause could be out of reach.
Duran has insisted he was none the wiser about any approach, saying: "I don't know the options of the other teams. I am not aware now. I'm focused on the national team at Copa America, wanting to add minutes and supporting the team a lot. For those topics of a possible move, I already have other people who take care of that."
Chelsea are close to signing Aaron Anselmino (Image: Getty Images)
Aaron Anselmino
Chelsea's pursuit of young South American talent is expected to continue with Boca Juniors prodigy Anselmino, who's set to follow in the footsteps of Kendry Paez and Estevao Willian. Despite only 10 appearances for Boca's senior squad since debuting at 18, Anselmino has caught their eye, and the 19-year-old Argentinian defender is poised to join their ranks.
He's expected to remain at Boca for another season to hone his skills, with an immediate loan back once he signs for Chelsea. Anselmino received high praise from former boss Jorge Almiron after his debut, being told: "He looked like he had 200 games under his belt. Going onto Boca's pitch and playing the way he did, the truth is that it's not easy.
"I saw him in some training sessions because sometimes they come up to play with us. It was there that I saw him make some plays. What he did today was normal for him, beyond his youth."
