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FootballTransfers runs through the latest Chelsea transfer news, rumours and gossip, including updates on Josh King and Martin Zubimendi.
Chelsea eye Josh King
Chelsea are reportedly tracking Myles Lewis-Skelly, Josh King, Harrison Armstrong and Lewis Miley ahead of the January transfer window, despite their well-documented pursuit of Bournemouth star Alex Scott.
Xabi Alonso’s side have earmarked addressing the central midfield position as their priority goal for the upcoming transfer window and widespread reports confirm they are set to test Bournemouth’s resolve with an official bid for Scott.
While Scott is Chelsea’s primary target for January, the club are continuing to assess alternative targets and Blues reporter Simon Phillips claims that Lewis-Skelly, King, Armstrong and Miley are all being closely tracked by the club.
All four players have previously been linked with a Stamford Bridge switch, and the west London giants have reportedly sent scouts to watch them in action as they ponder possible approaches in 2027.
Martin Zubimendi wants January move
Chelsea target Martin Zubimendi has reportedly said ‘yes’ to exploring an Arsenal exit during the upcoming January transfer window after falling down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium.
Zubimendi is still yet to start a Premier League match this season and he has been an unused substitute in three of Arsenal’s last four English top flight games, including their narrow 1-0 victory over Liverpool on Sunday afternoon.
Chelsea and Real Madrid are understood to be among the frontrunners to sign the 27-year-old and while Arsenal blocked a sale over the summer, Zubimendi is now ready to leave the club in January, according to a report from TEAMtalk.
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid are all keeping close tabs on Zubimendi’s situation ahead of a potential approach, while both Chelsea and Liverpool have been informed of his desire to explore a transfer when the winter window opens.
Arsenal are reportedly aware of the Spaniard’s wish to leave the club, although they won’t sanction a sale unless the deal is satisfactory from a financial perspective.
Steven Gerrard issues Estevao verdict
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has confirmed his admiration for Estevao Willian following his performance against Manchester United on Saturday.
The Brazil international has been linked with a Chelsea exit in recent weeks, but the club have blocked a deal and Gerrard believes that is the correct decision.
“He’s really exciting,” Gerrard told The Overlap. “He’s great to watch. Your typical Brazilian where it’s about flair, it’s about quality, but I really like that he is very direct. I like that he is hungry to get shots off.”
Why Alex Scott deal could be on
Alex Scott is Chelsea’s primary target for the upcoming January transfer window and it’s understood that a formal offer is likely to be submitted soon.
Scott was one of the most in-form players in the Premier League before the September international break and he was subsequently rewarded with his first England cap versus Czechia and his first senior start against Croatia four days later.
However, he picked up a hamstring injury while on duty with Thomas Tuchel’s side and he has been sidelined ever since Bournemouth returned to action in October.
The Cherries suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Chelsea in their first fixture without Scott, but their form since then has been nothing short of exemplary.
Bournemouth have won six consecutive matches across all competitions since the loss to Chelsea, scoring 16 goals and conceding none. They have been faultless without their star midfielder and this could prove pivotal for Chelsea.
While Bournemouth may previously have been reluctant to lose Scott, given his importance to Rose’s side, it’s become evident they don’t rely on the England star, and their sensational run of form without him suggests they will be able to cope with a sale extremely well.
Jacobo Ramon blow
Chelsea remain interested in Como defender Jacobo Ramon, but Real Madrid are ready to trigger their buy-back clause next summer if his form continues.
That is according to Football Insider, who claim that a return to the Bernabeu is on the cards for Ramon, who has been a standout performer for Cesc Fabregas’ side over the last 12 months.
It’s understood that Real Madrid can re-sign Ramon for a bargain price of just €9m, with a move to Chelsea currently unlikely to be finalised.
Jesse Derry break clause
Finally, The Athletic have confirmed that Jesse Derry’s loan deal at Sporting CP does include a January break clause.
The England U20 international has played less than 200 minutes since his arrival in Lisbon and he is firmly behind Nestory Irankunda, Luis Guilherme, Geny Catamo and Flavio Goncalves in the pecking order.
However, Derry has reportedly reacted positively to his lack of game time this term and is only focused on working his way into favour at Sporting.
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