Chelsea are closing in on the signing of a promising attacker who’s already undergone his medical tests in west London, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Enzo Maresca’s side return to Cobham for pre-season training on August 4, around three weeks after their triumphant 3-0 Club World Cup final win over European champions PSG in New Jersey.
Chelsea will have just 13 days to get up to speed before their opening Premier League game of the new season against Crystal Palace, with Maresca facing unprecedented preparations as he looks to potentially spearhead a title challenge.
Right now, the Blues are working to back their manager as much as possible in the transfer market – having already sealed deals for Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro for a total of around £145 million.
BlueCo are actively working on two more signings, with Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato in advanced talks to join Chelsea after agreeing personal terms and informing the Eredivisie side that he wants to leave.
Alongside Hato, Chelsea are in negotiations with RB Leipzig to sign playmaker Xavi Simons too, with Maresca’s side informing the Germans that they want to sign him and a first offer is thought to be imminent.
To make room for the arrivals of Hato and Simons, Chelsea are expected to sell many players before deadline day on September 1, especially amid pressure from UEFA to balance out their squad through departures.
Chelsea agree deal for Crystal Palace “sensation” Jesse Derry
According to Romano, Chelsea have now also agreed a deal to sign Crystal Palace “sensation” Jesse Derry – who was a man in demand with eight clubs thought to be in pursuit of the teenager.
Derry was closing in on a move to Europe too, but it is believed that Chelsea “hijacked” that switch with a medical even taking place on Friday.
“Chelsea agree deal to sign 18-year-old winger Jesse Derry from Crystal Palace beating 8 European clubs for the England wingers,” wrote Romano on X.
“Medical will take place on Friday as the teenage sensation looked set for a move to Germany before Chelsea hijacked the move.”
The versatile forward was a rising star at Selhurst Park, racking up 20 goals and five assists in just 27 outings for Palace’s Under-18s, but he’s now set to become a new Chelsea player.
It is unclear right now what Maresca and co have planned for Derry, but he’ll likely go straight into the academy before eventually working his way up to the senior team.
Perhaps a loan away could even be on the cards for this dazzling talent as Chelsea secure yet another head-turning prospect.
