Sports Chelsea transfer round up: Havertz boost, Pedro move close and Bakayoko latest
Chelsea fans will have even more optimism ahead of next season after watching their team beat Manchester City, and there’s further excitement with the latest transfer rumours concerning the Blues.
While Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech are already on their way to Stamford Bridge, that’s unlikely to be the only business conducted by Chelsea as they look to reassert themselves as title contenders in 2020/21.
That's assuming they first finish strongly and lock up another year of Champions League football.
Here’s the latest from around Europe as Frank Lampard prepares to streamline his squad, with some of the latest stories concerning departures as well as new additions.
Pedro’s Serie A move all but done claim reports in Italy
Chelsea winger Pedro will begin next season at Roma, but the deal is unlikely to be announced immediately due to the two clubs having plenty to play for this season.
That’s according to Gazzetta Dello Sport, via Sport Witness, with reports claiming the player is already seeking advice over finding a house in Rome as he prepares for the switch.
Like Chelsea, Roma are still chasing a place in next season’s Champions League, but they face an uphill battle to chase down Atalanta in fourth.
This season’s Champions League quarter-finalists are six points clear of the Giallorossi with 11 games remaining.
Roma could also still qualify for the competition via the Europa League, where they are due to take on Sevilla in the last 16, but are reportedly getting some of their business done sooner rather than later.
Chelsea set for £23m boost as forgotten man looks set to leave
Chelsea could reportedly receive as much as £23m for out-of-favour midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, with AC Milan leading the race for the French international.
Bakayoko impressed on loan at the Serie A club in 2018/19, and Italian journalist Nicolo Schira claims the Rossoneri could return to bring the player back to the San Siro in a permanent deal if they can overcome the stumbling block of his wages.
Schira told Siempre Milan that the player, currently on loan at former club Monaco, wants to return to Milan after helping the club to a top-six finish in his one season there.
The 25-year-old cost Chelsea £40m when he joined from Monaco in 2017, having helped the Ligue 1 club reach the Champions League semi-finals.
Ex-Liverpool star says Havertz would be 'great option' for Chelsea title challenge
Liverpool might have won the 2019/20 title, but Chelsea are already strengthening with a view to challenging for next year’s Premier League.
And former Reds utility man Jason McAteer is worried that the introduction of Kai Havertz, as well as their already confirmed signings, could be just what they need.
“I can see them being right up there next season,” McAteer told the Racing Post.
“They needed to boost their forward line but Timo Werner's signing is a huge statement of intent as I don't think they can rely on Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud.
“I am a big fan of Hakim Ziyech as well and a move for Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz would also be a great option.”
