Raphinha, Sterling and nine other Chelsea targets this summer

• Chelsea have been a quiet side this transfer window but this week has proved otherwise for the Premier League side who have made their entry into the window
• Chelsea’s transfer window was distracted by the takeover that was completed last month days before the opening of the summer transfer window
• ‘The Blues have now been linked with several top players including Raheem Sterling, Raphinha from Leeds and even Neymar Jr at PSG

Premier League clubs have already spent over €500m ($525.25M) on new players this summer, but Chelsea are one of the few teams who are yet to sign any single player, and there is a reason for that.

The main reason for that, of course, was the transfer embargo enforced on the club due to the war in Ukraine, with former owner Roman Abramovich forced to let go of the control.

Chelsea are now under the ownership of a consortium led by American Todd Boehly, who is in charge of transfer matters due to the departures of Marina Granovskaia, Petr Cech and chairman Bruce Buck.

The Blues are now actively working on a host of transfers.

Over the last week, Chelsea have either been in fully-fledged negotiations, primary talks or asked for information on at least nine players.

The most advanced transfer of the nine is for Leeds winger Raphinha. Chelsea have had a transfer bid accepted by Leeds for the Brazilian. Only personal terms now need to be agreed for the deal to be completed. Barcelona, Arsenal and Tottenham have also put in offers for the player. Raphinha preferred a move to Barca but it looks like Chelsea are now going to win the chase.

Raheem Sterling is the one transfer that seems likely to go through. Chelsea and Man City are now in relatively advanced talks over a transfer fee, while personal terms will not be a problem.

READ: Chelsea make Raheem Sterling move, contacts Manchester City

Raheem Sterling could be on his way to Chelsea as the Blues are keen to sign him this transfer window. | PHOTO: Getty Images |

Chelsea have made the signing of at least one winger a priority this summer, and they have also been in contact with the entourage of Ousmane Dembele.

Dembele sees his contract at Barcelona expire this week. It is still possible he could renew but Chelsea have been monitoring developments over a possible free transfer. Anyhow, Chelsea won’t be signing more than two wingers.

Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele in a past action for Barca. Chelsea are keen to sign him as a free agent this summer with Thomas Tuchel interested in the winger. | PHOTO: Getty Images |

Staying in attack, Romelu Lukaku is set to complete his loan return to Inter this week. This opens up a space in the center of attack.

Chelsea held talks with Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes last week. Mendes is trying to find a new club for his client, despite Man Utd hoping to keep him for another season.

The most pressing area on the pitch for Chelsea is the centre of defence. The Blues have lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers to Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively.

Thomas Tuchel’s team will sign two top centre-backs this summer.

Jules Kounde had been Chelsea’s top target for the position but no longer is. Nevertheless, Chelsea are still in contact with the player’s entourage.

Matthijs de Ligt has now become Chelsea’s main target for the defence. Chelsea and Juventus will hold talks on Tuesday and Wednesday over a possible deal.

Chelsea have also asked for information on Inter Milan star Milan Skriniar, who is available for sale for around €70-80m this summer. PSG are already in negotiations to sign Skriniar, but Chelsea are threatening to enter the race.

Should De Ligt prove too expensive and with Skriniar more likely to join PSG, Chelsea have also opened talks with the entourage of Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly. The Senegalese centre back’s future is in doubt as his contract expires in 2023.

Finally, Chelsea are considering making a bid for Manchester City ace, former defender Nathan Ake and left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko. Ake is well-liked by Tuchel but has failed to make the grade at Man City.

Finally, SkySports has reported that PSG has told their star forward Neymar Jr that he is no longer needed at the club and Chelsea looks as his favorite destination. Neymar has in the past mentioned Tuchel as his best and most favorite manager and is looking forward to work with him once again in his career.