Chelsea have already been very busy in the summer transfer window with one new signing already announced. Earlier this month, Tosin Adarabioyo had his move to Stamford Bridge as a free agent confirmed with talks for Michael Olise and Jhon Duran ongoing.
Potential outgoings are also on the agenda with Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah and Ian Maatsen all expected to depart on a permanent basis. Villa have already contacted Chelsea over the possibility of signing Gallagher though the England international is keen to remain at Stamford Bridge.
While strengthening in attack is clearly a priority, the Telegraph have claimed the Blues are expected to sign a left-back. Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella are currently the options for Enzo Maresca in that position with the latter starring in the final weeks of the 2023/24 campaign.
Milos Kerkez has been linked as an option to potentially fulfil that requirement with the Bournemouth star in action at Euro 2024 for Hungary on Saturday. With all of that being said, football.london has taken a look at some of the latest Chelsea transfer rumours.
Kerkez transfer audition
In Hungary's 3-1 Euro 2024 loss to Switzerland, Kerkez endured a very mixed afternoon. Playing in a left-wing back role, the 20-year-old struggled to make an impact despite being fouled by Silvan Widmer which saw his marker pick up an early caution.
With his nation 2-0 down heading into the second 45, Kerkez started to grow into the game and impressed as time elapsed, however Hungary were still beaten.
"Kerkez has proven himself as a player capable of playing Premier League football. Part of Andoni Iraola's first season on the south coast, the full-back impressed and as such has seen links to Chelsea and Manchester United arrive.
"The Cherries spent £15.5million to sign him from AZ Alkmaar and will likely demand a significant fee. As such, it is probably a deal not worth looking at for Chelsea especially with the options already available to Maresca."
Cucurella 'responds' to transfer plans
Following on from his bright end to the season, Cucurella continued his run of impressive performances as he helped Spain keep a clean sheet against Croatia at Euro 2024.
Though Spain raced into a three-goal lead before half-time, Cucurella was required on a number of occasions to bail out his fellow defenders with one crucial interception and block being made in the second period.
"Talk of Chelsea wanting a new left-back is certainly surprising given how Cucurella, signed for £63million back in 2022, has performed recently. Back in perhaps a more familiar role, the former Brighton man proved again how much his confidence has increased with a bustling display that saw him win both of his tackles attempted and also complete three ball recoveries.
"Alongside Chilwell, Chelsea also have Maatsen but he looks set to leave following a superb loan spell at Borussia Dortmund. If he departs, the Blues bringing in a new left-back would be somewhat understandable, however Levi Colwill can also play in the position.
"With that in mind, Chelsea will be far better off prioritising other positions with Cucurella proving again he should be the first-choice left-back going forward."
Chelsea ended the 2023/24 Premier League season on a high, but it is never quiet at Stamford Bridge and the summer looks set to be one full of news, with question marks over Mauricio Pochettino's future at the club and plenty of talk around transfers.