Chelsea FC are preparing a late attempt to sign Manchester City forward Julián Alvarez before the transfer deadline, according to a report from SI.com. The club's activity isn't limited to this potential blockbuster, as they also continue to pursue Bournemouth's Alex Scott and manage interest in winger Mykhailo Mudryk.
This news comes as Chelsea sit 7th in the Premier League table with 3 points from their opening game, having scored 3 goals and conceded 2. They are 3 points behind leaders Manchester City ahead of a crucial away fixture against 3rd-placed Arsenal on September 6th. The squad is currently dealing with several absences, including Jordan Henderson, Enzo Fernández, Marco Palestra, and Moisés Caicedo, which you can track on our injuries page.
What is the Julián Alvarez deal structure?
SI.com reports that Chelsea could make a late push for Argentine international Julián Alvarez. There have been suggestions that striker Nicolas Jackson could be included in negotiations with Manchester City as part of any deal. Alvarez is also a target for Arsenal and Barcelona. Arsenal's potential move for the forward would reportedly require a Premier League record fee of £150 million ($204.7 million). Chelsea's interest adds a significant twist to the final days of the window.
Which other transfers involve Chelsea?
The club have had three bids for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott rejected. Their latest offer was worth £68 million ($92.8 million). In outgoings, Chelsea have ruled out a move for Mykhailo Mudryk to Leeds United, but Brentford remain interested and the Ukrainian winger has other suitors from Europe. These potential deals are part of a wider reshuffle as manager Enzo Maresca assesses his options, which you can view on our squad page.
What other major moves are happening?
The wider Premier League market remains highly active. Manchester City have entered the race to sign Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, who is also of sustained interest to Tottenham Hotspur. City have also reached a verbal agreement with Newcastle United for the transfer of Spanish midfielder Nico González for a total value of £50 million ($68.2 million).
In Saudi Arabia, Al Hilal are in the final stages of negotiations to sign Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli for around £51.4 million ($70.1 million). The Brazilian forward would earn approximately £10.3 million ($14 million) per year in Riyadh. Liverpool are still aiming to sign two or three players before Deadline Day, with Brighton's Yankuba Minteh and PSG's Bradley Barcola not ruled out.
How does this affect Chelsea's season start?
With the season underway, Chelsea's transfer business is set against the immediate challenge of their league campaign. The potential addition of a player like Alvarez would be a major statement, but integrating any new signings quickly will be vital. The team's next test is a difficult trip to the Emirates Stadium to face an Arsenal side also active in the market. Fans can follow the team's progress and upcoming matches on our standings and fixtures pages. The final days of the window will be decisive for the squad Maresca takes into the autumn fixtures.
