Chelsea agree lucrative transfer as Enzo Maresca begins Michael Olise and Samu Omorodion moves

Enzo Maresca will be eager to welcome a few more new faces to Stamford Bridge this summer. Since wrapping up a deal for Tosin Adarabioyo, Chelsea have continued to be linked with some interesting players, like Michael Olise and Samu Omorodion.

However, if the Blues want to splash the cash again this year, they may be left with no choice but to offload a few players. Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah face particularly uncertain futures, with any potential sale going down as pure profit on the books.

For now, though, they both have contracts in West London. As it stands, it seems like Maresca wants Chelsea to sign a striker and a winger – perhaps a left-back too, with Ian Maatsen edging closer to an exit.

Nevertheless, the sporting directors will definitely have to make some tough decisions in the next couple of weeks. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Blues news and transfer gossip on Thursday, June 20.

Chelsea prepare Olise talks

Chelsea are set to open talks with Michael Olise and his representatives in the coming days after being granted permission by Crystal Palace, football.london understands. The 22-year-old winger was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge last summer, but a transfer collapsed.

It's said that Olise had a £60m release clause in his contract at Selhurst Park, which he signed 12 months ago, but any move would be complicated, with some money owed to his former club, Reading, as well. football.london understands that the Blues have earmarked the Frenchman as their number-one target.

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It's believed Chelsea want to give Maresca more options in his frontline as the Italian prepares for his debut season after being appointed head coach on a five-year contract earlier this month.

football.london says: "Michael Olise would be a superb signing for Chelsea. His arrival would finally allow Cole Palmer to take up a central position. My only fear would be how Enzo Maresca plans to incorporate a number 10 – and in this case Palmer – into the Blues' starting lineup. At the end of the day, it'll be a good headache for the Blues boss rather than an inconvenience."

Chelsea target La Liga wonderkid

Chelsea are now in talks with Atletico Madrid over a possible move for Samu Omorodion, football.london understands. The Blues floated the idea of a £34million move – including add-ons – for the 20-year-old striker.

The Spanish giants quickly discouraged the west Londoners from making the offer. Atletico outfit are eager to renew Omorodion's contract after he impressed on loan at Alaves last season.

He still has four years remaining on his deal at the Civitas Metropolitano but Atletico are keen to fend off any potential suitors by offering him fresh terms. Chelsea want to add some competition for Nicolas Jackson, with the Senegal international having too much pressure on his shoulders last term.

football.london says: "I hadn't heard much about Sam Omorodion until recently. Generally speaking, I don't think the Blues need to sign another striker this summer – Nicolas Jackson showed great promise last season. Unless Chelsea are bringing in world-class talisman, there's no reason the Senegalese star shouldn't lead the line under Enzo Maresca."

Chelsea agree lucrative deal

Chelsea look set to cash in on Ian Maatsen this summer. According to The Athletic, Aston Villa have agreed a deal with the Blues to sign the 22-year-old defender, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund.

The report states that the release clause in his contract was only available to to German club – and that's now expired – so the West Midlands side and the Blues have compromised on a fee, which football.london understands is just under £40m.

The Athletic add that personal terms are also in place for Maatsen to sign a six-year contract at Villa Park. It's said that Unai Emery is a huge admirer of the Dutchman and wants to recruit him ahead of next season, when they'll be competing in the Champions League.

football.london says: "It would be a real shame to see Chelsea lose Ian Maatsen. I would've loved to have seen Mauricio Pochettino give him a chance last season, but unfortunately he was completely overlooked. With that being said, I do think the Blues need a new left-back – I'm not convinced that Ben Chilwell will suit Enzo Maresca's brand of football."