Chelsea’s Barcelona transfer demand as Thomas Tuchel plan revealed

Eyes are back on European football for Chelsea as they look to bounce back from defeat against Liverpool at the weekend. The Blues are in UEFA Conference League action on Thursday night as they travel to Greece to take on Panathinaikos.

Enzo Maresca’s men came out as 4-2 winners over Gent in their first group game before the international break. The game in Greece comes ahead of a double-header vs Newcastle in both the League and the Carabao Cup.

The loss against Liverpool was Chelsea’s first in the league since the opening-day defeat against Manchester City. Despite the result, the Blues have been generally praised for their performance.

As preparation for the clash against Panathinaikos goes on, as always, there’s been stories doing the rounds at Stamford Bridge. We’ve taken a look at just a couple and given our own thoughts.

Barcelona ‘interested’ in Chukwuemeka

Barcelona are targeting a move for Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka in the January transfer window, according to TEAMTalk . The report says that there is a ‘real possibility’ that he could make the move to Spain in the winter window.

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The 21-year-old has struggled to break into Maresca’s side this season, with his only appearance under the Italian manager coming in the Carabao Cup. He was linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer.

The report adds that Chelsea have put a fee of £30 million on the player’s head and would like a permanent deal. However, Barcelona are said to prefer a loan with an option or an obligation to buy with the club facing financial challenges.

FL Says: Chukwuemeka hasn’t even made the bench in either the Premier League or UEFA Conference League yet, with his only appearance coming as a substitute against Barrow in the League Cup. Therefore, a move away may be best for all parties.

Chelsea paid around £20 million when the midfielder moved from Aston Villa in 2022. So making a £10 million profit on him would be good business, especially considering he has scored just two times in 28 appearances for the club.

If Barcelona is interested, Chelsea may have to settle for a loan deal. But, with an obligation to buy, it’s a deal that could work for both clubs.

Thomas Tuchel plan revealed

Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel will be given a warm welcome to Stamford Bridge when he comes to watch members of his England squad. The German will officially begin his role as new Three Lions boss at the start of next year.

His role will involve keeping a close eye on how his players are getting on during Premier League games. It is therefore likely that he will return to Stamford Bridge for the first time in the second half of the season.

The Telegraph reports that it has been made clear that Tuchel will be welcomed back to Stamford Bridge, despite there being some acrimony over his exit from the club in September 2022. He is also expected to get a great welcome from the fans after he led Chelsea to the Champions League in 2021.

FL says:While it may have been a slightly bitter ending to his tenure, it’s good to see that there’s no bad blood between Chelsea and Tuchel. Having a good relationship with the England manager can only benefit both the club and the national team.