Chelsea transfer news LIVE: Wesley Fofana signs, Leao talks as Neymar move not possible
Welcome to Absolute Chelsea’s live blog where you can follow the latest Blues news as the transfer window comes to a close on Thursday at 11pm (BST).
Chelsea have already made six summer signings and are set to add more with the imminent arrival of Wesley Fofana from Leicester City. He will join Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Gabriel Slonina (returned to Chicago Fire on loan), Carney Chukwuemeka and Marc Cucurella at the club.
Outgoings have also been confirmed - Romelu Lukaku (loan), Timo Werner and Callum Hudson-Odoi (loan) have all departed, while Emerson Palmieri and Ross Barkley have also been offloaded.
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Talks remain ongoing for incomings and more departures, with developments expected on the futures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with hope still there for Anthony Gordon of Everton and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, although Frank Lampard looks to have confirmed Gordon's future at Everton.
As the deadline gets closer, Absolute Chelsea has you covered with all of the news as it happens.
Here’s all the latest Chelsea news and transfer news on Wednesday 31st August 2022 as the deadline edges closer (refresh for updates):
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THAT'S IT UNTIL DEADLINE DAY.
Thanks for following. We'll see you tomorrow.
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22:12 - Talks remain ongoing for Aubameyang
As per Di Marzio, Chelsea and Barcelona are 'defining the swap deal' - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Chelsea, and Marcos Alonso to Barcelona.
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20:50 - Barcelona turn Chelsea's bid for Aubameyang down
Barcelona have turned down Chelsea bid for Pierre Aubameyang for €15m plus Marcos Alonso included. 🚨🔵 #FCB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2022
Been told Chelsea are preparing a new counter-proposal now. Talks are still ongoing. pic.twitter.com/awvs0yE4OS
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20:44 - More defensive midfielder news
Claims in Holland state that Chelsea have made contact with PSV about Ibrahim Sangare.
Update at 21:06 - It is expected that PSV will sell, at most, one of Ibrahim Sangare or Cody Gakpo before Thursday night.
New in tonight: #Chelsea contacts #PSV to sign midfielder Ibrahim Sangaré.
— Rik Elfrink (@RikElfrink) August 31, 2022
Verrassend nieuws: #Chelsea meldt zich bij #PSV voor Ibrahim Sangaré en wil hem alsnog kopen. Range van 40-45 miljoen euro.
Zo meer: #AD #ED
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19:59 - More on Edson Alvarez bid
David Ornstein reports than the €50 million offer was lodged on Wednesday after an approach was made, with Chelsea look to add to the midfield following injury and fitness problems.
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19:57 - Gvardiol bid ruled out
As reported by Nizaar Kinsella, Chelsea have decided against making an offer for RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol but will continue to monitor him should Leipzig decide to sell one day - could return as early as January. Man City also huge admirers.
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19:26 - Aston Villa make Conor Gallagher enquiry
𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Aston Villa have made enquiries for Conor Gallagher & Lucas Moura.
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) August 31, 2022
- talkSPORT sources understand
📲 Listen ☞ https://t.co/VJgUHnqdM1 pic.twitter.com/XSKrb37CNh
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19:07 - Chelsea make €50 million offer for Ajax star
As per claims by Mike Verweij, Chelsea have made a big money move for Edson Alvarez. He has demanded Ajax enter into talks with the Blues.
Edson Alvarez has demanded Ajax enter talks with #Chelsea.
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) August 31, 2022
[via @MikeVerweij] https://t.co/zuv8ibg7mZ
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17:56 - Big Aubameyang news
Claims for Spain suggest Chelsea have withdrawn their offer for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang!
#Chelsea have withdrawn their offer of €15M for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The move is stalled, for now.
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) August 31, 2022
[@HelenaCondis via @barcacentre]
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16:35 - Thomas Tuchel fined for post-match comments about Anthony Taylor
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) August 31, 2022
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16:24 - Leao, Zakharyan, Gvardiol, Aubameyang updates
The Times report Chelsea are in talks to sign Rafael Leao and Arsen Zakharyan after they were told that a deal for Neymar is not possible. They want to sign a midfielder and striker before Thursday's deadline.
A deal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is in the balance, while Chelsea are also trying to sign Frenkie de Jong. They are also trying to complete a £75million deal for Josko Gvardiol, which would see him return to RB Leipzig on loan.
🔹 Rafael Leao
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) August 31, 2022
🔹 Arsen Zakharyan
❌ Neymar
🔹 Josko Gvardiol
⏳ Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
🔹 Frenkie de Jong
Plenty of names, a busy end to the transfer window for #Chelsea / @garyjacob https://t.co/ZkOjgraJB4
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15:33 - Chelsea make new Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang offer
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, the Blues have made a new offer of Marcos Alonso plus cash. It's now up to Barcelona. All parties want to reach an agreement in the next hours.
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15:12 - Fofana and Gordon latest
As reported by David Ornstein, Wesley Fofana to Chelsea is £69.5 million fixed, no add-ons. They also value Anthony Gordon at no higher than £40 million. They have no interest in going beyond that for the Everton forward.
🚨 Final fee in Wesley Fofana from Leicester to Chelsea deal understood to be £69.5m fixed, no add-ons. Also believed that #CFC value Anthony Gordon no higher than £40m so have no interest in going beyond that for Everton attacker @TheAthleticUK #LCFC #EFC https://t.co/bY5HJo5CsL
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 31, 2022
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15:01 - Brighton close in on Billy Gilmour
As reported by The Telegraph, Billy Gilmour is closing in on a permanent move to Brighton. He is not currently part of Thomas Tuchel's plans at Chelsea.
The Scotland international has been told he is not part of Thomas Tuchel's plans. ❌#TelegraphFootball #BHAFC
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) August 31, 2022
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14:50 - All the reaction from Wesley Fofana's arrival
The 21-year-old penned goodbye to Leicester City and revealed the conversations he had with Reece James on Instagram ahead of his move to Chelsea.
🗣 First words
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) August 31, 2022
🏴 Reece James Instagram conversation
🔵 Hopes of legend status
👋 Leicester City farewell
💙 @Wesley_Fofanaa outlines his #Chelsea ambitions and delight after making the summer switch to Stamford Bridge:https://t.co/cdMR5uGagS
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REACTION: Todd Boehly and Chelsea owners react to Wesley Fofana's arrival
Todd Boehly: "We are delighted we were able to bring one of Europe’s most exciting talents to Chelsea and further strengthen that area of our squad, both for this season and many more to come."
Behdad Eghbali and José E. Feliciano: "He is a player who can make an impact on the squad immediately, while at his age he will only improve further going forward."
More reaction here.
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QUOTES: Wesley Fofana offers delight at signing for Chelsea
"The two last days have been really big days for me and I’m very happy. I trained this morning with the team and it’s a dream for me. I’m very excited to start playing games for the fans and the club.
"I’m here win trophies – the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, everything. I came here to win and the club is built to win trophies so I’m here to continue that."
Click here to read more.
🇫🇷 @Wesley_Fofanaa x @ChelseaFC 🔵 pic.twitter.com/qeMVKnXo9H
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) August 31, 2022
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OFFICIAL: Wesley Fofana signs seven-year contract with Chelsea
Welcome, Wesley! 😁#FofanaIsChelsea
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 31, 2022
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13:24 - Time given for Wesley Fofana announcement
Wesley Fofana set to be announced as a #cfc player this afternoon after passing his medical.
— Tom Roddy (@TomRoddy_) August 31, 2022
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13:18 - Wesley Fofana to Chelsea announcement imminent
As reported by John Percy, Leicester City will receive a guaranteed £70 million plus substantial add-ons which are achievable from Chelsea for Wesley Fofana.
Chelsea are set to confirm the £70m signing of Wesley Fofana. #lcfc will receive a guaranteed £70m, plus substantial add-ons which are achievable. Understand Leicester’s CEO Susan Whelan was highly influential in resolving the stalemate in negotiations on the pay structure #cfc
— John Percy (@JPercyTelegraph) August 31, 2022
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12:50 - Todd Boehly to continue Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang talks
Despite the Barcelona forward suffering a fractured jaw, Chelsea are pushing ahead with a deal for Aubameyang. Todd Boehly will continue talks over a £20 million deal, according to The Telegraph.
He is the club's primary target now a deal for Wesley Fofana has been completed.
Chelsea are undeterred in their pursuit of Aubameyang despite the striker suffering a broken jaw.
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) August 31, 2022
✍️ @McgrathMike#TelegraphFootball #CFC
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12:46 - Chelsea offered chance to sign Neymar from PSG
Claims from the Daily Mail: Chelsea have been offered an incredible deal to sign Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain before the transfer window closes on Thursday.
Chelsea have been offered a sensational deal to sign NEYMAR from PSG https://t.co/n7Kh8QPtzJ
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) August 31, 2022
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12:33 - Baba Rahman joins Reading on a season-long loan
Baba is back! 😍
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) August 31, 2022
We are delighted to announce that @babarahmangh is a Royal once more, having completed the paperwork on a return to Reading Football Club in the form of a second season-long loan spell in blue and white hoops 💙#BaBackForMore
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12:23 - Chelsea turn Ajax down again for Hakim Ziyech
Ajax went back in for Hakim Ziyech today, but the answer from #Chelsea to the requested loan deal was, again, no, according to Mike Verweij.
🚨 - JUST IN: Ajax have reported themselves back at Chelsea for Hakim Ziyech TODAY! But the answer to the requested loan deal was again: no. [@MikeVerweij] pic.twitter.com/FMrCXrRoxS
— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) August 31, 2022
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12:16 - More on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Dharmesh Sheth: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is out for three weeks with a minor fracture of jaw sustained in attack. He can resume non-contact training next week. Chelsea aware and sympathetic, and his injury isn’t expected to impact potential transfer as talks continue.
Nathan Gissing: He also sustained serious injuries to his ribs. He underwent medical checks yesterday to learn extent of injuries. Chelsea still hoping to land Aubameyang.
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11:00 - Inter Milan explore Marcos Alonso move but Barcelona move priority
Fabrizio Romano reports Inter Milan approached Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso's agents on Tuesday to explore a potential move. But he's waiting for Barcelona after agreeing personal terms with the Spanish side.
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10:56 - Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Chelsea update
As reported by David Ornstein, intensive talks will continue today between the clubs. No agreement has been found yet, but a compromise is expected to be found on the player side if club's can agree a fee.
The deal has been complicated by Aubameyang suffering a broken jaw when intruders broke into his home which is expected to be out for a number of weeks.
A loan option is now also being discussed as talks continue ahead of Thursday's deadline.
🚨 Intensive talks over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona to Chelsea continue today. Complicated by 33yo suffering broken jaw during home robbery - expected to be out for a number of weeks. Loan also being considered @TheAthleticUK #CFC #FCBarcelona https://t.co/fdjqvQcoFG
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 31, 2022
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10:34 - Cesar Azpilicueta has delivered his verdict on Chelsea's 2-1 defeat to Southampton
Cesar Azpilicueta:
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) August 31, 2022
"We are a team that will reflect on what we do, what we can improve as a group and individually. We have to be honest with ourselves, we know that we can be better, and from there we have to work hard, we need to get back to winning ways."
[via @ChelseaFC]
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WITH JUST OVER 36 HOURS TO GO, WHERE DO CHELSEA LOOK IN THE TRANSFER WINDOW?
What needs to happen between now and Thursday's 11pm [UK] deadline, Blues? pic.twitter.com/4ymit1vlao
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) August 31, 2022
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09:20 - Xavier Simons set for Championship loan
As reported by Nizaar Kinsella, Xavier Simons is on the verge of joining Hull City on a season-long loan deal amid interest from AFC Wimbledon. It is hoped he will undergo a medical on Wednesday.
Exclusive: Xavier Simons is set to join Hull on a season-long loan from Chelsea. The 19-year-old midfielder turned defender hopes to complete his move today https://t.co/4hOk6Rr38I #CFC #hcafc
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) August 31, 2022
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WHAT FRANK LAMPARD SAID ABOUT CHELSEA TARGET ANTHONY GORDON'S FUTURE AT EVERTON
🗣 "What good would it do us to do anything with Anthony? [Gordon]."
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) August 31, 2022
Frank Lampard says Anthony Gordon has shown why Everton are so keen to keep him pic.twitter.com/0obeIVCg9D
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08:54 - Chelsea fans fuming with Christian Pulisic after Southampton defeat
The 23-year-old was seen heading straight down the tunnel after the 2-1 defeat against Southampton while the rest of the squad headed over to the away end to the travelling support.
Really disappointed in Christian Pulisic, the rest of the players went to our fans but Pulisic went straight into the tunnel. I understand he might be disappointed that he didn’t get his move but at least acknowledge the fans. pic.twitter.com/vVpiWzwpzu
— Frank Khalid (@FrankKhalidUK) August 30, 2022
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08:32 - Tottenham Hotspur in talks to sign Hakim Ziyech
Tottenham Hotspur are interested in Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech, according to claims in Spain, and talks are reportedly ongoing between the two clubs ahead of Thursday's deadline.
Hakim Ziyech is an option for Tottenham Hotspur - talks are ongoing with #Chelsea.
— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) August 31, 2022
[via @tjuanmarti / @relevo]
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08:31 - Ethan Ampadu set for Italy
Fabrizio Romano reports Ethan Ampadu will travel to Italy on Thursday to complete his move to Spezia. There will be no option to buy, it is a straight loan deal.
Ethan Ampadu will travel to Italy on Thursday to complete his move to Spezia. Chelsea have accepted, it’s now done and sealed. 🚨🔵 #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2022
Straight lon until June — buy option clause will no longer be included. pic.twitter.com/BuudD8dIGg
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08:30 - Morning Round Round Up
- Frank Lampard is confident of keeping Anthony Gordon amid Chelsea interest after the deadline passes. He said: "I’m very confident (he’ll be our player come the end of the transfer window). "Deadline (to decide to sell him) has passed. He’s too important a player, he’s shown his worth. What good would it do us to do anything with Anthony now?"
- ESPN: Frenkie de Jong is set to stay at Barcelona barring anything remarkable
- Various: Key meeting scheduled for Wednesday between Chelsea and Barcelona for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
- Wesley Fofana is set to be unveiled as a Chelsea player on Wednesday
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours
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