Chelsea News & Transfers LIVE: ‘Deal agreed’, interest in Emile Smith Rowe, Cherki hint, Raphinha move

Chelsea transfer news: Catch up on the Blues’ biggest headlines, including updates on Romelu Lukaku, Emile Smith Rowe, Raphinha and Rayan Cherki

With the summer transfer window just days away, Mauricio Pochettino faces a series of tough decisions after his side have played three Premier League games.

The Argentine’s first win at the helm came against Luton Town last Friday night and he is set to welcome a newcomer to his squad with a string of eliminations yet to come. One of the players likely to leave is Romelu Lukaku, whose tentative agreement is for him to join AS Roma on loan, while defender Trevoh Chalobah is in talks for a permanent move to Bayern Munich.

Surprisingly, when it comes to new arrivals, Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe has emerged as an option for the Blues, while Raphinha and Ferran Torres are also being considered. Rayan Cherki and Lyonnais Bradley Barcola are also linked but the latter’s departure no longer seems likely, although a far-fetched theory has surfaced for Cherki. Rafhinha still goes on

Chelsea missed signing Raphinha from Leeds last summer as the Brazilian international was in favor of a move to Barcelona.

However, the Blues could stand a chance of acquiring him from the Catalan giants, especially with his place in the squad currently unclear and interest lingering in Stamford Bridge.

According to the Mail, it’s on their radar with days before the end of the summer semester. His Barcelona team-mate Ferran Torres is also being closely watched by Chelsea.

Cherki transfer tip. Lyon’s Rayan Cherki still remains a target for Chelsea, despite minimal progress on the deal in recent weeks.

Contacts had been made with the French club and Cherki’s representatives, but Chelsea began to focus on other goals. A move for Barcola now looks unlikely, however, with Brentford eyeing a move for striker and Andrey Santos’ loan to Nottingham Forest rather than Lyon affecting a deal.

With the Bees focused on Barcola, the door is open for Chelsea to formally return to action for Cherki, especially after a Chelsea scout was spotted during Lyon’s last game against Nice.

Emile Smith Rowe Relocation Opportunity. On Monday, Emile Smith Rowe proved a surprise transfer option for Chelsea as they look to sign a versatile new striker.

Mohammed Kudus, Michael Olise, Jeremy Doku, Bradley Barcola, Rayan Cherki, Raphinha and Ferran Torres are also all linked, but it looks like Smith Rowe is the current favourite.

Mauricio Pochettino is looking for a proven Premier League player, Smith Rowe, and Arsenal’s position does not rule out a departure. A source has told football.london he is unlikely to leave the Emirates Stadium but nothing is ruled out.

Chalobah to Bayern?!

Trevoh Chalobah’s future at Chelsea is set to be decided in the coming days due to interest from Bayern Munich. The 24-year-old was linked with a move to Inter Milan but that deal fell through and he hasn’t been included in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad since, mainly due to a hamstring injury. The signing of Axel Disasi also demonstrates that Pochettino did not immediately see him as a replacement for the injured Wesley Fofana. Talks with Bayern Munich and former manager Thomas Tuchel, now Bavarian manager, then began with a probable loan move.

Earlier this summer, Chalobah discussed his future as Italy appeared to be the more likely destination for him than him, with the defender debating whether it was a suitable place to live. However, it may instead be Germany where his long-term future lies, with The Telegraph reporting that a permanent move to Bayern is under negotiation and talks are also progressing well…

Smith Rowe’s Best Position… or four!

Chelsea are a longtime admirer of Smith Rowe and he certainly fits the profile of the type of striker they are looking to add to their ranks before the transfer deadline. Smith Rowe can play up front just about anywhere – something Mauricio Pochettino expects of anyone he recruits.

In fact, Arteta has already spoken about Smith Rowe’s versatility and what he can bring to the team. “I think Smith Rowe can play four positions,” Arteta said last year. “He can play as a left winger, he can play as a left attacking midfielder, he can play as a right attacking midfielder and he can play as a nine; very, very well, I think.

There are doubts over Smith Rowe’s future at the Emirates Stadium, but the three-time England international said in June he would not give up at Arsenal despite not being one of the first names on the team list.