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Football London
Football London
Sport
Charlie Wilson

Chelsea transfer rumours: Hugo Ekitike 'contact', new Borna Sosa claim and Conor Gallagher plans

Chelsea will be looking to make significant upgrades to their squad this summer when the transfer window opens on July 1.

The Blues look set to lose three defenders with Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta all set to become free agents - with a bunch of centre-backs linked as replacements.

As well as adding defenders, Chelsea will look to bolster their squad depth.

Chelsea currently find themselves behind Liverpool and Manchester City in the title race and will be in the race for some big name players set to become available this summer.

Here are the latest on Chelsea transfer rumours - with two players linked to the club and plans revealed for a current loanee.

Chelsea 'make contact' over £33million goalscorer

Chelsea have reached out to French club Reims about signing striker Hugo Ekitike this summer.

That's according to Footmercato, who claim a conversation has been held by the two clubs about the highly-touted teenager.

Ekitike has scored eight league goals in 20 appearances in his breakthrough season at his hometown club.

The tall and athletic striker has made improvements by the month, and was subject to interest from Newcastle United in Janaury.

But Chelsea hope to jump the queue by making a move before the window opens.

Borussia Dortmund are also said to be interested.

Chelsea in race to sign Bundesliga left-back

Borna Sosa of VfB Stuttgart has earned comparisons to David Beckham (Roland Krivec/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Thomas Tuchel had openly looked to bring in a left-back in January following Ben Chilwell's injury, and it's being reported that he'll continue to do so in the summer.

Bild reporter Christian Falk has claimed that Chelsea are well in the race for Vfb Stuttgart left-back Borna Sosa - with Tottenham and Arsenal also interested.

The 24-year-old defender has also had a breakout season this campaign, despite Stuttgart battling with relegation in the Bundesliga.

He leads the team with four assists, whilst creating 30 chances in just 18 games so far this season.

Plans for loanee revealed ahead of next season

The Evening Standard have reported that Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher will be in Chelsea's first-team plans next season.

It comes after the 22-year-old has had a standout season whilst on loan at Crystal Palace, making his England debut recently.

The report states that Tuchel has been impressed with Gallagher this season, and he's set to slot into Chelsea's midfield next campaign.

This could affect Chelsea's plans with Declan Rice next summer. The former Chelsea youth player has constantly been linked back to the club, but will likely cost around £100million.

The emergence of Gallagher could see Chelsea bypass Rice, or could pair the duo in central midfield should Chelsea look to make a move.

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