Welcome to the football.london transfer briefing. To help you keep on top of all things Chelsea going on in the market we've got the latest noises coming from social media, journalists and so-called ITKs, rounding up what's what in the world of the Blues.
Enzo Fernandez talks transfers
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has done little to quieten the links with Roma attacker Paulo Dybala. The 29-year-old has been strongly reported as a serious transfer target this summer with a release clause of £10million ($12.8m) available to teams outside of Italy.
Having played with Dybala for Argentina, Fernandez is well placed to offer his stance on the player and didn't shy away when questioned on the subject. "Yes, I saw something about that," he said.
"We’ll see. I hope he comes. I talked to him and told him that I’m waiting for him to share a barbecue or something. I need someone to share the matés."
Given the South American link with Thiago Silva and Mauricio Pochettino, Dybala has continued to be a name suggested on lists of potential Chelsea transfer targets and certainly has the experience to back up his talent.
football.london says: Given Chelsea have spent much of the past six months signing players 23 and under as well as selling those 27 or over, bringing in Dybala would go against their recent transfer record. However, Pochettino is looking to build a squad of hungry players and might find that having a trio of South American stars in the dressing room is helpful.
READ MORE: Mauricio Pochettino holds vital Chelsea transfer talks for $87m deal amid Moises Caicedo worry
As well as that, Dybala's ability to play across the frontline makes him a valuable and flexible option. His goalscoring and output across his career has been such that for a small fee like the one on offer, even given a tainted fitness history might not stop this from being a deal that represents value for money.
Dybala is a player with extreme quality and from behind a striker has the chance to be a pivotal player in the Chelsea system. However, Chelsea's lack of first choice striker at this stage also makes it a questionable purchase were it to happen. He would join the list of players to want to play with a focal point rather than offering much physical presence himself and only adds to the issues.
Whilst there is reason to believe that it could absolutely be an inspired transfer, Chelsea would be better off pursuing others at this stage and if Dybala is there and still signable on the cheap come that stage, could be a useful bargain.
PSG plan Vlahovic option
Paris Saint-Germain are contemplating a bid for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic as they explore alternatives to Kylian Mbappe with the Frenchman expected to leave in the next 12 months.
The Serbian is just one of the names being looked at by the French side as they prepare themselves for the departure of their prized asset, who's contract ends in 2024. Mbappe told PSG earlier this year that he would not be extending his deal beyond next summer and it has opened up the chances of an early exit.
Real Madrid are long-term admirers and much expected to make a serious play for him, however, Chelsea themselves will be watching keenly as they plan a deal for Vlahovic. Fabrizio Romano writes that contrary to reports, no talks are currently ongoing but he is admired by the Blues.
football.london says: PSG spending big again, is it? We only say that with slight irony after Chelsea spent £600million ($770m) on transfers across two windows, but it would be a big blow were Vlahovic to be taken off the market.
He is one of the more balanced options available due to a £67million ($87m) asking price, proven goalscoring record and experience at the top level. His age also makes him a more likely candidate for the striker spot at Chelsea.
The only way in which Chelsea might be okay with PSG landing Vlahovic would be if they were to be the ones signing Mbappe, and that's remarkably unlikely. His transfer is going to have a knock-on effect for the entire market, be it a big money move this year or for free next summer, it will impact the decisions made by Harry Kane, Vlahovic, Victor Osimhen, Lautaro Martinez and maybe eventually Erling Haaland.
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