Chelsea News Roundup: Llorente chase, Abraham departure, Lukaku update

After leading Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2020/21, Thomas Tuchel is keen to put his own stamp on the Blues squad in the summer transfer window.

Keo168 and other betting sites are backing Chelsea to mount a serious title challenge, pegging Chelsea and Liverpool as equal second-favourites in Premier League betting odds for next season behind City. A few smart transfers could change this though.

The Blues were one of the protagonists of the last summer transfer campaign and could be equally busy this time around.

Let’s take a look at the hottest topics linked with Chelsea in recent times.

Chelsea set sights on Atletico Madrid utility man Marcos Llorente

As reported by Spanish outlet El Gol Digital, Chelsea are entertaining the idea of going all-out for versatile Atletico Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente.

The Spaniard left his boyhood club Real Madrid to link up with cross-town rivals two years ago and has since gone from strength to strength under Diego Simeone.

Although he arrived at the Wanda Metropolitano as a defensive midfielder, the 26-year-old has turned into an offensive-minded right-back under the Argentine manager.

His remarkable performances on the right flank have earned him a regular starting berth in the Spanish national team at Euro 2020 as he continues to impress in his new role.

After missing out on Inter Milan’s Achraf Hakimi, the Blues are willing to fork out €40million to convince Atletico to green-light the move.

Aston Villa reignite interest in Chelsea outcast Tammy Abraham

Aston Villa look determined to bolster their squad ahead of the new season and have already dashed out £40million to pip Arsenal to the signing of Norwich star Emi Buendia.

However, the Lions have no intention of stopping their spending spree as they hope to acquire the services of outgoing Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham.

The 23-year-old has tumbled down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge since Thomas Tuchel arrived at the helm in January and is on the brink of exiting west London to rejuvenate his career.

With Chelsea hell-bent on acquiring the services of Borussia Dortmund powerhouse Erling Haaland, Abraham’s sale could serve to raise funds to snap up the Norwegian prodigy.

Villa, who already had the Englishman on their roster in 2018/19, will have to earmark another £40m to sign the striker permanently, per the Evening Standard.

Inter Milan pin staggering price tag on Chelsea target Romelu Lukaku

Inter Milan have named an outrageous €100m price tag on in-demand striker Romelu Lukaku, with Chelsea and Manchester City credited with an interest.

The Belgian striker carried Inter to a long-awaited Serie A title in 2020/21, racking up a whopping 24 goals and ten assists in 36 league appearances under Antonio Conte.

With Conte now gone and the Nerazzurri facing financial turmoil, the 28-year-old may depart Italy to help the newly-crowned champions balance the books.

Meanwhile, the Londoners are on the lookout for a high-profile No 9 to lead the line next season and have identified Lukaku as a perfect candidate for the job.

According to Corriere dello Sport (via SempreInter), Chelsea will have to come up with a nine-figure bid to price the highly-rated hitman away from the Giuseppe Meazza.