With the 2022-23 Premier League campaign starting earlier than normal, Chelsea will ideally want to finalise their transfer business as soon as possible.
However, despite being well into the second half of June, head coach Thomas Tuchel is yet to add to his first-team squad, an issue which he will not want to linger over the coming weeks.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest Chelsea transfer news, including more discussions with their Inter Milan counterparts and alleged developments in the race to sign Ousmane Dembele.
Chelsea open to Lukaku, Skriniar swap deal?
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Since the start of June, it has become increasingly apparent that Romelu Lukaku will not be spending the next campaign at Stamford Bridge, a consequence of ongoing speculation and a return of just 15 goals from 44 appearances last season.
The relevant parties are said to have held discussions this week in the hope of finalising terms over what is likely to be a loan agreement.
However, Chelsea continue to be linked with numerous Inter players, including Milan Skriniar at a time when they are in the market for at least one new centre-back.
As it stands, it is unclear whether Inter will contemplate including one of their key men in any proposal for Lukaku, but the circumstances mean that nothing can be ruled out at this stage.
Chelsea show interest in Inter Milan youngster?
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Up until yesterday, Chelsea had been credited with an interest in players which had represented Inter on a regular basis in Serie A last season.
However, it has now been suggested that one of the Italian side's top prospects is also on their radar, despite never having played a minute in the league.
The Premier League giants have allegedly informed Inter that they are interested in signing 19-year-old Cesare Casadei, who starred at youth level during 2021-22.
Chelsea are said to have presented 'an important proposal' for the midfielder, one which is currently being rejected by Inter as they look to formulate plans to continue the youngster's development.
Dembele wants Chelsea assurances before contemplating transfer?
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Having made a positive impression during the second half of the season, Dembele appeared more likely to pen fresh terms at Barcelona than take the opportunity to move elsewhere.
However, there are now just 11 days remaining on his deal at Camp Nou, with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain seemingly in a straight fight for the France international.
The former are regarded as the favourites to sign the playmaker, who has previously worked with Tuchel during their time together at Borussia Dortmund.
Nevertheless, despite their pair being familiar with one another, it has been claimed that a switch to Stamford Bridge is far from a foregone conclusion
Darren Plant
