Home World USA Latin America Europe Asia Africa TV Shows Showbiz Travel Lifestyle Opinion Science Politics Health Sports Tech Entertainment Business
Sports June 28, 2026

Chelsea Pursue World Cup Winner, Reject Initial £22m Transfer Bid

Chelsea Pursue World Cup Winner, Reject Initial £22m Transfer Bid

Chelsea is poised to make significant changes to their squad this summer, with new boss Xabi Alonso set to take the reins at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have been linked with several high-profile signings, including Palestra right-back Malo Gusto, who has emerged as a target for Manchester City boss Enzo Maresca. Chelsea's interest in Gusto comes as they are open to offers for current right-back Malo Gusto, who has been a key player for the club.

At centre-back, Chelsea have expressed interest in Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix and Como's Jacobo Ramon, as they look to strengthen their defense. This move comes as part of a larger effort to revamp the team, with Chelsea willing to sell academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah this summer.

Real Madrid CF v Real Betis Balompie - LaLiga EA Sports

Chalobah has made 151 appearances for Chelsea since his first-team debut in 2018 and was a mainstay in the side last season, playing 47 games in all competitions. However, the 26-year-old has had long spells on the periphery of the team, having loans at Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town, Huddersfield Town, and Lorient.

Chelsea has rejected a second offer from Como for Chalobah worth £22m, with the club reportedly wanting around £35m for the England international. Chalobah is currently at the World Cup with England, but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to secure a move to Como.

Despite an abundance of forwards already at the club, Chelsea is interested in signing new attacking players, and has made an approach to Benfica for star player Andreas Schjelderup. Schjelderup, who is also at the World Cup with Norway, has reservations over the move given Chelsea's failure to qualify for the Champions League.

Panama v England - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group L

Schjelderup's current contract includes a stunning £86m release clause, but Benfica are willing to cash in for around £35m amid interest from Chelsea, AC Milan, and Como. The 22-year-old has already been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Liverpool trying to sign him in 2023 but ultimately rejecting the offer in favor of Benfica.

US Cremonese v Como 1907 - Serie A

Share this article

UMVA MAG

UMVA Mag is your trusted source for breaking news, in-depth analysis, and compelling stories from around the world. Covering politics, business, technology, entertainment, sports, health, science, and more — we deliver journalism that matters.

Independent, Accurate, Unbiased
24/7 Breaking News Coverage
Trusted by Millions Worldwide