Chelsea could now ‘make contact’ to sign £72m star at Stamford Bridge

GiveMeSport transfer insider Dean Jones returns with his latest Thursday column…

Newcastle are set to join the discussion over a potential move for Gabigol to the Premier League.

They are to be offered the player imminently as agents scope out the possibility of a move to the Premier League.

Wolves have been credited with interest in Gabigol, who has scored 101 goals in 156 matches for Flamengo, in recent days and it is true they are exploring the situation after being made aware of his availability. 

Yet other clubs will be given the chance to sign him too with Newcastle at the top of the list, along with West Ham.

Chelsea ready to make Declan Rice move

A move for Declan Rice is on the agenda at Chelsea as part of the fast-moving new era of Todd Boehly.

Early indications from sources close to the situation suggest the Blues could even contact West Ham officials in the coming weeks with a fresh approach to signing the England midfielder.

Rice was in relaxed mood as he flew out of London Heathrow’s Terminal 3 on Friday to enjoy an end of season getaway in Las Vegas. And while his intention is not to cause a fuss about a transfer upon his return from America, it is believed he is more than open to the prospect of joining Chelsea. He was released from the club as a young teenager but holds no grudge and would certainly be willing to go back.

Chelsea have looked to sign Rice previously and Thomas Tuchel is still an admirer. The Blues are set to lose one of Jorginho or N’Golo Kante this summer and the new ownership would love to make a statement signing. Rice is seen as an ideal profile of player to build around as the next era gets underway.

It is already a busy summer with Tuchel putting in plenty of hours of planning as part of his responsibilities, working closely with Boehly to have the major say in the running of the squad as they transition beyond a time of Roman Abramovich, Marina Granovskaia and Bruce Buck at the helm.

It could yet be that the Rice situation is addressed delicately when West Ham ask Chelsea to negotiate over Armando Broja. The Hammers are currently setting Broja as their top target in attack yet the asking price from Chelsea will dictate whether a switch is feasible.

Chelsea could be dealt transfer blow

Chelsea have a dream to land Kalidou Koulibaly or Matthijs De Ligt but Juventus could stand in the way of either deal gaining traction.

Not only are the Italian giants keen to hold on to Dutch international De Ligt but they may even try to partner him with Koulibaly at the heart of their defence for next season.

There is talk among some well informed insiders that Juve may try to pull off a transfer in order to ensure they challenge AC Milan and Inter Milan next term, especially in light of losing Giorgio Chiellini.

Koulibaly is not the only player being looked at but he is of the highest profile and would significantly change the landscape of Serie A for next term.

Raheem Sterling to Chelsea is ON! Hear more on The Football Terrace…

Napoli are currently bracing themselves for bids for Koulibaly and while there has been plenty of speculation surrounding the player in recent years, there has been a feeling that this summer he is more attainable. Chelsea or Juventus would have to pay around £40million to sign him.

In terms of De Ligt, we listed at the start of the window how he was viewed as the absolute dream signing for Chelsea this summer.

That is still the case but at this stage Koulibaly would be the more likely to land. The fact both players are wanted shows how the club view the importance of top new defensive signings though, given they also still want Jules Kounde. 

Arsenal targeting double Brazilian swoop

Gabriel Jesus still heads Arsenal’s wanted list because of a belief that his ability to lead the line can take them to the Champions League.

The club are pursuing Raphinha from Leeds United and there is intent behind the move – yet that is more in line with the fact Nicolas Pepe is set to be offloaded. 

Jesus would have a different role in the team and would be seen as more of a focal point. Mikel Arteta knows Jesus and it is understood he has outlined a detailed plan of how the move would work for him.

It would not be the first time Arteta has used a personal touch to secure an Arsenal signing and, for the most part, it seems Jesus has been won over.

Jesus has been waiting to see what other offers land this summer – and in particular has been hoping for a bid from AC Milan – but so far Arsenal is seen as the most likely move and he is believed to have seemed more open to the idea in recent days. 

Arsenal believe Jesus would have no problem increasing his own personal goal output beyond the 13 he got last season. But more than that there is a feeling his play would also benefit the rest of the side.

The Gunners scored 61 goals in the top-flight last season and with the input of a new experienced forward – who they see as an upgrade on Alexandre Lacazette – they feel he could help them close the gap on the number of goals it takes to reach the top four. 

In terms of Raphinha, Arsenal’s initial offer was too low for Leeds to consider and it should be noted that Chelsea and West Ham may yet still have a say on his next move.

News Now – Sport News