Chelsea got their season off to a winning start at Everton but their squad reshuffle continues.
Jorginho scored their winner at Goodison Park as Raheem Sterling started in attack for his new outfit with Timo Werner now securing his exit. Romelu Lukaku has already been allowed to leave on loan and the German has now followed suit, although his switch back to RB Leipzig is a permanent one.
Thomas Tuchel has seen major figures leave in defence and attack with Antonio Rudiger among their high profile exits. Recruits have been bought in to replacement them, but more additions could still be made before the window closes as new owner Todd Boehly looks to make a statement.
Alonso closes on move as swap holds up deal
Chelsea wing-back Marcos Alonso is closing in on his move to Barcelona with the Blues considering a swap deal involving Sergino Dest.
Alonso is understood to have already said his goodbyes to team-mates and staff at Chelsea’s Cobham training HQ having long since made up his mind to follow in his father’s footsteps by joining Barcelona. However, the deal for Alonso has been held up by Chelsea’s interest in Dest, as they weighed up a potential swap deal, and now looks to have been put on the back burner.
The Catalan club have already missed out on the signing of Cesar Azpilicueta – the Chelsea captain instead opting to renew his contract at Stamford Bridge – and Barca remain light in the right-back area and may look to strengthen in the position this month as a priority over a new left-back.
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Werner completes Leipzig return
The German forward lasted two years at Stamford Bridge but struggled to establish himself and has returned to the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig.
It was there that he made his name, which prompted the Blues to spend almost £50m on him back in the summer of 2020. He was unable to score with regularity in England and played second fiddle to Romelu Lukaku last season, but even his departure has not prompted Werner to stay put.
The forward has signed a four-year deal back at Leipzig, who re-sign Werner for £25m. The German said upon leaving: “I would like to express my appreciation for my teammates, the coaches & staff, and especially for you, the special supporters of Chelsea Football Club. I felt so much love and support throughout the last two years and I will never forget how you guys stood behind me in good and challenging times!”
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Tuchel open to more exits
Despite the departures of Lukaku and Werner this summer Tuchel could sanction more exits at Stamford Bridge before the window closes. Sterling has been signed, but Chelsea are still lacking a major recognised striker in their ranks.
Tuchel is now prepared to listen to offers for Hakim Ziyech and is yet to be convinced by Christian Pulisic, reports the Guardian. Ziyech was signed by Frank Lampard from Ajax but has been unable to nail down a first-team spot and it is a similar story with Pulisic.
The German arrived from Borussia Dortmund and has shown in glimpses his quality, yet he too cannot establish himself in the frontline and Tuchel is ready to seek fresh attacking options.
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