Chelsea head out to the United States this weekend to step up their pre-season preparations – and as things stand, they will do so without a first-team signing being made...CONTINUE READING
It was on Saturday that Chelsea’s preparation for the 2022/23 campaign got underway at Cobham. A number of senior stars returned and were joined for the early pre-season sessions by several players who spent last season out on loan. There were even a few members from the academy sides involved.
There were no new signings, however. They haven’t been made as yet. Much effort has been put in over the past three weeks by new co-owner Todd Boehly but beyond Romelu Lukaku clinching a return to Inter Milan on loan, it’s been a quiet transfer window for Chelsea.
That should change in the weeks ahead. Raheem Sterling is expected to arrive from Man City while talks continue with Juventus over a deal for Matthijs de Ligt. There are a number of other centre-back targets too, including Nathan Ake, Presnel Kimpembe and Kalidou Koulibaly.
Attacking reinforcements – in addition to Sterling – are also expected. A fee with Leeds United for Raphinha has been agreed for some time, but the Brazilian continues to wait on Barcelona. And more fanciful and high-profile global stars have also been linked with blockbuster moves to Stamford Bridge: we’re talking Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo.
