Transfer Window Deadline Day Updates as they arrive - Potential Arrivals
This article will be updated as news comes in Monday and Tuesday as a replacement to my weekly Newsletter this week! - Check back in regularly!
*Please note, this article will get updated as and when things happen/change. So the top of the article information could change as we go… Make sure to check back regularly to not miss anything!
These reports will be a mixture of what I have heard/been told myself, as well as using only the better sources.
Monday AM - Jules Kounde to Chelsea deal has stalled due to Sevilla upping the verbally agreed fee by £13m. Chelsea refusing to pay that and deal rests on Sevilla - David Ornstein of The Athletic.
I’ve been told a fee was agreed days ago (as I reported on Twitter) and has now been confirmed by both Ornstein and Matt Law of The Telegraph. Sevilla moved the goal posts and asked for more, which Chelsea tried to do with add-ons. At the moment though it is true things have stalled.
This deal is now Sevilla’s decision, but thinking out loud, do they really want to keep a player who has already agreed personal terms with another club, flew to Paris to try and force the deal, and clearly wants to leave? I’m not so sure this one is over yet.
Monday AM - Matt Law confirms Ornstein’s report on Kounde, and also says the Saul Niguez to Chelsea loan move is in the balance due to the clubs not agreeing the details such as loan fees and also the fact Chelsea only want him on loan with an otpion to buy and Atletico Madrid want him sold on a permanent deal - Matt Law, The Telegraph.
As I have reported time and time again recently, this has always rested on the clubs agreement of whether it was an option to buy or an obligation, Chelsea only want an option. Despite reports saying this was off, I reassured many that it wasn’t dead in the water and negotiations continue - This is where it still stands, but as time goes on this deal becomes less likely.
Mon PM - In the case of Saul Niguez, Chelsea are keen to do a deal if it can be done as a straight loan but the Spanish champions want a clause that makes it likely to become a permanent deal for £34 million ($47m). The 26-year-old is keen to move to Stamford Bridge.
Meanwhile, for Jules Kounde, Chelsea have found Sevilla have taken a non-negotiable stance and are requesting €65 million (£56m/$77m) - Nizaar Kinsella, Goal.
Mon PM - Kounde - Sevilla moving the goalposts, knowing CFC have money to spend & really want the player. Also needing the replacement.
Saul - Atletico currently adamant on the obligation, Chelsea don’t want this. Player open to move. A lot can change. Negotiations continue…
Worth noting
- Chelsea aren’t desperate, won’t pay over the odds with options already within the squad.
- Departures of 2-3 depend on these potential arrivals.
- If Chelsea get nobody in, Tuchel and Chelsea believe they are still strong enough to compete at the top. - Dan McCarthy, Si & Dan Talk Chelsea.
Mon PM - Chelsea intend to make one last attempt to sign Jules Kounde from Sevilla - ABC Sevilla (good local source).
Mon PM - Atletico Madrid are still prepared to let Saul Niguez leave on loan before the transfer window closes but they are struggling to source a suitable replacement.
The 26-year-old midfielder had previously been linked with Chelsea but Atletico say there's no further development on his situation, and if that doesn't change today or tomorrow he will be staying at the club - David Ornstein, The Athletic.
Mon PM - Sevilla and Wolves both remain in talks to sign Sven Botman from Lille. Sevilla are expected to make a formal bid once Jules Kounde’s potential deal to Chelsea is agreed - Sky Sports.
Mon PM - Saul’s loan from Atletico to Chelsea extremely unlikely now. Still a chance that Kounde could happen but Chelsea are going to have to meet Sevilla’s demands - Jacob Steinburg, The Guardian.
Mon PM - As things stand, it looks like being more about outgoings than incomings. A deal for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde is currently off. A loan move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez doesn't appear to be happening either, although you can never rule out a dramatic change on either, especially given events of this window - Simon Johnson, The Athletic.
Monday Evening - Aurelien Tchouameni is liked by Chelsea but there have been concerns that he could do with another 12 months at AS Monaco to get more experience amid interest this summer - Simon Johnson, The Athletic.
Monday Evening - Chelsea believed they had a deal of around €50M for Jules Koundé, but after Kurt Zouma was sold for €30M plus, Sevilla said they want closer to the €80M release clause and have been trying to get more money out of Chelsea - Sky Sports.
Monday Evening - There is still hope that the deal for Jules Kounde to Chelsea can be revived - Jacob Steinburg, The Guardian.
Monday Evening - There is a busy 24hrs coming up at Chelsea! - James Robson, The Evening Standard.
Monday Evening - Wolverhampton had a bid refused for Sven Botman 3 days ago… and now the deal with Lille is completely OFF - Fabrizio Romano (Botman was named as a potential Kounde replacement).
Monday Evening - Chelsea are still keen to sign Saul Niguez on loan from Atletico Madrid with an option to buy. Deal is dependent on Atletico being able to sign a replacement midfielder - Kaveh Solhekol, Sky Sports.
Monday Evening - Chelsea are not giving up on Saul Niguez or Jules Kounde, it goes to the last day - Nizaar Kinsella, Goal, and Ruben Uria (Reliable Spanish Journo).
Monday Evening - Sevilla require around 60M (assume Euros) for Jules Kounde to have a done deal chance. Now is totally up to Chelsea - Sport Italia.
Monday Evening - Sevilla have rejected a €55m bid from Chelsea for Jules Koundé, they are holding out for their €70m release clause. Nabil Djellit (Reliable French Journo).
Monday Evening - Saul Niguez to Chelsea is CLOSE! Loan with an option to buy - El Chiringuito TV (Big Spanish Sport TV Show).
Tuesday Morning - Saúl Niguez deal to Chelsea ‘now completely blocked’ - Fabrizio Romano. *Well that was a quick turnaround, welcome to deadline day!
Tuesday Morning - Chelsea had a complicated and tense day for Jules Koundé negotiations with Sevilla. Deal on the verge of collapsing many times but... today Chelsea will try again with final approach. Sevilla are so strong on their position. - Fabrizio Romano.
Tuesday Morning - "There is a sense of calm [at Chelsea]. Saul has never been a top priority. With Kounde the feeling has always been there is an eye on the future, it might happen in January if not now. If both come up great.
"Chelsea have surprised me before on deadline day, deals can easily come from nowhere. Never say never. I've learned that anything can happen. It wouldn't surprise me if tomorrow a shock deal comes up, but I've not heard of anything." - Matt Law via The London is Blue Podcast (recorded Monday night).
Tuesday Morning - Chelsea are still keen on signing Saul Niguez on loan with an option to buy - Sky Sports News Live.
Tuesday Morning - Atletico Madrid are still prepared to let Saul Niguez leave on loan before the transfer window closes — but they are struggling to source a suitable replacement - The Athletic.
Tuesday Morning - From Sevilla no opening to Chelsea's offer for Jules Kounde. The deal is closed for the Sevilla board - Angelo Mangiante, Sky Italy.
Tuesday Morning - “Chelsea and Atletico Madrid are talking again about Saul Niguez deal. Talks broke down between player and club last week, but Chelsea have come back as Thomas Tuchel wants another centre midfielder. Will be a loan.” - Graeme Bailey, 90 min (not greatest source but it’s similar to what I’m hearing, we will see).
Tuesday Morning - “Chelsea still want to get some business done.” - David Ornstein on the Live Athletic stream.
Tuesday Morning - “Saul Niguez will be staying at Atletico Madrid. No move to Chelsea or anywhere else before the deadline.” - Jamie Wilkinson, my colleague from Caught Offside.
Tuesday Morning - “Sevilla are waiting on incomings. Expect updates on Jules Kounde in the next three hours on whether possible or not.” - Nizaar Kinsella, Goal.
Tuesday Morning - “The terms have been set for both players [Kounde and Saul] who Chelsea are interested in. Next update should simply be whether they will go through with the selling club's terms or whether talks collapse.” - Nizaar Kinsella, Goal.
Tuesday Morning - “Thomas Tuchel really wants Kounde/Saul. These are the hours when you find out how serious the buying/selling club is about getting a deal done. It’s within their power to get both done.” - James Robson, The Evening Standard.
Tuesday Morning - “Some reports have suggested Chelsea will not sign Saul Niguez but a late move may yet materialise if other deals fall the right way.” - Dean Jones, Eurosport.
Tuesday Afternoon - “I’m told that Chelsea’s hopes of signing Saul Niguez on loan are over. Could be a late turnaround but at the moment the deal is off. Over to Kounde.” - Jacob Steinburg, The Guardian.
Tuesday Afternoon - Sevilla director Monchi says that Jules Kounde can leave to Chelsea this window if they pay his release clause, thought to be around £65m.
Tuesday Afternoon - “We always try to agree on every decision that is made. In the case of Jules, an offer has arrived that the club has considered that it is not enough. "But if tomorrow an offer for another player comes lower than the clause and we accept it, nothing happens." - Sevilla director.
*Personally, I still think Kounde to Chelsea has legs. There is scope to meet in the middle, Chelsea aren’t that far from the release clause. I never pay too much attention to what directors say, but even he’s left the door open I feel.
Tuesday Afternoon - “Saul Niguez loan to Chelsea with option to buy can only happen today if Atletico Madrid can sign a replacement midfielder. They signed Rodrigo de Paul from Udinese last month. They want Pablo Sarabia from PSG.” - Kaveh Solhekol, Sky Sports.
Tuesday Afternoon - “Still a bit of life in Saul and Chelsea. All parties have not yet given up.” - Matt Law, The Telegraph.
Tuesday Afternoon - “Jules Koundé and Chelsea deal is considered “more than complicated” by all parties involved. Sevilla have absolutely NO intention to negotiate. It’s release clause or nothing - and Chelsea have not communicated any intention to pay the clause yet.” - Fabrizio Romano.
Tuesday Afternoon - “There are MANY POSSIBILITIES that SAÚL will go to CHELSEA." - Spanish TV station El Chiringuito keeping the Saul Niguez dream alive.
Tuesday Afternoon - BREAKING! Chelsea are actively working on a deal to sign Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid on loan with an option to buy! - David Ornstein, The Athletic.
Tuesday Afternoon - It looks like it is Saul Niguez himself and his agent who are pushing this deal to Chelsea, according to multiple sources. Race against time now.
Tuesday Afternoon - “Saul Niguez has some of the best agents in the business. Race against time for them to get him the move he wants to Chelsea today.” - Kaveh Solhekol, Sky Sports.
Tuesday Afternoon - The Chelsea midfielder outgoing train is moving along as we speak… #MoreLoans - Dan McCarthy, Si & Dan Talk Chelsea.
Tuesday Afternoon - “There’s nothing between Barcelona and Saúl. Chelsea are the only club now working again to sign Saúl on loan with buy option. The player wants to leave - negotiations ongoing with Atletico Madrid. Atletico have to find a replacement now to complete Saúl deal.” - Fabrizio Romano
Tuesday Afternoon - Chelsea are set to sign Saul Niguez - significant breakthrough and loan deal expected to be completed tonight - Oliver Todd, Daily Mail.
Tuesday Afternoon - Saul has a foot and a half in the door at Chelsea - Mundo Deportivo.
Tuesday Afternoon - Pablo Sarabia (potential Saul replacement) not yet agreeing personal terms with Sporting, as he would prefer a move to Atletico Madrid - Get French Football News.
Tuesday Afternoon - Chelsea are 100% focused on getting the Saul Niguez deal done - Fabrizio Romano.
Tuesday Evening - Saul Niguez to Chelsea is almost done... Clubs are in process of completing paperwork right now - My colleagues at Caught Offside.
Tuesday Evening - Jules Kounde deal is OFF! - Dan McCarthy, Si & Dan Talk Chelsea.
Tuesday Evening - Antoine Griezmann's return to Atletico Madrid is being negotiated as part of Saul's move to Chelsea. Talks progressing - Nizaar Kinsella, Goal.
Tuesday Evening - People close to Saul Niguez are 'confident' that he will make the move to #Chelsea - Fabrizio Romano.
HERE WE GO!! - Not an official confirmation as of yet, but as good as from Fabrizio Romano. Saul Niguez to Chelsea is a DONE DEAL - 5 million euros loan deal, he will be in London tonight to complete.
Tuesday Evening - Chelsea will have a €35m option to buy Saul Niguez next summer - Kaveh Solhekol, Sky Sports.
Tuesday Evening - Saul Niguez probably won't come to London tonight, he can do all the paperwork from Madrid and arrive next week. All parties are in agreement for the deal to be done. - Kaveh Solhekol, Sky Sports.
Tuesday Evening - All confirmed. No chance for today and tonight for Jules Kounde to join Chelsea. The deal is closed for the Sevilla board - Angelo Mangiante, Sky Italy.
You Guys can turn off this updates page. All the activity will be only with departures only as we are signing nobody.
As things stand, which of the two live deals are more likely in your eyes? Imho, Saul is the more needed right now - we’re a kante or jorginho injury away from a big problem with billy Gilmour no longer around.