5pm: Marina set to announce next Chelsea three transfers ahead of deadline day
According to reports, Chelsea are reportedly close to securing the departures of three players ahead of the final week of the transfer window.
There have already been numerous departures from Thomas Tuchel’s squad this summer, with the Blues having earned over £100m in transfer fees from various buyers.
Notable sales include the likes of Fikayo Tomori, Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud, with the funds generated having already been invested back into the current squad with the £97m acquisition of Romelu Lukaku from Inter.
However, the sales do not look like ending there and another three players are reportedly edging close to the exit door at Stamford Bridge.
As per Fabrizio Romano, young striker Ike Ugbo is close to returning to Belgium after starring for Cercle Brugge last term. He netted 17 goals in all competitions last season and his form was good enough to catch the eye of Genk, who are reportedly set to pay £5m for his signature. The 22-year-old has also been linked with French giants Marseille.
Another permanent departure is that of Davide Zappacosta, with the Italian having fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge. The Italian also spent last season out on loan with Genoa and is set for a return to Italy with Atalanta. Gianluca Di Marzio suggests that he is going to pen a four-year deal in Bergamo.
Away from permanent deals, Tiemoue Bakayoko is apparently edging close to yet another loan deal.
Milan and Napoli have been reported as admirers of the Frenchman throughout the summer and it is suggested that the latter are close to bringing him back to the San Siro having secured his services for the 2018/19 campaign.
The 27-year-old has just one year remaining on his current deal.
It remains to be seen whether Chelsea are set to reinvest once more but remain strongly-linked with French duo Aurelien Tchouameni and Jules Kounde.