Chelsea news and transfers recap: Yeremy Pino interest, Dusan Vlahovic wait, Folarin Balogun talks

'Money well spent'

Gabby Agbonlahor has described Chelsea's signing of Moises Caicedo as 'money well spent'.

Caicedo joined the club earlier this week for a British-record fee of £115million. And whilst some have criticised the deal, Agbonlahor has praised it. “I’ve seen enough of him now to know he’s a top, top player.

“Reece James struggles with a lot of injuries, so there’s cover at right-back. He played for Brighton against Arsenal [at right-back] and was outstanding. Nobody could get any change out of him.

“He’s the sort of player who can play anywhere and he would be outstanding. He could play centre-half and be good.

“He is strong, aggressive, good on the ball, got an eye for goal when he gets forward enough. I really feel he’s the one that is going to be money well spent.”

AC Milan target swoop

AC Milan want to sign Chelsea striker Armando Broja this summer, according to reports in Italy.

The Serie A side continue to be in the market for a No.9 following Ibrahimovic's retirement and according to Calciomercato.com, Broja is one of three strikers on the Rossoneri's radar - including PSG's Hugo Ekitike.

It's said that an initial loan would be preferred by Milan.

Yeremy Pino interest

Chelsea are interested in Villarreal attacker Yeremy Pino, according to Simon Phillips.

The Blues have set their sights on the Spaniard, 20, with Phillips claiming that three different sources have told him about the interest.

Casadei debut goal

Chelsea loanee has started life on loan at Leicester City in perfect fashion with the winning goal in the 2-1 win over Cardiff City.

Pochettino squad problem

Mauricio Pochettino will face plenty of issues regarding the size of his squad at Chelsea, according to Chris Sutton.

Speaking on It's All Coming Up, the former Blues man said: “Chelsea’s bloated squad was a problem for Graham Potter, absolutely, and it’s going to be a bit of an issue for Pochettino.

“But he needs to make his mind up quickly, which in fairness he seems to have done.”

Caicedo prediction

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock has predicted that Moises Caicedo will be worth nearly £50m more than what Chelsea paid for him.

The midfielder joined the club for £115m earlier this week, a British record. And despite criticism over the deal, Warnock has insisted the former Brighton man will come good.

“What’s Caicedo going to be worth after five years? After five years of playing at Chelsea, at the highest level, he could be worth £170m. You just don’t know how inflation’s going to hit.”

Lukaku-Vlahovic OFF

Chelsea's swap deal that would see Dusan Vlahovic join the club and Romelu Lukaku leave for Juventus is reportedly off.

According to Calciomercato, there is a €10m difference between the two clubs in their valuations. Juve want €30m plus Lukaku for Vlahovic and Chelsea have only offered €20m.

Merson's Olise surprise

Paul Merson has insisted that he was shocked that Michael Olise turned down Chelsea.

The Crystal Palace star decided to snub a move to Stamford Bridge and instead sign a new contract with the Eagles.

“I was shocked,” Merson told Sky Sports when asked if Olise’s decision was expected. “It might have been because he was at Chelsea before that could’ve been the reason.”

Mbappe's Doku praise

PSG striker Kylian Mbappe has admitted that he is a big fan of Chelsea target Jeremy Doku.

The Rennes forward has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in recent days. And Mbappe revealed he enjoys watching the Belgian. “Recently, I was speaking with my father about a player who impressed me from the stands – because I was not playing – because of his speed qualities, that is (Jérémy) Doku, at Rennes.

"In 5 years as a professional, I have never seen someone from a standing start demonstrate so much power,” he said.

Kudus bid rejected!

Chelsea have been given a huge boost to their hopes of signing Mohammed Kudus this summer. The Ajax star has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League recently following his impressive performances in the Eredivisie...

Gallas makes his prediction

Former Blues defender Gallas has backed Chelsea to win the game on Sunday. Speaking to Genting Casino the 46-year-old said: "West Ham away is a derby and is always a tough game to play in.

"If Chelsea want to finish in the top four, they have no choice but to win the game. They can’t afford to lose or draw, so I think Chelsea will win 2-1."

Chelsea may hand debuts to Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia after both midfielders joined the Blues from Brighton and Southampton respectively this week. West Ham, meanwhile, could hand debuts to James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez...

Chelsea challenge

Ahead of Chelsea's trip to the London Stadium on Sunday, Mauricio Pochettino admitted that the Blues are in for a tough game. The 51-year-old said: "It's going to be tough. We know how they are going to play. "

They are beginning to change the shape but it's always going to be tough. All of the Premier League games will be difficult. They are a very good team doing a great job. Last season, they lifted a trophy, so they are very confident. For sure, it's going to be tough."

Do Chelsea need to sign another goalkeeper?

Ahead of Chelsea's clash against West Ham on Sunday afternoon, Mauricio Pochettino addressed the Blues' goalkeeping situation following the departure of Kepa Arrizbalaga. When asked if he'll settle with Robert Sanchez as his first-choice shot-stopper, the 51-year-old replied: "That is a good question because we are thinking of that.

"We are thinking and exploring all of the situations and possibilities on the market. The club is assessing all the options. At the moment, we are exploring all of the options that are on the market and there is still no decision."

Chelsea eye Djordje Petrovic

According to The Athletic, Chelsea have opened talks with Petrovic, but nothing is agreed yet. The report states that New England are hopeful of raking in around $15m (£11.8m) for the Serbian.

If the Blues sign Petrovic for the reported fee then it would set a new transfer record for an MLS goalkeeper. New England also sold Matt Turner to Arsenal last year, before eventually joining Nottingham Forest this year.

Merson makes his prediction

Sky Sports pundit and former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has pointed out Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino's most pressing issues ahead of Sunday afternoon's clash against West Ham.

"I think Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher played brilliantly against Liverpool," Merson wrote for SportsKeeda. "I also think Nicolas Jackson will be among the goals this season.

"However, if Chelsea are to make an impact and fight for a top 4 sport, they will rely heavily on Ben Chilwell and Reece James. Both of them need to stay fit and healthy throughout the season.

"The two wing-backs have got quality and they get up and down the pitch so well. I think Chelsea will cause West Ham problems on the counter-attack and I expect them to get all three points here.

"If they can win this game against the Hammers and beat Luton Town next week, that will be a solid start for Chelsea. Prediction: West Ham 1-2 Chelsea."

Ziyech touching down in Turkey!

Ziyech exit...

Hakim Ziyech could leave Chelsea as early as this weekend! The summer transfer window slams shut at the end of the month meaning that the Blues have just over a week to conduct any final business...

West Ham boost...

West Ham have been dealt a major boost ahead of their clash with Chelsea this weekend. The Hammers will welcome Mauricio Pochettino's side to the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon as the Blues hope to register their first win of the Premier League campaign.

Following a week of training at Rush Green, the Scotsman said: "I’m not too sure we’ve got anyone unavailable. I think everybody is available. Both James Ward-Prowse and Edson Álvarez are available for Sunday.

"James has Premier League experience and has scored and assisted goals throughout his career. If he does that for us then he will add value to what we've already got. We hope Edson will bring us something as well. We're enjoying working with him and I hope both will be really positive signings for us."

Will Chelsea finish in the top-four this season?

Speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Premier League odds, Marcel Desailly said: "The people who are invested in Chelsea know that this is a medium to long-term process before they can come back to top-four.

"It is a two to three year project before getting back into the system. You need to build the players and increase their value, get them up to speed with the project. I want Chelsea to finish top-four because I am a fan, but I don’t think it will happen when you look at their rivals right now.

"Chelsea are a team that need to build up again that winning mentality. I don’t mind about how much they spent because they know what they’re doing when you look at the length of the investment. I don’t think they will do it this season."

'Leave Boehly alone!'

Speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Premier League odds, Marcel Desailly said: "I think people should leave Todd Boehly alone, look at what he’s achieved. Whatever step he is making, he has elements that we don’t have.

"As fans we want results now. He’s an investor and of course he’s looking for money.Some fans say if they don’t win straight away, they want him to go. I’m just happy he has invested. Your team has not performed, and it’s not easy to identify the right person in the dugout.

"The players knew Lampard would not be there the next season.We are now waiting to see how things will turn out under Boehly. But I am objective, I don’t see how Chelsea can get into the top-four this season, but it’s a matter of time."

Guardiola claims City would be 'dead' if they spent as much as Chelsea...

Pep Guardiola has claimed that Manchester City would be 'under scrutiny like you cannot imagine' if they were spending as much as Chelsea. Following the arrival of Romeo Lavia from Southampton, the Blues have now spent over £850million since Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali took over in May 2022.

"What I'm saying is that if we did it we're dead," he said. "For Chelsea it's easier than for us. I have no criticism, they can do what they want.

"But we would be under scrutiny like you cannot imagine. I wouldn't be sitting here if we spent what Chelsea have spent in two transfer windows - you [media] would kill me."

Goalkeeper move

Chelsea are claimed to be on the lookout for a new goalkeeper to compete with Robert Sanchez, since joining from Brighton.

Doku interest

Chelsea appear to still be in the market for a right-winger, who can also operate as an attacking midfielder, after Michael Olise snubbed a transfer to Stamford Bridge. The latest name to be linked is Jeremy Doku, who has also been rumoured with a move to Manchester City.

Balogun talks

Chelsea are interested in making a move to sign Arsenal and USMNT striker Folarin Balogun this summer, according to reports.

It comes after the youngster made an impression in his loan spell with French club Reims last season, where he was among the top scorers in the league. Over the summer, the striker switch international allegiances from England to USA, outlining his ambition to play at the highest level as soon as possible.

Good morning

Hello and welcome to today's Chelsea live blog. Here's a look at the latest news ahead of another busy day.