Chelsea are close to finalising the transfer of João Félix to Saudi club Al Nassr, a move that could see the Premier League side make a notable profit on the Portuguese forward. Despite ongoing speculation about a return to Benfica, Félix’s boyhood club, where he himself stated, “Benfica is my home. One day I will return,” recent developments point firmly towards a Saudi adventure.

Reports indicated that Benfica were negotiating to acquire 50% of Félix’s rights for approximately €25 million (£21.7 million, $29.3 million). However, the narrative shifted when Fabrizio Romano revealed that Al Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo also plays, were in the “final stages” of agreeing personal terms with Félix. Sky Sports News later confirmed that Chelsea and Al Nassr were close to agreeing on a transfer fee around £44 million ($59.1 million).

Félix joined Chelsea permanently from Atlético Madrid just a year ago for £45 million ($60.5 million). Factoring in the £5 million ($6.7 million) loan fee Chelsea received from AC Milan, who took Félix on loan for the latter half of the 2024–25 season, the club’s aggressive transfer strategy has yielded a rare positive outcome.

The departure of Félix is reported to expedite Chelsea’s pursuit of Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig, reflecting the club’s ongoing strategy in the transfer market.

Chelsea are reported to be monitoring Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma amid stalled contract negotiations with the Ligue 1 club. The 26-year-old Italian, in the final year of his contract, is reportedly eager to remain at PSG, but talks on an extension have been hindered by salary structure disagreements. Donnarumma is said to be the last player on a pre-Luis Campos contract, which includes a guaranteed high weekly wage. PSG have moved towards incentive-based pay models since Campos’s arrival, a shift that Donnarumma has yet to accept.

This contract impasse has attracted Chelsea’s interest, with reports naming them among the potential suitors. Although PSG have no current plans to offload Donnarumma, they are pursuing Lille’s Lucas Chevalier. Should Chevalier join PSG, it could prompt Donnarumma’s exit.

Any transfer to Chelsea would likely require Donnarumma to accept a wage reduction in line with the club’s current salary policies. Additionally, tensions remain following a post-match incident in the Club World Cup final involving Donnarumma and Chelsea’s João Pedro, which also implicated PSG manager Luis Enrique. This feud could complicate negotiations between the two clubs.

Chelsea’s pursuit of Donnarumma appears to be a strategic move influenced by contract circumstances rather than an urgent need for a new goalkeeper. The outcome will depend on resolution of contractual and interpersonal challenges on both sides.

Bournemouth are reportedly keen on Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong as they seek to strengthen their backline ahead of the new Premier League season. With the departure of key defenders such as Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, and potentially others, the Cherries face the challenge of rebuilding a significant portion of their starting defence.

According to BBC Sport, Bournemouth recently submitted a £26 million offer for Lille’s Bafodé Diakité, who is valued at £35 million, but the bid was rejected. This has led them to consider alternative targets, with 19-year-old Acheampong emerging as a viable option.

Acheampong made his Chelsea debut in May 2024 but struggled for consistent first-team opportunities amid contract negotiation difficulties. After being sidelined, he was brought back into the fold in December 2024 and signed a new long-term contract with Chelsea until 2029.

The young defender is reportedly seeking assurances on playing time, and while Chelsea are reluctant to sever ties completely, they may consider a loan move for Acheampong to facilitate his development.

Bournemouth’s recruitment drive is critical as they aim to fill gaps left by the departures of Huijsen and others. The club also has interest in Illia Zabarnyi from Paris Saint-Germain and recently replaced Kerkez with Adrien Truffert from Rennes. The defensive reshuffle highlights Bournemouth’s need for strategic signings to maintain competitiveness in the Premier League.