Football FanCast updates you with all the latest Chelsea transfer news and gossip, as the 2023/24 Premier League campaign edges closer.

Mauricio Pochettino is preparing to embark on his first season in charge at Stamford Bridge and will be keen to strengthen his midfield ranks, having lost six first-team players in that area of the pitch.

Wednesday 9th August

Pochettino rules out Neymar

Evening Standard: New Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino isn't in favour of a move for Neymar. The Brazilian is widely expected to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer after six years.

That's brought about links to big-spending Chelsea. Pochettino, who worked with Neymar at PSG, doesn't like the idea, however - and the club fully back him in that.

Not only does the player earn extortionate wages, but he goes against the transfer plan of signing young players with big potential. All-in, this just isn't a transfer that makes sense for Chelsea and they won't be trying to sign Neymar this summer.

Blues unsure on Vlahovic

Gazzetta dello Sport: Chelsea have their doubts about Dusan Vlahovic right now. Mauricio Pochettino, for one, isn't actually sure that the Serbian striker is any better than new signing Nicolas Jackson, who arrived from Villarreal this summer.

And yet, they might sign Vlahovic anyway. This one has come about because of Chelsea's desperation to sell Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian simply won't be in their squad this season, but they're struggling to find a buyer. The Saudi Arabia option is non-existent, too, as Lukaku refuses to move there.

Inter seemed like the most likely choice, but that one collapsed once they'd learned that Lukaku held talks with rivals Juventus. The Old Lady can't actually afford him, but they have put an offer forward - Lukaku plus £35m for Vlahovic.

Chelsea aren't convinced, but feel this could end up being their best option. News that Christopher Nkunku will be out for three months will only further that feeling, too.

Washington deal done

Fabrizio Romano: Chelsea have agreed a deal with Santos for 18-year-old striker Deivid Washington. The Brazilian will cost a little over £12m before add-ons but could end up costing closer to £17m.

Now, the big question is where he plays next season. Washington was supposed to go out on loan to Strasbourg, a club recently purchased by Blues' owner Todd Boehly. However, an injury to Christopher Nkunku could mean it makes sense to hold onto the young forward.

We'll find out the answer soon enough, but what is clear is that Washington is a Chelsea player going forward.

Wednesday 2nd August

Chelsea consider Adams

The Times (via Daily Mail): Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams is on Pochettino's shortlist.

Adams is thought to have a release clause in his contract worth around £20m, which has become active following Leeds' relegation from the Premier League.

Brighton starlet Moisés Caicedo remains Chelsea's top target, however, after seeing their £80m bid rejected for the Ecuador international, Adams could be a far cheaper alternative.

The United States international made 24 appearances in England's top flight last term and was a standout performer for the Whites, despite being in a side that struggled for much of the campaign.

The 24-year-old is currently nursing a hamstring injury which required surgery in March and is expected to miss the start of the season.