Kounde transfer latest as Lewandowski 'prefers' Chelsea move

Todd Boehly always hoped to make his first signing a marquee one and few can argue that taking Raheem Sterling from their direct rivals is not a statement of intent.

But if the England international is unveiled, it has taken precisely six weeks since the new owners finally got control of Stamford Bridge. By comparison, the first game at Everton on August 6 is now less than four weeks away, and with Thomas Tuchel having to replace major outgoings as well as overhauling the rest of the squad, the Chelsea board cannot afford to rest on its laurels for too long.

Not least because long-term projects like recruiting Mattijs de Ligt and Raphinha looked to have failed. Mirror Sport has rounded up the latest Chelsea transfer news and rumours.

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Kounde progress slow

It is with an increased sense of frustration that Marca report there has still been "no bid for Jules Kounde", despite speculation linking him with a move to Stamford Bridge since last summer.

With chief rivals Barcelona seemingly finally coming to the end of their resources, it should pave the way for Chelsea to make a formal approach for the Frenchman. Certainly Sevilla are not likely to drag their heels over any business. They have their own plans this summer and what price they can get for their star asset will be key to what is left of their summer.

Lewandowski prefers Chelsea

That said, if Boehly does play the long game there is no telling who he might land. Robert Lewandowski had long been linked with a move to Barcelona, which even now seems far from certain. Inevitably, PSG are getting ready to flex their financial muscle as usual with a late steal, but information from L'Equipe suggests that Chelsea might be the Poland international's preferred venue for a swansong to his illustrious career. It would also give scope for Romelu Lukaku to try his luck again one more time after a loan spell back at Inter Milan.