Chelsea reignite £50m transfer plan to sign Reece James replacement as Liverpool target eyed

Our opinion on the latest Chelsea news and transfer gossip, including updates on Estevao Willian and Jules Kounde

Chelsea will be eager to continue their five-game unbeaten streak when they face West Ham this weekend. The Hammers will welcome Enzo Maresca's side to the London Stadium for the early kick-off on Saturday afternoon.

The Blues head into the clash following a 1-0 win over Bournemouth, meanwhile, West Ham will be hoping to return to winning ways after they netted a late equaliser against Fulham. While Maresca has been putting his players through their paces in training, Chelsea appear to have drawn up a plan for the upcoming window.

The club has continued to be linked with a few players, particularly one familiar name. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Chelsea news and transfer gossip.

Estevao picks up a knock

According to Brazilian outlet Nosso Palestra, Estevao Willian suffered a muscle injury in his left thigh during Palmeiras' 5-0 win over Criciúma Esporte Clube at the weekend. The report states that the 17-year-old winger, who Chelsea signed in the summer, has been put on a rehabilitation programme and could be out for three to four weeks.

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This season, Estevao has featured 22 times for Palmeiras in the Brasileirão, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists. Playing a key role in Abel Ferreira's side, the teenage sensation has helped the Verdão climb to third in the Brasileirão – and they're only three points off Botafogo, who are currently leading the title race.

football.london says: "This is the third injury in a couple of months that Estevao Willian has suffered. Yes, the winger needs regular game time – which he's getting plenty of – but he also needs time to rest. He's 17. Hopefully Palmeiras look after him manage his workload and recovery sensibly."

Gallagher lifts lid on exit

In an interview with The Athletic, Conor Gallagher has claimed that he's 'felt very wanted and appreciated' at Atletico Madrid. The 24-year-old midfielder has heavily linked with a move to the Spanish capital for some time before a switch eventually materialised.

"I’ve felt very wanted and appreciated, which is important for any footballer," said Gallagher. "Chelsea are a huge football club, one of the biggest in the world, along with Atletico. But I have taken that exciting step of playing Champions League football and challenging for trophies.

"It just builds me with even more confidence and happiness to play my best football. I’m really happy to be here and I’m settling in well," he added. "I’ve loved my first few weeks. I knew Atletico was always a massive club, a top club in La Liga and doing well in the Champions League. So I was excited to join."

football.london says: "I'm glad that Conor Gallagher has settled well at Atletico Madrid. All parties have come away with a good deal."

Chelsea reignite Barcelona interest... again!

According to Spanish newspaper Diario Sport, Chelsea are interested in signing Jules Kounde. The 25-year-old defender has been heavily linked with moves to Stamford Bridge on numerous occasions over the years, but he decided to join Barcelona two years ago – and he's remained at the Camp Nou ever since.

The report states that it would cost €60m (£50.4m) to sign Kounde from the Catalan outfit. Diario Sport add that if the Blues fail in their pursuit of the France international then they will target Jeremie Frimpong, who was once reportedly on Liverpool's radar.

football.london says: "I think the Jules Kounde ship has sailed. Malo Gusto is more than good enough to fill in for Reece James at right-back."

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