According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea are plotting a surprise move for Juventus's Manuel Locatelli and have ‘registered their interest’ in his services, in a transfer that would see them move away from their usual plans. While Locatelli is seen by the Juve hierarchy as a ‘key player’, they would sell him for €40million (£35m) as such a fee would seriously bolster their financial situation.

Mark Brus for the Daily Briefing reports that Chelsea have an interest in 27-year-old Italian international Manuel Locatelli as part of their transfer plans for 2026. The London club faces competition for his signature from Premier League rivals Newcastle, Aston Villa, and West Ham, while Bayer Leverkusen is also said to be monitoring the midfielder. Juventus considers Locatelli a key player and is reluctant to sell him, however, it is understood that an offer of around €40m would be seen as unrejectable. The midfielder's contract at Juventus runs until June 2028, and his market value is estimated by Transfermarkt to be €30m.