The blockbuster Chelsea and PSG transfer swap deal that could see Maresca secure final puzzle piece - opinion
Club World Cup winners Chelsea may feel they have one major piece to the jigsaw remaining
It was just last night that Chelsea overcame PSG to win the Club World Cup. But with Parisian wounds still fresh, the Blues could return to do business with the Champions League winners as Enzo Maresca looks to complete his squad with one major final piece.
Chelsea have already brought in the likes of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro this summer and both impressed during the Club World Cup, as the west Londoners look set to boast a wealth of attacking options next season.
Having won two trophies in his first season and finished in the Champions League places, the Chelsea project may be moving quicker than many anticipated. It has been eight years since the Blues last won the Premier League but some of the club’s more ambitious fans will hope to see their side make a challenge for the title in Maresca’s second season at the club. If one key player can be brought in, anything is possible.
Chelsea to take to negotiating table with PSG for major deal?
Robert Sanchez played well in Chelsea’s 3-0 win in the Club World Cup final, but the club’s desire for a new goalkeeper has not been hidden. Sanchez has never quite been trusted by fans since his arrival from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023, but nor are other options such as Filip Jorgensen or Djordje Petrovic, who is set to depart for Bournemouth.
PSG hold the keys to one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Italian arguably stood out more than ever in PSG’s Champions League-winning campaign with world-class displays against Liverpool and Arsenal in particular. Somehow, the 26-year-old still remains linked with a Parc des Princes exit and Chelsea would be smart to attempt a sly move while they can.
Links between Donnarumma and Chelsea have emerged in the last 48 hours and the giant 6ft 5in shot-stopper could be available for around £30m. His contract is up next summer and the Parisians are reportedly targeting Lille’s Lucas Chevalier, so an exit for Donnarumma may still be a possibility.
Donnarumma for Nkunku in stunning swap deal
This would be huge and would certainly steal all the headlines. But, somehow, it could work. Chelsea need a goalkeeper of the class of Donnarumma, that much is clear. But Blues outcast Christopher Nkunku may be of value to PSG, too.
The Parisians have reportedly held a long-term interest in Nkunku, who graduated from the club’s academy and made 78 first-team appearances before he was sold to RB Leipzig in 2019. PSG have continued to track their former starlet, who could have a role to play for the Champions League winners in competition with Goncalo Ramos for the chance to make an impact off the bench up front.
Both Donnarumma and Nkunku may cost the same price, too, so this could be a ground-breaking straight swap. Nkunku is reportedly valued at around €35m (£30m) by Chelsea, the same price as Donnarumma thanks to his contract situation. Chelsea will certainly feel that they would be getting the better deal out of this, as Nkunku is unlikely to have much of a future at the club while Donnarumma could be exactly what they need. With the Italian between the sticks and top-class talent all over the pitch, Chelsea fans would be right to feel very excited for the future.