Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues make contact with Borussia Dortmund to sign Jude Bellingham; club battling Manchester City for Napoli midfielder, and more

By Willie S. Morrissey Last updated Oct 13, 2022

Chelsea beat AC Milan 2-0 in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday 11 October to top Group E after four games. Graham Potter’s wards next face Aston Villa on Sunday in the Premier League.

In the meantime, the Blues have made contact with Borussia Dortmund to secure the services of Jude Bellingham. Elsewhere, the north London side are locked in a battle with Manchester City for a Napoli midfielder.

On that note, here’s a rundown of Chelsea’s top transfer stories as of October 13, 2022:

Chelsea make contact with Borussia Dortmund to sign Jude Bellingham

Jude Bellingham is wanted at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have made contact with Borussia Dortmund to facilitate the transfer of Jude Bellingham next summer, according to Sport Bild via Caught Offside.

The England midfielder is a sought-after player and could be on the move next summer. There is already a straight line for his signature, but the Blues are plotting to beat the competition by moving for him early. The 19-year-old has scored in all four UEFA Champions League appearances this season.

🚨 Chelsea have informed Dortmund they are willing to pay over €100m to sign Jude Bellingham. (@SPORTBILD) #CFC

Bellingham is currently valued at £131.5million, but his price tag would skyrocket should he impress at next month’s FIFA World Cup and have a fabulous Champions League campaign.

The Blues are eager to sign a new midfielder next year, with N’Golo Jante and Jorginho in the final year of their contracts. Bellingham have emerged as their preferred option, although Chelsea are likely to have to break the bank to secure his signature.

The Blues take on Manchester City for Stanislav Lobotka

Stanislav Lobotka caught the eye with Napoli.

Chelsea are battling Manchester City for the signing of Stanislav Lobotka, according to journalist Ciro Venerato via Caught Offside. The Slovak midfielder has been a regular fixture at Napoli this season and caught the eye of the London giants.

Speaking recently, Venerato said the Serie A side are engaged in contract negotiations with the player’s entourage. He added that the Blues and Manchester City were in contact with the player’s agent.

“Napoli are ready to give him 2.5 million euros/season, but the player’s entourage are trying to secure a contract worth more than 3 million euros/year. However, there is trust between parties for a successful conclusion of the agreement. Lobotka’s agent also received at least two phone calls: one from Chelsea, the other from Manchester City,” Venerato said.

Lobotka has had seven starts for Napoli this season.

Kepa Arrizabalaga opens up about life under Graham Potter

Kepa Arrizabalaga was a feature regular under Graham Potter.

Kepa Arrizabalaga believes Chelsea are improving under new manager Graham Potter.

The Englishman took charge at Stamford Bridge following the departure of Thomas Tuchel last month and enjoyed an unbeaten start to his term. Potter took the Blues to fourth in the Premier League and also propelled them top of their Champions League group.

Speaking to the club’s website, Kepa said the Blues are looking to challenge for the titles this season.

“He started in the best way. We’re improving; we’ve only had a month, but we’re fine; there’s a long way to go. We understand his ideas. We have games every three days, so it’s a very important moment, but we need the whole team in every game to fight for the titles towards the end of the season,” said Kepa.

Kepa recalled meeting Potter in a UEFA Europa League game when the Spaniard was with Athletic Bilbao in 2017.

“We met in the group stage of the Europa League a few years ago. We talked about it because I didn’t know at that time that he was the coach of Ostersund. That’s so good to be back with him,” Kepa said.

Kepa has appeared in all four games under Potter this season and has kept three clean sheets.