Atletico Madrid plot second Chelsea transfer as Enzo Maresca sends Diego Simeone clear message

Our opinion on the latest Chelsea news, including updates on the Blues' plan for the January transfer window

Enzo Maresca only has a few more days on the Cobham training pitches before Chelsea return to action. The Blues will lock horns with Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon as either side hopes to climb the Premier League table.

Chelsea head into the clash off the back of a 4-2 win over Gent on home soil. The West Londoners got off to a winning start in the UEFA Conference League on Thursday evening, with Renato Veiga and Pedro Neto, in particular, making a strong case to start at the weekend.

Maresca will be desperate to head into the international break with his unbeaten streak intact after a brilliant start to the campaign. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Chelsea news and transfer gossip ahead of the Blues' clash against Gent.

Atletico want to sign another Chelsea player

According to reporter Ekrem Konur, as quoted by TeamTalk, Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Ben Chilwell in the January transfer window. The 27-year-old defender faces an uncertain future at Chelsea after falling out of favour under Enzo Maresca.

The report states that Diego Simeone is eager to strengthen his options at left-back, and Chilwell has been identified as a potential target. The La Liga outfit signed Conor Gallagher from the Blues in the summer, and now they look poised to circle back to Stamford Bridge for another deal.

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TeamTalk add that the England international is 'keen' on a move to the Spanish capital. Chilwell, who sees his contract expire in June 2027, has featured just once for Chelsea this season, coming off the bench during a 5-0 win over Barrow in the Carabao Cup third round.

football.london says: "This would be a brilliant deal for both the player and the two clubs. Chelsea can cash in on a player who's no longer part of the head coach's plans, Atletico can bolster their backline, as per Diego Simeone's request and Ben Chilwell can have a fresh start. Enzo Maresca has already made it clear that the defender should leave for more game time. Great deal all round."

Chelsea monitor Santos wonderkid

According to Brazil publication UOL, Chelsea are keeping tabs on Joao Pedro Chermont. The 18-year-old right-back has enjoyed an excellent vein of form for Santos in the second tier of Brazilian football, becoming a mainstay in Neymar's former side in their bid for promotion to the top-flight.

The report states that the Blues sent scouts to watch Chermont in last month's 1-0 win over Operario. UOL add that Chelsea had an opening bid worth €6m (£5m) rejected by the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie B outfit in August, and they could return with an improved offer in January.

It's said that Chermont, who sees his contract at Santos expire in December 2027, has a €70m (£58.8m) release clause in his deal. Despite this, UOL claim that the Brazilian club 'will accept a fee below that amount' – but how much below remains to be seen.

football.london says: "I haven't heard or seen much of Joao Pedro Chermont, but I absolutely trust that Chelsea have found a gem. As much as people like to bash the Blues' spending choices, the sporting directors have a good hit-to-miss ratio (with regard to player profiling). Just look at Estevao Willian, for instance. Exciting times."

Chelsea keep tabs on Barcelona situation

According to Spanish publication Sport, Chelsea, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are all keeping tabs on Frenkie de Jong's situation at Barcelona. The 27-year-old midfielder has been linked with an exit from the Camp Nou for a while now, and he sees his contract expire in June 2026.

The report states that the La Liga outfit want to tie De Jong down to a new deal by the end of this year and, if that doesn't happen, there' is a 'strong chance that he is transfer-listed' in January. Sport add that Barcelona have no intention of letting the Netherlands international run his contract down after forking out £65m for his signature back in 2019.

football.london says: "As much as this would be a great signing on paper, I'm not convinced. Chelsea already have a wealth of options in the middle of the park. That being said, Frenkie de Jong is a class player so it would be difficult to say no..."

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