Over the past few weeks, Chelsea have watched Manchester City and Liverpool make notable additions to their first-team squad, the acquisitions of Erling Braut Haaland and Darwin Nunez having the potential to extend the gap between the top two and the remainder of the Premier League.
As it stands, however, the Blues are yet to make any high-profile signings of their own, despite the desire to strengthen in numerous areas of the pitch.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest Chelsea transfer news, including numerous potential transfer battles with Barcelona.
Tuchel 'pushing to keep Azpilicueta'
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Back in February, Cesar Azpilicueta reached a set number of games during 2021-22 which automatically extended his Chelsea contract by a further 12 months.
In some cases, that would have been regarded as a positive resolution all round, but speculation persists that the legendary defender would prefer to sign for Barcelona this summer.
The full-back - who has completed 10 seasons at Stamford Bridge - allegedly has a two-year contract waiting for him at Camp Nou, providing that Chelsea give the green light to a departure.
However, the latest report claims that head coach Thomas Tuchel is pushing hard to convince the 32-year-old to see out another year in West London.
Barcelona to beat Chelsea to Kounde?
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Ever since last summer, Chelsea have been admirers of Jules Kounde, a deal not being completed on that occasion due to Sevilla insisting on the defender's release clause being paid in full.
However, with the France international now having two years remaining on his contract, there is more chance of a deal materialising over the coming weeks.
Despite Chelsea being long regarded as the favourites to sign Kounde, it is now claimed that Barcelona are waiting in the wings to edge out their European rivals.
Sevilla are demanding at least £50m for a transfer to be completed, an asking price that Barcelona will not be able to match unless they part ways with a number of their current squad.
Chelsea show interest in Barcelona youngster?
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As well as Azpilicueta and Kounde, Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso is also said to be on Barcelona's shopping list as they prepare to challenge Real Madrid for the 2022-23 La Liga title.
Chelsea already have young left wing-back options in the form of Lewis Hall and Dylan Williams, but it appears that Tuchel has another player in mind who could potentially feature in the senior ranks next season.
The Blues have allegedly expressed an interest in signing 18-year-old Alejandro Balde, who made seven appearances for Barcelona during the last campaign.
As it stands, the teenager has two years left on his contract, but it is suggested that his name has been mentioned in discussions regarding Azpilicueta and Alonso.
Darren Plant
