Chelsea competing with West Ham for 24-year-old as Blues ‘on a mission’ for target

Chelsea are gearing up for life under new boss Enzo Maresca, having chosen the former Leicester City manager to replace Mauricio Pochettino this summer.

Maresca, who previously coached Manchester City, led Leicester to the Championship title last season. As Chelsea prepare for the new Premier League campaign, here is a roundup of the latest news and rumors emerging from Stamford Bridge…

Chelsea have been linked with a move for Lille attacker Jonathan David. According to Sky Sports, they face competition from West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United to secure his signature.

The Canada international has previously expressed interest in playing in the Premier League. He remarked: “In England, when I watch the matches, everything is full each time. As a player, it motivates you even more. I think it’s very possible. I don’t know if I can find myself anywhere other than the Premier League. It’s a very nice atmosphere. The Premier League is the best league in the world and I think every player would want to play there someday.”

David, 24, has earned 49 caps for Canada and could provide Chelsea with added competition and depth in their attacking lineup. He moved to Europe as a youngster, joining Genk in 2018 and breaking into the Belgian side’s first team. David scored 37 goals in 83 appearances for Genk before Lille signed him in 2020. Since then, he has continued his prolific form in France, netting 84 goals in 183 matches for Lille.

While Chelsea are keen on David, they will need to fend off interest from West Ham, Spurs, and Manchester United.

Reporter Fabrizio Romano, in his Daily Briefing, revealed that Chelsea are also ‘on a mission’ to sign Aaron Anselmino from Boca Juniors. Anselmino has been identified as a potential boost to Chelsea’s defensive ranks. Romano noted: “In defence, Chelsea remain on a mission to sign Aaron Anselmino. They are in active talks with Boca Juniors. Despite Manchester United also being linked, for now, we will have to wait and see if other clubs will enter the race. Chelsea are trying to find a solution under the value of the release clause. Many people speak highly of his potential, but of course, he’s still very young, so it would be another signing for the future for Chelsea.”

Anselmino, 19, is regarded as a promising talent. He has progressed through the ranks at Boca Juniors, and the Argentine club will be reluctant to let him go. However, a move to Chelsea might be too tempting for both the player and the club to resist.

As the summer transfer window unfolds, Chelsea’s focus will be on strengthening their squad under Maresca’s leadership, with Jonathan David and Aaron Anselmino emerging as key targets. Balancing immediate impact and long-term potential, the club aims to build a competitive team for the upcoming Premier League season.