Alao Deal Edges Closer Beating Rivals
Chelsea are on the verge of securing 17-year-old left-back Yisa Alao from Sheffield Wednesday in a deal worth an initial £600000 with add-ons that could rise the total fee to around £6million. The teenager has attracted interest from Manchester United and Liverpool who both submitted offers but Chelsea have pulled ahead.
Alao made his full debut for Wednesday in the FA Cup against Brentford earlier this month and followed up with his first league start against Portsmouth last Saturday. Despite not yet signing a professional contract the young defender is set to join Chelsea and bolster their academy ranks.
Shock Loan Move for Douglas Luiz Considered
Chelsea are also weighing up a surprise loan move for Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz currently on loan at Nottingham Forest. The 27-year-old Brazilian has made only 13 appearances for Forest this season and could provide much-needed experience to Liam Rosenior’s midfield for the remainder of the campaign.
The 18-cap international is seen as a short-term option to add depth and quality while Juventus decide on his long-term future. No permanent transfer is currently on the table but a loan would allow Chelsea to strengthen without immediate high costs.
Other Transfer Updates Involving Premier League Clubs
West Ham forward Lucas Paqueta has asked not to be considered for Saturday’s match against Sunderland amid uncertainty over his future. Flamengo have seen a £30.3million bid rejected for the 28-year-old Brazilian who is keen to return to his boyhood club where he scored 18 goals between 2016 and 2019. West Ham previously dismissed an earlier offer as insufficient.
Crystal Palace remain favourites to sign 19-year-old Angers forward Sidiki Cherif as they seek attacking reinforcements. Negotiations continue slowly but the France youth international has indicated Selhurst Park as his preferred destination. This comes amid Jean-Philippe Mateta’s verbal transfer request to leave the club this month.
These developments highlight Chelsea’s active January window under Liam Rosenior as they look to build depth and secure promising young talent while monitoring experienced options like Luiz.
