Transfer Centre

Chelsea transfer news: Blues 'interested' in Man City academy graduate

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 02 July 2024

Man City to Chelsea again? Blues 'interested' in 21-year-old midfielder

Chelsea are reportedly contemplating whether to try to negotiate another deal for a Manchester City player during the summer transfer window.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is reportedly interested in a player that he is familiar with from his days at Manchester City.

The Blues are currently in the process of making several additions to their ranks with Tosin Adarabioyo, Omari Kellyman and Marc Guiu having already arrived at Stamford Bridge.

Leicester City midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has also taken to social media to confirm that he is on the brink of joining his former boss in West London.

At some point, the assumption is that Chelsea will sign a more experienced name given that Thiago Silva has left a hole in the dressing room.

However, it appears that co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are willing to press ahead with their acquisitions of younger talent.

Manchester City's James McAtee pictured during the warm-up on July 23, 2023 © Reuters

Chelsea keen on McAtee signing

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea hold an interest in negotiating a deal for James McAtee.

The 21-year-old has come through the City academy system to make a total of six substitute appearances for the first team, instead making a name for himself elsewhere.

During two loan stints with Sheffield United, in the Championship prior to promotion to the Premier League, the playmaker has contributed 14 goals and eight assists from 75 appearances in all competitions.

Three strikes and three assists came form 30 outings in the top flight during 2023-24, but the England Under-21 international is now back at the Etihad Stadium awaiting the next phase of his career.

Although he has two years remaining on his contract, it appears more plausible that City will look to find a new club for McAtee, potentially after their pre-season tour of the United States.

Sheffield United's James McAtee celebrates scoring their first goal on December 9, 2023 © Reuters

Maresca an admirer of McAtee

In the year that Maresca won Premier League 2 with Man City, McAtee chipped in with eight goals and nine assists from 23 appearances.

That seemingly left Maresca a permanent admirer of his ability with the Italian having tried and failed to sign McAtee when he was at Leicester.

The report does not suggest a possible fee for McAtee, yet the two parties have been in dialogue in summers gone by with Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer having moved to the capital.

Man City will anticipate rival interest and may prefer to bide their time before considering any offers.