Chelsea have rebuffed Bayern Munich’s attempt to sign forward Christopher Nkunku on loan.
Chelsea and the player would prefer a permanent move and talks are ongoing.
The Blues want to offload Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Carney Chukwuemeka and Ben Chilwell among others before bringing in a wide player and an attacking midfielder.
Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, Xavi Simons of RB Leipzig and Manchester City’s Savinho, who is a target for Tottenham, have been discussed to varying degrees.
The London club made an underwhelming start to the Premier League season as Crystal Palace ground out a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
After a truncated pre-season following victory in the Club World Cup, everything pointed to a Chelsea side lacking both preparation and rest as Oliver Glasner’s team coped relative easily with a new-look yet disjointed attack.
Chelsea have rebuffed Bayern Munich ‘s attempt to sign Christopher Nkunku (R) on loan
The Blues and the forward would prefer a permanent move and talks are still ongoing
Eberechi Eze started for Palace despite speculation he is about to leave and, if there were doubts about how supporters felt about the player whose goal won them the FA Cup in May, they were dispelled when he was substituted to a standing ovation late on.
The England international provided the game with its only major talking point, lashing in a brilliant free-kick in the first half that was ruled out after Marc Guehi obstructed Chelsea’s wall, drawing a furious response from Palace fans.
As expected, Nicolas Jackson was not in Enzo Maresca’s squad after being made surplus to requirements, with Newcastle considering a bid, while Joao Pedro was preferred at number nine to fellow new signing Liam Delap.
Chelsea were playing 35 days after their win over Paris St Germain in the Club World Cup final in the United States and showed signs of mental fatigue in a first-half display low on creativity.
