Chelsea braced for 'imminent offer' which could help Todd Boehly in talks over £43m deal

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly could take advantage of an ‘imminent offer’ from a Premier League rival to aid his pursuit of Lille forward Jonathan David. The Blues have made a fast start to their summer recruitment drive, having already negotiated two deals since the end of last season.

Tosin Adarabioyo became Chelsea’s first summer signing earlier this month, joining on a free transfer after rejecting a new deal at Fulham. The west Londoners have also agreed a £51million deal for Palmeiras teenager Estevao Willian, who will move to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2025.

Chelsea’s next confirmed transfer is expected to be the signing of Omari Kellyman from Aston Villa for a reported fee of £19million. Looking ahead, it seems David could become their fourth signing of the summer with Enzo Maresca eager to improve his attacking options.

Initial talks have already been held with David’s representatives, according to football.london, with the 24-year-old one of several players under consideration at Stamford Bridge. However, any move is likely to be put on hold for now with David representing Canada at this summer’s Copa America.

The Lille striker is valued at around £43m by Transfermarkt, which would make him an expensive purchase for Chelsea given their concerns about staying within profit and sustainability margins. One potential solution could involve Omari Hutchinson, who is wanted by Ipswich Town after spending last season on loan at Portman Road.

Hutchinson excelled during his spell at Ipswich, helping the Tractor Boys to achieve promotion to the Premier League with 10 goals and six assists in the Championship. They are keen on bringing Hutchinson back to Suffolk but it is said that Chelsea are unwilling to sanction another loan deal.

Those in power at Stamford Bridge are reportedly expecting Ipswich to submit a formal bid for the Jamaica international over the coming days. A substantial fee would help the Blues to fund a move for David without straying too far over budget, in turn easing their profit and sustainability concerns.

It is said that an Ipswich offer is ‘imminent’, with the newly-promoted side expected to submit a proposal worth around £20m. Chelsea, however, may decide to hold out for closer to £30m which suggests that the two clubs will need to find a middle ground in negotiations.

Hutchinson has already stated that he would like to return to Ipswich next season, saying after their promotion was confirmed: “I hope so. I don’t know, we will see what the manager is saying and my agent. Right now, I am going to celebrate. I do not know what to do.”