Latest Chelsea transfer news as Lampard reshapes squad

Frank Lampard took over as Chelsea manager earlier this month, not a huge surprise as many of the football betting sites had him as a strong favorite, and the former midfielder is now getting to work reshaping his squad ahead of the new 2019/20 Premier League campaign.

Obviously, Lampard is being restricted by Chelsea’s transfer ban, so he won’t be able to strengthen the squad with any new signings other than Matteo Kovacic – who made his loan move from Real Madrid permanent this summer.

However, Lampard has a huge number of players returning to Chelsea from loan spells and he needs to assess which he wants to integrate into his first team plans and which players will once again leave the club either on loan or permanent sale.

Highly rated defender Reece James is being targeted by Crystal Palace. The right-back enjoyed a loan spell with Wigan last season and the Eagles want to take him on a 12-month deal this summer to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka following his move to Man Utd. Lampard may want James to stay at Chelsea as support for Cesar Azpilicueta if Davide Zappacosta leaves but the 19-year-old could do with regular first team football so a loan may be more beneficial.

Chelsea also have a decision to make over Kurt Zouma as Everton are hoping to sign the Frenchman on a permanent basis following a successful loan spell but one player who won’t be leaving is Ruben Loftus-Cheek as he’s signed a long-term contract.

The England international had been linked with a move this summer as he was in the final year of his deal but Lampard sees him as a vital part of his plans so Loftus-Cheek has committed his future to Chelsea.

The West Londoners are also desperately trying to tie Callum Hudson-Odoi down to a new deal as he’s got less than 12 months left on his contract. He’s attracted strong interest from Bayern Munich but Chelsea hope a bumper deal worth over £100,000-a-week will persuade him to remain at the Bridge.

With Eden Hazard off to Real Madrid, it’s vital Chelsea keep hold of Hudson-Odoi. Lampard can’t sign a direct replacement for Hazard so they need the youngster to stay and provide the Blues boss with another top class option in attack.

Lampard is also hoping Mason Mount will sign a new contract after confirming the young midfielder will be given a chance to prove himself at Chelsea following a successful loan spell at Derby last season.

However, Tiemoue Bakayoko could be leaving the club as the Frenchman is reportedly being targeted by Arsenal, Man Utd and PSG after failing to establish himself at Chelsea following his move from Monaco in 2017.

It’s certainly going to be an interesting summer at Stamford Bridge as Lampard is going to have to rely on youngsters to improve his squad due to their FIFA imposed transfer ban. If Chelsea are going to compete next season, Lamps will be looking for the likes of Hudson-Odoi, Mount and Loftus-Cheek to step-up and prove themselves.