Chelsea’s summer clear-out is gathering pace, with Borussia Dortmund set to take Carney Chukwuemeka and Aaron Anselmino from Stamford Bridge. The deals push Chelsea’s player sales beyond £270m, putting them almost level with the money they’ve spent on signings in this transfer window.
Chukwuemeka Seals Dortmund Return
Carney Chukwuemeka is finalising a permanent switch to Borussia Dortmund at the age of 21. He joined Chelsea from Aston Villa two years ago for £20m, but this new transfer will bring in around £24m and includes a sell-on clause for Chelsea.
Despite interest from RB Leipzig, the England Under-20 international was keen to return to the Westfalenstadion, where he impressed with his performances.
Anselmino On Loan
Aaron Anselmino, just 19, will spend the season on loan at Dortmund. His move is different from Chukwuemeka’s, with no buy option included. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca feels the youngster needs more game time since the competition for places in defence is tough at Stamford Bridge.
Anselmino only arrived in January from Boca Juniors for £15.6m and made one substitute appearance at the Club World Cup. Chelsea still see him as part of their long-term plans, but Dortmund’s injury problems at the back made this move ideal.
Chelsea’s Transfer Balancing Act
The sales of Chukwuemeka and others mean Chelsea have now raised £273.4m in player departures this summer – the highest figure in the Premier League. That almost matches the £277m they’ve spent on new arrivals.
This balancing act is crucial. UEFA have warned Chelsea that they must show a positive transfer balance if they want to register their latest signings for the Champions League. The club were recently fined £26.7m for financial rule breaches and also face scrutiny over their high wage bill, which is above 80% of income.
What’s Next For Chelsea?
With nine days left in the transfer window, Chelsea aren’t done yet. Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons are among their targets.
On the way out, forwards Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, and youngster Tyrique George could leave, while several other players – including Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, and Axel Disasi – are also being considered for sales.
It’s clear that Chelsea are working hard to reshape their squad under Enzo Maresca, balancing UEFA’s strict rules with the club’s ambition to return to the top.
