Nmecha – Odegaard – Marcado feature in Chelsea transfer news

Here is a roundup of the top Chelsea news, gossip and transfer latest from icfootballnews featuring the likes of Martin Odegaard, Patrik Marcado and Felix Nmecha that you may have missed…

Borussia Dortmund are reportedly prepared to sell midfielder Felix Nmecha to Chelsea this summer, with the London club said to be willing to pay a fee in the region of £61 million, according to Bild.

While no agreement has been reached, sources around the Bundesliga side suggest internal discussions have begun over a potential high-value sale, with Dortmund open to parting ways with the 25-year-old if their valuation is met.

CHELSEA are believed to view Nmecha as a versatile midfield option who could add dynamism, athleticism and ball-carrying ability to an evolving squad.

Nmecha, who joined Dortmund from Wolfsburg a few summers ago, has shown flashes of major potential despite an injury-affected campaign. His blend of physicality, progressive passing and ability to operate as both a No. 8 and No. 10 has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, but Chelsea are currently the most strongly linked.

Reports in England also continue to mention Manchester United as a possible alternative destination, though their interest is said to be less advanced. With uncertainty looming over United’s summer transfer budget and priorities under their new sporting structure, any move from Old Trafford may depend on outgoings and squad reshaping later in the window.

Would Nmecha choose Chelsea or Manchester United?

From a stylistic perspective, Chelsea may offer the clearer pathway. Their recruitment model has leaned heavily toward younger talents who can be developed over several seasons, and Nmecha would likely receive significant playing time in a midfield still seeking consistency and identity.

The project at Stamford Bridge—however turbulent at times—has a defined long-term direction centred on youth, which could appeal to a player still establishing himself at the elite level.

Manchester United present a more traditional allure: history, global stature and the prospect of eventually becoming a core part of a rebuilt midfield. Yet the uncertainty surrounding the squad’s summer overhaul and the roles of several existing midfielders may make the decision less straightforward.

For Nmecha, the question would be whether United can offer both continuity and a clear developmental environment.

At present, CHELSEA’s interest appears firmer and more concrete. If the £61 million figure proves accurate and negotiations progress, the London club may hold the advantage—not only financially, but in terms of project clarity and the likelihood of immediate integration.

Dortmund’s willingness to consider a sale has ensured that Nmecha will remain a prominent name in the early summer rumour mill.

CHELSEA MOVES FOR MIDFIELDER

There has been some reports in the media which have claimed Chelsea have taken early steps in their bid to sign highly-rated Ecuadorian midfielder Patrik Mercado from Independiente del Valle, according to sources including TEAMtalk .

The 22-year-old has emerged as one of South America’s most dynamic midfield talents after a standout 2025 season in which he featured regularly, recording significant goals and assists whilst helping his club compete across domestic and continental competitions.

CHELSEA’s interest places them among several English sides monitoring Mercado’s situation ahead of what promises to be a frenetic summer transfer window. Brighton & Hove Albion, Bournemouth and Fulham are also reported to be tracking the midfielder closely, with clubs from across Europe ready to make moves for the Ecuador international.

Mercado has a contract with Independiente del Valle until at least 2027 and is valued at roughly $5.5 million — a relatively modest fee given his potential and emerging role with the Ecuador national team.

There are even reports linking him with a possible move to Spain’s Sevilla, although regulatory and registration hurdles may delay or complicate such deals.

Should Chelsea make the move?

On the one hand, Mercado represents a technically gifted midfielder with versatility and box-to-box energy — qualities that could enrich Chelsea’s midfield depth and inject youthful dynamism.

On the other, Blues squad balance and the need to integrate young talents carefully means a decisive plan is essential. Mercado might benefit from a club where he is guaranteed regular minutes; an immediate move to West London could see him competing for playing time rather than starting.

If CHELSEA can be confident of offering a clear development pathway, this signing could be shrewd — otherwise a loan or alternative destination might better serve his growth at this stage.

COULD ARSENAL SIGN ODEGAARD?

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been urged to leave the club this summer as he is no longer an ‘influential’ player for boss Mikel Arteta, who now prefers to play Eberechi Eze, but could CHELSEA make a move for the midfielder?

Reports circulating in London suggest that, should Arsenal open the door to a departure, several top-flight sides would monitor the situation closely. While there is no indication yet of formal interest, the prospect of a marquee midfielder becoming available has inevitably sparked speculation.

Analysts note that Odegaard’s creativity, work rate and leadership remain highly valued across Europe, even as questions emerge about his current role in Arteta’s evolving tactical plans.

CHELSEA have been floated as a potential destination by pundits, though club sources insist any move would depend on outgoings and financial flexibility later in the window. For now, the noise surrounding Odegaard’s future is growing, and with preseason fast approaching, the coming months could prove decisive for both player and club

Asked how Arteta should use Odegaard for the rest of the season as ARSENAL chase a long-awaited Premier League title, Steve Nicol said on ESPN: ‘Odegaard might be leaving Arsenal.

‘If you’re Odegaard, the club captain and 18 months ago you were the guy. All of a sudden – and I know he’s had some injuries – but there’s question marks over whether he actually starts because of Eze.

‘And maybe because of the way he’s been playing, someone else might get ahead of him as well. So if you’re Martin Odegaard, do you stick around? I don’t think you do.’

Leboeuf added: ‘I agree, I agree. I’ve always liked Martin Odegaard and the way he plays because he’s very elegant, but he’s not influential anymore.

‘He’s there to start the action, to distribute the ball horizontally. But with Eze right now the moves are not the same, he’s more vertical, more influential and he’s going to help [Viktor] Gyokeres too

‘So it will be a hard time for Odegaard and he will have to make a very good choice, a big choice, at the end of the season.’

Wil Odegaard leave Arsenal?

Look, Odegaard has not been himself this season as injuries have really stopped him from playing at his best, but surely he is a player that Mikel Arteta wants in the ARSENAL squad and will not sell in the summer?

There are a few months left of the season, but Odegaard wants to play and if things do not change, then yes he could leave Arsenal but we cant see him making the move to CHELSEA

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