Chelsea's £8m Demand for Samuels-Smith Sparks Transfer Battle

Marc Cucurella remains one of the first names on the Chelsea team sheet (Image: Nicolo Campo/LightRocket)

The 19-year-old defender looked set to leave the Blues on loan this summer and has huge interest from several clubs. The majority of t*se clubs are from the UK, as reported earlier in the month , with Sunderland, Stoke City, Middlesbrough and Rangers all in for Samuels-Smith 's signature.

Chelsea want at least double of what they paid for Samuels-Smith in 2023, believed to be around £4million. Talks are underway with the Blues wanting at least £8million and whether Strasbourg can pay the west Londoners' demands. Negotiations cannot progress until the green light is given by Samuels-Smith. It is a big decision for the defender, w* recently signed a new long-term contract extension at Stamford Bridge.

Samuels-Smith has to decide whether he wants to relocate to another country or whether he would rather stay in the UK and move on loan. BlueCo, the group that own Chelsea and Strasbourg, have been really impressed with Liam Rosenior and the work he has done at the Stade de la Meinau since being appointed head coach almost 12 months ago.

Rosenior got the best out of Andrey Santos last season, as well as goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, w* is expected to leave Chelsea this summer. Samuels-Smith, s*uld he move to the Ligue 1 club, is likely to be joined by his Blues colleagues Kendry Paez and Mathis Amougou.

Chelsea have already signed Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro, Mamadou Sarr and Dario Essugo this summer, while Bashir Humphreys, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Marcus Bettinelli have all moved elsewhere.