Chelsea transfer odds: Nkunku out; Ekitike and Mainoo in

Chelsea have been linked with several top-rated talents this summer, as the club endeavours to build on the groundwork laid by a successful 2024/25 campaign.

While the side competes in the Club World Cup, those operating behind the scenes are hard at work to attract fresh attackers, new defensive stalwarts and creative midfielders. 

By the same token, the Blues will seek to offload unnecessary weight before September’s deadline. 

Here, we examine the most likely arrivals and departures at Stamford Bridge.

Emiliano Martinez to replace Robert Sanchez – 12/1

Goalkeeper-related issues have plagued Chelsea since Thibaut Courtois’ exit in 2018 – with none of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Edouard Mendy or Robert Sanchez instilling enough confidence in their respective backlines. 

And, with Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez set to leave the club in what will likely be his final major move, the 2022 World Cup winner could be enticed by Champions League football next season.

The 32-year-old is 12/1 with Talksport Bet to stand between the sticks for Chelsea in 2025/26.

Hugo Ekitike and Kobbie Mainoo inbound – 4/1 

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike and Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo are both listed at 4/1 (Talksport Bet) to join Chelsea during the summer transfer window.

While Ekitike has been linked with a move to Enzo Maresca’s side for months, Mainoo’s Stamford Bridge ties come by virtue of rumours that the youngster would only swap Manchester for London if the Old Trafford club needs funds. 

A bet on either player represents solid value – but Chelsea will have a battle on their hands to clinch the pair. 

Rodrygo in the mix – 6/1 

Brazilian forward Rodrygo is among Real Madrid’s most likely attackers to depart this year. 

Manchester City (6/4) and Arsenal (2/1) are held by Talksport Bet as probable destinations for the 24-year-old, but Chelsea’s need for a quick, forward-thinking threat could see the Blues enter a race for the right-winger. 

All things considered, 6/1 on Rodrygo to join Chelsea is a solid price. 

On the left-hand side of the pitch, Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens could return to England after five years abroad – including four seasons in the German side’s first team. Although markets are not yet available, this is one to watch.

Christopher Nkunku out – 2/1 

He may have only arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2023, but Christopher Nkunku is on the London outfit’s list of potential outgoings this summer. 

The Frenchman has notched just 17 goals in 57 games for the club – a major fall from his 70 goals in 172 outings for former employer, RB Leipzig.

Now, Nkunku is at 2/1 to join Manchester United. 

More specifically, a swap deal that would see Alejandro Garnacho venture in the opposite direction has been mooted – and the Argentine is priced at 5/4 to take up shop in South West London.