Chelsea Make Double Transfer Decision: Loan Exit Sanctioned As Mudryk Attracts Leeds Interest | OneFootball

Chelsea are ramping up preparations for the 2026-27 season. Video Credit: Absolute Chelsea

Chelsea have made a double transfer decision over the futures of Dario Essugo and Mykhailo Mudryk.

Xabi Alonso is preparing his Chelsea side for the 2026-27 season, and plans are being made over who will remain and who will depart before the end of the summer window.

The Chelsea manager has already split the squad into two groups at Cobham. Players who are available for transfer and/or loan, as well as those building their fitness, have formed a second group at their training base to ensure plans are as detailed as possible.

Chelsea have already sorted many exits this summer, including Andrey Santos' £50 million move to Manchester United, and have also finalised loans for the likes of Filip Jorgensen and Reggie Walsh.

Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi are both on the verge of finalising loan deals to join Napoli and Crystal Palace, respectively.

But with the season fast approaching, work is being done to resolve more futures, and there is now a fresh update on both Essugo and Mudryk.

The 21-year-old has been part of Chelsea's squad throughout pre-season, and it appeared he was initially going to remain for the upcoming campaign.

However, after missing most of last season due to injury, Essugo was open to a loan move, which Chelsea have now sanctioned, as reported by BBC Sport.

He turned to the Chelsea side towards the latter end of the season, but is now set for a temporary move to get regular minutes.

It's reported that a move to RC Strasbourg is a 'prominent possibility', which would see him take the third and final loan spot, as the French side has already loaned out both Jorgensen and Genesis Antwi from Chelsea this summer.

Essugo is also said to have Premier League interest, so a final decision is nearing.

After the midfield arrivals of Valentin Barco and Jordan Henderson, competition for places is high, and a loan is likely to be the best option for Essugo. REUTERS

Mykhailo Mudryk attracting interest as Premier League club open talks

Following his return to football this summer after his doping case was resolved, Mudryk is looking to get regular game time in his first season back.

He was also part of the pre-season squad in Asia, and Alonso focused on settling the Ukraine international and building his match sharpness.

A decision over his future was expected towards the end of the summer window whilst Chelsea made a decision, and it looks like the 25-year-old will head out on loan.

As reported by Ben Jacobs, he is attracting interest from several Premier League clubs, including Leeds United, who have held talks over a potential move.

But a first loan bid for Mudryk has been rejected, according to Nizaar Kinsella. Mudryk has been one of several attackers under consideration for a move to Elland Road. Coventry City were also linked with the Chelsea attacker earlier this summer.