Chelsea Transfer News: Thibaut Courtois Fears Reported, Latest Blues Rumours

Chelsea are deliberating over the future of Thibaut Courtois, with the club fearing a decision to sell the goalkeeper could prove to be a mistake, per Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail.  

The Belgium international stopper faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge after he was dropped for the west Londoners’ 1-0 defeat to Swansea City last weekend. Despite holding talks with incoming manager Antonio Conte last week, the 23-year-old’s longevity at the club remains unclear.

Goal.com's Nizaar Kinsella provided evidence of Courtois' lonely training session at the Liberty Stadium:

Per WhoScored.com, Courtois has featured in 20 Premier League fixtures this term owing to the former Atletico Madrid player suffering a three-month lay-off due to a knee injury he picked up in training. He could now be used as a makeweight for funds to aid Conte’s summer transfer plans.

The club are concerned about suffering further backlash surrounding their transfer policy. The sales of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne have proved to be mistakes, with both players going on to become standout performers for their respective Premier League sides, Everton and Manchester City. 

Simon Johnson of the Evening Standard claimed Chelsea officials acknowledge errors have been made in the transfer market:

Regarded as one of the top young goalkeeping talents in world football, Chelsea now face a difficult decision over Courtois’ future.

One player who won’t be playing for the current champions next season is Inter’s Mauro Icardi after the Argentinian striker ruled out a switch to the Premier League, per Il Corriere della Sera (h/t the Express).

Per Soccerway, the 23-year-old club captain has scored 14 times this season to become the team’s leader and main attacking talisman. Following his move from Sampdoria in 2013, Icardi has attracted attention from across Europe due to his pace, movement and all-round game but continues to turn down proposed offers to depart the San Siro.

Antonio Calanni/Associated Press

Per Corriere della Sera, Icardi said: “It’s the same story every year. Every year I read that I am leaving Inter.

“But I am happy here. I enjoy being Inter captain, being the club’s striker and to score goals here.

“Of course, I want to win trophies, but I want to do it here at Inter, like so many did before me. Next year we will be gunning for the Serie A title and to qualify for the Champions League.”

Chelsea will be desperate to make amends for this season's on-pitch failures. The arrival of Guus Hiddink in December has settled the tumultuous feeling around Stamford Bridge, with the west Londoners recently recording a 15 league match undefeated streak, the longest of any team this season, per Soccerway.

Ahead of Italy national team boss Conte's impending arrival, the club face a serious decision regarding the future of one of their star performers.