Transfers

Samuel Eto’o, Willian transfers under Premier League investigation

Transfers involving Samuel Eto’o and Willian in 2013 are part of a Premier League investigation into potential financial rule breaches by Chelsea.

Chelsea’s owners say the allegations “pre-date the current ownership” and “do not relate to any individual who is presently at the club”.

Chelsea were fined £8.6m by Uefa in July for breaking Financial Fair Play rules as a result of “submitting incomplete financial information” between 2012 and 2019.

The breaches were reported by the new owners, the Clearlake group, after the club’s sale in May 2022 and it is understood they also notified the Premier League at the same time.

The league’s investigation was confirmed in August and, as first reported by the Times, the signings of Cameroon striker Eto’o and Brazil midfielder Willian are being looked at.

Both players joined the club under the ownership of Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, who was in control of the club from 2003 to 2022. They both signed from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.

Abramovich sold Chelsea to a consortium led by American investor Todd Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake Capital last year.

A Chelsea statement on Monday said: “These allegations pre-date the club’s current ownership. They concern entities that were allegedly controlled by the club’s former owner and do not relate to any individual who is presently at the club.

“Chelsea FC’s ownership group completed its purchase of the club on May 30, 2022.

“During a thorough due diligence process prior to completion of the purchase, the ownership group became aware of potentially incomplete financial reporting concerning historical transactions during the club’s previous ownership.

“Immediately following the completion of the purchase, the club proactively self-reported these matters to all applicable football regulators.

“In accordance with the club’s ownership group’s core principles of full compliance and transparency the club has proactively assisted the applicable regulators with their investigations and will continue to do so.”

Transfers

Disasi agrees personal terms with Aston Villa

Chelsea defender Axel Disasi is reportedly on the verge of joining Aston Villa after agreeing to personal terms ahead of a potential January transfer.

The Frenchman has struggled for regular game time at Stamford Bridge this season and is now set to make the move to Unai Emery’s side, who are looking to replace Diego Carlos following his recent departure.

According to Fabrizio Romano, via Football Transfer, Carlos joined Fenerbahce for €10 million, prompting Villa to identify Disasi as their ideal replacement. Romano shared on X:

“Axel Disasi has agreed on personal terms with Aston Villa.

“Disasi wants to join Villa despite interest from more clubs around Europe after direct talk with Unai Emery, crucial to get the green light.

“Deal now up to Chelsea and Villa to reach full agreement.”

Chelsea signed Disasi from AS Monaco for €45 million in 2023, but his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) has dropped significantly to €20.9 million due to limited playing opportunities this season. The 25-year-old has only featured in six Premier League matches during the 2024-25 campaign and has been left out of Chelsea’s matchday squad eight times since Enzo Maresca’s arrival last summer.

Transfers

EPL: Nottingham Forest desperate to sell out-of-favor Emmanuel Dennis

Nottingham Forest are facing difficulties in offloading striker Emmanuel Dennis before the transfer window closes.

The Nigerian forward has been out of favor under manager Nuno Espirito Santo and has not made a single appearance this season. Dennis’ last game for Forest was against Crystal Palace in May 2023.

The 27-year-old, who has 18 months remaining on his contract, is proving challenging to sell due to his high wages. Dennis currently earns £4 million annually, making him a costly option for potential suitors.

Discussions are ongoing with Watford, but his former club cannot meet his salary demands. Sheffield Wednesday have also expressed interest, but reports indicate their offer falls short of Forest’s expectations.

Transfers

Belgian club, KAS Eupen secure Nigerian striker Ejike on loan

Belgian club KAS Eupen has secured Nigerian striker Philip Ejike on a loan deal from Bulgarian side PFK Montana.

The agreement includes an option for the Pandas to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season.

Ejike impressed during his stint at PFK Montana, tallying 11 goals and two assists in 21 appearances.

The talented forward is set to join his new teammates in training immediately and could make his debut as early as Tuesday when KAS Eupen takes on SC Lokeren-Temse.

Mersad Selimbegovic’s team currently sits 13th in the league standings.