Transfer 10/24: Chelsea targets Nunez, Real spends 100 million
Desailly advises Chelsea to buy Nunez; The Blues plan to borrow Ter Stegen; Real Madrid spends 100 million Euros on Kenan Yildiz; MU plans to spend 120 million Pounds in the winter.
On October 24, the transfer news was shaped by four main axes: Chelsea solved the goal-scoring problem with Darwin Nunez; Stamford Bridge considered borrowing Marc-Andre ter Stegen and monitoring Mike Maignan; Real Madrid prepared a 100 million Euro move for Kenan Yildiz; Manchester United planned to spend 120 million pounds on two pieces Ousmane Diomandé and Oihan Sancet. From a tactical perspective, each deal touched on the core needs of the project that the coaches were pursuing.

Chelsea and the striker problem: Darwin Nunez is the necessary piece
Legendary Marcel Desailly believes Chelsea need a top-class striker in January and sees Darwin Nunez as the “perfect” option. Desailly argues that Nunez still has room to grow despite his disappointing spell at Liverpool, and he could fit into Enzo Maresca’s system.
In terms of current form, Nunez has made an impressive start to the Saudi Pro League with three goals in four games for Al Hilal. This shows that the Uruguayan striker’s sense of space and finishing ability are still bright, and also reinforces the argument that a European “return” is possible if Chelsea really act in the winter.
Tactical angle: Why Maresca is suitable
Maresca’s control philosophy requires a centre-forward who can link up, making continuous runs to open up the flanks and stretch the opposition’s formation. Nunez, with his stamina and directness, is expected to help Chelsea improve the amount of running in depth, creating space for the attacking midfielders. In transition, his pace and stride also help the Blues threaten behind the defence.
Stamford Bridge's wooden frame: Ter Stegen's plan and Maignan's plan
According to ESPN, Chelsea are considering borrowing Marc-Andre ter Stegen from Barcelona in January to stabilize their goal. The biggest obstacle is the high salary and competition from many European clubs. In parallel, journalist Ben Jacobs said Mike Maignan (AC Milan) is in the long-term plan and The Blues are ready to promote in the summer when Maignan's contract with Milan is about to expire.
Technically, Ter Stegen is a temporary solution for the second half of the season: his experience and top European quality of footwork help Chelsea to start the ball coherently from the back. In the long term, Maignan is suitable for the role of “modern goalkeeper” – commanding the penalty area, reading situations well and supporting the organization of the reverse pressing after losing the ball.
Matheus Cunha surprises at MU: professionalism and striker role

According to The Sun, Matheus Cunha quickly made a good impression in the Manchester United dressing room thanks to his professionalism and good integration, receiving support from teammates like Luke Shaw. Tactically, the coaching staff highly appreciated Cunha's ability to keep the ball and control the rhythm - a factor that helps Bruno Fernandes reduce the load in midfield. Although he has not scored or assisted yet, he still holds a starting position and was trusted by coach Ruben Amorim to play as a center forward in the 2-1 win over Liverpool, a sign that Cunha's role is growing in the rebuilding phase.
Impact on MU's attacking structure
Cunha acts as a “connecting point” for MU to pull the team up high, allowing the satellites to exploit the space on the flanks and the inner corridor. When the center forward knows how to keep the rhythm and cover, MU has more rhythm to develop the ball instead of relying entirely on Bruno for creativity.
Real Madrid and the 100 million Euro move for Kenan Yildiz

Real Madrid are said to be ready to spend 100 million Euros to recruit Kenan Yildiz (20 years old) from Juventus. Coach Xabi Alonso sees Yildiz as a key factor in the long-term plan. Juventus wants to tie the "Turkish pearl" to a contract until 2030, but strong interest from Real makes Yildiz's future difficult to predict. In addition to Los Blancos, Chelsea, Arsenal and Man United are also closely monitoring this talent.
Linear implications for Real's youth project
If completed, Yildiz will add a young striker to the next generation, increasing the versatility of the attack. In the context of Real's long-term priority, devoting 100 million Euros to a 20-year-old talent reflects the strategy of investing early in the future attack.
Man United prepares 120 million pounds for Diomandé and Sancet
Manchester United are planning to spend £120m in the winter transfer window to sign two new players: centre-back Ousmane Diomandé (Sporting CP) and midfielder Oihan Sancet (Athletic Bilbao). Diomandé, 21, is valued at around €80m; Sancet, 24, is expected to add creativity and connection to the midfield, especially given the changing future of Bruno Fernandes.
Tactical angle: Filling two key links
Diomandé has the profile of a modern centre-back: strong in the tackle and able to launch attacks from deep. Sancet brings rhythm and the ability to receive and pass in zone 14, thereby diversifying the way United approach the penalty area. The two deals, if successful, will help coach Ruben Amorim’s project have a clearer foundation between defence and creativity.
Key transfer statistics and milestones
| Business | Related Clubs | Form/Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darwin Nunez | Chelsea | Recommended by Desailly; 3 goals/4 games at Al Hilal | — |
| Marc-Andre ter Stegen | Chelsea | Consider borrowing; high salary and competition | ESPN |
| Mike Maignan | Chelsea | Long term goal, summer promotion | Ben Jacobs |
| Matheus Cunha | Manchester United | Impressed, playing as a center forward in the 2-1 win over Liverpool | The Sun |
| Kenan Yildiz | Real Madrid | Prepare to spend 100 million Euros | — |
| Ousmane Diomandé | Manchester United | Valued at around 80 million Euros | — |
| Oihan Sancet | Manchester United | Included in the £120m winter package | — |
Reaction and source context
The main information comes from: the views of the legend Marcel Desailly (Nunez – Chelsea), ESPN (the loan plan for Ter Stegen), journalist Ben Jacobs (long-term plans with Maignan), The Sun (internal assessment of Matheus Cunha). The remaining facts reflect the direction of interest of Real Madrid and Manchester United in the market.
Impact and prospects
For Chelsea, a striker like Nunez and a top-class “footed goalkeeper” can simultaneously solve two problems: finishing efficiency and organizing ability from the back. For MU, the two deals of Diomandé and Sancet are the next step in completing the defensive-creative axis under Ruben Amorim, but the £120 million price tag requires decisiveness in negotiations. In Madrid, the pursuit of Yildiz shows that the strategy of long-term investment in young players is still the guiding principle, despite competition from the Premier League. The rest depends on the speed of decision-making, salary structure and the attractiveness of the project that each club can put on the negotiating table in the winter.


