Chelsea transfer round-up: Benzema offered, Toney decision, Branthwaite battle but academy stars exodus

Chelsea have made a slow start to the transfer window after a record-breaking 2023 but business is expected to start ramping up.

The Blues spent a whopping £600million across two transfer windows last year, but their absence spending has slowed down.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has still beenurging Todd Boehly to keep his chequebook out after a difficult season.

However, the west Londoners clearly have an eye on financial fair play rules meaning there may be some outgoings before any new arrivals.

Brentford still have no desire to sell striker Toney this month, talkSPORT understands.

Chelsea-linked Toney has stated his desire to play for a 'top club' after serving an eight-month betting ban.

But the Bees see the 27-year-old England forward as a key player to keep them out of the relegation dogfight.

It took Toney just 19 minutes to find the back of the net in a 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest as he converted a well-taken free-kick.

Chelsea have been linked with big-money moves for Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres, but either deal would be hard-pressed to complete this month.

This could instead see the club making a stop-gap signing, with Benzema, Roberto Firmino and Aleksandar Mitrovic offered from the Saudi Pro League, report the Daily Express.

Former Ballon d'Or winner Benzema seems the most likely, as he seeks an exit from Saudi Arabia having failed to settle at Al-Ittihad.

The 36-year-old has scored 12 goals in 20 appearances this season.

Chelsea are among the clubs reported to have been interested in the Everton defender.

talkSPORT revealed this month that the Toffees face having to sell Branthwaite in the summer to avoid running into further financial issues.

Cashing in on the 21-year-old,