CHELSEA’S wait of new ownership is set to FINALLY come to an end with the UK government and the Premier League approving Todd Boehly’s bid.
Secretary of state for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nadine Dorries said: “We are satisfied the proceeds of the sale will not benefit Roman Abramovich or other sanctioned individuals.”
LA Dodgers owner Boehly, 48, will take the reins and has reportedly promised a £200 million war chest for Thomas Tuchel to have access to this summer.
And some of that money could go towards the signing of RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku and Brighton ace Marc Cucurella.
And Danny Drinkwater has released an emotional statement to the Chelsea fans after leaving the club following a frustrating time at Stamford Bridge.
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Keep up to date with all of the latest gossip from the Stamford Bridge…
Chelsea must pay £45m for Cucurella
EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea must pay at least £45million to win the race for Brighton defender Marc Cucurella, writes ANDREW DILLON.
And they will also have to see off Manchester City and Tottenham to land the Spanish left-back.
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel, buoyed by the news that Todd Boehly’s £4.25billion takeover of the club has cleared its final hurdle, is plotting a major overhaul of his defence.
Cucurella fits the bill after a standout first season in England following a £15.4million transfer from Spanish outfit Getafe. Tuchel is braced to lose left-back Marcos Alonso, who is keen to return to Spain.
Chelsea’s other player to fill that slot is Ben Chilwell and he only returned to action last weekend following a major knee injury.
Cucurella, 23, feels loyalty to Brighton but admits that interest from newly-crowned Premier League champions City is hard to dismiss.
End of Stamford Broj?
Striker Armando Broja is wanted by Newcastle and West Ham after his loan joy with Southampton.
The 12-cap Albanian, 20, is being eyed by several clubs after following a season on loan at Vitesse with regular Prem football for the Saints this term
Goal say Goal, the Hammers and the Magpies are amongst the frontrunners for the Slough-born starlet.
But Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is believed to be open to Braja returning to Stamford Bridge next season.
Blow for Prem giants as Dembele is set for PSG
Chelsea have been dealt a transfer blow as Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele could join Paris Saint-Germain, reports suggest.
AS say Dembele – previously linked to Manchester United and Arsenal -has rejected a new Barca contract offer to leave on a free transfer next month.
The forward has been linked with the Blues, who are looking to add some firepower up front after Todd Boehly’s takeover is officially completed.
However, the 25-year-old looks set to return to France for PSG ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Blaugrana tried to sell Dembele in January to avoid losing their second most expensive signing of all time for free at the end of the season.
But the Frenchman stayed put and played an important role in the team’s dramatic improvement, which saw them finish second in LaLiga.
The Catalan giants were hoping to convince the striker to stay by signing his friend Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal.
Barcelona manager Xavi also sang his praises continuously and expressed his desire to keep him. However, Dembele, who joined Barca from Borussia Dortmund for a whopping £138million in 2017, will be leaving next month.
Could Tam be the right man?
Roman’s Europa Conference-winning hero Tammy Abraham could land a huge bid from Arsenal.
It’s thought the England and ex-Chelsea striker striker, 27, would be interested in returning to London.
But Abraham has bloomed so much in Italy under ex-Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho that he could cost around £50million.
Chelsea boost as Barca’s Aurelien deal stalls
Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool might feel re-energised in the hunt for Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni after his move to Real Madrid reportedly stalled.
It’s claimed the France midfielder’s Bernabeu talks have been hit by ‘tax issues’.
Tchouameni’s transfer fee has also been a problem, according to 90min.
PSG, including Kylian Mbappe, are also said to be strong admirers of the eight-cap star.
But Real remain favourites to sign him.
Blues turn De Ligt back on
Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt is rated as Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel’s ‘first choice’ target.
Tuchel reportedly tried to sign the Holland and former Ajax star, 22, who Manchester United are previously thought to have trailed.
Now Calciomercato say Chelsea are back in for De Ligt as they wait for their club takeover to be completed.
Departing Drinkwater apologises to Chelsea fans
Danny Drinkwater apologised to Chelsea fans as he left on a free transfer after five years of failure.
The £32million midfielder, 32, faded after winning three England caps as a key member of Leicester’s 2015-16 title-winning team.
He played just 23 times for Chelsea as injuries, poor form, a drink-drive ban and other off-field issues blighted his Stamford Bridge career.
He was loaned to Burnley, Aston Villa, Turkish side Kasimpasa and Reading.
And he wrote on Instagram: “My time at Chelsea has come to an end… actually feels really strange writing this. Me, the club and fans are hugely disappointed with the outcome there is no doubt about that
‘Injuries, how I have been treated, mistakes I have made, issues of the pitch, lack of game time… the list of excuses could be endless but I would not and can not change what’s happened.
“I’m going to look at positives over the past five years, I have played with great players, coached by awesome managers, worked with some brilliant staff, met some fantastic people, lived in some beautiful places, travelled the world and won some more silverware.
‘Football’s a fantastic sport but this for both parties was a business move gone wrong, it’s as black and white as that.
“To the Chelsea fans I apologise for how this has turned out I would of loved for you to see me at my best in that shirt doing what I love. All the best x.”
United tipped to step in front of Chelsea with Nkunku bid
Manchester United will swoop in ahead of Chelsea with a bid for RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku next week, according to reports.
Nkunku, 24, was named as the Bundesliga Player of the Season earlier this week.
Sky Sports Germany claim Nkunku’s representatives are “in contact” with the Red Devils.
United are right at the front of the queue to sign the hot shot and an offer is “to be expected next week”.
They are hoping to beat Chelsea as the Blues also ready themselves to launch a bid.
Club consultant Ralf Rangnick – who once called Nkunku “the best young player in Germany” – has already “advocated the move” to Old Trafford.
JT vs Rio: ‘Stats don’t lie’
John Terry has claimed the “stats don’t lie” after Rio Ferdinand only labelled him as the fifth-best centre-back in Premier League history.
The Chelsea icon is regarded by many as one of the greatest defenders in the Prem era, winning the title on five occasions.
Ferdinand though put THREE Manchester United centre-backs ahead of old England colleague Terry, including himself.
The Old Trafford hero was debating the best central defenders of the Prem era with Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk for BT Sport.
And Ferdinand put himself in top spot, followed by team-mate Nemanja Vidic, Van Dijk at third, Jaap Stam fourth and Terry fifth.
Van Dijk meanwhile omitted himself and put Ferdinand top too, followed by Vincent Kompany, Stam, Terry and Sami Hyypia.
One man though who didn’t agree was Stamford Bridge stalwart Terry.
Taking to his Instagram story Terry posted a picture that contained a variety of stats to back him up.
They included captains with most Prem titles and centre-backs with the highest winning percentage in Prem history.
Both of which were topped by Terry, who captioned the post “opinions are great but the stats don’t lie”.
Toon and Hammers eye Armando
Striker Armando Broja is wanted by Newcastle and West Ham after his loan joy with Southampton.
The 12-cap Albanian, 20, is being eyed by several clubs after following a season on loan at Vitesse with regular Prem football for the Saints this term
Goal say Goal, the Hammers and the Magpies are amongst the frontrunners for the Slough-born starlet.
But Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is believed to be open to Braja returning to Stamford Bridge next season.
Blow for Prem giants as Dembele is set for PSG
Chelsea have been dealt a transfer blow as Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele could join Paris Saint-Germain, reports suggest.
AS say Dembele – previously linked to Manchester United and Arsenal -has rejected a new Barca contract offer to leave on a free transfer next month.
The forward has been linked with the Blues, who are looking to add some firepower up front after Todd Boehly’s takeover is officially completed.
However, the 25-year-old looks set to return to France for PSG ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Blaugrana tried to sell Dembele in January to avoid losing their second most expensive signing of all time for free at the end of the season.
But the Frenchman stayed put and played an important role in the team’s dramatic improvement, which saw them finish second in LaLiga.
The Catalan giants were hoping to convince the striker to stay by signing his friend Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal.
Barcelona manager Xavi also sang his praises continuously and expressed his desire to keep him. However, Dembele, who joined Barca from Borussia Dortmund for a whopping £138million in 2017, will be leaving next month.
Inter offer Chelsea target Perisic new deal
Chelsea transfer target Ivan Perisic has been offered a new deal to stay at Inter Milan.
The Croatian star has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge on a free transfer when his current contract with the Nerazzurri expires next month.
However, the Serie A side are desperate to keep the 33-year-old, and have tabled an improved £5m-per-season proposal, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Perisic is understood to be considering his options with Tottenham also interested in the two-footed midfielder.
Dembele rejects new Barca deal
Ousmane Dembele has rejected a new contract offer from Barcelona and looks set to join Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.
The French international signed for the LaLiga club from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 for a whopping €105m, but saw much of his time in Spain blighted by injuries.
In five years at the Nou Camp, Dembele has managed 150 appearances for Barca, scoring 32 goals and providing 34 assists.
The news of Dembele’s return to France will come as a blow to Chelsea, who had been hoping to tempt the 25-year-old into a move to Stamford Bridge.
Boehly to hand Tuchel £200m
New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly will provide Thomas Tuchel with £200m for new players after completing his takeover at Stamford Bridge, report The Mail.
However, ‘vast chunks’ of that war chest is expected to be used to recruit new defenders.
Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger have already confirmed their departures from the club, and Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta are expected to follow suit
As we reported this week, a deal for Sevilla Jules Kounde is nearing completion – although the LaLiga club are holding out for the player’s release fee of £81m to be met.
Elsewhere, the Blues are also interested in Villarreal’s Pau Torres – a target for Manchester United – and Leicester’s Wesley Fofana.
Rejuvenated Lampard plotting Chelsea raid
Frank Lampard is planning a return to former club Chelsea this summer in order to snap up some of their hottest young talent.
The Everton boss, buoyed by his side avoiding relegation, wants to inject youth and ambition into his ageing squad, and has targeted a number players that he previously worked with at Stamford Bridge.
The Liverpool Echo have speculated on which youngsters could be tempted by a reunion with Lampard, and suggest that Armando Broja, Conor Gallagher, Levi Colwill, Ethan Ampadu and Billy Gilmour all fit the bill.
Lampard has built a reputation for bringing youngsters through during his fledgling managerial career, and can be considered a major factor for the current success enjoyed by Mason Mount and Reece James.
Johnson keen on Perisic interest
Former Chelsea full-back Glen Johnson would welcome his old club bringing in Ivan Perisic on a free transfer.
The 33-year-old Croatian is viewed as an upgrade on Marcos Alonso, and could be the ideal candidate to share left wing-back duties with Ben Chilwell should he move to the Londoners.
In conversation with Bettingodds.com, Johnson admitted he would be thrilled to see Perisic join the Blues.
“Yes, absolutely. It would represent a smart bit of business. He’s another top player who can play in a few positions,” he said.
“If Alonso’s going to leave the club and you can bring in a player like him on a free, who can play in a couple of positions, then it sounds like a no brainer.”
Target offered new Inter deal
Chelsea transfer target Ivan Perisic has been offered a new deal to stay at Inter Milan.
The Croatian star has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge on a free transfer when his current contract with the Nerazzurri expires next month.
However, the Serie A side are desperate to keep the 33-year-old, and have tabled an improved £5m-per-season proposal, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Perisic is understood to be considering his options with Tottenham also interested in the two-footed midfielder.
Good morning Chelsea fans
Todd Boehly’s £4.25bn takeover now has Government and Premier League approval, meaning new signings aren’t too far away.
Jules Kounde tops the shortlist of defenders, and the Sevilla man would slot straight in on the right hand side of a back-three if he is recruited.
Personal terms have already been agreed and the Frenchman is only waiting for Chelsea, reports say.
Meanwhile on the other side the left-footed Josko Gvardiol is an option, having impressed at RB Leipzig.
Marcos Alonso, Andreas Christensen and captain Cesar Azpilicueta are on their way to Barcelona, while Thiago Silva is at the advanced age of 37.
Chelsea are also “ready to launch a bid” for RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku, claim reports.
Chelsea have been handed a major transfer boost as Barcelona boss Xavi admitted Ousmane Dembele may have played his last game for the club against Villarreal.
Blues Possible XI
Todd Boehly’s £4.25bn takeover now has Government and Premier League approval, meaning new signings aren’t too far away, writes Giacomo Pisa..
Jules Kounde tops the shortlist of defenders, and the Sevilla man would slot straight in on the right hand side of a back-three if he is recruited.
Meanwhile on the other side the left-footed Josko Gvardiol is an option, having impressed at RB Leipzig.
And in attack the Blues are claimed to be plotting an ambitious raid for Manchester City star Raheem Sterling.
The 27-year-old is out of contract at the Etihad at the end of next season, and is an option if Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech or Christian Pulisic depart.
There could be a fresh face in midfield too.
West Ham midfielder Declan Rice is highly thought of, but his £150m price-tag is likely to price the Blues out of a move.
Monaco man Aurelien Tchouameni is an alternative, and is admired by those in high places at Stamford Bridge.
A midfield duo of Tchouameni and Mateo Kovacic would be likely to strike fear into the hearts of any Premier League side.
Especially with English duo Reece James and Ben Chilwell marauding down the wings either side of them.
Arms race for Broja
Chelsea loanee Armando Broja is at the centre of a transfer war between Newcastle and West Ham.
Broja impressed with a series of impressive displays at Southampton and has attracted the attention of other clubs before the summer window.
According to Goal, the Hammers and the Magpies are attempting to sign the forward during the summer.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is believed to be open to the Albania international returning to Stamford Bridge next season.
But the 20-year-old may have options if he wants more first-team football next season
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Chelsea’s summer spending
Thomas Tuchel will be chomping at the bit for Chelsea to spring into life in the transfer market – and he doesn’t have long left to wait writes Giacomo Pisa.
Todd Boehly’s £4.25bn takeover now has Government and Premier League approval, meaning new signings aren’t too far away.
Reports suggest Boehly is eager to back Tuchel in the upcoming window and will give the German around £200m to play with.
Chelsea are even said to have drawn up an EIGHT-MAN centre-back shortlist to cope with the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
It’s expected to be a busy summer of incomings and outgoings at Stamford Bridge, and Tuchel’s line up could be very different come the start of the new season.
Last Gall for Conor?
Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira has refused to rule out a transfer for Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher.
Vieira said of Gallagher, who is set to return to Stamford Bridge after the end of the season: “Conor has been fantastic for us.
“He felt like he is at home the way he has been performing for us. He understands the way that we want to play the game, and he brings his energy and his determination.
“We know that he has to go back to Chelsea. Then, what will happen? We don’t know”
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Chelsea in for Nkunku
Chelsea are “ready to launch a bid” for RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku, claim reports.
GOAL report that Chelsea sense a chance to get their man.
Nkunku was named Bundesliga’s Player of the Season.
The 24-year-old attacking midfielder has been constantly linked with a move to United, who sent scouts to watch him in action in April.
United’s pursuit was given a boost when it was reported that the France international was open to a Premier League switch.
And now it appears the Blues have joined the race to sign Nkunku.
Go for it
Former Chelsea ace Glen Johnson advised his former club to try and beat Barcelona for Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski.
Johnson told Betting Odds: “In terms of the player himself, then yes. But business-wise, what that might do to [Romelu] Lukaku, if he’s not playing where’s he going to go, how much is he going to be worth.
“They bought him for an awful lot of money. But at the same time, if they give him another six months and he doesn’t perform, then they might miss out on the top four. It’s a tough one.
“While Lewandowski is available on the free, I think you have to try and sign him.”
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Jules Kounde situation
Chelsea’s approved takeover is a major boost in their longtime bid to sign Sevilla star Jules Kounde.
The Blues are in desperate need of defensive reinforcement after losing Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid.
Marcos Alonso, Andreas Christensen and captain Cesar Azpilicueta are on their way to Barcelona, while Thiago Silva is at the advanced age of 37.
Transfer guru Andreas Korssund tweeted: “Jules Kounde is closing in on a move to Chelsea.
“The Blues will conclude talks with Sevilla as soon as Boehly’s takeover is complete and they are ready to pay the required fee.
“Personal terms have already been agreed and the Frenchman is only waiting for Chelsea”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
