CHELSEA are closing in on a £45million deal for Man City forward Raheem Sterling, according to reports.
Meanwhile, battle for Raphinha is far from over as Barcelona are said to have put in a staggering £60 million bid – matching Chelsea’s offer.
And Chelsea are in need of some defensive reinforcements with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen departing from Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are reportedly interested in Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt but the Old Lady have demanded for Timo Werner in return.
But reports suggest that Chelsea are also chasing Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe.
- IN: None
- OUT: Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Andreas Christensen (Barcelona), Danny Drinkwater (released), Charly Musonda (released), Jake Clarke-Salter (released), Lucas Bergstrom (Peterborough, loan), Sam McClelland (Barrow, loan)
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Stay up to date with all the latest from Stamford Bridge…
Ron his way
Chelsea are at the front of the queue to offer Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo Champions League football.
Ronaldo sensationally informed United he wants to quit the club this summer.
The Red Devils are determined to stand firm and refuse to sell but the five-time Ballon d’Or winners insists they should give the green light to any acceptable bids.
And that could see the star forward join the Blues, who finished third last season – and therefore have a seat at Europe’s top competition.
Manager Thomas Tuchel is on the hunt for a new striker following Romelu Lukaku’s season-long loan to Inter Milan.
That leaves Timo Werner and Kai Havertz as the only players who can really play up front this coming season
Ziyech agrees AC Milan move
Chelsea ace Hakim Ziyech has agreed to join AC Milan, according to Calciomercato.
Ziyech is set to move to Milan on a season-long loan deal, which will include an obligation to buy.
The fee to make the winger’s move permanent will reportedly be set at £21million though the Blues are seeking a further £4m.
That will mark another notable departure from the West Londoners’ frontline after Romelu Lukaku, who also moved on loan in the Serie A as he returned to Inter Milan
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Kimpembe interest latest
Chelsea are targeting Paris Saint-Germain star Presnel Kimpembe this summer.
The Blues were considering a move for PSG’s £34million-rated Kimpembe in the past two transfer windows.
According to Goal, that “interest from Chelsea still exists” over the centre-back.
It seems the West Londoners are keen again after seeing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen leave the club
Chelsea favourites for De Ligt
Chelsea have emerged as the odds on favourites to land Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt.
De Ligt has been linked with a move away from the Serie A and Sky Bet are pricing a transfer to Stamford Bridge at 8/11.
The Blues are desperate to sign a defender or two this summer following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Naturally, there have been rumours of Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag and the Netherlands international linking up again, with Sky Bet pricing the move at 8/1.
Ten Hag was the Ajax boss when the 22-year-old helped the Dutch side to the semi-finals of the Champions League, and made the defender the club’s youngest ever captain at 18 years old
Mo Salah reminder
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah was prepared to return to Chelsea before his new Anfield contract made him the highest-paid player in the club’s history, according to SunSport’s Ken Lawrence.
The Blues’ new owner Todd Boehly lined up Salah as talks with the Reds stalled over a new three-year deal.
The forward, through agent Ramy Abbas, had made it clear to Fenway Sports Group that he would consider returning to Stamford Bridge, where he spent two years after joining in 2014.
The Chelsea threat forced a major rethink before handing the Egypt international a deal which will see him bank at least £62million in total.
It was a major factor in Kop owners FSG coming up with a deal worth a whopping £400,000 a week
Chelsea close to Sterling
Chelsea are closing in on the £45million transfer of Manchester City star Raheem Sterling.
According to the Daily Mail, a deal is set to be struck in the coming days which will see Sterling make the switch to Stamford Bridge from the Etihad.
The 27-year-old looks on course to pen a four-year deal in West London.
The England international has spoken with Blues boss Thomas Tuchel and those conversations have only added to his desire to leave City for Chelsea.
The forward is among the club’s top targets as they appear likely to miss out on Leeds star Raphinha
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Raphinha edging towards Barca move
Barcelona are close to agreeing a deal to sign Raphinha, according to journalist Gerard Romero.
The transfer guru claims Barca and Leeds are set to agree a £60milion fee which will see the Brazilian move to the Nou Camp.
And the winger is reportedly close to accepting a £115,000 a week deal with the Spanish giants.
Romero also claims Raphinha turned down an approach from Newcastle.
Ziyech agrees AC Milan move
Hakim Ziyech has agreed to join AC Milan, according to Calciomercato.
The Moroccan is set to move to the Serie A champions on a season-long loan deal which will include an obligation to buy.
The fee to make the move permanent will reportedly be set at £21million though the Blues are seeking a further £4m.
Sterling selling house to Alexander-Arnold
Manchester City star Raheem Sterling is ‘negotiating’ to sell his £4.5million Cheshire home to Liverpool defender and England team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold, according to the Mirror.
Alexander-Arnold is set to move out of his current south Manchester home, which is on the same road as Reds shot-stopper Alisson and ex-Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.
And with the right-back ready to purchase Sterling’s house it is possible the City star is preparing to move down south.
Sterling has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea this summer but the Blues are yet to agree a fee with City for the winger.
Go for Ronaldo says Laboeuf
Former Chelsea star Frank Laboeuf has advised Thomas Tuchel to sign Cristiano Ronaldo this summer, not Neymar.
He told ESPN: “I would pick Ronaldo because they need someone to finish the actions and score and be more clinical.
“Neymar is not going to happen, I don’t think Tuchel wants him because he had so many issues when he was the coach of PSG.”
Newcastle enter Broja transfer race
Newcastle United want Armando Broja and are now confident of winning the race for the Chelsea striker this summer, report The Northern Echo.
West Ham opened talks with Chelsea over a permanent deal for Broja in June but that hasn’t really progressed.
So Newcastle are looking to hijack a potential deal with the Blues seeking around £30million for the striker.
Chelsea set price for Alonso
Chelsea and Barcelona are ‘close to reaching a transfer agreement’ for defender Marcos Alonso to move to the Nou Camp this summer, according to Sport.
The two clubs are set for talks next week after Thomas Tuchel gave his approval for the move.
Chelsea are reportedly seeking £8.5million for the Spaniard despite Alonso playing a prominent role last season.
Laporta confirms Raphinha transfer interest
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has opened up on the club’s rumoured interest in Chelsea target Raphinha.
Laporta also spoke about Ousmane Dembele, another player Chelsea have their eye on, and hinted at the Frenchman playing alongside Raphinha at the Nou Camp.
As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, he said: “We have talked about Raphinha with Leeds, we know that the player would also like to come to Barça, but there are also other clubs that want him.
“It would not be dependent on (Ousmane) Dembélé, because the coach sees them as compatible.”
Top targets
Will the Blues be able to secure Raheem and Raphinha this summer?
They’re certainly trying to.
It’s all up to new owner Tood Boehly.
Big earners
Chelsea are looking to do some serious business this summer.
Raheem Sterling, Raphinha, Mattijs de Ligt and Jules Kounde have all been linked with moves to Stamford Bridge.
And you can bet your house they’d all make it into this top earners list.
Standing returns
Premier League clubs will get the go-ahead to open safe standing areas in their grounds from the start of the new season.
Ministers are expected to announce the success of a trial at five stadiums – and invite all top-flight teams to introduce their own sections.
It will mean that fans will be able to stand to watch Prem or Championship matches for the first time in nearly 30 years.
Standing has been illegal in the two top divisions since all-seater stadiums were introduced in 1994 following the Taylor report into the Hillsborough disaster.
But following a pilot scheme last season at Chelsea, Spurs, Cardiff City, Man City and Man United, all other top clubs will be give the all clear to follow suit.
A final report on the government-commissioned trial seen by The Sun on Sunday says the sections delivered a positive impact on spectator safety and improved fans’ matchday experience.
Credit: EPA De Jong de-lighted by top comp
Chelsea are hovering as Manchester United sweat on Frenkie de Jong agreeing personal terms over a £60million move.
That’s the claim from the Guardian, who say the Blues have one major advantage as the Barcelona midfielder wants Champions League football.
The Red Devils negotiated a fee close to £60m as Barca aim to ease their financial problems by cashing in on a major asset.
But it’s understood Chelsea are now taking a strong interest in De Jong’s talks with Old Trafford chiefs over personal demands.
Should there be any stumbling blocks in negotiations, the Blues seem ready to pounce.
Watch this space…
‘Feels good’
Callum Hudson-Odoi couldn’t contain his delight after returning to pre-season training with Chelsea team-mates Ben Chilwell and Ross Barkley.
Hudson-Odoi was one of a handful of first-team players to report to the Blues’ Cobham training ground to begin preparation for the new season.
And the England international – who was blighted by injury last season – shared his delight at being back on the training field shortly after the session.
Alongside a picture of himself dribbling with the ball, Hudson-Odoi tweeted: “Feels Good to be back!”
Credit: Getty Raph cash boost
Raphinha is reportedly set to receive a massive pay rise if his proposed move to Barcelona goes through.
The Spanish giants have stolen a march on Premier League duo Arsenal and Chelsea in the race for the Leeds winger.
And the Brazilian will reportedly receive a lucrative contract worth £5.2million per year should the deal go through.
That works out to be £100,000 a week, a whopping £40,000 increase on the winger’s current weekly wages.
Chelsea appeared to move into pole position to sign Raphinha earlier this week after they tabled a bid north of £55million for his services.
But a late swoop from Barcelona could potentially scupper the west Londoners’ pursuit of the player.
Blue-turn
A reminder of another SunSport transfer exclusive this morning…
Mo Salah was prepared to move to Chelsea before his deal made him the highest-paid player in Liverpool history.
Blues’ new owner Todd Boehly had lined up Reds’ star Salah, 30, as talks stalled over a new three-year deal.
It was a major factor in Kop owners FSG coming up with a deal worth almost £400,000 a week.
Salah, through agent Ramy Abbas, had made it clear to Fenway Sports Group that he would consider returning to Stamford Bridge, where he spent two years from 2014-16.
Ron his way
Chelsea are at the front of the queue to offer Cristiano Ronaldo Champions League football.
The superstar forward sensationally told Manchester United he wants to quit.
The Red Devils are determined to stand firm and refuse to sell – but the Portuguese star insists they should give the green light to any ‘acceptable’ bids.
And that could see the five-time Ballon d’Or winner join rivals Chelsea, who finished third last season – and therefore have a seat at Europe’s top table.
Thomas Tuchel is on the hunt for a new striker following Romelu Lukaku’s season-long loan to Inter Milan.
That leaves Timo Werner and Kai Havertz as the only players who can really play up front in the squad.
The West Londoners are keen to make the forward their marquee signing this summer and have been keeping tabs on his situation with United.
New Blues chief Todd Boehly recently met with Ronaldo’s agent – Jorge Mendes – to discuss a host of topics, including a potential move for the sporting icon.
Good morning Chelsea fans
Manchester United star and reported Chelsea target Cristiano Ronaldo has asked to leave the club if a suitable offer arrives in the summer.
That is according to The Times, who claim Ronaldo wants out of United because he wants to compete in the Champions League.
The Red Devils missed out on Europe’s top competition after finishing sixth and will instead play in the Europa League.
That poses as a major blow for new boss Erik ten Hag, who is looking to turn things around at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Leeds star Raphinha has asked his agent Deco to block any further advances from Chelsea.
According to Sport, the Brazil international is not keen on moving to Stamford Bridge and is prepared to wait for Barca to come calling.
The winger has asked Deco to “stop’ negotiations with the Blues in order to ‘prioritise” a move to the Nou Camp.
Club chiefs have been left flummoxed by the 25-year-old’s stance against joining them as they did not expect him to refuse a move to west London.
And Chelsea are targeting Paris Saint-Germain star Presnel Kimpembe in the summer transfer window.
The Blues were considering a move for £34million-rated Kimpembe in the past two transfer windows.
According to Goal, that “interest from Chelsea still exists” over the talented centre-back.
It seems the West Londoners are keen again after seeing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen leave.
Finally, PSG superstar and Chelsea transfer target Neymar has activated a clause in his contract to extend his stay in Paris until 2027.
The star forward most recently put pen to paper on a five-year extension in 2021.
But the Brazil international has now activated his annual extension option, which means his deal will stretch until 2027, according to Sport.
That means the 30-year-old is set to earn £155m more from PSG with the forward being paid £31m per year.
The Parisians are said to be looking for a buyer to take the Brazilian off their hands, with president Nasser Al-Khelaifi looking to move away from their high-earner model.
Neymar has been linked with Chelsea but his £600,000-a-week wages are putting the Blues and other potential suitors off this summer
In the Leed
Chelsea have received a major boost in their ongoing transfer war with Barcelona over Leeds star Raphinha.
According to Diario AS, the Blaugrana may not need the Brazil international after all as Ousmane Dembele “has got closer to renewing” his deal.
Dembele’s contract runs out today and the Catalan giants are frantically trying to convince him to pen a new one as manager Xavi wants him in his squad this coming season.
And it seems like there is a significant possibility the forward may remain at the Nou Camp
Chelsea’ magic Wad
Chelsea youngster Ethan Wady signed a one-year extension with the club before being offloaded to Woking on loan.
Wady, 20, has joined the non-league side but first put pen to paper on a new contract with the Blues until 2023.
This marks the goalkeeper’s fifth loan stint ever since his move to the club’s esteemed academy in 2018.
Woking manager Darren Sarll sang the 20-year-old’s praises and hinted he could get a fair share of first-team football
Credit: Getty Do no Ron
Manchester United wantaway star Cristiano Ronaldo should ignore Chelsea’s interest and stay at Old Trafford this summer, claims former striker Louis Saha.
Saha told BonusCodeBets: “It could go both ways, no one can guarantee anything apart from Cristiano. He’s the only one to answer that.
“It wouldn’t be the right move for Man United to let him go because he’s such a big asset.
“I can definitely see him continuing to keep doing what he’s doing best, which is scoring goals and helping his club get back to where it belongs.
“He can still play a part under [Erik] Ten Hag, not only by scoring goals, but with his stature.
“I’m sure the new manager will want to implement some new rules and new standards that fit with Ronaldo. Maybe not so much on the pressing side, but his work ethic and his desire to always be accountable.
“Performance-wise, Ronaldo is up there with the best, he’ll drive the players that need confidence, like [Marcus] Rashford.
“It’s a new manager, new rules, new atmosphere and I’m very excited”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
