CHELSEA have received a massive boost in their pursuit of Ousmane Dembele, who could reportedly join as soon as next week.
Barcelona’s hopes of starting a bidding war for the winger are dead as new PSG sporting director Luis Campos is said to have vetoed a move for the French international.
And Barca are also said to be pessimistic of convincing the ex-Dortmund man to sign a new deal.
Meanwhile, Antonio Conte is said to be ready to make a surprise bid to lure Romelu Lukaku across London to Spurs.
And Chelsea are still keen on signing Jules Kounde, who Todd Boehly is reported to have told to ignore all other offers while the Blues secure the funds.
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Keep up to date with all of the latest gossip from the Stamford Bridge…
Chelsea’s summer window depends on Marina
Chelsea’s activity in the summer transfer window could largely depend on Marina Granovskaia’s future.
Journalist Gianluca Di Marzio spoke to wettfreunde about the transfer business the Blues could do under new owner Todd Boehly.
Di Marzio claims that Romelu Lukaku wants to return to Inter Milan after just a year at Stamford Bridge.
However, he admitted: “It’s not depending on him or Inter.
“I think it should be surprising if a club like Chelsea would let him go on a loan without any compensation.”
Any deal that sends Lukaku back to Serie A could largely depend on the future of Chelsea’s director Granovskaia.
Read more HERE.
Tomori to stay in Serie A
England defender Fikayo Tomori has absolutely no plans on leaving Serie A anytime soon.
The ex-Chelsea star has taken like a duck to water to Italian football – winning the league with AC Milan this season.
MilanNews.it report that Tomori and his entourage have already agreed to a contract extension.
It means a pay rise and a £2.5million-per-season net salary for the centre half, as well as an extension of that contract until 2027.
Uefa eye legal action against Madrid, Barca and Juve
UEFA chiefs are confident they will be cleared to take action against the remaining Super League rebels after a landmark legal case next month.
The European Court of Justice has announced it has scheduled a two-day hearing for the case accusing Uefa of “abuse of a dominant position” by blocking the creation of the breakaway competition.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus were backed by the Spanish capital’s “Mercantile Court” in what was seen by Uefa bosses as an “in-house” ruling.
That court’s judgement that Uefa had no right to impose any punishment on the three rebels was subsequently overturned by a higher court in Spain.
Uefa, though, made clear it would await the outcome of the trio’s ECJ case, which will now be heard in Luxembourg on July 11 and 12, before taking its next steps.
And with Judges indicating they will give an “expedited” verdict, Uefa’s Nyon hierarchy expect to get a legal win and the green light to go after the three clubs in a matter of weeks.
Tammy eyeing Kane’s England spot
Tammy Abraham is ready to push skipper Harry Kane for his England place – amid links to Arsenal and Liverpool.
But Roma’s ex-Chelsea striker will also be happy to be understudy to the man who is eyeing England’s all-time scoring record.
Abraham said: “I think for every player that’s the mentality you’re supposed to have — to be positive.
“Of course, we are all buzzing for Harry, we want him to smash the record and we’re always here to support him.
“Whenever I’m given a chance if I’m on a pitch with him, I’ll try and help him to get to his targets.
“But for me, it’s all about whenever you get the opportunity, to just try and grab it with two hands and just show what you are made of.”
Final Premier League table
Chelsea’s Premier League season felt like it ended months before the campaign actually concluded.
They dropped away from the title race towards the beginning of 2022 but always seemed too far away from those below to slip further down the table.
Chelsea midfielder Gallagher determined to improve
Ahead of England’s Nations League loss against Hungary last night, Conor Gallagher spoke to Chelsea’s official site about what he can do to improve next season.
He said: “I know what I’m good at and what I need to improve on so I’ll be focused on that.
“I feel like runs into the box I’m good at and I can win the ball back well and press well. I like to score goals and I want to score more.
“I can be more aware on the ball in deeper areas and have a better vision sometimes.
“There’s loads of things and I could go on for ages but I’m very determined to work hard and improve as a footballer still.”
Nkunku boost for Man Utd and Chelsea
RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku has revealed that he is ‘flattered’ by interest from a number of top clubs.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Paris-Saint Germain are rumoured to be keen on signing the £80million-rated star.
Nkunku told Telefoot: “It’s no secret. There are clubs interested in me.
“Yes it’s flattering, but it’s also flattering to have a club like Leipzig do everything to keep me as well.
“I’ll have to reflect and make a decision. The World Cup is on the way and that’s another factor to take into account.”
The attacking midfielder enjoyed an incredible season in Germany, scoring 35 goals and registering 20 assists in 52 matches.
Dembele poised for Tuchel reunion
Chelsea are in pole position to sign Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona this summer, according to reports.
The Blues are set to be handed a huge transfer budget to spend in the upcoming window following Todd Boehly’s £4.25billion takeover.
Officials have already compiled a list of potential targets, with Dembele, 25, considered a top priority.
And according to the Mail, they are in the best position to complete the deal as fellow competitors PSG have withdrawn from the race.
The Parisians will focus on bolstering their midfield instead, so they are no longer considering a swoop for the Frenchman.
This acts as a huge boost for Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel, who is said to be thrilled by the prospect of a reunion.
Chelsea set for mass exodus
Chelsea’s squad overhaul could lead to a £170million cash windfall, according to reports.
The Blues could be ready to sell the likes of back-up keeper Kepa, defenders Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta, while midfielders Jorginho and Ross Barkley have been linked with a move away.
The futures of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner are also up for discussion, as new owner Todd Boehly looks to start a new revolution at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea target Nkunku coy on future
Chelsea target Christopher Nkunku will take his time when it comes to choosing his next destination.
The French attacker spoke while on international duty to French television broadcaster Telefoot about speculation linking him with a move away from Bundesliga giants RB Leipzig.
He said: “It’s no secret. There are clubs interested in me. Yes it’s flattering, but it’s also flattering to have a club like Leipzig do everything to keep me as well.
“I’ll have to reflect well and make a decision. The World Cup is on the way and that’s another factor to take into account.”
Chelsea’s biggest earners
Romelu Lukaku has been linked with a move away from Chelsea this summer, less than one year after returning to Stamford Bridge.
If he is moved on then the Blues would have got rid of their top earner – as can be seen below…
Conte wants Lukaku reunion
Romelu Lukaku has reportedly emerged as a key transfer target for Tottenham.
The striker, 29, is expected to leave Chelsea this summer – just one year after re-joining the club for an eyewatering £97.5million fee.
His form has been far from prolific this season, with 15 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions.
But he could be handed another chance in the Premier League as Tottenham have emerged as potential bidders.
According to Corriere Dello Sport, Antonio Conte will attempt to convince the Chelsea star to join Spurs.
Blues legend to join board?
New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is reportedly considering adding a former player to the club’s board.
Boehly led the consortium who purchased Chelsea for £4.25billion and he wants to reshape the hierarchy.
The Daily Mail are claiming that a former Chelsea player could be put in a position of power.
Blues legend Petr Cech is already working behind the scenes as a technical and performance advisor.
He is believed to have worked closely with director Marina Granovskaia and chairman Bruce Buck in helping to identify and complete transfers.
Chelsea poised for Barcelona’s Dembele
Chelsea are said to be in pole position to sign Ousmane Dembele, according to reports.
Todd Boehly’s consortium completed their takeover on May 31 – and now they are looking at strengthening the Blues.
And talks are ongoing for the Barcelona ace, who is out of contract this summer and yet to agree a new deal.
According to talkSPORT, Chelsea are front of the queue to sign him.
Kounde set for Chelsea transfer
Betfair have revealed the three most likely players to arrive at Stamford Bridge with Sevilla defender Jules Kounde the current bookies’ favourite.
The centre-back department appears to be slightly light after the exits of the duo and Sevilla’s Frenchman Jules Kounde has long been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
Betfair are offering odds of 1/5 for the Blues to sign the 23-year-old this summer.
Champions League seedings
Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham have been confirmed as SECOND seeds for this summer’s Champions League group stage draw.
The trio have all been regulars in Europe’s elite competition over the years.
But it has not saved them from dropping into Pot 2 for the draw which takes place on Thursday, August 25.
It means Chelsea, Liverpool and Spurs could face the likes of new continental kings Real Madrid, as well as Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
Juve close in on new De Ligt deal
Manchester United and Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt as the Italian giants are reportedly close to agreeing a new deal.
The centre-back, 22, has a contract until 2024 with the Serie A club.
Speaking about his future, De Ligt said: “There are talks ongoing between me and Juventus.
“Once the right moment arrives, I will decide to extend or to look further.”
Kimpembe a Chelsea target
Chelsea are looking at the possibility of bringing PSG defender Presnel Kimpembe to Stamford Bridge.
The French defender is awaiting a new contract with his club – after admitting he is desperate to stay.
And according to Goal, Kimpembe could be just the ticket for Thomas Tuchel.
The German manager is desperate for reinforcements after losing Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid, with Andreas Christensen also expected to exit the club soon.
Chelsea interested in Leeds midfielder Phillips
Chelsea’s hunt for a midfielder could switch to Manchester United target Kalvin Phillips.
Leeds believe they are in a strong position to keep the 20-cap England ace, 26.
But after suggestions Newcastle would be prepared to offer £60million-plus, there are also reports that Chelsea could be pondering a bid.
The Red Devils were heavily linked with Phillips before the end of the season.
Gilmour linked with Everton move
Billy Gilmour has been linked with a Premier League switch to Everton.
The Scotland star is heading into the final year of his Chelsea contract having been unable to solidify a first team spot.
He spent time on loan at relegated Norwich City last season, picking up valuable game time.
It was something he failed he do under Thomas Tuchel, despite a string of good performances under his predecessor Frank Lampard.
Now Blues legend Lampard wants to reunite with Gilmour at Goodison Park, talkSPORT says.
They say Everton have looked at the opportunity of luring Gilmour and young star Conor Gallagher.
Premier League fixture announcement
The Premier League fixtures for next season will be announced at 9am on Thursday 16 June.
The season has been adjusted to accommodate the World Cup in Qatar 2022.
There will be a six-week break in the middle of the domestic season for the tournament.
Man Utd move for Mount?
Mason Mount has been waiting on a new Chelsea contract “for months” amid interest from Manchester United.
According to Italian reporter Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea want to open contract talks with Mount “as soon as possible”.
The West Londoners view agreeing an extension as a “key move” this summer.
Romano adds that the situation isn’t “urgent”, however, as Mount’s current deal does still possess two more years.
New Man United boss Erik ten Hag is keen on the attacking midfielder.
The Red Devils’ interest has been noted by Mount’s camp, although sealing an improved deal at Stamford Bridge is likely to be the priority.
Morning Chelsea fans
Chelsea are said to be in pole position to sign Ousmane Dembele, according to reports.
Todd Boehly’s consortium completed their takeover on May 31 – and now they are looking at strengthening the Blues.
And talks are ongoing for the Barcelona ace, who is out of contract this summer and yet to agree a new deal.
According to talkSPORT, Chelsea are front of the queue to sign him.
Chelsea’s exodus could lead to a £170million cash windfall, according to reports.
The Blues could be ready to sell the likes of back-up keeper Kepa, defenders Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta, while midfielders Jorginho and Ross Barkley have been linked with a move away.
The futures of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner are also up for discussion, as new owner Todd Boehly looks to start a new revolution at Stamford Bridge.
Romelu Lukaku has reportedly emerged as a key transfer target for Tottenham.
The striker, 29, is expected to leave Chelsea this summer – just one year after re-joining the club for an eyewatering £97.5million fee.
His form has been far from prolific this season, with 15 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions.
He has also fallen out-of-favour with many Chelsea fans.
But he could be handed another chance in the Premier League as Tottenham have emerged as potential bidders.
According to Corrire Dello Sport, Antonio Conte will attempt to convince the Chelsea star to join Spurs.
Chelsea’s next signing?
Chelsea have been linked with a number of signings for the upcoming transfer window.
Betfair have revealed the three most likely players to arrive at Stamford Bridge with Sevilla defender Jules Kounde the current bookies’ favourite.
The centre-back department appears to be slightly light after the exits of the duo and Sevilla’s Frenchman Jules Kounde has long been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
Betfair are offering odds of 1/5 for the Blues to sign the 23-year-old this summer.
Ousmane Dembele is another name who has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
The winger’s contract at Barcelona has come to an end, so would be available for free, despite the Spanish giants having paid £126m for him from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 – with Betfair giving out odds of 10/11.
Finally, Declan Rice has also been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge for a while, and Betfair are pricing the move to go through this summer at 7/2.
Nkunku coy on future
Chelsea target Christopher Nkunku will take his time when it comes to choosing his next destination.
The French attacker spoke while on international duty to French television broadcaster Telefoot about speculation linking him with a move away from Bundesliga giants RB Leipzig.
He said: “It’s no secret. There are clubs interested in me. Yes it’s flattering, but it’s also flattering to have a club like Leipzig do everything to keep me as well.
“I’ll have to reflect well and make a decision. The World Cup is on the way and that’s another factor to take into account.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
