CHELSEA are in pole position to sign Ousmane Dembele on a free transfer this summer, according to reports.
Thomas Tuchel is reportedly pushing hard for the Barcelona star.
Meanwhile, new Blues owner Todd Boehly met with Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes in Portugal last week ahead of what could be a sensational summer transfer.
And according to reports, Ronaldo’s future was discussed when Chelsea owner Boehly met Mendes.
And Romelu Lukaku is set to fly to Milan next week to complete his loan move to Inter.
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Chelsea Dembele latest
Chelsea are best-placed to sign Ousmane Dembele on a free transfer this summer.
That’s because Thomas Tuchel is reportedly pushing hard for the Barcelona star.
Marca claims Dembele is edging ever closer to leaving the Nou Camp when his deal expires.
Xavi Hernandez made a late play to keep the Frenchman this week with a new contract offer.
But it’s believed to be too little, too late.
And Dembele is now set for a fresh start elsewhere.
Ronaldo to Chelsea context
Chelsea are in the market for a forward this summer with club record signing Romelu Lukaku set to return to Inter Milan on loan.
Manchester United’s failure to get into the Champions League and lack of transfer market activity has led to rumours which indicate Ronaldo could be open to leaving the club.
However, as it stands United intend to keep the legendary forward with Ronaldo also insisting he is ” happy” at United.
Ronaldo agent meets Chelsea owner
New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly reportedly met with Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes in Portugal last week.
The Manchester United star’s future is far from undecided with the player being linked with a move away from Old Trafford.
Despite hitting 24 goals across all competitions last season, Ronaldo was unable to drag United to a top-four finish.
The Red Devils had to settle for a sixth and the Europa League instead.
And according to The Athletic, Ronaldo’s future was discussed when Chelsea owner Boehly met Mendes in Portugal last week.
Chelsea ‘best placed’ to complete Dembele deal
Chelsea are currently ‘best placed’ to sign Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele.
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel is said to be ‘pushing’ to secure a deal for the French winger, whose contract with the Spanish giants is set to expire.
The club’s transfer activities are now down to Tuchel and new owner Todd Boehly after the departure’s of chairman Bruce Buck and transfer guru Marina Granovskaia.
Kepa warns of Chelsea exit
Kepa Arrizabalaga has warned “I want to play” ahead of a potential Chelsea exit this summer.
The goalkeeper has found himself largely on the sidelines since Edouard Mendy’s Stamford Bridge arrival in 2020.
Kepa, 27, lost his place after a number of blunder-filled performances, but he believes that he is now deserving of another shot at being a No1.
Asked about a potential exit, he added: “Right now I am a Chelsea player.
“But what I am clear about is that I want to play more, because I come from a year or two where, when I have played, I have had a great performance.
“I am not desperate. In the end, I’m at a great club… I’ll talk to the coach and we’ll decide, but with the clear message that I want to play more.”
Lukaku ‘to raise Serie A standards’
Romelu Lukaku has been tipped to raise the standards of the Serie A if he returns to Inter Milan.
That’s the view of Lazio striker Ciro Immobile, who said: “I don’t think about records. I will certainly realise the extent of what I have done in the world of football once I stop playing. It’s clear that we mustn’t rest or give up.
“With Lukaku back in Italy, the level of our league is raised, I will have to continually do my best. Now I only have the next objectives in my head.”
Barca to ‘withdraw Dembele offer’
Barcelona are reportedly considering withdrawing Ousmane Dembele’s contract offer.
Dembele will be a free agent next week, and Barca want to keep hold of the winger.
But the Catalan giants may pull the plug on negotiations with Dembele because he’s in contact with other clubs, the report adds.
However, the issue is causing a split at the club as some personnel want Dembele to stay put, the report adds.
Chelsea and Man United are two of the team’s Dembele’s been in talks with recently.
Arsenal given Lukaku advice
Arsenal have been urged to sign Romelu Lukaku instead of Gabriel Jesus.
That’s the view of Darren Bent who reckons Lukaku is more prolific than Jesus.
He told talkSPORT: “Lukaku, I would.
“I’ve seen him score goals regularly. He’s in the 100 club!”
Chelsea complete Beach transfer
Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Southampton and Wales wonderkid Eddie Beach for an undisclosed fee.
The 18-year-old goalkeeper will join the Blues’ prestigious academy set-up.
Chelsea’s assistant head of youth development and head of youth recruitment, Jim Fraser, told the club’s website: “We are very pleased to bring Eddie to the club.
“He is a talented goalkeeper with good potential and will join our development squad for the coming season.”
Jones urged to stay away
Isaiah Jones has been urged to stay with Middlesbrough amid interest from several Prem clubs.
Man United, Chelsea, and Tottenham have all been linked with the full-back.
But Carlton Palmer reckons Jones should stay put as he won’t get regular playing time at any of the aforementioned clubs.
He said: “The clubs that he’s been linked with are fantastic football clubs, but he will not be playing and there’s no point going there.
“If the deal can be done, that he goes and then he comes back on loan to Middlesbrough, yeah, then do a deal like that, but he needs he needs to play.”
Chelsea receive Richarlison boost
Everton have to balance the books in the next five days in what could be a major boost for Chelsea and Tottenham’s pursuit of Richarlison, according to reports.
The Toffees ongoing battle with financial fair play (FFP) rules mean the London clubs could be best served by moving early.
The Athletic report that the “bulk” of Everton’s incoming transfer business will have to be done after June 30, which could explain the lack of transfers at Goodison Park so far.
The reason for the deadline is due to FFP, which is calculated until the end of June.
The Merseyside club has been under prolonged pressure over their finances, with rival clubs even attempting to use it against them during last season’s nail-biting relegation battle.
The free-spending start to Farhad Moshiri’s reign has left the club needing to balance the books.
Ziyech ‘hands in transfer request’
Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech has reportedly handed in a transfer request as he bids for a move to AC Milan.
The winger is believed to be frustrated with his lack of game time and sees a future with the Italian champions.
Sky Italia report Milan and the Blues are now in talks over a potential move as the attacking reshuffle at Stamford Bridge continues.
Ziyech could follow Romelu Lukaku in switching London for Milan, while Thomas Tuchel and the Chelsea hierarchy keeping tabs on a number of forward players.
Tuchel ‘makes contact with Sterling’
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has made contact with Raheem Sterling ahead of lodging a £60million bid, according to reports.
The Blues are keen to sign the Manchester City winger this summer and feel he could be available given his contract situation.
Sterling, 27, has just one year remaining on his City contract, and Chelsea believe they may be able to convince him to leave the Etihad.
According to the Telegraph, Tuchel has opened dialogue with Sterling’s camp ahead of a potential bid.
Entering the final 12 months of his contract, Sterling is open to all options — but wants to play regularly in the countdown to the winter World Cup.
Chelsea starlet set for Feyenoord
Feyenoord are on the verge of signing Chelsea starlet Ian Maatsen, according to reports.
The left back has been on loan with Coventry who were keen on retaining his services for another season.
But the 20-year-old opted to return to boyhood club Feyenoord, 90min reported.
Werner ‘open to Juventus transfer’
Timo Werner is reportedly open to a move to Juventus this summer.
Werner’s being touted by Chelsea for a possible swap deal involving Juve star Matthijs de Ligt.
De Ligt’s said to be keen on a move to the Blues.
And reports from the Metro claim Werner has no objections against joining Juve.
Although he’ll have to lower his wages to complete the move, the report adds.
PSG close in on Skriniar
PSG are reportedly honing in on Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar.
Skriniar’s already agreed personal terms with PSG.
And now the French giants have to agree a fee with Inter for Skriniar, according to Get French Football News.
The report states PSG’s latest offer for the defender is £51m.
Chelsea were also said to be tracking Skriniar.
Raphinha over Richarlison
Ray Parlour reckons Raphinha will be a better signing for top Prem clubs over Richarlison.
Both Brazilian stars are being tracked by the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal.
But Parlour reckons Raphinha will be better value for money.
He said on talkSPORT: “I think Richarlison is a top player, don’t get me wrong, but he’s a little bit inconsistent at times.
“Raphinha has shown he’s a top player and I’m sure lots of clubs will be in for him.”
Boehly to hold direct talks
New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is on a personal mission to stop Reece James leaving the club this summer, reports claim.
The full-back currently receives £70,000-a-week at Stamford Bridge.
And Boehly’s willing to raise that significantly to avoid James going elsewhere, the Metro reported.
Although talks between Boehly and James will unlikely begin before the end of the summer as the club look to secure six new signings.
Chelsea hold Ziyech exit talks
Chelsea and AC Milan have reportedly held tals over Hakim Ziyech.
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel is open to getting rid of the winger to make space for new arrivals, and trim down his squad in the process, according to The Guardian.
And Ziyech’s also interested in a move away from Stamford Bridge to relauch his career, the report adds.
However, he will have to work out a salary with Milan who do not want to pay the current wage packet he receives from Chelsea.
Beckham reveals moment of redemption
David Beckham reckons his goal against Greece for England vindicated him in the eyes of fans across the country after his red card in World Cup 1998.
Beckham even claims Liverpool, Arsenal, and Chelsea supporters were among the list of forgiving fans.
He said when asked about his favourite goal: “I think it has to be the goal against Greece.
I think that was, possibly, the moment for me where most of the nation forgave me for what I did four years before.
“I think that was probably the moment England fans – whether it West Ham, Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool – went, ‘okay, enough is enough’.
“It was a special moment, to play in a game that was so important for our country – at Old Trafford – it has to be the best [goal].”
Gazza reveals brutal Chelsea snub
Paul Gascoine has revealed that he brutally snubbed Chelsea in 1995.
Reminiscing alongside former Gers team-mate Ally McCoist on talkSPORT, Gascoigne said: “I remember speaking to [then Lazio boss] Dino Zoff and asking him what clubs were interested in me at the time and he said Chelsea.
“I said ‘I ain’t going there, what’s the other one?’ He replied Aston Villa.
“And I said I ain’t going there either, and then he said Rangers. So I’m walking out of the door and I turned around and said ‘I ain’t going to Queens Park Rangers’.
“No, Glasgow Rangers. I slammed the door and said to Dino get them over quickly.”
Three centre-back shortlist revealed
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that De Ligt is on a three-man centre-back shortlist.
He he has stated that Chelsea are also keeping tabs on Manchester City ace Nathan Ake and Sevilla’s defensive stalwart Jules Kounde.
Romano tweeted: “Chelsea are genuinely interested in Matthijs de Ligt, confirmed.
“Juve will ask for a big fee as they’re discussing to extend Matthijs’ contract, but still no full agreement.
“De Ligt is appreciated by Thomas Tuchel – part of the list with Koundé and Nathan Ake.”
Chelsea eye De Ligt swap
Chelsea are reportedly lining up a player-plus-cash transfer offer to Juventus for star defender Matthijs de Ligt.
De Ligt is tied down in Turin until 2024, but he has allegedly told the Serie A giants he intends to leave after putting in a transfer request.
And Chelsea are said to be ready to bring him to Stamford Bridge, where they are willing to offer Juve forward Timo Werner.
According to Sky in Italy via Sky Sports, Chelsea are ready to bid £38million for De Ligt as well as handing over the Germany international.
Good morning Chelsea fans
New owner Todd Boehly has reportedly made it a personal mission to try and keep Reece James by offering him a new long-term deal.
The Blues would like to ease emerging doubts over James’ future amid links to Real Madrid and Manchester City.
According to the Daily Mail, owner Boehly has made a decisive move to resolve James’ “contractual situation”, with the player currently picking up around £70,000-a-week.
Elsewhere, Christopher Nkunku has revealed he’s pleased to be staying with RB Leipzig amid interest from Chelsea.
It comes amid news Newcastle will consider a swoop for Chelsea striker Armando Broja if they cannot sign Hugo Ekitike.
Gift of the Gab
Mikel Arteta is reportedly set to bolster his attacking options by sealing the transfer of Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus in the next seven to 10 days.
The Gunners are in desperate need of a striker or two and Arteta and Co are moving quickly to get their targets through the door.
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are nearing a £50million agreement with City for striker Jesus, who was also linked with Chelsea.
There is growing confidence that the deal will be completed within 10 days.
Jesus’ arrival would follow hot on the heels of Fabio Vieira’s confirmation.
The midfielder joined Arsenal from Porto in a £30m deal as Arteta looks to bolster his squad ahead of a push to return to the Champions League.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
