CHELSEA are set to miss out on the signing of Gabriel Jesus from Man City, according to reports.
Meanwhile, the Blues have edged a step closer in offloading last season’s mega summer signing Romelu Lukaku.
The Belgium talisman is thrashing out a complex deal to return to Inter and reports suggest that everything could be complete TODAY.
Elsewhere, the Blues are still prepared to enter the bidding for Robert Lewandowski as the saga of the Pole’s transfer to Barcelona drags on.
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Lewandowski ‘fears Premier League’
Robert Lewandoswki won’t join Chelsea because he fears he won’t be successful in the Prem as he was in Germany.
That’s according to his former agent Cezary Kucharski.
He told Sport 1: “I always heard Robert give a childish explanation that it rains so much in England.
“But I think the real reason was that he didn’t think he could be as efficient as in Germany. Robert was really afraid of that.”
Lukaku talks in style
Inter Milan’s president arrived for talks with Chelsea about Romelu Lukaku’s exit in style.
Inter and Chelsea still need to agree terms in order for Lukaku to return to Italy.
And Inter’s president Steven Zhang pulled up for crunch talks in a customised Ferrari.
Zhang’s sports car has been painted in Inter’s blue and black kit colours.
Lewandowski ‘rejects Chelsea’ transfer
Chelsea’s hopes of signing Robert Lewandowski have reportedly been shot down by the Bayern Munich striker.
That’s according to Sport who claim Lewandowski turned down advances from both the Blues and PSG.
That’s because the Polish ace has his heart set on a move to Barca, the report adds.
Mata offered Middle East move
Juan Mata has been offered an £8.5million-a-year jackpot to swap Manchester United for the Middle East.
The ex-Chelsea midfielder is ending his eight-year Old Trafford stay with his contract expiring at the end of the month.
Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal have now reportedly offered Mata £8.5m a season to join them.
The Riyadh club currently numbers ex-United and Watford striker Odion Ighalo in their ranks.
Blues have ‘real’ City target
Chelsea are set to miss out on Gabriel Jesus, but reports suggest it’s another Manchester City player that is truly in their sights.
The Blues dipped their toe into negotiations when it became apparent that Arsenal were in advanced talks over the signing of Jesus.
However, Sky Sports understand that ‘the City player Thomas Tuchel is keener on is Raheem Sterling.’
The 27-year-old England international has a year remaining on his current deal at the Eithad Stadium, and has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
Barca to hijack Kounde deal
Barcelona’s improving financial situation looks set to leave Manchester United’s transfer dealings in disarray – and the same could soon be said of Chelsea.
And that’s because the LaLiga giants have emerged as favourites to land Sevilla Jules Kounde, according to reports in Spain.
The French centre-back has long been courted by the Blues, but they were held back in their attempts to complete the signing while under government sanctions.
Rather than matching Chelsea’s €80m bid, Barca are preparing a €60m offer plus an unnamed player in exchange.
It is thought that Kounde’s preference would be a move to Catalonia.
Lukaku return to Inter ‘imminent’
The end of Romelu Lukaku’s Chelsea nightmare is edging closer according to reports in Italy.
The Belgian striker is on the verge of a return to former club Inter Milan with journalist Matteo Moretto describing the transfer as ‘imminent’.
Lukaku is expected to agree an initial loan deal with the Nerazzurri, a year on from leaving them to join the Blues for £97.5m.
The 29-year-old struggled to settle back at the Bridge, however, and managed just eight goals during the Premier League campaign.
Chelsea and United tracking Jones
Several Premier League clubs including Chelsea and Manchester United are tracking the progress of Middlesbrough ace Isaiah Jones, report 90 Min.
The 22-year-old earned rave reviews in the Championship last season after being converted from a winger to right wing-back under Chris Wilder.
Indeed, his impressive performances were the main reason why Boro’s decision to allow Djed Spence to leave on loan was not widely slammed.
However, Jones appears content to remain with the Teessiders for now despite the lure of the top flight.
He told Ur Fresh TV: “It’s always nice to hear praise, but when people say to me, ‘you should be in the Premier League’ and ‘you should leave Middlesbrough’, I’m like, ‘No, I really enjoy it here’. I’m improving here every day.”
Tottenham have also been linked with a move for the London-born star.
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Chelsea have reportedly agreed a transfer fee with Southampton for goalie Eddie Beach.
Several clubs were also chasing the 18-year-old, but the Blues beat the competition to sign him, Football London reported.
Elsewhere, Inter Milan are reportedly planning to buy both Romelu Lukaku to link with Paulo Dybala and spearhead a devastating attack next season.
That’s according to Italian sports journalist Alfredo Pedulla.
He said: “Inter are working hard to close both operations and to deliver Simone Inzaghi an atomic attack.
“Let’s wait for the signatures, the details, the updates, let’s put the caution that is always needed, but this is the main road.”
And, Inter Milan will increase their initial loan offer for Romelu Lukaku, reports claim.
That’s according to transfer journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
He said: “The Nerazzurri will increase their offer from the initial €5m.
“It seems Chelsea’s request could be around €15 million for the loan, to allow him to wear the Inter shirt again.”
Finally, Chelsea’s sponsorship with Three has been resumed, the telecommunications company revealed.
Three planned to end the deal after Russia invaded Ukraine as the club’s owner Roman Abramovich was in control of the club.
But it will be business as usual between 3 and Chelsea after Abramovich sold the Blues to Todd Boehly.
A statement from Three read: “Following the sale of Chelsea Football Club we are pleased to confirm that Three are restarting their marketing activities with immediate effect.
“As a result of UK Government sanctions imposed on Chelsea FC’s previous ownership in March, our official shirt partner Three decided to pause their marketing activities with the Club until the impact of the sanctions on the Club ended.”
Chelsea make summer signing
Chelsea have reportedly agreed a transfer fee with Southampton for goalie Eddie Beach.
Several clubs were also chasing the 18-year-old, but the Blues beat the competition to sign him, Football London reported.
Beach is is a Wales U19 international with with six caps under his belt thus far.
And he’s set to be the Blues’ first signing since Todd Boehly took over from Roman Abramovich.
Prem giants in transfer race
Man City are stepping up their interest in Brighton’s Marc Cucurella but will face a battle to move him from the south coast.
However, the Seagulls are determined to keep hold of Cucurella, 23, who they signed from Spanish side Getafe only last summer.
The full-back had a storming first season in the Premier League, winning Brighton’s player of the season award.
His performances have attracted plenty of interest, with Chelsea also admirers of the former Barcelona youngster.
Inter’s plan for Lukaku
Inter Milan are reportedly planning to buy both Romelu Lukaku to link with Paulo Dybala and spearhead a devastating attack next season.
That’s according to Italian sports journalist Alfredo Pedulla.
He said: “Inter are working hard to close both operations and to deliver Simone Inzaghi an atomic attack.
“Let’s wait for the signatures, the details, the updates, let’s put the caution that is always needed, but this is the main road.”
Inter to increase Lukaku offer
Inter Milan will increase their initial loan offer for Romelu Lukaku, reports claim.
That’s according to transfer journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
He said: “The Nerazzurri will increase their offer from the initial €5m.
“It seems Chelsea’s request could be around €15 million for the loan, to allow him to wear the Inter shirt again.”
Chelsea told to sell Lukaku
Chelsea have been urged to offload Romelu Lukaku.
That’s the opinion of Simon Jordan.
He told talkSPORT: “I think they should get rid of Lukaku because he hasn’t done what he was brought in for. He’s not a young player developing, he’s not a foreign player coming over to England and learning the league.
“He’s already made his position clear, he’s already virtue signalled his way back to the Italian fans by telling them, ‘I would like to come home one day’ – well, off you go then, we’ll send you there in a cab!
“Chelsea will be looking to get as much as they can for him, but if they can get £20m as a loan fee and he still holds value on your books, that’s a decent transaction.
“And how much of his wages should Inter pay? The lot! Inter will have to agree to that, because they are getting Lukaku without any major cash flow up front. Yes, he’s supposedly on £325,000-a-week, but that’s the reality of football.
“But is he finished at Chelsea? I think so.”
Juventus in Morata chase
Juventus are reportedly offering Atletico Madrid their choice of three players in exchange for Alvaro Morata.
Gazzetta claims Max Allegri is keen to keep the Spaniard permanently after his loan move.
Morata has spent the last two seasons on loan in Turin, scoring 32 goals in 92 games.
But Juventus, who have already paid an £8.5million loan fee, can’t afford the £38.5m clause written into Morata’s contract.
And they hope Atletico, who do not want the ex-Chelsea flop back, will be open to a straight swap deal.
It’s claimed striker Moise Kean, plus midfield duo Adrien Rabiot and Denis Zakaria, are all up for grabs.
Arsenal receive striker blow
Arsenal’s transfer pursuit of Juventus striker Alvaro Morata has been dealt a huge blow.
The Gunners, along with Newcastle, were tracking the attacker last season.
But the former Chelsea ace has no intention of leaving Italy for England at the moment, according to Gazetta dello Sport.
Morata is said to be happy with Juve where he wants to remain next season, the report adds.
Lukaku’s exit being discussed
Romelu Lukaku’s departure to Inter Milan is still being discussed between the Italian side and Chelsea.
Inter will likely reach an acceptable price and wage deal for the striker with the blues, according to The Athletic.
However, Chelsea want to get a few players in exchange for Lukaku.
And new Blues owner Todd Boehly hasn’t been convinced to let Lukaku go.
Although he may have no choice as the striker’s relationship with Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is at breaking point, the report adds.
Prem shake-up predicted
Newcastle’s financial might will see them penetrate the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’, according to new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly.
He said: “The big six will become the big seven with the Saudi deal for Newcastle.
“There is going to be opportunity for everyone to win.”
Chelsea’s Three deal resumes
Chelsea’s sponsorship with Three has been resumed, the telecommunications company revealed.
Three planned to end the deal after Russia invaded Ukraine as the club’s owner Roman Abramovich was in control of the club.
But it will be business as usual between 3 and Chelsea after Abramovich sold the Blues to Todd Boehly.
A statement from Three read: “Following the sale of Chelsea Football Club we are pleased to confirm that Three are restarting their marketing activities with immediate effect.
“As a result of UK Government sanctions imposed on Chelsea FC’s previous ownership in March, our official shirt partner Three decided to pause their marketing activities with the Club until the impact of the sanctions on the Club ended.”
Out of this Strakosh-phere
Ex-Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha had declared it’s a dream to be linked with Chelsea.
The Blues are considering making a swoop for the Albanian free agent as a replacement for Kepa if he leaves.
And Strakosha is over the moon.
He told Fabrizio Romano: “I’m really honoured to be linked with a top club like Chelsea, it’s a dream.
“I’m dreaming of Premier League since I was a kid.”
Alonso spotted on luxury yacht
Marcos Alonso is enjoying the start of his summer holidays by relaxing on a luxury yacht in Ibiza.
The Chelsea star is letting his hair down alongside glamorous pals including Miss Italia 2019 Carolina Stramare.
Dubbed the “Italian Megan Fox”, Carolina donned a red bikini as she relaxed onboard.
Not content with just sunbathing on the boat, Alonso and another pal took a jetski out for a spin in the glorious sunshine.
Lukaku’s keen on Inter return
Romelu Lukaku has a great desire to return to Inter Milan, according to the club’s CEO.
Inter’s chief executive Alessandro Antonello said of Lukaku: “There is a great desire of the player to return.
“The economic and financial feasibility must be checked and some technical problems must be solved.
“We will try to do it in the necessary time.”
Chelsea line up Lewandowksi transfer
Chelsea are lining up Robert Lewandowski as a back-up target for Gabriel Jesus after Arsenal took a huge step towards signing the Brazilian, according to reports.
Chelsea had hoped to sign Jesus, 25, to solve their centre forward woes, with Timo Werner also struggling for goals following his 2020 transfer.
In fact, the German is regularly forced out wide by Thomas Tuchel, with Kai Havertz leading the line as a false nine.
Tuchel is desperate for an elite striker to finally solve his forward dilemma, with the boss keen on his wealth of Premier League experience and versatility.
But with Arsenal leading the race for the Manchester City star, Tuchel has turned his attention to Lewandowski as a back-up option, according to Christian Falk.
Chelsea must offload Romelu Lukaku
Chelsea should get rid of striker Romelu Lukaku and ‘send him off in a cab’ back to Inter Milan this summer, according to talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan.
The former Crystal palace claimed getting a £20m loan fee for the striker would be a good deal, arguing
He told talkSPORT: “It’s interesting that they are going to put him out on loan and want a £20m loan fee because it means they can keep him on their balance sheet and still demand money for him.
“So if Chelsea can keep him on their balance sheet and put him out on loan and get £20m for him, they are actually making a monetary transaction that makes financial sense.
“In 18 months time or a year’s time, Inter might then find themselves in a better position and Chelsea might be able to punt Lukaku out for £70m or £80m, and they will actually make money from a transaction.
“So from a footballing point of view, if Tuchel doesn’t want him then it’s a no-brainer, he’s got to go.
““He’s already made his position clear, he’s already virtue signalled his way back to the Italian fans by telling them, ‘I would like to come home one day’ – well, off you go then, we’ll send you there in a cab!”
Chelsea enter Lewandowski transfer race
Chelsea have thrown their hat into the ring to sign Robert Lewandowski, according to German outlet Bild.
But the Blues reportedly find themselves behind Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona in the race to sign the striker.
Lewandowski is said to be already in talks with both PSG and Barcelona but reportedly prefers a move to Catalonia, with Mundo Deportivo reporting that the Pole has already signed a three-year contract around £175,000-a-week with Barca, worth £27million in total.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
