CHELSEA’S takeover by Todd Boehly has been completed.
And that means sanctions on the club are set to be lifted and the Blues’ summer transfer business can begin.
However, the first deal for the Blues could be a departure, with mega signing from last summer Romelu Lukaku is pushing for a move out of the club according to reports.
The Belgian’s lawyer is said to be travelling to Milan to negotiate with former club Inter.
Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembele could be the first incoming of the Todd Boehly area despite rivals Liverpool eyeing a move for him.
And RB Leipzig ace Christopher Nkunku has revealed that he is delighted with all the big clubs keeping tabs on him which is good news for Chelsea as they are reportedly one of those teams.
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Keep up to date with all of the latest gossip from the Stamford Bridge…
kunku speaks about future
Christopher Nkunku has spoken about his future, amidst links to Man Utd, Chelsea and PSG.
The Leipzig midfielder, currently on international duty with France, said: “Paris, I’ve always said it, it’s my home, my heart club.
“I don’t close any doors. Everything is possible in football.
“It’s flattering to have the biggest clubs in the world interested in me. But it’s also flattering that Leipzig is doing everything to keep me.
“We are in June, and I am focused on this gathering.”
Boehly completes takeover
Todd Boehly’s takeover of Chelsea is officially complete.
The American takes ownership from controversial former owner Roman Abramovich, who was sanctioned by the UK government over his ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Boehly said: “We are honoured to become the new custodians of Chelsea Football Club.
“We’re all in – 100% — every minute of every match. Our vision as owners is clear: we want to make the fans proud.
“Along with our commitment to developing the youth squad and acquiring the best talent, our plan of action is to invest in the Club for the long-term and build on Chelsea’s remarkable history of success.
“I personally want to thank ministers and officials in the British government, and the Premier League, for all their work in making this happen.”
The consortium also includes Hansjörg Wyss, founder of the Wyss Foundation, and Mark Walter, co-founder and CEO of Guggenheim Capital.
Credit: PA Romelu Lukaku to leave on loan
Romelu Lukaku could return to Inter Milan on loan this summer, according to reports.
The Chelsea striker has endured an underwhelming spell since returning to Stamford Bridge for £97.5million last summer.
Lukaku, 29, revealed in an explosive interview that he regrets the manner of his Inter exit… and that he hopes to return in future.
And according to reports in Italy, the Belgian may get his wish this summer.
Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Lukaku and Inter are both hoping to reach an agreement with Chelsea for the striker to return to San Siro.
They add that in a meeting between Inter bosses last week, Lukaku’s name came up as a potential target.
Barcelona may have the edge in signing Kounde, say reports
Chelsea may face competition from Barcelona in the race to sign Jules Kounde, according to reports in Spain.
Mundo Deportivo say Barca boss Xavi views the 23-year-old Sevilla star as a potential solution to his team’s defensive shortages.
Mundo’s report explains the Catalans’ good relationship with Sevilla may give them the edge in securing Kounde’s services.
It says Kounde would be the ‘icing on the cake for Xavi’ and he is the ‘signing in defense that the coach is most excited about’.
It adds the nine-cap France star would allow Xavi to create a ‘powerful axis’ with Araujo in Barca’s defence for important games.
High five
Chelsea are set for a busy summer after Todd Boehly completed his £4.25bn takeover from Roman Abramovich.
SunSport’s Etienne Fermie walks through five names that Chelsea could land in this transfer window…
1 – DECLAN RICE
Chelsea retain a long-term interest in Declan Rice, the man they released as a teenager.
The West Ham ace has impressed immensely at London Stadium, but recently turned down an eight-year contract extension.
Tuchel rates Rice highly and would love to recruit the England midfielder – although the Hammers will demand upwards of £100m.
High five
Chelsea are set for a busy summer after Todd Boehly completed his £4.25bn takeover from Roman Abramovich.
SunSport’s Etienne Fermie walks through five names that Chelsea could land in this transfer window…
2 – OUSMANE DEMBELE
The Blues are reportedly closing in on Ousmane Dembele, with the Frenchman set to become the first signing of the Boehly era.
Dembele, 25, is available on a free transfer after snubbing multiple offers from Barcelona.
The winger already has a relationship with Tuchel, having worked successfully with the German at Borussia Dortmund.
High five
Chelsea are set for a busy summer after Todd Boehly completed his £4.25bn takeover from Roman Abramovich.
SunSport’s Etienne Fermie walks through five names that Chelsea could land in this transfer window…
3 – JULES KOUNDE
Chelsea pushed hard to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde last summer, although the LaLiga side held firm.
This summer, however, the Frenchman is set to be up for grabs, despite his defensive partner Diego Carlos having already ditched Seville for Aston Villa.
SunSport recently revealed that Kounde is desperate to join Chelsea this summer – and can fill the void left by Rudiger and Christensen’s departures.
High five
Chelsea are set for a busy summer after Todd Boehly completed his £4.25bn takeover from Roman Abramovich.
SunSport’s Etienne Fermie walks through five names that Chelsea could land in this transfer window…
4 – CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU
The Blues are reportedly ready to enter the race for rumoured Man United target Christopher Nkunku.
Former PSG academy kid Nkunku enjoyed a stunning season at RB Leipzig, scoring 34 goals and laying on 20 assists from attacking midfield.
The 24-year-old will cost a pretty penny, having been rated at £84million in some quarters.
High five
Chelsea are set for a busy summer after Todd Boehly completed his £4.25bn takeover from Roman Abramovich.
SunSport’s Etienne Fermie walks through five names that Chelsea could land in this transfer window…
5 – MARC CUCURELLA
Chelsea are interested in signing Brighton wing-back Marc Cucurella.
The Spaniard could be the perfect Alonso replacement, although the Blues will have to battle it out with Man City and Spurs to sign him.
SunSport revealed last week that the Seagulls are set to demand £45m from potential suitors for their blossoming starlet.
Merson on Chelsea American ties
Chelsea could end up in decline like Arsenal under new American owner Todd Boehly.
That’s according to Paul Merson who reckons American owners treat Prem clubs like toys.
Merson said to the Daily Star: “Chelsea risk ending up like Arsenal unless their new American owners buck a worrying trend.
“It’s a relief for everyone at Stamford Bridge that Todd Boehly’s takeover has gone through and they can finally sign players again.
“But Chelsea is just a toy for them to play with. Look at all the other American owners in the Premier League – their US sports teams all do better than the teams they own over here. Look at Stan Kroenke at Arsenal.”
Garden of Eden
Eden Hazard banked Chelsea an extra £15million after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid, writes Jack Figg.
Chelsea sold the winger in 2019 for £88.5million but the deal included performance bonuses that could take the fee to £130m.
The Blues have already benefited in the past, earning nearly £20m in 2020 when Real won the LaLiga title and qualified for the Champions League.
But an additional £15m would be added if the Spaniard’s became European champions with Hazard at the club.
And it took only two years for Real to achieve the feat, beating Liverpool 1-0 in the Champions League final.
Hazard, 31, was an unused sub and instead watched as Vinicius Junior, 21, scored the winner just after the hour mark.
Bremer blow
Chelsea have been dealt a blow in signing Brazilian Gleison Bremer.
The centre back has been extensively watched by Blues scouts at Torino’s games.
But now, Calcio Mercato have reported that Inter Milan have made the aggressive defender a priority this summer.
The Premier League giants are losing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen from their backline, and are in desperate need of reinforcements at the back.
They have also been linked with a move for RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol.
Colwill speaks about future
Talented youngster Levi Colwill has sent a message to the Blues over his future at the club.
“For me, playing for Chelsea will always be the main aim right now because it’s my club,” he explained.
“But if that doesn’t happen, well then I have to find other ways to progress and become the player I want to be.”
The 19-year-old centre back has enjoyed a brilliant campaign with Huddersfield Town – playing 30 times in the Championship.
Alonso ‘agrees’ contract with Barcelona
Marcos Alonso is on the brink of signing for Barcelona, reports claim.
The Chelsea defender has agreed a three-year deal with the Catalan giants, according to Diario SPORT.
Alonso’s Chelsea contract expires next summer, but the Blues are hashing out a low price transfer with Barca, the report added.
Rice could join Chelsea, says Johnson
Glen Johnson spoke to Bettingodds about the potential of Declan Rice heading across London to join Thomas Tuchel’s team.
Johnson said: “On a personal level for him, we know how close he is to Mason Mount, so if Mason Mount commits to a new long-term deal then we know how much of a pull Chelsea will be to Declan.
“It’s another fantastic club and despite the fact they won’t win the league next season, that move may be a lot more appealing to him than Manchester United, if Manchester City or Liverpool don’t get the deal done.”
Con air
Thomas Tuchel will reportedly hold talks with Conor Gallagher over his Chelsea future amid interest from Crystal Palace, writes Ant Chapman.
The midfielder, 22, enjoyed a stunning loan spell at Selhurst Park this season, scoring eight goals in 34 Premier League appearances.
Gallagher’s fine form resulted in an England debut last year.
And Palace are now eager to sign the ex-Charlton, Swansea and West Brom loanee permanently.
But reports claim Gallagher is “highly rated” by Chelsea boss Tuchel.
And the German wants “direct discussions” with the Cobham product before deciding on his next move.
Lukaku pushes for exit
Romelu Lukaku is taking matters into his own hands to try and push through a deal to Inter Milan.
The Chelsea ace has started talking directly to the Blues to sort out his exit without the help of an agent, sempreinter reported.
Lukaku hopes he can smooth things over with the Blues to get his transfer to Inter completed, the report added.
Morning Chelsea fans
Chelsea have been dealt a blow in signing Brazilian Gleison Bremer.
The centre-back has been extensively watched by Blues scouts at Torino’s games.
But now, Calcio Mercato have reported that Inter Milan have made the aggressive defender a priority this summer.
They are set for a £15million windfall though, after Real Madrid won the Champions League.
That’s because ex-Blues star Eden Hazard has a clause in his transfer to Real Madrid that included the lump sum if Los Blancos lifted the European trophy.
And Real’s win over Liverpool means the Blues can now reap the rewards of their tidy business decision.
Meanwhile, talented youngster Levi Colwill has sent a message to the Blues over his future at the club.
“For me, playing for Chelsea will always be the main aim right now because it’s my club,” he explained.
“But if that doesn’t happen, well then I have to find other ways to progress and become the player I want to be.”
The 19-year-old centre-back has enjoyed a brilliant campaign with Huddersfield Town – playing 30 times in the Championship.
Chelsea’s worst XI of 21st century
Chelsea shot to European prominence following the arrival of Roman Abramovich shortly after the turn of the century.
The Blues have won five Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns in the last 17 years, a sensational return for the club.
However, they have still made seriously poor signings over the past two decades, with Chelsea fan Simon Phillips highlighting what he believes is the worst team made up of those flops.
Bremer blow
Chelsea have been dealt a blow in signing Brazilian Gleison Bremer.
The centre back has been extensively watched by Blues scouts at Torino’s games.
But now, Calcio Mercato have reported that Inter Milan have made the aggressive defender a priority this summer.
The Premier League giants are losing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen from their backline, and are in desperate need of reinforcements at the back.
They have also been linked with a move for RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol.
Nkunku speaks about future
Christopher Nkunku has spoken about his future, amidst links to Man Utd, Chelsea and PSG.
The Leipzig midfielder, currently on international duty with France, said: “Paris, I’ve always said it, it’s my home, my heart club.
“I don’t close any doors. Everything is possible in football.
“It’s flattering to have the biggest clubs in the world interested in me. But it’s also flattering that Leipzig is doing everything to keep me.
“We are in June, and I am focused on this gathering.”
Happy birthday Di Matteo
It’s happy birthday to Chelsea legend Roberto Di Matteo.
The Italian ace turns 52 today.
He famously played and managed the Blues in two different spells.
Di Matteo scored the winner in an FA Cup final against Middlesbrough.
While he also managed the club to their first ever Champions League title win.
Colwill speaks about future
Talented youngster Levi Colwill has sent a message to the Blues over his future at the club.
“For me, playing for Chelsea will always be the main aim right now because it’s my club,” he explained.
“But if that doesn’t happen, well then I have to find other ways to progress and become the player I want to be.”
The 19-year-old centre back has enjoyed a brilliant campaign with Huddersfield Town – playing 30 times in the Championship.
Alonso ‘agrees’ contract with Barcelona
Marcos Alonso is on the brink of signing for Barcelona, reports claim.
The Chelsea defender has agreed a three-year deal with the Catalan giants, according to Diario SPORT.
Alonso’s Chelsea contract expires next summer, but the Blues are hashing out a low price transfer with Barca, the report added.
Chelsea in line for Hazard windfall
Chelsea are set for a £15million windfall after Real Madrid won the Champions League.
That’s because ex-Blues star Eden Hazard has a clause in his transfer to Real Madrid that included the lump sum if Los Blancos lifted the European trophy.
And Real’s win over Liverpool means the Blues can now reap the rewards of their tidy business decision.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
