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.
The first man through the door is expected to be Jules Kounde of Sevilla, who Chelsea have already reportedly agreed terms with. And they’re also interested in Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele.
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.
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Keep up to date with all of the latest gossip from the Stamford Bridge…
Major Richarlison admission
Everton star Richarlison admits he is pondering his future amid interest from Chelsea.
The forward said: “I’ve already made it clear to the board.
“I’ve already talked to [manager Frank] Lampard too, with my agents and they know what I want.
“Let’s wait for June. Now I can’t talk, because when we talk about leaving a club I’m kind of like this, because of the history I have at Everton, the affection that the fans have for me.
“When we talk about leaving I’m a little speechless”
Lukaku loan talks
Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku could return to Inter Milan on loan this summer.
Lukaku has endured an underwhelming spell since returning to Stamford Bridge for £97.5million last summer.
The 29-year-old 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 striker may get his wish this summer.
Gazzetta dello Sport claim that the Belgium international and the Nerazzurri are both hoping to reach an agreement with the West Londoners.
They add that in a meeting between Inter bosses last week, Lukaku’s name came up as a potential target
Out of Luk
Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku dreams of returning to Inter Milan next season.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims that the Inter board will meet with Lukaku’s representatives in the “coming hours”.
Romano tweeted: “Inter board will meet Romelu Lukaku’s laywer in the coming hours.
“Belgian striker dreams of returning to Inter but nothing has been discussed yet with Chelsea on formula, salary and more.”
Sky Sport Italia report that it is a “complicated deal” as the Blues paid over £100m for the striker a year ago
Kounde to be first?
Sevilla star Jules Kounde is stepping up his bid to join Chelsea, reports SunSport’s Andrew Dillon.
Todd Boehly has finally been given the green light to buy the Blues for £4.25billion from Roman Abramovich.
Kounde is also convinced he will be first choice next season following upheaval in the West Londoners’ defence.
Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have quit on free transfers.
Captain Cesar Azpilicueta is also keen to leave after 10 years – which will leave a huge hole in the back line for boss Thomas Tuchel
Chelsea up Dembele chase
Chelsea are ready to offer improved terms to departing Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele.
Dembele is out of contract at Barca next month and can join another club as a free agent.
A number of Europe’s elite, including the Blues, are keen on the forward.
But according to Fichajes, manager Thomas Tuchel has requested the club to complete the signing of the France international
EXCLUSIVE – Ten Hag watching Mount’s contract situation at Chelsea
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is watching Mason Mount’s contract situation at Chelsea as he considers a shock move for the England star.
Mount has seen contract talks at Stamford Bridge stall following the protracted takeover of the club by Todd Boehly.
And his long-term future in West London is no longer secure.
New United boss Ten Hag is well aware of the 23-year-old’s predicament and United’s interest has already been registered with the player’s camp.
Ten Hag first became aware of Mount’s abilities when he impressed as a teenager on loan with Vitesse Arnheim in Holland.
The Old Trafford chief has tracked his progress closely ever since, and given the chance, it is believed he would jump at the opportunity to try to tempt him to the North West.
Despite being named the London club’s player of the year for a second time, Mount is one of the lowest paid in the squad at Stamford Bridge.
He still has two years left on his £88,000-a-week existing deal.
But the need for the Blues to completely rebuild their defence this summer has seen his contract talks fall down the list of priorities.
Hazard to stay in Madrid
Eden Hazard has vowed to “give it his all” for Real Madrid next year after an injury-plagued three seasons at the Bernabeu.
The 31-year-old has struggled to settle since his mega-money transfer from Chelsea in 2019.
Hazard has even been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge after reports claimed Real Madrid were open to selling the Belgian star.
Money-bags Newcastle were also rumoured to be keen on a move for the winger.
But after starting just seven games in LaLiga this season, Hazard has promised Real fans he will finally be back to his best next term.
He made the vow at Real Madrid’s Champions League trophy parade in front of thousands of jubilant fans.
Taking the microphone, Hazard said: “I’ve been here for three years with many injuries, with many things.
“This year I couldn’t but next year I’m going to give it all for you.”
Chelsea up Dembele chase
Chelsea are reportedly ready to offer summer transfer target Ousmane Dembele improved terms.
The winger is out of contract at Barcelona come the end of June and can join another club for free.
A number of Europe’s elite including Chelsea and Man Utd are keen on the Frenchman.
But according to Fichajes, Blues boss Thomas Tuchel has requested the club to complete the signing of Dembele.
Abramovich’s first game 19 years ago
Roman Abramovich era as Chelsea owner has finally come to an end following confirmation Todd Boehly has taken over at Stamford Bridge.
It concludes the Russian’s 19-year spell as Blues chief, a reign which has seen them collect five Premier League titles, FA Cups, three League Cups and two Champions Leagues.
Chelsea supporters would not have believed the kind of success they were going to have had you told them back in 2003.
However, it is important to remember that the team which Abramovich walked into Stamford Bridge with did secure them fourth place the previous season.
We looked at the team which started the first match of the Abramovich era – a Champions League qualifier against Slovakian side MSK Zilna on August 13, 2003 – as well as where they are now.
Real target Slonina
Real Madrid have made an “official proposal” for Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gaga Slonina.
The keeper was once a target of Chelsea’s before government sanctions were put in place.
The 2004-born shot stopper has admirers at Bayern Munich too.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed: “Real Madrid official proposal for Gaga Slonina will be on the table soon, per club sources.
“He’s considered a top talent for the future as also Chelsea and Bayern wanted him.
“Chelsea were one step away from signing Slonina before the sanctions.”
Lukaku dreams of Inter return, say reports
Romelu Lukaku dreams of returning to the San Siro to play for Inter Milan next season, according to reports.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims that the Inter Milan board will meet with Lukaku’s representatives in the “coming hours”.
He tweeted: “Inter board will meet Romelu Lukaku’s laywer in the coming hours.
“Belgian striker dreams of returning to Inter but nothing has been discussed yet with Chelsea on formula, salary and more.”
Sky Sport Italia report that it is a “complicated deal” as Chelsea paid over £100m for Rom a year ago.
James to Man City talk
Reece James is continuing to be linked with a switch to Manchester City.
Champions League winners Real Madrid and Premier League champions City are both keen on the 22-year-old, who scored six goals and provided 10 assists last term.
The Athletic claims that the West London side are planning talks with James over a new long-term deal.
Blues plotting move for right-back
Chelsea are plotting a transfer move for Paris Saint-Germain ace Achraf Hakimi, writes Gary Stonehouse.
Following the takeover of the club, Thomas Tuchel is now looking to rebuild his squad at Stamford Bridge.
The German coach has allegedly cancelled his post-season holiday in order to “devote his attentions” to his summer preparations.
Now Moroccan international Hakimi, 23, has emerged as a target.
Hakimi is being monitored by Stamford Bridge chiefs as they consider a shock move for him.
The star previously worked with Tuchel during a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund and he caught the eye again when helping Inter Milan to the Serie A title in the 2020/21 campaign.
Hakimi has plenty of experience playing in a back-five and would be able to slot into Tuchel’s system with ease.
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.
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.
Boehly completes takeover
Todd Boehly’s takeover of Chelsea is officially complete after beating 250 bidders to the purchase of the club..
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.
Credit: AFP “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.
Good morning Chelsea fans
Todd Boehly’s takeover 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.
Chelsea are reportedly ready to offer summer transfer target Ousmane Dembele improved terms.
The winger is out of contract at Barcelona come the end of June and can join another club for free.
A number of Europe’s elite including Chelsea and Man Utd are keen on the Frenchman.
But according to Fichajes, Blues boss Thomas Tuchel has requested the club to complete the signing of Dembele.
Real Madrid have made an “official proposal” for Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gaga Slonina.
The keeper was once a target of Chelsea’s before government sanctions were put in place.
The 2004-born shot stopper has admirers at Bayern Munich too.
And finally, Inter Milan CEO Giuseppe Marotta says the club are in no rush over potential deals for Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku is being linked with a return to Inter after just one season at Chelsea.
Marotta said: “There’s no hurry on our part, we can’t rush.
“Certainly we’ve already started laying the groundwork, trying to get the jump on things.”
Chelsea up Dembele chase
Chelsea are reportedly ready to offer summer transfer target Ousmane Dembele improved terms.
The winger is out of contract at Barcelona come the end of June and can join another club for free.
A number of Europe’s elite including Chelsea and Man Utd are keen on the Frenchman.
But according to Fichajes, Blues boss Thomas Tuchel has requested the club to complete the signing of Dembele.
Abramovich’s first game 19 years ago
Roman Abramovich era as Chelsea owner has finally come to an end following confirmation Todd Boehly has taken over at Stamford Bridge.
It concludes the Russian’s 19-year spell as Blues chief, a reign which has seen them collect five Premier League titles, FA Cups, three League Cups and two Champions Leagues.
Chelsea supporters would not have believed the kind of success they were going to have had you told them back in 2003.
However, it is important to remember that the team which Abramovich walked into Stamford Bridge with did secure them fourth place the previous season.
We looked at the team which started the first match of the Abramovich era – a Champions League qualifier against Slovakian side MSK Zilna on August 13, 2003 – as well as where they are now.
Roman Empire falls
Roman Abramovich is no longer the owner of Chelsea.
Here’s a look back at his spending numbers.
Real target Slonina
Real Madrid have made an “official proposal” for Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gaga Slonina.
The keeper was once a target of Chelsea’s before government sanctions were put in place.
The 2004-born shot stopper has admirers at Bayern Munich too.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed: “Real Madrid official proposal for Gaga Slonina will be on the table soon, per club sources.
“He’s considered a top talent for the future as also Chelsea and Bayern wanted him.
“Chelsea were one step away from signing Slonina before the sanctions.”
‘No hurry’ on Lukaku deal
Inter Milan CEO Giuseppe Marotta says the club are in no rush over potential deals for Paulo Dybala and Romelu Lukaku.
Lukaku is being linked with a return to Inter after just one season at Chelsea.
Marotta said: “There’s no hurry on our part, we can’t rush.
“Certainly we’ve already started laying the groundwork, trying to get the jump on things.”
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.”
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.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
