ROMELU LUKAKU seems to have HIT OUT at his agents comments on his Instagram story.
The Belgian’s representative mentioned that he intends to discuss Lukaku’s future with the new owners.
But the Chelsea forward stated that: “Never ever will I let someone speak for me…”
Meanwhile, the Blues are reportedly considering a swoop for Croatian international ace Ivan Perisic this summer.
And keep reading for all things FA Cup as we countdown the hours until kick-off.
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Chelsea’s Dembele hunt takes turn
Chelsea are in danger of missing out on Ousmane Dembele.
That’s because Barcelona have reportedly scheduled a meeting with his agent next week.
The French winger is out of contract this summer and is a target for Thomas Tuchel, who coached him at Borussia Dortmund.
But Xavi Hernandez remains keen on keeping Dembele after previous talks broke down.
And Barcelona could be willing to meet his mammoth wage demands on a long-term basis.
Cahill hails captain Azpi’s impact
Gary Cahill believes Chelsea would win the title every year if they were able to field 11 Cesar Azpilicueta’s.
He exclusively told SunSport: “You don’t last as long as he has at Chelsea without being a fantastic player.
“But also it takes more than that. It takes a mentality, a work-rate, a thick skin.
“To have one of those things is not good enough. He has them all.
“If you had 11 of him, Chelsea would win the league every year.”
Chelsea ready to land Kounde
Chelsea are finally ready to wrap up a deal for long-term target Jules Kounde.
Fabrizio Romano said: “One of the names again will be Jules Kounde from Sevilla.
“He has a release clause for €80million but from Sevilla they’re really tough in the negotiations. So, it’s not going to be an easy one.
“They wanted him for Chelsea, last summer, and it was a complicated negotiation. But I’m told he’s still a name in the list for Chelsea.”
Palace hopeful of Gallagher deal
Crystal Palace will press Chelsea into making Conor Gallagher’s loan permanent this summer.
TalkSport claim Eagles chiefs have made signing Gallagher their top priority after he was crowned the club’s Player of the Year.
The England midfielder has certainly enjoyed his temporary spell at Selhurst Park.
But it’s believed the player wants to push for a first-team spot at Chelsea, with Thomas Tuchel equally keen on integrating him in pre-season.
Kovacic set for FA Cup
Mateo Kovacic is in line to play for Chelsea in tomorrow’s FA Cup final against Liverpool.
Thomas Tuchel feared his star midfielder was out after he was brutally tackled by Leeds’ Dan James.
Kovacic was forced off the field with his injury, which occurred on a troublesome ankle.
But the Croatian has made a miracle recovery and could even start at Wembley.
Chelsea close to Perisic swoop
Chelsea are reportedly on the verge of signing Inter Milan star Ivan Perisic
Sport Mediaset claims terms have been agreed over a stunning free transfer this summer.
Perisic has rejected a new offer from Inter following their Italian Cup win over Juventus.
And he is set to arrive at Stamford Bridge as a replacement for left wing-back Marcos Alonso, who wants to join Barcelona.
Ruben’s lofty ambitions this summer
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is hoping to leave Chelsea for Lazio.
Corriere dello Sport claims the midfielder wants a reunion with Maurizio Sarri in Rome.
The pair enjoyed their brief time working together at Stamford Bridge.
And with Chelsea planning on a midfield rebuild this summer, they could sanction the transfer for the right fee.
Teams with most Prem titles
Chelsea have won the Premier League title an impressive five times.
Jose Mourinho led them to three, with Carlo Ancelotti and Antonio Conte scooping the others.
But Chelsea’s last league triumph came in 2016.
Will the new Todd Boehly consortium back Thomas Tuchel in the window and build a new title-winning side?
Tuchel on a potential penalty shoot-out
Chelsea have already suffered penalties heartbreak this season, as they lost 11-10 to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on pens.
Kepa Arrizabalaga was subbed on especially for the shoot-out but it didn’t work as he missed the decisive penalty.
Asked about whether he’d do it again, Tuchel said: “I will not tell you (if Kepa is brought on). I have an opinion about it, but I will not tell you.”
On whether his side have been practicing for a potential shoot-out, the Chelsea boss said: “Practising, I’m a bit torn in between if you can practise it and how much to practise it.
“My players shoot a lot of penalties during a season, I have to say – on an almost daily basis.”
Tuchel on team selection: Havertz vs Lukaku
Here is how Thomas Tuchel responded to the question of who starts up front in the FA Cup final – Kai Havertz or Romelu Lukaku?
“We can play both, although they lacked a bit of the feeling of being a perfect fit together.
“It’s very likely that it is one of the two, but we will not give the line-up today. Listen, Romelu has played lately and scored lately.
“He did everything to stay on the pitch. (We will make) our final call in the morning.”
Lukaku has his say
Romelu Lukaku has now broken his silence on what his agent has said to the media earlier.
He has put out this statement on Instagram.
Is this him potentially firing shots at his agent?
Tuchel on Lukaku and his agent
The Chelsea manager has spoken once again on the Romelu Lukaku scandal.
The German has said regarding the rumours his agent wants a meeting with the Chelsea hierarchy: “I think if he plans to talk with the owner, maybe it is not his plan to talk with me. It’s fair enough. Let’s see if he gets a meeting. It is his right. We will talk to anybody.
“We will evaluate any situation of any player, including Romelu. We will see what is going to happen and what the plans are.”
When asked about if he has concerns about the media noise regarding Lukaku ahead of such a big game, Tuchel responded: “I was only made aware of it five or ten minutes ago, actually. It’s what sometimes happens in football.
“The attention is so high that sometimes it attracts situations that you don’t want to have before big matches. It’s the way it is.
“For me, it is not a distraction and hopefully, for everybody that works on the team and the team itself, it is not.”
Credit: Rex Tuchel on Kovacic’s fitness
Mateo Kovacic sustained an injury versus Leeds earlier this week.
Thomas Tuchel has provided an update on his fitness.
He said, “It’s pretty surprising to be in the situation where we can try, and Mateo wants to try it – and the medical department gave the green light to try it.
“The ‘advantage’ is the ligament is torn already from the last incident (in the FA Cup semi-final), so there is no new injury, just heavy pain. His ankle was heavily swollen.
“We are hoping that maybe time is enough for him to make it. We will try in two-and-a-half hours in training, and we will know more about it.”
Tuchel Press Conference
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has spoken to the media ahead of Chelsea’s FA Cup final versus Liverpool.
On the match-up, he said: “It started with last season’s win at Anfield. Then very early in this season, with a draw at Anfield.
“Then a draw at Stamford Bridge and a draw over 120 minutes and twenty-something penalties at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final.
“So very close, very intense matches. We always need our very highest level to compete, but we found it in the matches.
“We want to be spot on.”
Chelsea switch attention to Sangare due to Rice fee
West Ham are demanding a huge bid of £150million for them to consider selling Declan Rice according to the Mirror.
As a result, Chelsea believe Ibrahim Sangare would be better value for money.
The Ivorian could be available for just £30million this summer after a standout season for PSV this campaign.
How Chelsea can upset Liverpool
We are looking forward to tomorrow’s FA Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool.
With Fabinho out injured for Jurgen Klopp’s side, how can the Blues exploit that potential weakness?
Linked here is The Sun’s tactical preview of the big game.
Perisic to Chelsea?
Croatian international Ivan Perisic could be on his way to Chelsea.
The Inter Milan player is capable of playing anywhere on the left-hand side, as a winger or wing-back.
This versatility could tempt Thomas Tuchel into signing him especially with Marcos Alonso potentially departing the club.
Werner nearly went to Liverpool
Chelsea striker Timo Werner has revealed he was close to joining Liverpool prior to joining the West London club.
He said to the Mirror: “Of course Liverpool were also in my thoughts and were a big possibility for me.
“But at the end I decided for Chelsea and I won the Champions League title last year so it was not the worst decision.”
Mount nominated for Young Player of the Season
Mason Mount has been nominated for the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season award.
The 23-year-old has netted 11 goals this campaign.
He has been nominated alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold, Aaron Ramsdale, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden Tyrick Mitchell and Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher.
Broja to West Ham on loan?
The Hammers hold an interest in Chelsea’s on loan star Armando Broja.
However according to West Ham insider Claret and Hugh, they want to sign the 20-year-old on loan before any permanent outlay.
While at Southampton, Broja has scored nine goals.
There still remains a chance he stays at Stamford Bridge and fights for his place.
Chelsea should sign Lewandowski says Johnson
Glen Johnson believes Chelsea should make a move for Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski.
The Pole is believed to be nearing a move away from the Bundesliga champions.
The ex-full-back said, “He is a more realistic signing, but these top, world-class strikers are hard to find.
“For his age and the possibility of the deal actually happening, I’d say Chelsea should sign Lewandowski.”
Johnson claims James is better than Trent
Glen Johnson continued to say that he thinks Reece James is better than Trent Alexander-Arnold.
He sid: “It’s tough because I think they’re both fantastic.
“I think Trent is just about better on the ball and certainly has got a better delivery, but to be fair to Reece that sounds harsh because he’s fantastic as well.
“I’d say Trent is better going forward and James is better defensively, but all round, I’d have to say Reece James is better.”
Johnson says Mount his PL Player of the Year
Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson has said that Mason Mount is his Premier League Player of the Season.
Despite the midfielder not being nominated for the official award, Johnson claims he should win it.
He said to Lord Ping, “I wouldn’t say he’s gone under the radar because he’s been great, but everything Chelsea do well, Mason is involved.
“Even though they’ve not hit the heights they are capable of this season, he’s always performed.
“He always works his socks off, he’s always involved in chances and goals so I’d probably go for Mason Mount.”
Credit: Mark Cosgrove/News Images Silva wants staff to let his wife wear Chelsea kit
Chelsea centre-back Thiago Silva has recalled when his wife was not allowed to wear the team’s shirt during the Carabao Cup final saying it left her upset.
In the VIP area at Wembley you are not allowed to wear a football shirt.
Silva told The Telegraph: “It wasn’t that she didn’t want to wear the shirt, it was because when she was getting her pass to get into the VIP zone, and they weren’t allowing family members to wear club colours.
“She was upset because she wasn’t able to wear it.
“She always wears my shirt, above all for finals. She wore it in the Champions League final and other competitions, the Club World Cup
“So hopefully there will be no problem this time and no kind of rules on what they can and can’t wear.
“It just shows passion and football is about passion. Hopefully she will be able to wear the shirt and it will bring us luck.’
Desperate for Dest
Chelsea are believed to be keen on Barcelona full-back Sergino Dest.
The American right-back could be brought in a back-up for Reece James according to Sport.
Dest could be part of the deal that sees Cesar Azpilicueta head to the Catalan giants.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
