ANTONIO RUDIGER has joined Real Madrid, both Chelsea and the Spanish club have confirmed.
And Chelsea are already getting to work on signing a replacement and confident of finally signing Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.
Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku has reportedly agreed terms with Inter Milan, with the Belgian’s lawyers trying to thrash out a deal.
However, this could all be done without transfer chief Marina Granovskaia who is set to LEAVE the West London outfit according to reports.
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Keep up to date with all of the latest gossip from the Stamford Bridge…
Hudson-Odoi’s intense training sessions
Callum Hudson-Odoi is undergoing some brutal solo training sessions to return to action for Chelsea after being sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury.
The winger, 21, has been out of action since an FA Cup win at Luton on March 2 and has suffered repeated setbacks in his rehab from an ankle problem he originally picked up three years ago.
Mata thanks United fans
Juan Mata has sent a classy farewell message to Manchester United fans.
The former Chelsea midfielder, 34, will leave United as a free agent this month.
In a social media video message, he said: “I wanted to say thank you very much to all of you for your support over the years and especially during the difficult times that we lived together.
“I will never forget you. Thank you very much. All the best from the bottom of my heart and goodbye.”
Martinez ‘to stay at Inter’
Chelsea target Lautaro Martinez says he wants to stay at Inter Milan.
The 24-year-old striker scored the opener on Wednesday as Argentina beat Italy 3-0 in the inaugural Finalissima.
Afterwards he said: “My plan is clear – I really want to stay at Inter next season.
“I’ve not received communications from the club as of today and I want to continue at Inter next season.”
Palmieri ready for Chelsea return
Italy left-back Emerson Palmieri says he is ready to return to Chelsea after his loan spell at Lyon.
The defender started for his country as they lost 3-0 to Argentina in Finalissima on Wednesday.
On plans to reignite his career at Stamford Bridge, the 27-year-old said: “‘For me personally it’s been a good season, I played a lot of games. Let’s see what happens in the future.
“I have a contract with Chelsea. I’ve played there for three years and won some things. If I need to go back there I’m happy.”
Rudiger to Real Madrid confirmed
Real Madrid have officially signed centre-half Antonio Rudiger from Chelsea on a free transfer.
A Blues statement read: “We bid farewell to Antonio Rudiger as he departs Stamford Bridge with his Chelsea contract expiring, bringing to a close his five trophy-filled years with the club.
“The German defender has left the Blues to join Real Madrid, having played a huge role in our successes in recent seasons.”
Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger has completed his expected move to Real Madrid Chelsea target impresses for Argentina
Chelsea target Lautaro Martinez impressed for Argentina in their 3-0 win over Italy in Finalissima on Wednesday.
Inter Milan forward Martinez scored the opener and then set-up Angel di Maria for the second goal.
The 24-year-old bagged 23 goals for Inter this season and is now reportedly on Chelsea’s radar – with Inter keen on bringing back Romelu Lukaku back to the San Siro from the Blues.
Messi assessment of Jorginho
Lionel Messi has described Chelsea midfielder Jorginho as a “complicated” player to face.
Argentina legend Messi squared off against Italy’s Jorginho as the South Americans enjoyed a 3-0 win in Finalissima on Wednesday.
Jorginho was out-of-sorts with a number of stray passes, but Paris Saint-Germain star Messi admitted he is always a difficult rival.
In his post-match interview, he told reporters: “The first half was a bit complicated for us because we couldn’t find a way around Jorginho, who played a bit free and that made it difficult for us to get the ball.”
Lukaku will ‘accept pay cut’
Unsettled Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku is ready to take a huge pay cut to secure a return to Inter Milan, according to Sportsmail.
The Belgium star will reportedly accept a weekly wage drop to about £125,000-a-week, which would cut his yearly take-home from about £6.4million at the Blues to closer to £3m at Inter.
Lukaku rejoined Chelsea last summer for £97.5m from Inter but had an underwhelming campaign and courted controversy by saying he wanted to leave.
Sterling ‘should avoid Chelsea move’
David James says Raheem Sterling would be better off staying at Manchester City rather than joining Chelsea.
England winger Sterling has been linked with a move to the Blues or Real Madrid.
Former Three Lions No 1 James, 51, told GGRecon: “[He should] stay at City!
“It is a testament to how well Raheem Sterling has done that he has been linked to two massive European champions.
“You do question – given how soon the World Cup is, and what can happen with a move with Manchester to London for example – whether that adjustment could affect form.”
Morning, Chelsea fans
The Blues are rated favourites for Jules Kounde – but face losing up to four defenders to Barcelona.
Sevilla’s France centre-back Kounde, 23. is also wanted by Arsenal.
But Chelsea’s need is greater – along with their bargaining position after Todd Boehly’s £4.25billion takeover.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are in pole position for Antonio Rudiger.
Barca and Juventus, though, are also keen on the out-of-contract central defender.
Barcelona are still being linked even more strongly to Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso.
That, however, means the Blues could have leverage for their interest in Barca’s USA full-back Sergino Dest.
And Chelsea transfer chief Marina Granovskaia is reportedly set to LEAVE in August
Atletico Madrid transfer guru Andrea Berti is tipped to replace the 47-year-old.
Blues poised to oust transfer chief Granovskaia
Chelsea transfer chief Marina Granovskaia is set to LEAVE Stamford Bridge in August, according to reports.
The 47-year-old is set to be replaced by Atletico Madrid transfer guru Andrea Berti, report German paper Bild.
News of Granovskaia’s potential exit follows Todd Boehly’s £4.25bn takeover being completed.
The Russian first joined the Blues in 2010, before becoming a member of the board three years later.
Romelu eyes Inter return
Romelu Lukaku has reportedly agreed a sensational return to Inter Milan less than a year after re-joining Chelsea.
The west Londoners forked out a club-record fee of £97.5million to bring the Belgium international back to Stamford Bridge last summer.
Lukaku, however, has found himself on the outskirts of Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI due to his poor form.
And according to Gazzetta dello Sport, the striker is on the brink of sealing a return to the San Siro.
They claim the Serie A giants have reached an agreement to pay Lukaku’s £6.39million wages in a loan deal.
Lukaku, 28, is said to have 15 days to convince Chelsea’s lawyers to accept the proposal.
Ben’s Hot date
Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell has been spotted hand-in-hand with stunning TV star Holly Scarfone, writes GIACOMO PISA.
The pair were pictured looking close just days after SunSport exclusively revealed Chilwell had ended his fling with Lewis Hamilton’s ex-girlfriend, model Camila Kendra.
Chilwell, 25, and Holly, 23, were seen linking hands in Los Angeles, where the England international is currently holidaying.
They grabbed dinner at the plush Nice Guy restaurant before moving on to party at luxury nightclub Bootsy Bellows.
Model and influencer Holly shot to fame after appearing on season three of the hit Netflix show Too Hot To Handle, which aired earlier this year.
She made it to the final of the programme with co-star Nathan Soan, but the couple split up shortly after exiting the show.
Brunette beauty Holly boasts over 700,000 followers on Instagram.
Saka and Emile on PFA shortlist
THE PFA Young Player of the Year shortlist has been announced with a number of top Premier League stars nominated.
Chelsea‘s Reece James will be rivalled by fellow England international and Premier League winner Phil Foden.
Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe have also been nominated.
On-loan Chelsea star Conor Gallagher has been recognised, as has Aston Villa‘s Jacob Ramsey.
Foden is the frontrunner, having picked up his fourth Prem crown.
The 22-year-old made 28 Prem appearances this term, scoring nine and assisting five. Across all competitions, Foden reached double figures in both goals and assists.
Should Foden win the award again, he will join Dele Alli in being one of only five players to have won the award in consecutive seasons. Ryan Giggs did it at United in 1993, Robbie Fowler in 1996 and Wayne Rooney a decade later.
PFA shortlist revealed
Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo has received a shock nomination for the PFA Player of the Year award.
But there is no room for Tottenham ace Son Heung-Min, despite the South Korean finishing as joint-top scorer this season.
Elsewhere, Spurs striker Harry Kane and Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne are also in the mix.
But it’s Liverpool who lead the way with three nominations in Sadio Mane, Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
Ronaldo endured a mixed first campaign upon his return to Man United despite scoring 18 Premier League goals.
The Portuguese legend was criticised for failing to adapt to the team’s tactics.
Cheeky Devil?
Lazio could duel Manchester United for Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
The ten-cap England star, 26, has revived his Blues’ career this season under Thomas Tuchel.
But new United boss Erik ten Hag has been linked with a move.
And Italian outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport says ex-Blues’ chief Maurizio Sarri is ready to rev up his interest in a reunion with Loftus-Cheek, who might cost at least £17million.
Chelsea lead Kounde hunt
Chelsea head Arsenal and other European giants in the hunt for Jules Kounde, Spanish outlet Sport claim.
Barcelona could take centre-backs Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen from the Blues – and perhaps even wide defenders Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta.
So backline reinforcements will be central to Chelsea chief Thomas Tuchel’s summer plans.
And Sport suggest the Blues are ‘working’ on a deal for Sevilla’s France star Kounde, 23.
Credit: AFP Blues’ Dest intentions
Chelsea could rev up their interest in Sergino Dest – as his club Barcelona want Blues’ defenders Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta.
Holland-born USA star Dest, 21, who has 17 caps, joined Barca from Ajax in 2020.
Bit of a Con…
Chelsea have hailed their 22-year-old England stars Reece James and Conor Gallagher for making the PFA Young Player of the Year shortlist.
But midfielder Gallagher, a loan sensation with Crystal Palace, has yet to play a senior game for Chelsea.
And his future remains in doubt as he’ll surely want regular football next term to strengthen his bid to make Gareth Southgate’s squad for this winter’s World Cup in Qatar.
Ron in, Son out for top PFA gong
Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo has received a shock nomination for the PFA Player of the Year award.
But there is no room for Tottenham ace Son Heung-Min, despite the South Korean finishing as joint-top scorer this season.
Elsewhere, Spurs striker Harry Kane and Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne are also in the mix.
But it’s Liverpool who lead the way with three nominations in Sadio Mane, Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
Ronaldo endured a mixed first campaign upon his return to Man United despite scoring 18 Premier League goals.
The Portuguese legend was criticised for failing to adapt to the team’s tactics.
Jesus deal ‘back on’
Arsenal could again be nearing a £51million swoop for Gabriel Jesus.
Manchester City’s Brazil striker has shot back into transfer speculation today.
And that’s not just because Prem champs City have signed fellow frontmen Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez.
Rodrigo Oliveira of Radio Gaucha told Calciomercato Arsenal are ‘very close’ to signing the 25-year-old – as they line up a ‘great offer’ for the Sao Paulo-born superstar.
Lazio ready to fight Utd for Loftus-Cheek
Lazio could duel Manchester United for Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
The ten-cap England star, 26, has revived his Blues’ career this season under Thomas Tuchel.
But new United boss Erik ten Hag has been linked with a move.
And Italian outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport says ex-Blues’ chief Maurizio Sarri is ready to rev up his interest in a reunion with Loftus-Cheek, who might cost at least £17million.
Jorginho and Emerson face Argentina
Chelsea’s Italy stars Jorginho and Emerson Palmieri are set to take on Argentina at Wembley in the 2022 Finalissima.
They could face PSG superstar Lionel Messi plus Spurs duo Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso.
Reece battles Saka and Emile for PFA gong
THE PFA Young Player of the Year shortlist has been announced with a number of top Premier League stars nominated.
Chelsea’s Reece James will be rivalled by fellow England international and Premier League winner Phil Foden.
Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe have also been nominated.
On-loan Chelsea star Conor Gallagher has been recognised, as has Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey.
Foden is the frontrunner, having picked up his fourth Prem crown.
The 22-year-old made 28 Prem appearances this term, scoring nine and assisting five. Across all competitions, Foden reached double figures in both goals and assists.
Should Foden win the award again, he will join Dele Alli in being one of only five players to have won the award in consecutive seasons. Ryan Giggs did it at United in 1993, Robbie Fowler in 1996 and Wayne Rooney a decade later.
Holly not Too Hot for Chilwell
Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell has been spotted hand-in-hand with stunning TV star Holly Scarfone, writes GIACOMO PISA.
The pair were pictured looking close just days after SunSport exclusively revealed Chilwell had ended his fling with Lewis Hamilton’s ex-girlfriend, model Camila Kendra.
Chilwell, 25, and Holly, 23, were seen linking hands in Los Angeles, where the England international is currently holidaying.
They grabbed dinner at the plush Nice Guy restaurant before moving on to party at luxury nightclub Bootsy Bellows.
Model and influencer Holly shot to fame after appearing on season three of the hit Netflix show Too Hot To Handle, which aired earlier this year.
She made it to the final of the programme with co-star Nathan Soan, but the couple split up shortly after exiting the show.
Brunette beauty Holly boasts over 700,000 followers on Instagram.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
