CHELSEA will be desperate to splash some of Todd Boehly’s £200m kitty, with this takeover of the club set to push through on Monday.
And Brighton’s Marc Cucurella has emerged as a shock target for the West London outfit but Chelsea will have to fork out £45 million SunSport can reveal.
Some of that money could also go towards the signing of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, who the Spanish club reportedly won’t let go of for anything less than £55million.
And Danny Drinkwater has released an emotional statement to the Chelsea fans after leaving the club following a frustrating time at Stamford Bridge.
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Keep up to date with all of the latest gossip from the Stamford Bridge…
Alonso Barça deal ‘close’
Marcos Alonso’s move from Chelsea is nearly complete, according to reports.
The Spanish defender is set for Barcelona, say Diario SPORT.
They Tweeted: ‘Negotiations between Barcelona and Chelsea for the signing of Marcos Alonso are at an advanced stage.
“It would be a financially beneficial operation for Barça, a transfer fee with variables that would be fulfilled with objectives.”
Mount on Champions League final
Mason Mount is unsure on who will win the Champions League final.
And he also admitted he wished the Blues were participating in the spectacle.
He said to Sky Sports: “I’m not sure [how it will go]. Obviously it’s a top game, two top teams, so I’m very, very excited to watch.
“I wish we [Chelsea] were there but it will be a good game, we will see.”
Out of Luk
Romelu Lukaku is reportedly desperate for a return to Inter Milan, and will do anything to make it happen.
The Belgian is open to taking a pay-cut to play at the San Siro next season, according to Tuttosport.
Inter can afford to pay him just half of his current £12.7m salary which works out to be £5.9m, the report adds.
Mount on Chelsea’s new owner
Mason Mount is excited to begin work with Chelsea’s new owner Todd Boehly.
The Blues had a topsy turvy season amid their ownership woes, but Mount is optimistic that the club will return to winning ways with Boehly.
He said: “It’s an exciting time now with the owners being confirmed today, going forward it’s going to be exciting and obviously the era under Roman has been brilliant.
“We look forward now and it’s exciting stuff, can’t wait to get back to it.”
More from Abramovich
Abramovich called owning Chelsea the “honour of a lifetime” as his 19-year ownership reaches its conclusion.
He continued: “I am pleased this search has now come to a successful conclusion. As I hand over Chelsea to its new custodians, I would like to wish them the best of success, both on and off the pitch.
“It has been an honour of a lifetime to be a part of this Club – I would like to thank all the Club’s past and current players, staff, and of course fans for these incredible years.
“I am proud that as a result of our joint successes, millions of people will now benefit from the new charitable foundation which is being established.
“This is the legacy which we have created together.
“Thank you. Roman.”
Abramovich’s statement on sale
His statement read: “It has been nearly three months since I announced my intention to sell Chelsea FC.
“During this time, the team have worked hard to find the right custodian for Chelsea FC that would be best positioned to successfully lead the Club into its next chapter.
“The ownership of this Club comes with great responsibility. Since I came to Chelsea nearly twenty years ago, I have witnessed first-hand what this Club can achieve.
“My goal has been to ensure that the next owner has a mindset that will enable success for the Men’s and Women’s team, as well as the will and drive to continue developing other key aspects of the Club, such as the Academy and the vital work of Chelsea Foundation.”
Abramovich speaks on Chelsea sale
Roman Abramovich has penned an emotional statement speaking of his “legacy” at Chelsea as the club prepares to change hands.
And as the Abramovich era nears its conclusion, the sanctioned Russian oligarch has broken his silence for the first time in months.
He wrote a 234-word statement wishing success to Boehly and his consortium, both on and off the pitch.
Abramovich also vowed “millions of people will benefit” thanks to the charitable foundation that is set to receive the proceeds from the sale.
Kante set to leave for cut-price
Chelsea are set to let N’Golo Kante leave for a cut-price fee this summer, reports claim.
His contract is up at the end of next season, and Blues boss Thomas Tuchel wants to switch up his midfield, The Athletic reported.
And he’s willing to let Kante go for a reduced fee to do so, the report added.
Merson makes Chelsea transfer plea
Paul Merson has urged Chelsea not to sign Raheem Sterling from Man City.
Chelsea need to bolster their attacking options and have been linked with Sterling.
But Merson thinks the England star plays the “Man City way”, which will be hard to change.
He told the Daily Star: “They might go for Raheem Sterling but he plays the Manchester City way. I don’t think Raheem Sterling scores 20 goals a season for Chelsea.”
How Harry missed out on Hazard
Harry Redknapp has revealed how he missed out on Eden Hazard when managing Tottenham.
Redknapp told Sky Sports: “I lost Eden Hazard, he wanted to come to Tottenham but he said he would only come if we got Champions League football.
“We finished fourth that year, Chelsea finished sixth, they won the Champions League and we didn’t make it.
“He ended up going to Chelsea.”
Todd Boehly takeover completed
Chelsea have struck a “definitive agreement” to sell the club to Todd Boehly’s Clearlake Capital consortium.
And in a statement, the club revealed the takeover could be completed by MONDAY.
It read: “Chelsea Football Club can confirm that a final and definitive agreement was entered into last night to sell the Club to the Todd Boehly/Clearlake Capital consortium.
“It is expected that the transaction will be completed on Monday. The Club will update further at that time.”
One final push for Neves
Man United are on the verge of making a final move for Wolves ace Ruben Neves, JORDAN DAVIES WRITES.
United have been tracking Neves, 25, with a view to buying for the past 12 months, first through ex-boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer last summer.
The Red Devils then saw a £35m January move turned away, and SunSport understands they are looking to go again in the next couple of weeks with new boss Erik ten Hag a big fan.
However, Barcelona are also in the running, and could snatch Neves away from Old Trafford with the lure of the Champions League a big pull.
Neves’ contract runs out in 2024, but has stalled on negotiating an extension.
Kan it happen?
Man United are considering a transfer approach for N’Golo Kante.
United boss Erik ten Hag wants to add some steel to the team’s midfield, and reckons Kante’s the man for the job, according to The Guardian.
Kante has a year left on his contract and United wonder if Chelsea are willing to let him leave this summer.
However, the Red Devils will face resistance from Blues boss Thomas Tuchel as it’s unlikely he’ll be willing Kante leave without a fight, the report adds.
Raphina transfer battle heats up
Arsenal have joined the transfer race for Leeds star Raphina.
Man United and Chelsea are already tracking the Brazilian playmaker.
But now the Gunners have entered the fray for Raphina, who Leeds won’t sell for less than £64m, Football London reported.
Good morning Chelsea fans
Chelsea must pay at least £45million to win the race for Brighton defender Marc Cucurella, SunSport understands.
And they will also have to see off Manchester City and Tottenham to land the Spanish left-back.
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel, buoyed by the news that Todd Boehly’s £4.25billion takeover of the club has cleared its final hurdle, is plotting a major overhaul of his defence.
Cucurella fits the bill after a standout first season in England following a £15.4million transfer from Spanish outfit Getafe.
Tuchel is braced to lose left-back Marcos Alonso, who is keen to return to Spain.
Manchester United will swoop in ahead of Chelsea with a bid for RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku next week, according to reports.
Danny Drinkwater has finally left Chelsea and described his time with the club as “a business move gone wrong”.
The midfielder played just 23 times for the Blues since his 2017 move, with his last competitive match in the 2018 Community Shield.
And in a farewell posted on his Instagram account, Drinkwater, 32, described his turbulent time in West London.
Dembele available after PSG u-turn
Oussama Dembele will NOT join Paris Saint-Germain this summer, it has emerged.
The Barcelona forward had looked set for free transfer to the Parc des Princes on the expiry of his contract at the Nou Camp.
However, Le Parisien (via GFFN) report that the club’s new sporting director, Luis Campos, has concerns over the player’s attitude.
And that may re-open the door for Chelsea.
The Blues were heavily linked with a move for Dembele before PSG’s interest.
Drinkwater departs after five barren years
Danny Drinkwater has finally left Chelsea and described his time with the club as “a business move gone wrong”.
The midfielder played just 23 times for the Blues since his 2017 move, with his last competitive match in the 2018 Community Shield.
And in a farewell posted on his Instagram account, Drinkwater, 32, described his turbulent time in West London.
He wrote: “My time at Chelsea has come to an end… actually feels really strange writing this.
“Me, the club and fans are hugely disappointed with the outcome there is no doubt about that.
“Injuries, how I have been treated, mistakes I have made, issues of the pitch, lack of game time… the list of excuses could be endless but I would not and can not change what’s happened.
“Footballs a fantastic sport but this for both parties was a business move gone wrong, it’s as black and white as that.
“To the Chelsea fans I apologise for how this has turned out I would of loved for you to see me at my best in that shirt doing what I love. All the best.”
Spurs marching in on Perisic as Blues chase
Tottenham are reportedly closing in on the signing of Inter Milan star Ivan Perisic.
Spurs are set for a busy summer with a number of incoming and outgoings and Antonio Conte has identified Perisic as a key target.
The Italian worked with the 33-year-old at Inter as they were crowned Serie A champions last year, and several clubs now want Perisic.
But Spurs have emerged as favourites to land the Croatian on a free after agreeing a two-year deal with the wing-back, report The Independent.
Perisic will reportedly earn £75,000 a week and could be Spurs’ first summer arrival.
Chelsea and Juventus are also said to be eyeing a deal for the former Bayern Munich star and could be prepared to increase their offers.
Chelsea must pay £45m for Cucurella
EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea must pay at least £45million to win the race for Brighton defender Marc Cucurella, writes ANDREW DILLON.
And they will also have to see off Manchester City and Tottenham to land the Spanish left-back.
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel, buoyed by the news that Todd Boehly’s £4.25billion takeover of the club has cleared its final hurdle, is plotting a major overhaul of his defence.
Cucurella fits the bill after a standout first season in England following a £15.4million transfer from Spanish outfit Getafe. Tuchel is braced to lose left-back Marcos Alonso, who is keen to return to Spain.
Chelsea’s other player to fill that slot is Ben Chilwell and he only returned to action last weekend following a major knee injury.
Cucurella, 23, feels loyalty to Brighton but admits that interest from newly-crowned Premier League champions City is hard to dismiss.
Pole position
Mason Mount has been photographed wearing a £940 chequered flag shirt as he kicks back and soaks in the sun at the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend.
The Chelsea and England star has been seen posing in a shirt that closely resembles the chequered flag that’s waved to signal the end of a race.
After last weekend’s finish to the Premier League, Mount, who has also been pictured alongside England teammate Phil Foden, has been given some downtime before he reports for international duty next week.
And he’s chosen to spend it in Monaco attending the famous Grand Prix weekend at Monte Carlo.
Rom requests talks with Inter
Chelsea flop Romelu Lukaku continues to look for an escape route out of Stamford Bridge, and has requested a meeting with Inter Milan to discuss his future.
Journalist Fabrizio Biasin reports that striker has engineered an appointment between one of his representatives and his former club, due to take place in the coming days.
However, any possible return to the San Siro is currently described as ‘complicated’.
The 29-year-old Belgian moved to Chelsea last summer for a club record £97.5m, but Inter are not prepared to pay anything like that to resign him.
End of Stamford Broj?
Striker Armando Broja is wanted by Newcastle and West Ham after his loan joy with Southampton.
The 12-cap Albanian, 20, is being eyed by several clubs after following a season on loan at Vitesse with regular Prem football for the Saints this term
Goal say Goal, the Hammers and the Magpies are amongst the frontrunners for the Slough-born starlet.
But Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is believed to be open to Braja returning to Stamford Bridge next season.
Alonso’s agent arrives in London
Marcos Alonso’s departure from Chelsea appears to be edging closer.
Mundo Deportivo report that the Spaniard’s agent Fali Ramadani travelled to London this week in order to speed up transfer talks.
The 31-year-old is expected to join Barcelona this summer, along with teammate Andreas Christensen and, potentially, captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
Alonso moved to the Blues in 2016, and has gone on to make more than 200 appearances for the London club.
Gunners after youngster Colwill
Chelsea starlet Levi Colwill is reportedly attracting interest from Arsenal and Leicester following his impressive loan spell at Huddersfield, writes Jake Lambourne.
The 19-year-old centre-back has helped the Terriers reach the Championship play-off final against Nottingham Forest.
And according to Goal, there will be a host of scouts from Premier League clubs in attendance at Wembley on Sunday to watch him in action.
They state that Arsenal and Leicester are keeping tabs on the defender’s situation having made inquiries over a potential transfer.
Meanwhile the likes of Brighton, Crystal Palace and Southampton will be keeping a close eye on how he fares against Forest at the Home of Football.
The news outlet adds that Mikel Arteta has identified the England youth international as a target as he aims to add depth to his squad following their return to Europe.
Dembele available after PSG u-turn
Oussama Dembele will NOT join Paris Saint-Germain this summer, it has emerged.
The Barcelona forward had looked set for free transfer to the Parc des Princes on the expiry of his contract at the Nou Camp.
However, Le Parisien (via GFFN) report that the club’s new sporting director, Luis Campos, has concerns over the player’s attitude.
And that may re-open the door for Chelsea.
The Blues were heavily linked with a move for Dembele before PSG’s interest.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
