ROMELU LUKAKU has reportedly said goodbye to his Chelsea team-mates as he steps up his bid to return to Inter after just one season.
But in better news for Blues fans, the club will be allowed to sell tickets for away games and the FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace at Wembley.
However, tickets for matches at Stamford Bridge will only be available to season ticket holders and away fans.
And the takeover of Chelsea is edging closer, with just two bids reportedly left standing.
The offer from Todd Boehly is one of them, while a bid backed by former Team GB Olympic gold medalist Seb Coe is the other.
Saudi Media, meanwhile, are OUT.
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Ricketts family issue statement
The Ricketts family have released a statement that they’re still keen on buying Chelsea.
The family addressed Blues fans in the statement and stated that they had listened to the West London club’s supporters fears.
Tom Ricketts said: “My family and I are very grateful to all of the fans and supporters’ groups who took time to meet with us this week and share their passion and concerns for Chelsea Football Club.
“It’s clear you have nothing but the best interests of the club at heart. We have listened to all of your feedback – including from the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust – and are grateful that the door is still open for us to demonstrate our commitment to working with fans to protect the club’s heritage.
“It is now up to us to redouble our efforts and clearly lay out a vision for our stewardship of the club with diversity and inclusion at its heart.”
Capello slams Lukaku and Abraham’s ability
Fabio Capello has suggested the arrivals of Romelu Lukaku and Tammy Abraham in the Serie A highlights the decline of Italy’s homegrown talent.
Capello claims there are not enough young Italian players coming through the ranks in the Serie A.
And he reckons the successes of ‘average’ Abraham this season with Roma and Lukuka with Inter in the last campaign shows how poor the quality of the Italian league is.
As both players have been average in the Premier League.
Capello said to Sky Sports Italy: “There are not enough young Italian players, but there is a wrong idea at its base. We are the country of the back pass to the goalkeeper.
“Victor Osimhen, Romelu Lukaku and Tammy Abraham were just normal strikers abroad. They became champions in Italy. This should raise some questions.”
Chelsea supporters worried by Ricketts
Chelsea fans have mobilised on social media this week in their protestation against the Ricketts family’s proposed takeover of their football club, and now the Chelsea Supporters Trust have issued a statement of concern too.
Following the unease with which the news of the Ricketts’ official offer was greeted, the family met with the Chelsea Supporters Trust earlier this week to discuss their intentions.
However, it is understood that fans’ initial concerns have not been appeased, resulting in this afternoon’s correspondence.
The statement reads: “It is essential that the new owners of the club has the confidence of the supporter base and demonstrate an understanding of the values that we stand for.
“That is why the strength of feeling towards the Ricketts family bid from Chelsea supporters cannot and must not be ignored.
“The CST are grateful to the Ricketts family for meeting with us this week. We challenged them on all the points supporters have raised concerns about.
“However, our concerns about their ability to run an inclusive, successful club on behalf of our diverse supporter base around the world have not yet been allayed.”
Credit: @ChelseaSTrust Twitter
Ziyech has overcome system struggle
Hakim Ziyech has admitted that it took him time to adjust to Thomas Tuchel’s preferred system when the German arrived, but now the once-struggling Moroccan is thriving.
The former Ajax man was brought to Stamford Bridge as a winger in 2020, and operated mainly on the right under Frank Lampard’s management.
However, since Tuchel took charge, The Blues have often set up with three centre-halves and two wing-backs, meaning that Ziyech has played most of his football in a central position.
In an interview with ChelseaTV (via 90Min), Ziyech revealed: “[The system] affects me, of course.
“Everybody knows that if I play wide, it’s my best position. When we play four at the back, most of the time I play on the right.
“When we play a back five, we play a different system. I think during the time since [Tuchel] came, I’ve adapted well.
“I think I had more problems that most of the players because I’d never played with a back five. I needed some time and I took that time to adapt, to learn from it and to improve.
“I think in that role, things are much better now than in the beginning.”
Takeover latest: Some Candy talking
Nick Candy’s offer to purchase Chelsea has not made Raine Group’s official shortlist – but the property developer may yet be in with a chance of being part of the club’s ownership.
According to the BBC’s Alistair Magowan, Candy’s Blue Football Consortium have claimed that they have been asked to speak to other bidders and that those talks are now underway.
The bids from the consortiums led by Todd Boehly and Sir Martin Broughton are understood to be the frontrunners to takeover at Stamford Bridge.
Cup semi-final date confirmed
The date for Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final with Crystal Palace has been officially confirmed this morning.
The Blues will face the The Eagles at Wembley on Sunday, 17 April with the game scheduled to kick-off at 4.30pm.
Following successful talks between the government and the football club, Chelsea will be allowed to sell tickets to supporters for the showpiece semi.
Manchester City will face Liverpool in the FA Cup’s other semi-final with that game taking place the previous say at 3.30pm.
Azpi has choice to make
Cesar Azpilicueta is unsure whether to stay at Chelsea or sign for Barcelona, according to reports.
Azpilicueta, 32, could leave the club for free this summer and has already snubbed several offers from the Blues to extend his deal.
The Express claims that the club captain is still torn on what he should do next.
The Spanish star ‘feels deeply rooted’ in London and is ‘proud’ to have been Chelsea skipper since 2019.
But he has been offered an initial two-year deal at Barcelona and the lure of going back to his motherland.
Azpilicueta has refused to commit to either Chelsea or Catalonia as he decides.
Speaking at a press conference whilst on international duty, the wing-back said: “My future? It’s not the place or time to discuss it.
Boehly will bring in Mahrez
Todd Boehly’s consortium will take over at Stamford Bridge this summer – and immediately pinch Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City.
That’s the latest suggestion from the rumour mill should the American businessman’s bid prove successful.
Boehly is said to be worth £5billion, and his offer is backed by Clearlake Capital, who have assets worth over £60billion.
And the prospective new owners want to make a statement by taking a star player from one of their Premier League rivals.
Despite Mahrez’s sensational form for City, the Algerian has been repeatedly linked with a move away with just over a year to run on his contract.
Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also said to be interested in the forward.
Lukaku linked with PSG move
Paris Saint-Germain could be about to end Romelu Lukaku’s Chelsea nightmare.
The Belgian hitman has endured a torrid time since returning to Stamford Bridge last summer.
Despite arriving for £100m, the 28-year-old has managed just 12 goals in 34 appearances, and now appears second-choice behind Kai Havertz.
Lukaku has previously attempted to manoeuvre a move back to Inter Milan, having publicly aired his unhappiness at Chelsea during a misguided interview with Sky Italia.
And now, according to Caught Offside, big-spending PSG are plotting a move for the striker as they look to revamp their attacking options in the close season.
Ricketts family ‘confident’ of making shortlist
Sky Sports report that the Ricketts family are still in the running to buy Chelsea.
The owners of the Chicago Cubs are said to be ‘confident’ of joining Sir Martin Broughton and Todd Boehly on the shortlist currently being drawn up by Raine Group.
The suggestion will be a concern to Blues supporters who have made their thoughts on the prospective American owners clear.
Chelsea fans have mobilised on social media in recent days using the hashtag #NoToRicketts.
Boehly and Broughton the preferred bidders
It now seems apparent that Raine Group’s favoured candidates for Chelsea ownership are the bids from consortiums led by Todd Boehly and Sir Martin Broughton.
Several news sources are reporting that the two parties are the names at the head of the merchant bank’s shortlist.
The Guardian’s football correspondent Jacob Steinberg has tweeted that Boehly and Broughton are the preferred bidders, but there has been ‘no clarity’ on the offers from Nick Candy and the Ricketts family.
The bid from Saudi Media Group was said to have been ruled out last night.
Hop, skip and out for Italy’s Jorginho
Chelsea’s Jorginho says he will be ‘haunted for life’ by the penalty misses that subsequently cost Italy a place at the 2022 World Cup.
The midfielder – a so-called spotkick expert – twice missed from 12 yards in crucial group games against Switzerland, condemning the Azzurri to the play-offs.
The 30-year-old broke down in tears after last night’s last-gasp defeat to North Macedonia. In an interview with RAI Sport (via Football Italia), Jorginho blubbed: “It hurts when I think about it because I do still think about it and it will haunt me for the rest of my life.
“Stepping up there twice and not being able to help your team and your country is something that I will carry with me forever, and it weighs on me.
“People say we need to lift our heads and carry on, but it’s tough.”
Boehly bid for Blues successful
Todd Boehly’s consortium is among the frontrunners to buy Chelsea Football Club.
The American philanthropist was supposedly informed yesterday that his offer had made it on to the shortlist currently being devised by the Raine Group.
That’s the understanding of The Times, and you expect they would know – their columnist, the Tory peer, Daniel Finkelstein is part of Boehly’s consortium.
The Raine Group are yet to make an official announcement.
Good morning Chelsea fans
Seb Coe is among the frontrunners as the race to buy Chelsea hots up.
The Olympic track legend and diehard Blues fan is part of a consortium going head-to-head with American Todd Boehly.
Nick Candy is the latest Chelsea bidder who has been ruled out of buying the club.
Blues fan Candy along with Woody Johnson haven’t been shortlisted as potential buyers, according to The Athletic.
The news comes just hours after the Saudi Media Group was also ruled of the bidding.
Meanwhile, Chelsea could take TWO YEARS to recover from being sold by Roman Abramovich.
That’s according to The Mirror who claim the Blues’ rivals reckon the West Londoners will need time to recover from the effects of Abramovich selling up.
This is because the Blues’ peers feel whoever comes in next will need time to adapt and spending will have be reigned in.
The Mirror also state there are doubts over whether a joint ownership model would work as well as a single owner like Abramovich did at the helm.
Elsewhere, Chelsea will lobby the Government to lift its bizarre ban on them selling tickets to home Premier League games.
The club is baffled by the decision to single out home league matches when they now have the go-ahead to flog seats at Champions League games.
Chelsea plans to go back to the Government to seek further guidance and clarification in the hope of a U-turn.
Fans have reacted angrily to the confusing move by the Government.
Finally, Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger wants to speak to the new Manchester United manager before deciding on his future.
BILD journalist Christian Falk believes the German international would be open to a move to Old Trafford, but first wants to hear from the club’s new coach on their vision for the coming seasons.
Rudiger’s transfer plans revealed
Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger would only consider a move to Manchester United if he spoke to the new permanent manager first, reports suggest.
According to Bild’s Christian Falk, the centre-back won’t make any decisions regarding his future before the Champions League quarter-final matches against Real Madrid.
Falk tweeted: “[Rudiger] will make no decision before the Matches against [Real Madrid] about his future.
“He hopes on the one hand that the difficult situation at [Chelsea] will be cleared up. On the other hand: Real is also still interested.”
He added: “A decision about a future of [Rudiger] at [United] is difficult. Rudiger would like to Talk with the new Coach before…”
Chelsea plan ticket challenge
Chelsea will lobby the Government to lift its bizarre ban on them selling tickets to home Premier League games.
The club is baffled by the decision to single out home league matches when they now have the go-ahead to flog seats at Champions League games.
Chelsea plans to go back to the Government to seek further guidance and clarification in the hope of a U-turn.
Fans have reacted angrily to the confusing move by the Government.
The Chelsea Supporters Trust issued a statement which read: “The Trust will urgently seek clarification from the DCMS & Chelsea FC on why CFC members will not be able to purchase tickets to home Premier League fixtures at Stamford Bridge.
“The sanctions were not brought in to punish supporters – this decision is illogical and unfounded.”
Two to go
Seb Coe is among the frontrunners as the race to buy Chelsea hots up.
The Olympic track legend and diehard Blues fan is part of a consortium going head-to-head with American Todd Boehly.
Several bidders were told on Thursday they had not made the shortlist to take over at the crisis-hit Premier League giants.
They included former US diplomat Woody Johnson, the Saudi Media Group, London finance firm Aethel and colourful Turkish investor Muhsin Bayrak.
Individual groups have been steadily learning their fate over the last 24 hours as a process of elimination begins to find new owners for one of the biggest clubs in world football.
Candy ruled out of Chelsea bidding
Nick Candy is the latest Chelsea bidder who has been ruled out of buying the club.
Blues fan Candy along with Woody Johnson haven’t been shortlisted as potential buyers, according to The Athletic.
The news comes just hours after the Saudi Media Group was also ruled of the bidding.
Americans lead Chelsea hunt
Chelsea are in line to have American owners if reports are anything to go by.
The two groups leading the race to acquire the Blues are led by US billionaires, according to the Financial Times.
Todd Boehly heads up the Los Angeles Dodgers ownership group.
And the other investment group is led by Josh Harris and David Blitzer, two private equity billionaires who own the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, and several other soccer clubs through Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment.
Alonso wants La Liga transfer
Chelsea star Marcos Alonso is hoping for a move to the La Liga when his contract ends next summer.
And he revealed that he wouldn’t mind playing for Barcelona, Real, or Atletico Madrid.
He said to AS: “I would love to play in La Liga, all my life I have wanted to play and be here in Spain, but the circumstances have been different and not everything has depended on me.
“At the moment I am focused on this season and what has to be, will be.
When asked about a potential switch to any of the Spanish trio he raved: “Yes, yes, I have family ties on all sides… Chelsea right now. I have a contract for this and one more season.”
Rudiger price revealed
Man United will have to depart with £25million plus add-ons to recruit Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger.
Rudiger looks set to leave Stamford Bridge when his contract ends in the summer.
But the German’s representatives are demanding any interested parties cough up a £25m signing on fee plus £5m-a-year in wages after tax.
That’s according to journalist Duncan Castles who said on the Transfer Window Podcast: “The price that his representatives are asking for is €30million signing on fee and a basic wage of at least €6m after-tax each year.”
Chelsea’s Champions League plan
Chelsea star Marcos Alonso has revealed that the Blues will be treating every game in the Champions League like a final.
He said: “There are no easy matches in the Champions League and even less so in these knockout ties.
“All the teams are heavy-hitters and from now on, every game will be played with the importance of a final.”
Winterburn on Tammy Abraham
Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn reckons Tammy Abraham would’ve been a perfect signing for Arsenal before he left Chelsea to join Roma.
Speaking to FreeSuperTips, Winterburn said: ‘Back in the summer when he was moving, there was a link with Arsenal, I don’t know how strong, but he fits into the bill of what Arsenal were trying to do.’
‘A young player with huge potential, so my opinion doesn’t change that he would have been a great option for Arsenal.
Chelsea recovery scrutinized
Chelsea could take TWO YEARS to recover from being sold by Roman Abramovich.
That’s according to The Mirror who claim the Blues’ rivals reckon the West Londoners will need time to recover from the effects of Abramovich selling up.
This is because the Blues’ peers feel whoever comes in next will need time to adapt and spending will have be reigned in.
The Mirror also state there are doubts over whether a joint ownership model would work as well as a single owner like Abramovich did at the helm.
Lukaku’s Inter return dismissed
Romelu Lukaku’s chances of returning to Inter Milan this summer are slim despite the Belgian reportedly personally offering his services to the Serie A club.
That’s according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Biasin who claims Inter’s chiefs don’t share Lukaku’s enthusiasm over him coming back to Italy.
Biasin said on Twitch: “He personally made himself known to the Inter managers, he tried to understand if there are any possibilities to return.”
“But the chances right now are really minimal. He earns a lot. He would be willing to cut his salary, but a deal worth over €100 million was made, it is difficult to think they can loan him back.
“Also because Lukaku has two offers from those who would like to invest in him, in the Premier League.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
