CHELSEA have AGREED terms on the £4.25bn sale of the club to Todd Boehly.
The American billionaire is also the owner of the LA Dodgers baseball team, and leads the consortium.
However, the American will reportedly cut transfer spending while retaining the same insatiable demand for trophies as Roman Abramovich had.
But the new owners are reportedly set to have talks with sporting director Marina Granovskaia over her future at the club.
And Chelsea have been dealt a huge blow in their quest for Christopher Nkunku as RB Leipzig have no intention of parting ways with their talisman this summer.
SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY
Keep up to date with all of the latest gossip from the takeover in our live blog…
Chelsea star courts interest
Chelsea’s Jake Clarke-Salter is wanted by top clubs across Europe including Leeds and PSV Eindhoven on a free transfer.
Clarke-Salter is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer but Thomas Tuchel’s side do have the option to extend his deal for another 12 months.
But Chelsea’s ownership issues means the Blues cannot currently activate new deals under the sanctions imposed by the UK government.
That means Clarke-Salter can speak to other clubs with Leeds and Sheffield United already enquiring for his services.
Chelsea transfer suggestions
Chelsea have been urged to make a double swoop for Harry Maguire and Declan Rice this summer.
Both England stars will be welcome additions to the Blues’ squad, insists pundit Richard Keys.
Keys explained: “They need a centre-back. Harry Maguire? What would he cost? £40/50 million? I’m pretty sure he’d jump at the chance of a new start. The obvious one in midfield would be Rice. Kante has all but run himself to a stand still.
“Rice would be a perfect replacement. Would West Ham sell? Of course they will if the money is right. I’d give you £150m for him all day long. If Rice pushes hard it might not take that much.”
Leipzig warn Chelsea off Nkunku
RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff says they have no intention of selling £62million rated forward Christopher Nkunku to Chelsea this summer.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano tweeted a quote from Mintzlaff which says: “We have clearly discussed it internally: we won’t let Nkunku leave this summer, we told him and his agent.”
Sheva’s support for Ukrainian footballers
Andriy Shevchenko has reached out to two Premier League Ukrainian football stars to offer his support in the wake of Russia’s invasion of their country.
Former Chelsea striker and ex-Ukraine national team boss Sheva has contacted West Ham winger Andriy Yarmolenko and Manchester City midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Shevchenko told LADbible: “I know how it’s been difficult for the boys.
“I tried to support and call them and encourage them to not give up, to think about the game.
“Just try to go in the stadium and play for your country, play for your fans who are supporting you, which club you’re playing.
“The boys are representing Ukraine and then we need that visibility in the world, that Ukrainian athletes can do very well.”
Boehly takeover set for approval
Todd Boehly is set to be cleared to complete his Chelsea takeover before the end of the season.
The LA Dodgers co-owner is leading a consortium which has signed a £4.25billion deal to buy Roman Abramovich’s shares in the Blues.
It needs Prem and government sign-off, and with all parties keen to draw the saga to a close it looks like the deal will be ratified before the Blues host Watford in their final game of the season on May 22.
Boehly to ‘invest heavily’
New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is planning ‘heavy investment’ in their squad to turn them into a Prem title force again, according to the Evening Standard.
The American billionaire was confirmed as the successor to Roman Abramovich on Saturday and will kickstart their summer transfer plans once the takeover deal is rubberstamped.
Hayes ‘drained’ by WSL win
Chelsea Women’s boss Emma Hayes says their dramatic final-day WSL title win left her feeling “mentally drained”.
The Blues twice came from behind to beat Manchester United 4-2 to pip Arsenal to the championship.
Hayes told the Blues’ club website: “I’m absolutely mentally drained right now but I will just go home, have a cup of tea as usual and get ready for tomorrow.”
Chelsea will look to complete the double in next Sunday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Palmieiri tipped for Chelsea return
Emerson Palmieiri looks set to return to Chelsea next season after his successful loan spell with Lyon.
The Italian left-back, 27, made a temporary switch to the French giants last summer and has impressed in Ligue 1.
Juventus are also said to be keen but the Blues may want to retain him as part of a squad built for the new era of Todd Boehly’s ownership.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Emerson Palmieri will leave OL [Lyon] at the end of current season and will return to Chelsea – he’s definitely not gonna stay at OL next year.”
Elneny’s new Arsenal deal offer
Arsenal hope Mohamed Elneny will sign a new deal with them, according to The Athletic.
The Eygpt midfielder, 29, has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot since joining from Basel in 2016.
But his improved form in a Gunners side bidding for a top-four Prem finish this season has persuaded the club to try and tie him down.
Elneny was recalled for the victory at Chelsea last month and has played every minute since in wins over Manchester United, West Ham and yesterday’s 2-1 triumph against Leeds.
Gunners ‘renew interest in Arthur’
Arsenal have re-ignited their interest in signing Juventus midfielder Arthur, according to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato.
But a sticking point could be that Juve value their Brazil star at £34million, while the Gunners want to do business for about £21m.
United blow in Laimer chase
Manchester Unite face competition from Bayern Munich in their pursuit of Konrad Laimer, according to reports.
The Red Devils have been tracking the RB Leipzig midfielder, 24, who could fill the void if Paul Pogba leaves Old Trafford as expected.
But Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says Bayern are lining up a £15million bid that could extend to £17m, and their boss Julian Nagelsmann is “pushing” for his side to sign Laimer from his old team.
Leicester join £40m Gleison hunt
Chelsea could face a £40million battle with Leicester for Torino centre-back Gleison Bremer.
Foxes’ boss Brendan Rodgers is reportedly considering let the Serie a side keep loan midfielder Dennis Praet in part-exchange for the Brazilian.
SunSport understands Leicester officials met with their Torino counterparts in Italy last week to try to thrash out a deal.
And it’s understood Chelsea have been watching Bremer – as a potential replacement for outgoing Antonio Rudiger.
Marc-elona?
Barcelona’s interest in Marcos Alonso is reportedly hotting up.
The Chelsea left-back is rated a priority recruit for the Spanish giants this summer.
And transfer guru Fabrizio Romano believes Barca are firming up their pursuit of the seven-cap Spain star, 31.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has England ace Ben Chilwell returning to fitness in the same position.
Koul should be hot Chelsea target
Ex-Chelsea striker Demba Ba believes Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly should be a priority target under incoming owner Todd Boehly.
Area Napoli claim Koulibaly’s agent Fali Ramadani has offered the £30million-rated Senegal star to the Blues.
Barcelona are also said to be keen on the 30-year-old, who has previously been linked to Manchester United
Area Napoli suggest Ramadani reckons Chelsea offer Koulibaly the best combination of pay packet and Champions League football.
And asked if Chelsea should step up their Koulibaly hunt, Ba said: “One hundred per cent. One thousand per cent.
“He has that stature. He can support pressure, bear in mind he plays for Senegal and plays for Napoli.
“He can handle the pressure. He’s good as a football player and a top lad.”
It’s Rudi difficult
Antonio Rudiger’s expected summer exit is ‘affecting’ Chelsea on the pitch, boss Thomas Tuchel claims.
Rudiger and Tuchel himself have all but confirmed the defender will leave when his contract esxpires.
And Tuchel revealed: “It surely affects the team, but I cannot tell you to which degree. The longer the situation goes (on), now it has a huge affect because Toni leaves us in the middle the process where we are sanctioned and could not even fight, could not do another offer, could not be in negotiations.”
“It clearly has an affect, and it makes not so much sense to deny it; we lose now one of our key players.
“This decision has an effect on the dressing room because Toni is not isolating when he’s here at Cobham and does not talk to anyone, so he is a huge part; he is a leader, and, of course, the situation is like that.”
Survival was Tuch and go
Thomas Tuchel could barely look as Chelsea’s Under-23s secured their Premier League 2 safety with a late comeback win against Tottenham, writes JAKE LAMBOURNE.
The Blues went into the last match of the PL2 season at Kingsmeadow knowing only three points would see them avoid relegation.
It was a strong Chelsea line-up, with first-teamers Malang Sarr and Trevor Chalobah adding experience.
After a flat first-half, Spurs took the lead through Kion Etete just before the hour mark.
It proved to be too much for German gaffer Tuchel, who was watching through his hands as the U23s searched for a goal.
And with the likes of Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Mason Mount watching on, Chelsea finally got back on level terms in the 82nd minute.
Dion Rankine tapped home after getting on the end of a low cross from Lewis Hall. The comeback was complete in the 88th minute after Joe Haigh bundled the ball home to spark wild scenes from the jubilant Blues’ players.
Chelsea’s victory condemned Leeds to be relegated from the PL2 first division, with Derby also dropping down. For the second year in a row, Manchester City have won Premier League 2, with West Ham and Arsenal following behind.
Barca ‘step up Alonso hunt’
Barcelona’s interest in Marcos Alonso is reportedly hotting up.
The Chelsea left-back is rated a priority recruit for the Spanish giants this summer.
And transfer guru Fabrizio Romano believes Barca are firming up their pursuit of the seven-cap Spain star, 31.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has England ace Ben Chilwell returning to fitness in the same position.
Leipzig fight to keep Chelsea target Nkunku
RB Leipzig will fight to keep Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal target Christopher Nkunku.
That’s the claim this evening as AC Milan, Bayern Munich and former club Paris Saint-Germain also eye the France midfielder, 24.
Despite L’Equipe suggesting last week that Nkunku has privately revealed he is interested in moving on this summer, reports today insist Leipzig believe they can keep him.
Publicly at least, the twice-capped star says he is happy in Germany and could stay for the final two years of his contract.
Nev defends claim Conte shouldn’t boss Utd
Gary Neville has ferociously defended his claim that ex-Chelsea chief Antonio Conte is not right for Manchester United amid criticism from Jamie Carragher.
It comes after Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp revealed he doesn’t like the kind of football Conte’s Tottenham team play following their 1-1 draw at Anfield on Saturday.
The Reds boss said: “I’m sorry I’m the wrong person for that, I don’t like this kind of football. But that’s my personal problem.
“I think they’re world class, and I think they should do more for the game. I think the game against Liverpool they had 36, 38 per cent possession. But it’s my problem. I cannot coach it. So that’s why I cannot do it.
“So yes, world class players block all the balls, really difficult. Atletico Madrid is doing it. Fine, they won whatever.
“Fine, absolutely fine. I just can’t. I respect everything they do, but it’s not me.”
Conte was touted for the Manchester United job last year but the Red Devils opted to stick with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for a few more matches. The Italian then chose to join Tottenham instead, while Man Utd sacked Solskjaer and appointed Ralf Rangnick as interim boss.
Old Trafford legend Neville quote retweeted the comments from Klopp and added: “I respect Conte and his football enormously but this Klopp interview gives the clear reason why he wasn’t the right fit for United.”
Neville’s Sky Sports colleague Carragher then responded with a screenshot of a headline which read: “Gary Neville calls for brutal Diego Simeone to be considered for next Manchester United manager”.
To which Neville replied: “Simone 4-4-2 aggressive style. Proper United that. Conte wing backs ?? No..”
Foxes fight Blues for Bremer
Chelsea could face a £40million battle with Leicester for Torino centre-back Gleison Bremer.
Foxes’ boss Brendan Rodgers is reportedly considering let the Serie a side keep loan midfielder Dennis Praet in part-exchange for the Brazilian.
SunSport understands Leicester officials met with their Torino counterparts in Italy last week to try to thrash out a deal.
And it’s understood Chelsea have been watching Bremer – as a potential replacement for outgoing Antonio Rudiger.
‘Big lump’ Lukaku gave me the hump
Wolves coach Tony Roberts labelled Romelu Lukaku a ‘big lump’ as he questioned how the Chelsea striker won a penalty in a dramatic 2-2 draw.
Goalkeeping trainer Roberts – standing in as manager Bruno Lage had Covid – suggested Lukaku fell too easily for such a powerful player.
Watched by incoming Chelsea owner Todd Boehly, the recalled Belgian tucked in the spot-kick opener himself and soon doubled the Blues’ lead.
But Wolves sub Francisco Trincao netted a spectacular reply and visitors’ skipper Conor Coady headed the leveller seven minutes into stoppage time.
Roberts’ delight over a ‘well deserved’ comeback point was offset, however, by his penalty gripe.
Lukaku was growing into the game when he bustled and muscled past Roman Saiss on 56 minutes.
And the defender brought down the ex-Inter Milan hero with a clumsy challenge. Ref Peter Banks awarded a spot-kick after checking video replays.
Roberts said of Lukaku’s input: “He’s a big lump, isn’t he. So for him to go down, I’m not sure.”
The Welshman added: “We came back to get the point but we’re disappointed we didn’t win it.”
Will Azpilicueta leave this summer?
According to Spanish outlet AS, Barcelona have swooped in to put a huge offer on the table, of which Azpilicueta has agreed to.
The two-year deal will see the defender earn £11million per-season.
It also includes the option of a one-year extension.
Since joining the Blues in 2012, Azpilicueta has become one of the most successful Chelsea players of all time.
Earlier this year, he became the first player to win every trophy possible with the club.
No doubt a legend, whatever happens this summer.
Boehly watches Wolves late equaliser
The LA Dodgers part owner had just been told that his consortium had won the battle to buy Chelsea from sanctioned Roman Abramovich.
But Conor Coady’s 97th minute equaliser left the American billionaire scratching his head in bewilderment as his new team threw away a two-goal lead right at the death.
At least Boehly can say that he has seen Romelu Lukaku score a Premier League goal after the £97million Belgian struck twice in the space of two minutes to end his four-month drought.
Yet it was hardly champagne stuff from Thomas Tuchel’s players just a week before they take on Liverpool in the FA Cup final.
‘Should have been a win’, says Pulisic
The American forward will keep fighting in order for the Blues to cement that Champions League spot…
Player ratings – subs
SAUL NIGUEZ (for Alonso at 45′) – 5/10
Had some good moments down the left after being introduced at the break.
But, not being a natural defender, he didn’t look particularly comfortable once the visitors came to life in the second half.
MALANG SARR (for Azpilicueta at 85′) – N/A
KAI HAVERTZ (for Lukaku at 88′) – NA
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
