CHELSEA’S takeover appears to have been confirmed in a deleted tweet from sponsor Trivago.
Earlier this week, the buyout seemed to have hit a massive stumbling block with the final structure of the agreement yet to resolved.
It has also been revealed that Romelu Lukaku was Chelsea’s fourth choice transfer target last summer.
The Blues are said to have held talks with Erling Haaland, Robert Lewandowski and Harry Kane before settling on Lukaku.
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Keep up to date with all of the latest gossip from the Stamford Bridge…
Liverpool linked with Kante
Liverpool have been urged to sign Chelsea ace N’Golo Kante by Rio Ferdinand.
Ferdinand said when speaking on Liverpool’s needs: “That’s where they need a Kante.
“A fit Kante and he’s given the license to get on and jump out of a defensive block, he’s the one player who could cause them problems.”
United fans beg for Nkunku
Man United fans have begged the Red Devils to sign RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku after he was named Bundesliga’s Player of the Season.
Nkunku’s impact has wowed United’s faithful who flocked to Twitter to voice their desire for him to be in a Red Devils shirt next season.
One fan reckoned Nkunku’s switch to United is a foregone conclusion and wrote: “United player soon.”
United have had an indifferent season and currently languish in sixth spot in the Premier League with just one game left to play.
And one supporter who believes Nkunku will provide a solution to the club’s problems next season, added: “@ManUtd here is our man.”
While a third Red Devils loyalist chipped in: “Think he’d be perfect for us.”
Chelsea have also been linked with the midfield maestro.
Chelsea face Lewandowski Barca blow
Chelsea target Robert Lewandowski is reportedly desperate to join Barcelona.
And he is even willing to take a £100,000-a-week wage cut to make his dream move come true.
Chelsea and PSG are both thought to have joined the race for the wantaway Bayern Munich striker.
But Mundo Deportivo claims Lewandowski only wants Barcelona and is ready to do whatever it takes to get a move.
Hurst reveals Rice price tag
West Ham legend Sir Geoff Hurst has urged the club to accept bids of £100million for Chelsea and Man Utd target Declan Rice.
He told TalkSport: “I’m hopeful [he will stay] but not necessarily confident. It is a big issue for a young player with his outstanding talent at a club not in the top four or five.
“They’ve offered him a big contract and I’d like to see him at the club and stay. He’s absolutely brilliant, a decent lad and fantastic player and still to improve.
“[But] If you were to get £100million plus, which is a possibility, then you could strengthen the club with three or four players in different positions.”
Barca close in on duo
Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta are set to join Barcelona this summer.
Fabrizio Romano claims a deal to sign Alonso is almost complete.
And Barca are confident of also landing Azpi after offering him a two-year deal.
The veteran Spaniards would link up with Andreas Christensen at the Nou Camp, with the Dane joining on a free transfer.
Marina’s Chelsea future remains unclear
Marina Granovskaia future “has not been decided.”
The Telegraph claims she is yet to commit to working under potential new owner Todd Boehly.
The American is keen for her to stay, as well as chairman Bruce Buck.
And more talks are expected this week to discuss her working role at Stamford Bridge.
United urged to sign Ziyech
Dutch legend Marco van Basten has urged Erik ten Hag to sign Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech for Man United.
Ziyech and Ten Hag worked together at Ajax, with the Moroccan a key player in his XI.
And with the playmaker struggling for minutes at Chelsea, Van Basten believes a reunion should be on the cards.
He said: “What comes to my mind now is that I think Ziyech who already plays in England could be a very good footballer at Manchester United for Erik.”
Azpi sorry for penalty miss
Cesar Azpilicueta has apologised to Chelsea fans for his penalty miss in the FA Cup final defeat to Liverpool.
The Blues captain and Mason Mount fluffed their spot-kicks, handing victory to the Reds.
Azpilicueta tweeted: “I wish I could write to you after having added another trophy for our club last Saturday, but unfortunately it was not possible.
“I felt confident to take on the responsibility in the penalty shootout and I didn’t succeed. At the highest level, inches can mean the difference…”
Prem Teams of the Year
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have revealed their Premier League Teams of the Year.
Unsurprisingly, the XIs are dominated by Man City and Liverpool players.
But there isn’t one single Chelsea player in the entire side.
Did Mason Mount or Thiago Silva deserve a look-in?
Lampard at fault for Rudiger
Paul Merson believes Frank Lampard is to blame for Antonio Rudiger’s Chelsea exit.
He declared: “Losing Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid is going to break Chelsea’s heart – but his mind was made up 18 months ago with the way he was treated by Frank Lampard.
“He got completely binned out the team by Lampard and I think that left a lasting effect on Rudiger. That’s when he decided that he’s not signing a new contract.
“Now Chelsea are letting a £70m-80m defender go on a free transfer and they’re going to bring someone in for £70m in that will be nowhere as good as Rudiger.”
James tipped for England spot
Gary Neville is backing Reece James to be England’s No1 right-back at the Qatar World Cup.
He said: “I think Reece James could be the best out of them all.
“I have concerns over his fitness and I would want to make sure he kept fit for a season or two, but he could be the best out of all of them if he continues to go forward.”
Pal Jamie Carragher added: “He could be a mix of Kyle Walker and Trent. He’s a great crosser of the ball, Reece James.”
Lukaku not Chelsea’s first choice
Chelsea held talks with THREE other strikers before signing Romelu Lukaku last summer.
Goal claims the Blues attempted to sign Spurs’ Harry Kane, Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland and Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski.
However, the newly-crowned European champions were unsuccessful on all three fronts.
And that saw them eventually pay a club-record £97.5million for Inter Milan’s Lukaku.
Blues secure top four finish
Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat at Newcastle saw Chelsea finally book their place in next season’s Champions League.
Blues fans faced a nervy wait after winning just three of their last eight league games.
Chelsea could yet end up finishing fourth if they lose their last two games and Spurs win on the final day.
But the north Londoners only need a point against Norwich to confirm their top four return ahead of Arsenal.
Prem teams eye Monaco’s Badiashile
Monaco star Benoit Badiashile says he has had ‘contact’ with Prem clubs amid speculation of a summer move.
Badiashile said: “We all know the competitiveness of the Premier League, it is a fantastic league that of course, is very interesting and we all love the games.
“I had the chance to play in the Champions League with Monaco and I think this club deserves this competition, it’s a club that’s used to playing in this competition and we want to get back on track.
“Right now, I’m really happy with Monaco. I had some contact in the past with some [English] clubs but I’m fully focused on the end of the season and Monaco and I feel good.”
Good morning Chelsea fans
Chelsea departing owner Roman Abramovich has been accused of blocking the final sale of the club and putting its future at risk.
In a remarkable cranking up of pressure, sources close to the UK Government have turned their fire on Abramovich over the proposed sale condition.
Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly and his consortium were hopeful of completing a £2.6billion takeover with a promise to spend a further £1.65bn on the stadium, academy and team-building by the end of this week.
But the ongoing spat between the Blues and the DCMS over the final structure of the agreement has now broken out into a serious issue.
A UK Government insider expressed “considerable alarm” at the flare-up, suggesting the very viability of the West Londoners could be at threat.
The source said: “There’s quite serious concern in government that the deal may fall apart and that Roman Abramovich is ultimately willing to let Chelsea go under.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has confirmed Andreas Christensen will leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.
Tuchel is adamant he will be without Christensen next season as he stated: “We’re losing him.”
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the centre-back agreed a deal with Barcelona weeks ago.
The German head coach confirmed the news while revealing the Denmark international refused to play in the FA Cup Final loss against Liverpool at Wembley.
And Chelsea are targeting Bayern Munich superstar Robert Lewandowski, who looks set to leave the German champions.
That is according to The Guardian’s Jacob Steinburg, who is reporting that the Blues do hold an interest in Lewandowski ahead of the summer transfer window.
Steinburg says that Tuchel “loves” the star striker, although Boehly’s consortium will first have to take over from Abramovich who is sanctioned and thus the club can’t sign new players.
However, he says that the West Londoners need to work out what to do with Romelu Lukaku as he takes up space in the squad and the wage bill.
The reporter describes that prospect as “a long shot… but not impossible.”
Finally, Incoming Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has been linked with a sensational swoop for Chelsea star N’Golo Kante this summer.
The takeover disruption at Stamford Bridge has convinced various clubs that many star players are up for grabs.
According to The Mirror, this has led to United chiefs, including Ten Hag, believing a swoop for Kante is a realistic proposition this summer.
The news comes after SunSport exclusively revealed that the West Londoners were fearing the midfielder would be one of many players on their way out of the club
Not Rud timing
Bayern Munich failed with an 11th hour transfer move for departing Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger
Rudiger is out of contract at Stamford Bridge in the summer and is set to join Real Madrid.
According to SportBild’s Christian Falk, Bayern contacted the centre-back over a potential deal.
But the German champions had acted too late, with the 29-year-old having already almost agreed terms with Real.
This report states that Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic got in touch with the Germany international’s agent after the Champions League exit to Villarreal.
But the Bavarians would not meet Rudiger’s wage demands
Ousmane in Dem-and
Bayern Munich have added Chelsea target Ousmane Dembele to their list of summer transfer targets.
Dembele is set to leave Barcelona on a free transfer when his contract expires in the summer.
Some of Europe’s biggest clubs have been linked with a potential swoop for the forward, including Paris Saint-Germain and the Blues.
The West Londoners were planning to go all-out to sign the France international in the coming months, however, they now face some serious competition from Bayern.
According to Sky Sports, the German champions are very interested in signing the 24-year-old and have already made contact with his representatives.
Bayern manager Julian Nagelsmann is eager to sign a new forward who has the ability to make a difference in attack as he faces the risk of losing star man Robert Lewandowski
More from Rudiger
Departing Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger wanted a “different ending” at Stamford Bridge.
Rudiger will leave the Blues in the summer for Real Madrid.
Rudiger added: “It’s been five years as normal with ups and downs, but with a lot of positive things.
“That’s why I’m even more frustrated because I wanted to have a different ending”
Rudiger talks exit
Departing Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger has dismissed the theory that Government sanctions are behind his decision to quit Stamford Bridge for Real Madrid.
Rudiger said: “There was a chance but sanctions are not the problem. I don’t want to go too deep in things.
“At the end of the day it’s not only about one side [helping the other], it’s both sides – Chelsea have been great to me, I have been great to Chelsea.
“As always, I am very, very thankful me, my family. I became a man here. My kids were born here and everything. London and especially Chelsea will always be special to me”
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Man Utd eye Kante
Incoming Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been linked with a sensational swoop for Chelsea star N’Golo Kante this summer.
The takeover disruption at Stamford Bridge has convinced a number of clubs that some of the Blues’ prized assets are up for grabs at the end of the season.
According to The Mirror, this has led to United chiefs, including Ten Hag, believing a swoop for Kante is a realistic proposition.
The news comes after SunSport exclusively revealed that the West Londoners were fearing the star midfielder would be one of a number of players on their way out of the club.
Chelsea are already having to say goodbye to Antonio Rudiger, who is joining Real Madrid, as well as Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen, who have been linked with Barcelona.
That is after the club were restricted from doing business back in March following sanctions placed on departing owner Roman Abramovich
Tuchel backs Mount
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel called for an investigation into abuse aimed at Mason Mount after having his FA Cup final penalty saved.
Tuchel said: “Nothing I can say will stop these guys doing it. I don’t understand social media anyway. It has a huge impact and I don’t get it.
“I’m not on social media and it keeps me healthy, more healthy than I would be on it. It’s a very thin ice for everybody who is in such a spotlight to be out there. Abuse is not acceptable, be it here or on social media.
“If someone thinks he has the right to write it, we will not be able to stop him — but maybe we can investigate”
More from Government source
The source added: “There’s alarm about the gap between what Abramovich has said he will do publicly and what he’s willing to commit to legally as part of the sale process.
“There are pressing deadlines this week, and if there isn’t a breakthrough, we’re quite concerned that the sale of Chelsea could be timed out by certain sporting deadlines.
“Chelsea are saying to us they don’t know who owns Camberley International and can’t talk to them. We cannot contact Camberley International to talk about this.
“Our understanding of the structure is that Camberley International is an affiliate of a trust fund which is owned by his children or goes to his children with an individual in Cyprus acting as the trustees’ signatory.
“Abramovich seems unwilling to give the legal commitments that neither he nor his affiliates could stake a claim to that unpaid debt between Fordstam and Camberley.
“A deal which would allow the cash to be diverted would be a breach of sanctions and would be a red line for ministers”
More on Chelsea takeover
The sticking point remains Government demands that the entire £2.6bn from Todd Boehly be placed in a holding account until officials are satisfied all the money will then go to a foundation to help victims of Russia’s unjust invasion of Ukraine.
But Chelsea and departing owner Roman Abramovich maintain their wish for the £1.6bn debt owed by the club’s parent company Fordstam – effectively money owed to the Russian owner over his 19-year reign – be sent to a Jersey-registered investment company before being sent on to the foundation.
The Blues’ demand is that the money would be frozen after being transferred to Camberley International Investments ahead of being moved to the foundation.
But the Government believes that would break the sanctions imposed on Abramovich and other Russian oligarchs for their alleged support of president Vladimir Putin
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Chelsea takeover latest
Chelsea departing owner Roman Abramovich has been accused of blocking the final sale of the club and putting its future in danger.
In a remarkable cranking up of pressure, sources close to the UK Government have turned their fire on Abramovich over the proposed sale condition.
Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly and his consortium were hopeful of completing a £2.6bn takeover with a promise to spend a further £1.65bn on the stadium, academy and team-building by the end of this week.
But the ongoing spat between the Blues and the DCMS over the final structure of the agreement has now broken out into a serious issue.
A Government insider expressed “considerable alarm” at the flare-up, suggesting the very viability of the West Londoners could be at threat.
The source said: “There’s quite serious concern in government that the deal may fall apart and that Roman Abramovich is ultimately willing to let Chelsea go under”
Christensen is going
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has confirmed Andreas Christensen will leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.
Tuchel is sure he will be without Christensen next season as he stated: “We’re losing him.”
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the centre-back agreed a deal with Barcelona weeks ago.
The German head coach confirmed the news while revealing the Denmark international refused to play in the FA Cup Final
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
