CHELSEA are reportedly ready to complete the signing of Jules Kounde as soon as Todd Boehly’s takeover of the club is complete.
The Blues want to push the deal through as quickly as possible with the departures of Toni Rudiger and Andreas Christensen imminent.
In contrast to lasts summer when they upped the asking price at the last minute, Sevilla are also said to want a quick deal so they can focus on signing a replacement.
Meanwhile Thomas Tuchel has questions the attitude of outgoing Christensen as he revealed the Dane has withdrawn from Chelsea matchday squads on multiple occasions, as he did in the FA Cup final at the weekend.
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Christensen’s not wanted to play
But it’s not the first time that Christensen has opted not to play, Tuchel revealed.
The defender also refused to play at some point in the past few weeks, Tuchel claimed.
He added: “But it was not the first time, as you can see over the last weeks that we had some of the same situations where he could not play so regularly.”
Christensen’s absence in final explained
Thomas Tuchel has lifted the lid on Andreas Christensen’s absence in the FA Cup final.
He said: “Andreas came in the morning of the match to speak to me and tell me he was not ready to play the match, start the match, or be on the bench.
“He had his reasons; they stay private and confidential.”
Blues pair set for return
Thomas Tuchel has revealed that Conor Gallagher and Armando Broja will return to Chelsea next season.
Broja has been on loan with Southampon, and Gallagher with Crystal Palace.
But Tuchel insists the pair will be part of the Blues squad next season as better players.
He said: “They will come back for sure.
“When you give them on loan you give them to get better and more experienced players back.”
De Jong given career advice
Frenkie de Jong should stay at Barcelona and snub Man United in order to play with Chelsea star Andreas Christensen at the Nou Camp.
Christensen’s reportedly on the verge of joining Barca, and Steve McManaman reckons De Jong is better off staying put to rub shoulders with the defender.
McManaman explained to HorseRacing.net: “For him to go to Manchester United then I think they’d have to pay him more than he’s earning at Barcelona.
“Which I think will be a really hard thing to do considering that he went to Barcelona for a huge amount of money.
“You’d rather stay at Barcelona in the Champions League with Xavi trying to change things around.
“Players like [Andreas] Christensen and [Robert] Lewandowski potentially coming in makes that a more exciting challenge in my opinion.”
Tuchel unsure of Christensen involvement
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is unsure as to whether Andreas Christensen will play for the club again after he withdrew from the squad on the morning of the FA Cup final.
Speaking ahead of Thursday’s game with Leicester, the German said: “I’m not sure yet if he will be involved either tomorrow or at the weekend.
“Andreas came to me [on Saturday morning] to tell me that he’s not ready to play, start or to be on the bench.
“He had his reasons, and they will stay private and confidential – but it was not the first time.”
Tuchel was quick to point out, however, that Christensen’s absence was not because the defender did not want to play, and reiterated that the Dane has the support of the club.
Tuchel dismisses Loftus-Cheek discussion
Thomas Tuchel has reacted with confusion at the suggestion he should have spoken to Ruben Loftus-Cheek in detail following his substitution in Saturday’s FA Cup final.
The midfielder was brought on in extra-time at Wembley, only to be replaced 14 minutes later by Ross Barkley.
Quizzed on his decision at this afternoon’s press conference, the Chelsea manager appeared surprised that the subject was even brought up.
Asked if he had sat down with the player since, Tuchel replied: “No, why?
“This was a ten second conversation on the pitch, and half a minute after the match. It was a penalty decision.”
Boehly will begin with crown Jules
Todd Boehly will make Sevilla’s Jules Kounde his first purchase after completing his takeover at Chelsea.
A deal for the French defender – equally comfortable at right-back or centre-half – is expected to cost the Blues in the region of £60million, and will go through as soon as the club’s takeover is completed and its sanctions are lifted, according to Goal.
The 23-year-old has been a long-term target of the London club, and will be a statement of intent from new owner Boehly, who has indicted that significant funds will be available.
Thomas Tuchel is in desperate need of defensive reinforcements after it became apparent that both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen are intending to leave the club for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.
There are also doubts over the futures of Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso with the Spanish pair also linked with a return to their homeland.
Kante would improve United midfield
N’Golo Kante is guaranteed to improve the Manchester United midfield if the Red Devils are able to tempt the 31-year-old to Old Trafford this summer.
United have been heavily linked with the Frenchman over the past few days, and Paul Parker believes the deal would be a no-brainer should it present itself.
The former England international believes that Kante could fulfil the role that current United midfielders struggle with.
In conversation with indiabetting.co.in, Parker said of Kante: “He will improve Manchester United’s midfield a hundred per cent because he can go and get the ball off of players without always fouling them.
“He doesn’t go around looking to hurt people and when he does get the ball, he keeps the ball.”
Breaking: Government agree to Chelsea deal
A deal has finally been agreed between Roman Abramovich and the UK Government over the sale of Chelsea that will green light Todd Boehly’s takeover of the football club.
The PA News Agency report that the two parties are said to have found a ‘legal resolution’ as to how to handle the £1.5billion debt the Stamford Bridge club owe to the outgoing Russian owner.
Abramovich had previously indicated his willingness to write off the loan, but Downing Street officials had expressed concerns that the 55-year-old would later renege on that promise.
The Premier League are now required to sign off on any sale of one of their clubs.
Welcome Maat: Dortmund want defender
Borussia Dortmund are preparing to make an offer for young Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen, according to BILD.
The Bundesliga club want to bring the 20-year-old Dutchman in on loan initially with a view to a permanent move if he impresses at Signal Iduna Park.
Maatsen has spent a successful year on loan at Coventry, making 40 appearances as the Sky Blues registered their highest league finish in 16 years.
Boehly to make statement signing
Incoming Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is planning to make a statement signing on taking over at Stamford Bridge – and is targeting both Robert Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembele.
The high-profile pair have been linked with moves away from Bayern Munich and Barcelona respectively, and the prospective Blues chief wants at least one to head up Thomas Tuchel’s new-look attack.
Dembele is available on a free transfer following the end of his contract at the Nou Camp while Lewandowski only has a final year to run on his Bayern deal.
However, both players would require significant wages, and so it is thought that at least one high-earning first teamer would have to be moved on from the Bridge before any such swoop could be completed.
Good morning Chelsea fans
Chelsea’s £4.25billion takeover is now set to be confirmed by the Government THIS WEEK.
And directors Marina Granovskaia and Bruce Buck are among club executives who will share a £50million bonus from new owner Todd Boehly.
On Monday, Government sources suggested Roman Abramovich’s demands could see the Blues takeover “fall apart”.
The contentious issue was how the £1.6bn owed Chelsea to the Russian would be moved into a new account to fund the planned charitable foundation.
But after days of wrangling involving club and government lawyers, the trustees of Jersey-based Camberley International Investments were given indemnity from any legal action.
That clears the way for the initial £2.5bn payment from the Boehly consortium to be paid into a Government-controlled holding account before being transferred to the foundation – once Treasury officials confirm no money will end up in Abramovich’s pocket.
Elsewhere, Cesar Azplicueta is yet to decide his Chelsea future despite reports claiming he’s agreed to join Barcelona.
The defender is reportedly set to meet with the Blues’ hierarchy over his upcoming career plans in the next few hours.
And he’s said to be intent on liaising with the club’s new owners and Thomas Tuchel as he doesn’t want to leave Stamford Bridge on bad terms, according to Sports Witness.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are eyeing up Eintracht Frankfurt teenager Luka Hyrylainen.
The Finland Under-19 defensive midfielder, 17, is being watched by a number of top European clubs.
But Chelsea are hoping to pounce once he turns 18 in August and the sale of the Blues is completed and their transfer ban lifted.
Hyrylainen has one year left on his contract with Germany’s Europa League finalists.
Finally, N’Golo Kante has opened up about his Chelsea future.
But he refused to reveal where he’ll be playing next season as he’s only focused on the current campaign with the Blues.
Kante told Sky Sports: “The only thing is sure that I have one more year and the only thing is to finish this season.
“I’ll think about it in the right time.”
Kante speaks on future
N’Golo Kante has opened up about his Chelsea future.
But he refused to reveal where he’ll be playing next season as he’s only focused on the current campaign with the Blues.
Kante told Sky Sports: “The only thing is sure that I have one more year and the only thing is to finish this season.
“I’ll think about it in the right time.”
Mason Mount tipped for comeback
Mason Mount has been backed to bounce back from his penalty miss against Liverpool.
Mount’s miss handed Liverpool the FA Cup after a tense penalty shootout.
But Reds ace Jordan Henderson reckons his England pal will be scoring pens again in no time.
Henderson said: “He’s got the world at his feet, and I am sure he will bounce back. When he gets the opportunity again, he’ll step up and put the ball in the back of the net.”
Chelsea takeover CONFIRMED this week
Chelsea’s £4.25billion takeover is now set to be confirmed by the Government THIS WEEK.
And directors Marina Granovskaia and Bruce Buck are among club executives who will share a £50million bonus from new owner Todd Boehly.
On Monday, Government sources suggested Roman Abramovich’s demands could see the Blues takeover “fall apart”.
The contentious issue was how the £1.6bn owed Chelsea to the Russian would be moved into a new account to fund the planned charitable foundation.
But after days of wrangling involving club and government lawyers, the trustees of Jersey-based Camberley International Investments were given indemnity from any legal action.
That clears the way for the initial £2.5bn payment from the Boehly consortium to be paid into a Government-controlled holding account before being transferred to the foundation – once Treasury officials confirm no money will end up in Abramovich’s pocket.
Chelsea track AC Milan defender
Chelsea are reportedly keen on signing AC Milan captain Alessio Romagnoli on a free transfer this summer.
Romagnoli’s contract expires with the Serie A giants when the season ends, and the Blues are eyeing up a swoop for the defender, according to Mundo Deportivo.
However, Bayern Munich and Sevilla are also tracking Romagnoli, the report adds.
Azplicueta to discuss Chelsea future
Cesar Azplicueta is yet to decide his Chelsea future despite reports claiming he’s agreed to join Barcelona.
The defender is reportedly set to meet with the Blues’ hierarchy over his upcoming career plans in the next few hours.
And he’s said to be intent on liaising with the club’s new owners and Thomas Tuchel as he doesn’t want to leave Stamford Bridge on bad terms, according to Sports Witness.
Chelsea eye Frankfurt teen star
Chelsea are eyeing up Eintracht Frankfurt teenager Luka Hyrylainen, CLIFF HAYES WRITES.
The Finland Under-19 defensive midfielder, 17, is being watched by a number of top European clubs.
But Chelsea are hoping to pounce once he turns 18 in August and the sale of the Blues is completed and their transfer ban lifted.
Hyrylainen has one year left on his contract with Germany’s Europa League finalists.
Chelsea remain confident over deal
Chelsea remain confident the takeover deal with Todd Boehly WILL be cleared – despite Government suggestions the club’s future is under threat, MARTIN LIPTON WRITES.
Their positive stance was intensified as the man charged by Roman Abramovich with heading the proposed foundation, former Unicef chief Mike Penrose, write his own letter to ministers vowing the Russian could not benefit from the deal.
Penrose said: “No one who has any association with Roman Abramovich would be employed to do anything.
“No one could receive any financial benefit from this at all.
“I’ve never met him. I’ve never spoken to him.
“The club reached out to me to do this, so I have created this independently on my own initiative.
“All I’ve ever done is referred back and the only commentary I’ve ever had back from Chelsea or from others is that this looks like exactly what we want.”
Conor Gallagher’s future discussed
Conor Gallagher will be better off on loan for another season to grow as he wouldn’t get into Chelsea’s current side.
That’s the view of football pundit Glen Johnson.
He told Football London: “Right now, I’m not sure if Conor Gallagher would get in Chelsea’s team.
“As he’s been doing so well out on loan to Palace, if I was Chelsea, I’d be keen to give him another year on loan.
“That would give him another year to develop further, enjoy the games, learn the trade and then start smashing the first team door down the season after, but a lot can change in football.”
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.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
