CHELSEA have to keep an eye on former manager and Blues legend Frank Lampard who is set to raid his old club for signings according to reports.
The Everton boss is understandably in the market for some quality additions and he believes that a lot of his shopping can be done in West London.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are reportedly convinced that Jules Kounde will be the first signing of the Todd Boehly era having narrowly missed out on the Frenchman last year.
And reports suggest that Romelu Lukaku has agreed a sensational deal which will see him RETURN to former club Inter Milan in the transfer window.
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Keep up to date with all of the latest gossip from the Stamford Bridge…
Nkunku addresses future
RB Leipzig star and Chelsea target Christopher Nkunku has spoken about his future.
Nkunku said: “Paris [Paris Saint-Germain], I’ve always said it, it’s my home, my heart club. I don’t close any doors. Everything is possible in football.
“It’s flattering to have the biggest clubs in the world interested in me.
“But it’s also flattering that Leipzig is doing everything to keep me.
“We are in June, and I am focused on this gathering.”
Luk not on his side
Former Arsenal ace Paul Merson believes loaning out Romelu Lukaku won’t do the club any good.
He said: “Lukaku has been disappointing all season.
“‘He started well against Arsenal and we all thought, ‘Okay, here we go!’
“We haven’t seen him do that again since – he just never got going.
“If Chelsea can get their £100million or anywhere near that amount back for him this summer, they’ll sell him.
“A loan would be of no use to anybody – it wouldn’t help Thomas Tuchel one bit.’
Merson doubts Rudiger’s potential replacement
Paul Merson believes that Jules Kounde and Kalidou Koulibaly may not be able to replace Antonio Rudiger.
The Arsenal icon told Sportskeeda: “Antonio Rudiger’s been absolutely outstanding for Chelsea.
“I can’t remember him having a bad game if I’m being honest.
“He’s been consistently brilliant in the Premier League this season. Rudiger’s going to be a massive miss for Thomas Tuchel next season.
‘He’s going to be a hard one to replace, and I’m not sure if the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly and Jules Kounde can fill his boots.
“If there is a worry for Chelsea this year, it’s finding Rudiger’s replacement.”
Lukaku tight-lipped over future
Romelu Lukaku has refused to be drawn on transfer links away from Chelsea.
The Belgian is currently on international duty, and is set to take on the Netherlands in the Nations League tonight.
Speaking to the press ahead of the match, Lukaku was asked about rumours that he is willing to take a pay cut to leave the Blues and return to Inter Milan.
The 29-year-old wouldn’t clear up speculation, however, saying: “I can’t talk about the future.”
Lukaku has been linked with the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich this summer.
But the forward reportedly has his heart set on an Inter return.
Palmieri delivers update on future
Chelsea left-back Emerson Palmieri has revealed he would be happy to return to Stamford Bridge after his Lyon loan spell.
Speaking to Goal, he said: “‘I didn’t speak with [Thomas Tuchel] just yet.
“I have a contract with Chelsea. I played there for three seasons and I have a lot of friends there.
“If I come back, I’ll be happy. It’s a good place and club for me. Let’s see what can happen.
“Lyon said ‘no’ [to a return in January] so I didn’t come back. It didn’t depend on me. Those conversations were between the clubs.
“Lyon said ‘no’ and I respected that because when I signed there I signed for one year, not six months.
“But now I will go back to Chelsea in the pre-season I think and let’s see what happens in the next month.”
Lazio ready to fight Utd for Loftus-Cheek
Lazio could duel Manchester United for Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
The ten-cap England star, 26, has revived his Blues’ career this season under Thomas Tuchel.
But new United boss Erik ten Hag has been linked with a move.
And Italian outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport says ex-Blues’ chief Maurizio Sarri is ready to rev up his interest in a reunion with Loftus-Cheek, who might cost at least £17million.
Costa provides insight into Kante relationship
Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa has revealed he tried to hug N’Golo Kante NAKED during their time together at Stamford Bridge.
And the maverick forward even declared that the French midfielder refused to strip down when taking a shower.
Speaking on Canal Pilhado, Costa said: “At Chelsea, I would try to hug Kante joking. He’s really shy.
“I would go all naked in the bath and be like: ‘Kante, give me a hug!’ and he would be all ‘No. no, Diego’.
“He doesn’t even take off his underwear to take a shower.”
Jul in the crown
Chelsea are reportedly convinced they will sign Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde this summer.
The Blues missed out on the Frenchman’s signature last year after the LaLiga outfit raised their asking price at the last minute.
But Chelsea have retained their interest in the player as Thomas Tuchel looks to finally secure his services.
And according to Spanish outlet ABC Sevilla, Chelsea are hopeful they can reach an agreement between £43million-£51m.
Sevilla were adamant in 2021 that he wouldn’t be sold unless his £68m release clause was activated.
Sturridge released Down Under
Former Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge has been released by Australian side Perth Glory.
The 32-year-old made the move down under in October 2021 but failed to score in six appearances for the club.
Injuries also hampered Sturridge’s spell at Perth, missing 16 games in a season which saw the side finish bottom of the 12-team A-League.
Perth won just four in 26 games.
Prior to his stint in Australia, Sturridge decided to move to Turkey to play for Trabzonspor in 2019.
But his three-year deal was terminated the following March as he was given a four-month worldwide ban for breaching betting rules.
Lampard in Chelsea raid
Chelsea are set to be raided by club legend and Everton manager Frank Lampard for Conor Gallagher and Billy Gilmour, according to reports.
Lampard is understood to be in the market for some quality midfielders this summer after his Toffees side left it late to complete their relegation escape.
The former Chelsea manager will use his ‘connections’ with The Blues in order to lure the likes of Gallagher and Gilmour to Goodison Park, as reported by the Mail.
Gallagher, 22, spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace, earning himself a nomination for the Premier League Young Player of the Year award.
Meanwhile, Gilmour also found himself out on loan, albeit in a far less successful capacity as Norwich were relegated from the Premier League.
Both Gallagher and Gilmour face uncertain futures back at parent club Chelsea, with a squad already filled with established seniors set to be reinforced in the coming window.
Sterling ‘should avoid Chelsea move’
David James says Raheem Sterling would be better off staying at Manchester City rather than joining Chelsea.
England winger Sterling has been linked with a move to the Blues or Real Madrid.
Former Three Lions No 1 James, 51, told GGRecon: “[He should] stay at City!
“It is a testament to how well Raheem Sterling has done that he has been linked to two massive European champions.
“You do question – given how soon the World Cup is, and what can happen with a move with Manchester to London for example – whether that adjustment could affect form.”
Luk-ing to the future
Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku could be on the move to either Barcelona or Bayern Munich.
The Blues’ record £97.5million signing is facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge with Inter Milan desperate to bring him back to the San Siro.
But according to Mundo Deportivo, Barca will look to sign the Belgian ace should they fail to land Robert Lewandowski.
And it has been said that Bayern will press ahead with a move for Lukaku if they cannot reach an agreement with Liverpool for Sadio Mane.
Bent continued
“I don’t know if Chelsea fans will want him to join but I wonder if some of the players would. Footballers will think differently to fans.
“There will be a real admiration for Paul Pogba amongst other players in the Premier League, from the players who have played against him.
‘I think other players, players in the Chelsea squad, will think ‘I would love a player like that to come here’.
“Fans will see it differently and say ‘he doesn’t work hard enough, it didn’t work at United, why would we want him?’
“But players think differently. It will be the same with Liverpool. Fans might think he wouldn’t suit the system, but I bet there’s Liverpool players who would want him.”
Bent ponders England stay for Pogba
Darren Bent has declared that Chelsea and Liverpool’s players would love their respective clubs to snap up Paul Pogba on a free transfer.
The talkSPORT pundit said: “When you look at his stats for Manchester United, they’re not that bad. That’s not horrible stats, they’re okay.
“For someone with that much quality, the most frustrating thing is when you see him put on that France shirt, you just want that level of performance for United.
“He’s playing in a good team for France, a better team. I know he hasn’t been good enough [for United] but he is a good player. He hasn’t been a success but he has won two trophies there.
“It hasn’t worked and they’ve paid a lot of money for a footballer who’s now leaving for nothing.”
Pulisic wants more playing time
Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic has admitted he needs to playing more next season amid rumours linking him with a move away from Stamford Bridge.
The American started just 13 games in the Premier League, with the player falling down the pecking order under Thomas Tuchel.
Commenting on his future, he said: “As far as right now, I’m obviously just focused on what I’m doing here. And I’m super excited to be here. And yeah, that’s it.
“Of course, I want to get more playing time. I want to be on the field as much as I can and be the sharpest I can be and fit as well.
“I think I still got a lot of games, but it’s always something that I’m working at and trying to be regular at club level as well to put myself in the best position to be fit when I come here with the national team.”
Chelsea snubbed by Solina
Goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina is set to snub Chelsea in favour of a move to Real Madrid.
The Blues had been keen on Slonina, 18, who plays in the MLS for Chicago Fire.
But Slonina’s agent, Jaime Garcia, has confirmed the teenager has his heart set on a move to Real Madrid.
He told MLSsoccer: “It should be an honour for Chicago, and the MLS, to have Real Madrid take notice in one of their players.
“We are hoping Chicago can find an agreement with Real Madrid to realise Gabriel’s dream of playing for this club.”
He added: “With respect to other clubs and other offers [which] we’ve received many, and at the moment we are gracious to those clubs but you cannot say no to Real Madrid.”
Good morning Chelsea fans
RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol has become a transfer target for both Chelsea and Spurs.
The German side are said to be desperately trying to keep hold of the centre back, with the Premier League giants looking to add the Croatian to their ranks.
The 20-year-old is highly rated, after joining from Dinamo Zagreb for £14million in 2020 – a deal that made him the most costliest Croatian teenager ever.
Romelu Lukaku has rejected a move to Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports from Italy.
Calciomercato claim that Antonio Conte wants to be reunited with the Belgium forward, after he led his line so brilliantly for Inter Milan.
However, Lukaku has said to be in favour of returning to Serie A with the Nerazzurri.
A loan to Inter is said to be a possibility before the next campaign begins.
Newly promoted Nottingham Forest are looking at the possibility of bringing Armando Broja to the club, according to reports.
The Chelsea youngster spent last season on loan at Southampton – scoring six times in 32 games.
Still only 20, the Albanian international impressed and has been linked with West Ham too in recent weeks.
The report in the Nottingham Post says that a permanent deal, however, is unlikely with Steve Cooper looking at a potential loan move for the forward.
Martinez snub
Argentinian forward Lautaro Martinez has spoken candidly about his future, after Chelsea were the latest Premier League club linked to the hotshot.
And, he has given the biggest indication that he’s prepared to snub advances from the Premier League.
“My plan is clear: I really want to stay at Inter next season,” he said.
“I’ve not received communications from the club as of today, I want to continue at Inter next season”.
Forest eyeing Broja
Newly promoted Nottingham Forest are looking at the possibility of bringing Armando Broja to the club, according to reports.
The Chelsea youngster spent last season on loan at Southampton – scoring six times in 32 games.
Still only 20, the Albanian international impressed and has been linked with West Ham too in recent weeks.
The report in the Nottingham Post says that a permanent deal, however, is unlikely with Steve Cooper looking at a potential loan move for the forward.
Gvardiol wanted by Prem giants
RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol has become a transfer target for both Chelsea and Spurs.
The German side are said to be desperately trying to keep hold of the centre back, with the Premier League giants looking to add the Croatian to their ranks.
The 20-year-old is highly rated, after joining from Dinamo Zagreb for £14million in 2020 – a deal that made him the most costliest Croatian teenager ever.
Last season he managed almost 50 games, helping his side finish in the Champions League places in the Bundesliga.
Chelsea could lose Werner
Should Arsenal complete a deal for ex-Blue Alvaro Morata, his side Juventus could move for Timo Werner, according to reports.
The German forward is seen as the ideal replacement for the Spanish striker, if he moves to the Emirates.
According to Tuttosport, Werner’s agent Volker Struth visited the Serie A club’s HQ back in April.
Werner moved to West London in 2020 for £34million, but has struggled in front of goal – scoring just 23 times in 89 games.
Palmieri to return
Italian international Emerson Palmieri is yet to speak with Thomas Tuchel about a return to Stamford Bridge.
However, the defender would be “very happy” if he was part of next season’s plans.
The Blues are set to Marcos Alonso, and Palmieri believes he may be an option for the German tactician.
Palmieri enjoyed a successful campaign at Lyon last season.
Pogba would be welcomed at Blues
Paul Pogba has been told he would be welcomed into the Chelsea dressing room by Darren Bent.
The talkSPORT host revealed: “There will be a real admiration for Paul Pogba amongst other players in the Premier League from the players who have played against him.
“Players and the players in that Chelsea squad will think; ‘I would love a player like that to come here'”.
The France World Cup winner will leave the club this summer, when his contract expires.
Lukaku injury
Romelu Lukaku is reportedly a doubt for Belgium’s Nations League clash with Netherlands after he was clouted by Simon Mignolet in training on Wednesday.
The Chelsea striker, 29, was left in a heap on the floor in agony after he challenged the ex-Liverpool keeper in the air for the ball during a session.
Credit: Pacific Coast News Physios rushed onto the pitch to treat the Blues star as he laid on the ground in agony.
According to reports, the giant Belgian forward injured his ankle in the incident.
He was forced to sit out training today, with Belgium manager Roberto Martinez left sweating about his fitness for the match.
So far, the Belgium FA have yet to release a comment – and Lukaku hasn’t left the camp.
Hudson-Odoi’s intense training sessions
Callum Hudson-Odoi is undergoing some brutal solo training sessions to return to action for Chelsea after being sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury.
The winger, 21, has been out of action since an FA Cup win at Luton on March 2 and has suffered repeated setbacks in his rehab from an ankle problem he originally picked up three years ago.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
