CHELSEA are reportedly keen to sign Matthijs de Ligt as well as Jules Kounde.
The Blues have lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen to Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively, and are said to be determined to replace both centre-backs.
Meanwhile, Manchester City have reportedly offered Raheem Sterling to the West Londoners.
And reports suggest that Barcelona attacker Ousmane Dembele could join the Blues as early as NEXT WEEK after PSG withdrew from the race to sign the France star.
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Keep up to date with all of the latest gossip from the Stamford Bridge…
Lewandowski speaks on Bayern exit reasons
Robert Lewandowski has opened up on why he wants to leave Bayern Munich.
He told Sport.Onet: “I only want to leave Bayern. Loyalty and respect are more important than work. The best way is to find a solution together.
“Something died in me and I want more emotions in my life. An exit is the best solution for both parties.
“No other offers were even considered by me other than that of Barcelona. I want to leave Bayern, that’s clear.”
Chelsea have previously been linked with a move for the Polish attacker.
Lukaku transfer doubts for inter
Inter Milan should keep hold of Lautaro Martinez instead of bringing in Romelu Lukaku, Christian Vieri thinks.
He told FC Inter New, reported by sempreinter: “In the case of Martinez, Lukaku left and he scored more goals. On the other hand, it’s not certain that new signings will be ready right away.
“If you sell him and replace him, you may lose some goals.
“I don’t know what will happen, but allowing someone of his quality to leave is always difficult, I think you’d want to keep him for many years.
“If it’s due to a financial problem and he can bring in a lot of money, then that’s understandable. Otherwise, I’d keep him.”
Tuchel and Boehly sit-down set
New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly will meet Thomas Tuchel for crunch transfer talks this week, reports claim.
And the main topic of discussion will be Romelu Lukaku’s future, according to Football London.
Boehly’s scheduled a sit-down with Tuchel on June 9, a day before the transfer window opens.
Once those talks between boss and owner conclude, Lukaku will fly into London to have a chat with Boehly, the report added.
Luk at him go
Alex Goldberg of The Byline has shared strong opinions of Romelu Lukaku ahead of the summer transfer window.
This comes following reports from Sky Italia that Lukaku has been calling former team mates, the coach, directors and the president at Inter Milan since Christmas to try and move back to the San Siro.
Goldberg said: “The disrespect Romelu Lukaku has shown Tuchel, his teammates, the whole club of Chelsea & the fans is honestly shocking.
“No more apology videos, no more PR spins, it’s time to go and congrats because you’ve chosen to have this awful Chelsea legacy now, it wasn’t forced upon you.”
Do you agree Chelsea fans?
Put it on R-ice
Chelsea have dropped out of the transfer race for Declan Rice.
The Blues want to rebuild their midfield, but don’t want to splash the cash on Rice.
Gabriel Jesus transfer price boost
Arsenal and Chelsea have received a boost in their pursuit of Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus.
According to Marca, Jesus and Man City agreed a long time ago that his price would be set at £43million.
This could enable both Arsenal and Chelsea to afford him this summer.
Gilmour gets career decline warning
Chelsea ace Billy Gilmour has been warned he needs to raise his game to avoid becoming an international flop like Scottish compatriot Barry Bannan.
Bannan was viewed as Scotland’s prized asset in his prime like Gilmour is now.
But after a few sub-par performances for his international side, Scotland legend Charlie Nicholas reckons Gilmour could face a career decline like 32-year-old Sheffield Wednesday star Bannan.
Nicholas said, via the Scottish daily express: “Billy Gilmour is a talented player but if he is not careful, he could end up becoming the next Barry Bannan.
“Gilmour is a tidy footballer but he has to offer more and we need to stop making him out to be our saviour. He struggled in the play-off because he didn’t get on the ball enough- and when he did it was square pass, square pass.
“Let’s hope he can make a greater impact than Bannan- another physically small midfielder who did OK for a few seasons but failed to hit the heights everyone hoped.”
Lukaku transfer doubts
Inter Milan should keep hold of Lautaro Martinez instead of bringing in Romelu Lukaku, Christian Vieri thinks.
He told FC Inter New, reported by sempreinter: “In the case of Martinez, Lukaku left and he scored more goals. On the other hand, it’s not certain that new signings will be ready right away.
“If you sell him and replace him, you may lose some goals.
“I don’t know what will happen, but allowing someone of his quality to leave is always difficult, I think you’d want to keep him for many years.
“If it’s due to a financial problem and he can bring in a lot of money, then that’s understandable. Otherwise, I’d keep him.”
Lukaku’s private messages with Inter
Romelu Lukaku has reportedly been “messaging Inter Milan since Christmas” in a bid to secure a return to the club.
According to transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, “since last Christmas Lukaku has been sending public and private messages to Inter” in a bid to clinch a two-year loan transfer.
Di Marzio goes on to claim that the forward has been “calling the directors and the coach, former team-mates and the President, ready to leave a third of his salary in London, ready to do everything he can to make the impossible possible.”
Chelsea’s Lukaku loan plan
Chelsea are reportedly willing to contribute to Romelu Lukaku’s wages to push through his loan transfer to Inter Milan.
Lukaku’s intent on a move back to Inter, but the move is in jeopardy as the Serie A side cannot afford his £200,000-a-week wages.
But Chelsea might be able to save the day by partially covering Lukaku’s pay packet, according to the Evening Standard.
However, the Blues will command a hefty upfront loan fee from Inter, the report also states.
Chelsea join Jesus transfer race
Chelsea have joined the bidding war for Manchester City star Gabriel Jesus ahead of the summer transfer window, reports suggest.
Jesus has attracted interest from Arsenal as well as Real Madrid, who have turned their focus on him after missing out on Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe.
According to AS, the Blues have also thrown their hat in the ring following the club’s takeover by Todd Boehly’s consortium.
The West Londoners are ready to move for the striker once their sanctions are officially lifted.
The Brazil international has been informed that an official offer will come from Chelsea once they gain permission to sign new players.
Dutch ace wants Chelsea transfer
Feyenoord ace Lutsharel Geertruida has stated his desire to play in the Premier League.
And his preferred destination is Chelsea, where Dutch compatriot Arjen Robben made a name for himself.
Geertruida said to NOS: “I want to play in the Premier League one day. When I was young, I saw Arjen Robben play at Chelsea in a scary team.
“Then I thought: I want that too! I also have a shirt of him. Chelsea was just my club, man. Just like Feyenoord from an early age.”
Tuchel and Boehly sit-down set
New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly will meet Thomas Tuchel for crunch transfer talks this week, reports claim.
And the main topic of discussion will be Romelu Lukaku’s future, according to Football London.
Boehly’s scheduled a sit-down with Tuchel on June 9, a day before the transfer window opens.
Once those talks between boss and owner conclude, Lukaku will fly into London to have a chat with Boehly, the report added.
Chelsea midfield options discussed
Chelsea have dropped out of the transfer race for Declan Rice.
The Blues want to rebuild their midfield, but don’t want to splash the cash on Rice.
Instead, the Blues will seek a cheaper alternative to the England international, according to football reporter Andreas Korssund
And Ibrahim Sangaré & Yves Bissouma are on the list of Chelsea’s potential targets.
Chelsea want Gabriel Jesus
Chelsea have reportedly waded into the transfer race for Gabriel Jesus.
The Man City star is being tracked by Arsenal and Real Madrid.
But now Chelsea have thrown their hat in the ring for the Brazilian, according to the Daily Mail.
Chelsea line double swoop
Chelsea are lining up a stunning double swoop for centre-backs Jules Kounde and Matthijs de Ligt, according to reports.
Alex Crook said: “Sources in Italy are suggesting that Chelsea are interested in Matthijs de Ligt at Juventus.
“I think that Jules Kounde is their top target, I would expect that to happen, but they probably do need more than one.”
Lukaku transfer deal discussed
Romelu Lukaku’s transfer from Chelsea could be good for all parties involved, according to Glen Johnson.
He told BettingOdds: “I personally would want to go again next season and prove myself, but I feel with Lukaku that he’s had a whole season to show that sort of courage and he hasn’t.
“I can’t see anything changing next season. If he was the sort of player that can stand up and show courage next season, then I think we would have already seen hints of that.
“I can see him settling elsewhere because if he has that type of courage to bounce back in pre-season, then he should have had the courage to bounce back during his first season.
“I don’t see him bouncing back next season, so maybe a move somewhere else is best for both parties.”
Lewandowski speaks on Bayern exit reasons
Robert Lewandowski has opened up on why he wants to leave Bayern Munich.
He told Sport.Onet: “I only want to leave Bayern. Loyalty and respect are more important than work. The best way is to find a solution together.
“Something died in me and I want more emotions in my life. An exit is the best solution for both parties.
“No other offers were even considered by me other than that of Barcelona. I want to leave Bayern, that’s clear.”
Chelsea have previously been linked with a move for the Polish attacker.
Chelsea get Dembele boost
Chelsea’s transfer pursuit of Ousmane Dembele has been given a huge boost after PSG reportedly cooled their interest in the winger.
PSG’s former director Leonardo was keen on bringing Dembele to Paris.
But the club’s plans have changed following Leonardo’s exit from his role, according to Sport.
Sterling tipped for Chelsea transfer
Raheem Sterling has been urged to join Chelsea by former England goalkeeper David James.
James told GGrecon: “If there is a move and it is to Chelsea or Real Madrid, it shouldn’t be a problem for Raheem.
“He’s more than capable of doing the performances on the field. It’s a pat on the back for Raheem.”
Morning Chelsea news
SunSport have exclusively revealed how Inter Milan want to strike a salary-sharing deal with Chelsea to take Romelu Lukaku back to Italy.
The Serie A runners-up are keen on re-signing the striker and ending his frustrations at Stamford Bridge
But with money at a premium they are likely to push for a loan move which will also require Chelsea to part pay his wages.
Inter are ready to cough up just over a third of Lukaku’s roughly £325,000-a-week pay.
In other news, RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku has revealed that he is ‘flattered’ by interest from a number of top clubs.
The Utd and Chelsea target told Telefoot: “It’s no secret. There are clubs interested in me.
“Yes it’s flattering, but it’s also flattering to have a club like Leipzig do everything to keep me as well.
“I’ll have to reflect and make a decision. The World Cup is on the way and that’s another factor to take into account.”
Meanwhile, new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is reportedly considering adding a former player to the club’s board.
Boehly led the consortium who purchased Chelsea for £4.25billion and he wants to reshape the hierarchy.
The Daily Mail are claiming that a former Chelsea player could be put in a position of power.
And finally, Chelsea are reportedly in pole position to sign Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona this summer.
According to the Mail, they are in the best position to complete the deal as fellow competitors PSG have withdrawn from the race.
The Parisians will focus on bolstering their midfield instead, so they are no longer considering a swoop for the Frenchman.
Tammy pushing Kane for England spot
Tammy Abraham is ready to push skipper Harry Kane for his England place – amid links to Arsenal and Liverpool.
But Roma’s ex-Chelsea striker will also be happy to be understudy to the man who is eyeing England’s all-time scoring record.
Abraham said: “I think for every player that’s the mentality you’re supposed to have — to be positive.
“Of course, we are all buzzing for Harry, we want him to smash the record and we’re always here to support him.
“Whenever I’m given a chance if I’m on a pitch with him, I’ll try and help him to get to his targets.
“But for me, it’s all about whenever you get the opportunity, to just try and grab it with two hands and just show what you are made of.”
Gilmour linked with Everton move
Billy Gilmour has been linked with a Premier League switch to Everton.
The Scotland star is heading into the final year of his Chelsea contract having been unable to solidify a first team spot.
He spent time on loan at relegated Norwich City last season, picking up valuable game time.
It was something he failed he do under Thomas Tuchel, despite a string of good performances under his predecessor Frank Lampard.
Now Blues legend Lampard wants to reunite with Gilmour at Goodison Park, talkSPORT says.
They say Everton have looked at the opportunity of luring Gilmour and young star Conor Gallagher.
Man’s best friend for Cole
Arsenal and Chelsea icon Ashley Cole has bought his family a protection dog following his knifepoint robbery ordeal.
Fiancée Sharon Canu shared a clip of the German Shepherd in training.
She wrote: “My baby went to school today” — adding a devil emoji. London-based Elite Protection Dogs has prices starting from £20,000.
The company’s website says: “All our puppies come from military and police backgrounds with generations of experience.”
The German Shepherds are also taught to search for missing persons, drugs and bombs.
Sharon, mum to their kids Jaxon, five, and Grace, four, was at home with Ashley, 41, when a gang tied him up and threatened to cut off his fingers with pliers.
Football’s most valuable players
World football’s 100 most valuable players have been revealed.
But England captain Harry Kane is just 30th on the star-studded list.
And there is NO room for legendary pair Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Boffins at the CIES Football Observatory have gone into overdrive crunching numbers from across the globe to decide the top 100 most valuable footballers.
And they have determined that Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe is the most valuable player on the planet.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
