CHELSEA have reportedly launched a fresh bid for Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, as their search for a centre-back goes on.
They’re also thinking about a move for Prensel Kimpembe, who is said to be in contact with former PSG team-mate Thiago Silva over a move to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are also keen on signing Raheem Sterling in a £60m deal, SunSport can reveal.
The club’s new American owners are keen to make the Man City star the marquee signing of their new era.
However, Sterling would like assurances that he will be a key player and not be placed on the bench by Thomas Tuchel.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are said to be in advance talks with Jules Kounde, with a £56m fee believed to be enough to prize Sevilla’s hand.
The Blues reportedly have a defensive shortlist consisting of the Frenchman, Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt and PSG’s Presnel Kimpembe.
Elsewhere SunSport can also reveal that Richarlison has told Everton he wants to leave but only for a team in the Champions League next season.
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Martinez on Lukaku’s future
Martinez also spoke about what’s best for Lukaku’s future, with rumours he’s set to leave Stamford Bridge.
The Spanish boss said: “He is very clear in what he wants. He wants to be important, he wants to enjoy his football and I’m convinced the decision in the summer will be the right one.
“If it is staying at Chelsea then I’m sure it will be for the right reasons. If it is moving away then it’s because everyone agrees to it.
“In Belgium we are quite relaxed with the situation of Romelu. I know he is a big topic.
“Romelu is a player I know very well. I managed him at club level (at Everton) at a very young age.
“He was 19 and had a very different position than he has now. Now he’s a player who is very mature and very clear about what he wants.”
Martinez wants Lukaku’s goals
Roberto Martinez says he only wants Chelsea’s ‘sensational’ striker Romelu Lukaku to score goals.
The future of the Belgium forward is up in the air at Stamford Bridge after Lukaku failed to shine following his £98million move from Inter Milan last summer.
Lukaku has been linked with a return to the Serie A side either on loan or a permanent transfer.
But Martinez, who has managed Lukaku previously at Everton and now with the Red Devils, believes to get the best out of the 29-year-old you need to play to his strengths.
Martinez, preparing for Belgium’s Nations League clash in Wales, said: “We try to ask Romelu to do what he is exceptional at.
“Romelu is a sensational goal scorer. In the national team that is what we want.
“Romelu needs to be the final man, he needs to be in the right position and needs to be the one that hits the back of the net.
“That’s probably the answer that I can give you. We don’t ask Rom to do things that he is not exceptional at.”
Birthday boy
Chelsea are celebrating the birthday of one of their many stars.
The Blus have wished Kai Havertz many happy returns on his special day on their Twitter page.
Havertz turns 23 today.
And they love him enough to call him “The best on earth” in this cool graphic.
Chelsea handed Kounde transfer boost
Chelsea have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.
Sevilla chief Jose Maria Cruz de Andres has confirmed Kounde wishes to move on – and even name dropped Chelsea as an option.
He said: “Again, the player, I am sure, respects Sevilla FC. He is happy with us. In the case of Kounde, it is not a matter of money. It’s a matter of him wanting to play in a more competitive team than Sevilla FC.
“I am sure he is a player that is attractive for teams like Chelsea, FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich and these types of teams. He wants to play in a more competitive team.”
Cech makes Chelsea transfer admission
Petr Cech claims he is “living on his phone” as he aims to help Thomas Tuchel strengthen his Chelsea squad.
The former goalkeeper is now employed by the Blues as their technical and performance advisor.
He said: “I live on the phone! It will be a busy summer. We will plan, prepare and try to be as strong as we can next season.
“I think everybody knows where we are in terms of the team. Of course we will try to strengthen the team.
“We want to do the best possible and be ready to compete next season.
“It’s going to be a tough season with a World Cup in-between so we need to be ready for that.”
Sterling’s pace assessed
Raheem Sterling will bring some much-needed pace into Chelsea’s side.
That’s the view of Cascarino, who added when speaking to talkSPORT: “For Tuchel, I could see Chelsea attempting to get that type of wide man, absolutely.
“Why wouldn’t you? His numbers, he creates and he just stretches teams.
“Pace always stretches teams and if you want to be countering, Raheem is good in counter-attacking teams because he’s so devastating with his pace.”
Sterling can ‘replace Pulisic’
Raheem Sterling has been tipped to be the ideal replacement for Christian Pulisic at Chelsea.
That’s the view of football pundit Tony Cascarino.
He told talkSPORT: “I really thought that Pulisic would be a great player for Chelsea when they got him.
“I thought he’d really be a top player but it hasn’t quite worked because of injury.
“One thing that Raheem has got is that he’s very durable and, touch wood, he avoids injuries but he’s a very durable player.
“You can switch him on the right as well so he’s a little bit more versatile as a player.”
Chelsea Koulibaly deal offer
Chelsea are willing to offer Kalidou Koulibaly an £8.5million-a-year contract to join this summer, according to reports.
Koulibaly, 30, fits the bill – but the West Londoners will have to agree a fee with Napoli.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Serie A side are demanding £34m for their star defender this summer.
Koulibaly has just one year remaining on his Napoli contract – with talks over an extension having stalled.
Suspect arrested for Willian threats
Police in Brazil have arrested a man after former Arsenal and Chelsea star Willian was sent chilling death threats.
Willian received heinous messages threatening him with bullets and knives online.
This caused the Corinthians winger to get the police involved as he feared his wife and two young daughters would also be targeted, the Mirror reported.
And now the Barra Funda Strategic Special Operations division have revealed they’ve detained a 21-year-old man.
The perpetrator will be charged for the offence despite claiming he never expected the threats to be taken seriously, the report added.
Barcelona close in on Alonso
Barcelona are on the verge of completing a deal with Marcos Alonso.
That’s according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian tweeted: “Barcelona are still working on Marcos Alonso deal. No doubts on player side: potential agreement ready on personal terms with Barça, still waiting to find solution with Chelsea.”
Barcelona plan Chelsea raid
Barcelona are still looking to complete a double raid for Chelsea defenders Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta.
The Blues pair have been rumoured to be leaving the club this summer as part of a rebuild under new owner Todd Boehly.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Catalan club are still hopeful they’ll be able to secure the pair this summer.
Why Jesus should join Chelsea
Gabriel Jesus should move to Chelsea as he’ll be supported by rookies Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe at Arsenal.
That’s according to Stan Collymore who also questioned whether the Gunners duo will be at the club in two year’s time.
He said to the Mirror: “At Arsenal, with the support cast they have, which is still two rookies in Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka — and we don’t know for sure that they will still be wearing Gunners shirts in two years’ time, with Saka being linked with Liverpool and City.
“If I was Jesus I would be thinking of myself in the blue shirt at Stamford Bridge.”
Jesus tipped for Chelsea transfer
Gabriel Jesus could fill the void at Chelsea left by Romelu Lukaku who is tipped to leave the Blues this summer.
That’s the opinion of Stan Collymore who reckons Jesus can provide the goals Lukaku failed to at Stamford Bridge.
Collymore told The Mirror: “But if he goes to Chelsea he could be the player Romelu Lukaku was promised to be but wasn’t.
“At Chelsea, they create loads of chances, they will stick the ball in the box and Jesus can be the fox in the box I’ve so often said they need.
“If Jesus just concentrated on doing some really good work in the box, he could be that man.”
Lukakau wants to feel valued
Romelu Lukaku just wants to feel valued wherever he plays next season, according to his Belgium coach Roberto Martinez.
Martinez told The Athletic: “He wants to be important and enjoy his football. I’m sure the decision in the summer will be the right one.
“In Belgium we are quite relaxed with Romelu’s situation. I know it is a big topic, but at the moment he is trying to recover from the injury and that’s the only thing he has in his mind.
“If he stays at Chelsea it will be for the right reasons. If he’s moving away it will be because everyone agrees to it.
“Romelu is a player I know very well. I managed him at club level (at Everton) at a very young age.
“He was 19 and had a very different position than he has now. Now he’s a player who is very mature and very clear what he wants.”
Jorginho spotted on beach
Chelsea ace Jorginho was spotted relaxing on holiday with his partner Catherine Harding in Marbella, Spain.
The midfielder, 30, has been in a relationship with Harding since 2020.
And the couple have finally had a chance to chill out in the sun together following the end of the football season.
That’s only because Jorginho was left out of the Italy squad for their four Nations League fixtures this month.
Good morning Chelsea fans
Thiago Silva has reportedly been sending texts to Presnel Kimpembe in a bid to get the defender to join Chelsea.
According to France Football journalist Olivier Bossard, Silva has been in contact with his old Paris Saint-Germain teammate.
The veteran defender wants Kimpembe, 26, to join Thomas Tuchel’s project at Stamford Bridge.
Elsewhere Inter Milan have reportedly slapped a £60million price tag on defender Milan Skriniar.
Chelsea are in the market for at least one centre-back this summer after Antonio Rudiger and Andrwas Christensen both quit the club.
According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, both Chelsea and Tottenham are interested in the 27-year-old.
And finally further reports in Italy claim Chelsea have launched a bid for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report the Blues have offered the 30-year-old personal terms worth £8.5m-a-year.
That works out at just over £160k-a-week.
Napoli though are said to be demanding £34m for their star centre-back.Chelsea quoted £60m for Skriniar
Inter Milan have reportedly slapped a £60million price tag on defender Milan Skriniar.
Chelsea are in the market for at least one centre-back this summer after Antonio Rudiger and Andrwas Christensen both quit the club.
According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, both Chelsea and Tottenham are interested in the 27-year-old.
Skriniar, who is out of contract at San Siro next year, is also understood to be a target for Paris Saint-Germain.
It’s claimed Les Parisiens have already had an offer worth £43m rebuffed, while Chelsea and Tottenham are yet to table proposals of their own.
Three academy stars released
Chelsea have confirmed today that three academy stars will leave the club this summer.
George McEachran, Thierno Ballo and Karlo Ziger will all depart when their deals expire at the end of the month.
They join Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Danny Drinkwater, Charly Musonda and Jake Clarke-Salter in bidding farewell to the Blues.
Silva “sending texts” to Kimpembe
Thiago Silva has reportedly been sending texts to Presnel Kimpembe in a bid to get the defender to join Chelsea.
According to France Football journalist Olivier Bossard, Silva has been in contact with his old Paris Saint-Germain teammate.
The veteran defender wants Kimpembe, 26, to join Thomas Tuchel’s project at Stamford Bridge.
French international Kimpembe is one of a number of big name centre-backs linked with the Blues.
Reinforcements in that position are expected following Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen’s respective departures.
Jules Kounde is a top target, while Matthijs de Ligt has also been mentioned, as well as Kimpembe.
Credit: AFP – Getty Simon Jordan: Sterling NOT world class
Raheem Sterling could be on his way to Chelsea this summer as Todd Boehly kickstarts his reign at Stamford Bridge.
But talkSPORT presenter Simon Jordan DOESN’T think Sterling fits into the world class category of player.
The 27-year-old has scored 131 goals in 339 games for City, winning the Premier League four times.
But Jordan said on talkSPORT: “I don’t think he’s a world class player. I think he’s a very good player, otherwise he wouldn’t play for his country.
“I think he’s a good player. I don’t think he’s anywhere near as good as people somehow advance him to be.”
Credit: AP In case you missed it…
SunSport exclusively revealed yesterday that Chelsea want to sign Raheem Sterling — but the Blues need to prove they will match his ambitions.
The Manchester City star, 27, has been identified as a marquee signing for Chelsea’s new owners after their £4.25billion takeover.
Sterling is entering the final 12 months of his contract and is open to all options — but wants to play regularly in the countdown to the winter World Cup.
The winger does not want to sit on the bench and is eager to still be competing for trophies, if he is to leave champions City.
Read more HERE.
Blues in Koulibaly bid
Reports in Italy claim Chelsea have launched a bid for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly.
According to newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Blues have offered the 30-year-old personal terms worth £8.5m-a-year.
That works out at just over £160k-a-week.
Napoli though are claimed to be demanding £34m for their star centre-back.
But the Serie A outfit could be forced into a sale this summer with just 12 months left to run on Koulibaly’s current contract.
Barcelona are also understood to be interested in a swoop for the Senegalese international.
Credit: AFP Hayes shuts down EFL rumours
Chelsea Women boss Emma Hayes has shrugged off rumours linking her to a role in the EFL with a men’s team.
Hayes led Chelsea to a WSL and FA Cup double last season.
But speaking on the links with a job in the football league, Hayes told Sky Sports: “That happens every week. I can’t comment on different rumours that keep coming out every week.
“I’m committed to what I’m doing at Chelsea and my focus is having a break and getting ready for the pre-season when it comes around.”
Blues planning busy summer
Chelsea chief Petr Cech has revealed he is expecting a busy transfer window at Stamford Bridge.
New owner Todd Boehly is set to back Thomas Tuchel with the funds to try and compete with Manchester City and Liverpool next season.
Multiple signings could be on the cards, with Sevilla defender Jules Kounde strongly linked with a switch to the Premier League.
When asked by Sky Sports if it’s set to be a busy summer, Cech said: “Yeah it will be, of course we plan, we prepare and we try to be as strong as we can next season.”
Rich pickings for Everton ace
Chelsea are prepared to pay £64million to sign Everton star Richarlison, according to Fichajes.
But the Blues face stiff competition from Paris Saint-Germain for his signature.
PSG are also claimed to be willing to pay £64m to secure his services.
Richarlison has been linked with a Goodison exit after helping fire the Toffees to Premier League safety last season.
SunSport exclusively revealed yesterday that the striker has told Everton he wants to leave the club this summer.
Credit: AFP
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
