CHELSEA have been keeping tabs on Wolves defender Rayan Ait-Nouri according to reports.
The French Under-21 star has been earmarked by the Blues as they look to add to their defensive ranks, with Andreas Christensen and Marcos Alonso set to join Antonio Rudiger out the door.
They will likely face competition from Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain for the £25m-rated youngster.
Elsewhere, Romelu Lukaku’s hopes of leaving Chelsea and returning to Inter Milan this summer have been handed a blow, with Paulo Dybala reportedly completing his move to the Italian giants.
Inter won’t be able to afford having both strikers on their books.
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Ex-Chelsea star heads to Djibouti
Former Chelsea striker has joined ambitious Djibouti champs AS Arta Solar 7 in a vintage link-up with ex-Arsenal rival Alex Song.
Ivory Coast hero Kalou, 36, and Gunners’ cult star Song, 37, aim to help Arta to glory in the African equivalent of the Champions League.
The duo team up with a rich array of internationals, including one-time Cameroon keeper Idriss Carlos Kameni, Indomitable Lion defender Dany Nounkeu, Senegal frontman Diafra Sakho and Burkina Faso attacker Alain Traore.
But it’s Kalou coming together with Cameroon legend Song that will capture the imagination of African football fans.
Arta are keen to become one of the major names in football’s fastest- emerging continent.
And Kalou has signed a short-term deal after spells with Lille and Hertha BC.
Blues willing to pay Kounde clause
Chelsea and Newcastle are both reportedly willing to meet the release clause in the contract of Sevilla’s Jules Kounde but Barcelona are also interested.
Barca, due to financial difficulties, may not be able to afford the £69million it will take to buy Kounde.
Therefore, Xavi’s side are weighing up alternative options such as offering players as part of the deal.
Mundo Deportivo claim full-back Sergino Dest is one man that Barcelona would be willing to send to Sevilla to help lower the fee for the centre-back.
Kounde has also reportedly expressed his desire to play for the Catalan giants over any other team.
Chelsea ‘enter Richarlison hunt’
West Londoners have reportedly joined rivals Tottenham in the race to sign Everton ace Richarlison, according to reports.
The Brazilian helped the Toffees avoid a catastrophic relegation from the Premier League last term.
Richarlison scored ten and assisted five in the league last season, with five of his strikes coming in Everton’s final ten games.
Antonio Conte is looking to cement Spurs’ place inside the top four by starting the summer transfer window early.
The Italian is a big admirer of Richarlison, who would provide cover for both Son Heung-min and striker Harry Kane.
But according to UOL, Chelsea have also registered an interest in Richarlison.
Flop nearing Serie A return
Romelu Lukaku is reportedly closing in on a return to Inter Milan from Chelsea.
The striker has informed Blues chiefs that he has his heart set on a move back to Italy after a disastrous season at Stamford Bridge.
And the two clubs are now set for face-to-face talks as they aim to wrap up a deal as soon as possible.
Lukaku has been pining for a reunion with Inter for months after going off the boil in London.
The Belgian is ready to take a 50 per cent pay cut to force through a move.
But Inter are unable to afford a permanent deal and want Chelsea to accept a loan offer.
Fabrizio Romano claim the Blues are receptive to Lukaku’s exit, however, they want a £17m loan fee or a player in exchange – with the likes of Lautaro Martinez and Alessandro Bastoni admired by Thomas Tuchel.
A Slo burner for Tuchel
Also on the club’s radar is American starlet Gabriel Slonina with the 18-year-old establishing himself as the first-choice goalkeeper at Chicago Fire.
However should Chelsea manage to nab the teenager, he would be sent back to the MLS club to continue his development.
Romano tweeted: “Gabriel Slonina, different deal – he’d be one for the future, staying at Chicago Fire on loan.”
It is understood that Chelsea are battling Real Madrid for his signature, with Slonina’s representative stating it is his client’s “dream” to play for Los Blancos.
Blues in for Strakosha
Chelsea have reportedly set their sights on signing goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha, writes Jake Lambourne.
It has been said that boss Thomas Tuchel is keen to find a back-up for Edouard Mendy should Kepa Arrizabalga depart Stamford Bridge.
Kepa has been limited to just 11 Premier League appearances, and Tuchel confirmed last month that showdown talks are planned to take place.
It is claimed that Chelsea are pondering a move for Albania international Strakosha.
Credit: Getty The 27-year-old is set to be available as a free agent when his contract at Lazio expires at the end of the month.
SunSport exclusively revealed that Chelsea’s rivals Fulham were also in the hunt to secure his services.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are now eyeing up a swoop for Strakosha, who has appeared in 208 matches for Lazio since the 2016-17 season.
Romano tweeted: “Thomas Strakosha’s now attracting interest, available on free transfer.
“Chelsea are considering him as one of the options, but only in case Kepa will leave the club this summer.”
Time for Chelsea to look over their shoulder, says Wright-Phillips
Former Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips reckons that Chelsea could lose their place in the top four to London rivals Tottenham.
Wright-Phillips spoke to Genting Casino about Spurs overpowering the Blues.
He said: “I can see Chelsea getting left behind by Tottenham.
“They became so resilient towards the back end of the season and were so good on the counter attack.
“Antonio Conte is a great manager and the club seems to be opening the cheque-book for him so he’ll make things very difficult for the teams around him.”
I can see Chelsea getting left behind by Tottenham
Shaun Wright-Phillips
Pace of English football too much for Lukaku, says Mikel
Former Chelsea star Mikel John Obi says Romelu Lukaku has failed to meet the intense physical demands of the Premier League.
Ex-Nigeria midfielder Mikel, 35, was a Blues team-mate of Lukaku, 29, before the Belgian left Stamford Bridge to join Everton in 2014.
Lukaku has failed to live up to the expectations which came with his £97.5million return to Chelsea from Inter Milan last summer.
When asked why Lukaku appears to now be a “square peg in a round hole” at the Blues, Mikel told Naija FM: “The league is totally different.
“The English league is too strong, too powerful, too fast, whereas the Italian league is too slow.
“The English league has too much quality. The pace of English football is way too much for the Italian league.
“In the Italian league you can play until you’re 40 years old, but in the English league you’re putting in way more work.”
Lukaku swap deal still an option
Chelsea and Inter are in talks to get a deal which is favourable for both parties.
A swap deal for striker Lautaro Martinez is still on the table.
Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports tweeted: “Lukaku will have to take a wage cut and accepts this.
“Chelsea are exploring both a traditional loan and a swap-deal.
“Inter don’t want to let Martinez go. They see his relationship and friendship with Lukaku as key.
“Chelsea sources have always distanced themselves from Martinez and say a swap-deal is just ‘one possibility'”.
Blues willing to consider Lukaku move
Romelu Lukaku is reportedly closing in on a return to Inter Milan from Chelsea, writes Anthony Chapman.
Fabrizio Romano claim the Blues are receptive to Lukaku’s exit.
However, they want a £17m loan fee or a player in exchange, with the likes of Lautaro Martinez and Alessandro Bastoni admired by Thomas Tuchel.
Chelsea and Inter chiefs are now set to take the next step forward in talks by directly meeting to thrash out details.
Lukaku netted 47 league goals in just two seasons at Inter, helping them to last year’s title.
But he managed just eight Premier League strikes at Chelsea this term.
His exit means Chelsea are likely going to want a new forward this summer.
Barca switch will happen ‘soon’, says Christensen
Andreas Christensen is keen on completing his transfer from Chelsea to Barcelona in the not-too-distant future.
When asked when his switch to Barca will happen, he said: “Hopefully soon.
“I have known what I was going to do for a while. I’m just waiting for the right time. Unfortunately, it’s not entirely up to me. There are also other things that need to fall into place.
“It is one of the biggest clubs in Europe. I think it is for everyone – whether they have had their problems or not, it is still one of the biggest clubs for a player to get to.”
Lewandowski ‘perfect replacement’ for Lukaku, says Wright-Phillips
Former Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips reckons that the Blues should go all in for Robert Lewandowski if Lukaku leaves for Inter.
Rom has been closing in on a return to the San Siro and the clubs are in direct talks for a loan deal.
Should the striker be off, Wright-Phillips told Genting Casino that Lewandowski would fill in perfectly.
However, he did warn that Tuchel’s team would need to play to his strengths, something they haven’t managed with Lukaku.
He said: “Robert Lewandowski would be the perfect replacement for Romelu Lukaku if Lukaku does leave.
“No matter what team he plays in, he always scores goals.
“Chelsea would just have to make sure they play to his strengths.”
Chelsea and Inter have “direct talks” for Lukaku loan
There is reportedly “direct talks” taking place between Inter Milan and Chelsea in order to complete Romelu Lukaku’s loan move back to the San Siro.
Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Inter are now prepared to open direct talks with Chelsea to discuss about Romelu Lukaku and loan deal details.
“Lukaku has held discussions with Chelsea – but it’s now time for direct contact between clubs.
“Loan fee, salary and more will be discussed with Inter soon.”
Kounde deal now uncertain over injury
Jules Kounde’s dream move to Chelsea has been rocked by an injury storm.
The £70million-rated Sevilla defender underwent surgery on Tuesday on an old pelvic problem which flared up on international duty on Monday.
Kounde fears that although the op is minor it could still affect his chances of securing a big-money transfer to the Prem this summer.
And Sevilla are privately fuming that Kounde opted to play for France against Croatia in the Nations League, while carrying the knock and risking the deal.
Chelsea ‘keen’ on Sterling
Chelsea are reportedly keen on signing Raheem Sterling from Man City.
But the Blues will probably miss out on the winger to Real Madrid, according to talkSPORT host Alex Crook.
He said to Give me Sport: Sterling’s an interesting one because I think that they will definitely be keen on him.
“Personally, I think he is more likely to end up abroad. Real Madrid are still looking to strengthen up top having missed out on a couple of targets.
“I could see Raheem Sterling at the Bernabeu. I think he’s the type of player that would excite them, and I think he’d be excited by that challenge.”
A Slo burner for Tuchel
Also on the club’s radar is American starlet Gabriel Slonina with the 18-year-old establishing himself as the first-choice goalkeeper at Chicago Fire.
However should Chelsea manage to nab the teenager, he would be sent back to the MLS club to continue his development.
Romano tweeted: “Gabriel Slonina, different deal – he’d be one for the future, staying at Chicago Fire on loan.”
It is understood that Chelsea are battling Real Madrid for his signature, with Slonina’s representative stating it is his client’s “dream” to play for Los Blancos.
Blues in for Strakosha
Chelsea have reportedly set their sights on signing goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha, writes Jake Lambourne.
It has been said that boss Thomas Tuchel is keen to find a back-up for Edouard Mendy should Kepa Arrizabalga depart Stamford Bridge.
Kepa has been limited to just 11 Premier League appearances, and Tuchel confirmed last month that showdown talks are planned to take place.
It is claimed that Chelsea are pondering a move for Albania international Strakosha.
Credit: Getty The 27-year-old is set to be available as a free agent when his contract at Lazio expires at the end of the month.
SunSport exclusively revealed that Chelsea’s rivals Fulham were also in the hunt to secure his services.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are now eyeing up a swoop for Strakosha, who has appeared in 208 matches for Lazio since the 2016-17 season.
Romano tweeted: “Thomas Strakosha’s now attracting interest, available on free transfer.
“Chelsea are considering him as one of the options, but only in case Kepa will leave the club this summer.”
Pulisic a ‘really good signing’ for Liverpool, says Johnson
Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson believes Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic would be a good signing for his former club.
Johnson spoke to Bettingodds.com said: “I like him. He’s gone to a big club and I think he’s done okay.
“I don’t think he’s set the world alight but I do like him and he’s a good squad player. When he’s on form he’s fantastic.
“If he was to go to Liverpool then I think that would be a really good signing.
“He’s the sort of player that Jurgen likes, so yes I could see him fitting in there well.”
Gallagher a ‘first-team player’, says Dalglish
Conor Gallagher’s performances for Crystal Palace on loan last season has earned him a glowing report from Kenny Dalglish.
Liverpool legend Daglish said: “In 2020-21, he was bright and bubbly at West Brom.
“Then last season at Crystal Palace he really lit the place up. He was brilliant for Patrick Vieira’s team as they finished a creditable 12th in the Premier League.
“Conor is 22 and now plays for England. He has been very patient. His progress has been steady and he now looks the part of a Chelsea first-team player.”
Barca switch will happen ‘soon’, says Christensen
Andreas Christensen is keen on completing his transfer from Chelsea to Barcelona in the not-too-distant future.
When asked when his switch to Barca will happen, he said: “Hopefully soon.
“I have known what I was going to do for a while. I’m just waiting for the right time. Unfortunately, it’s not entirely up to me. There are also other things that need to fall into place.
“It is one of the biggest clubs in Europe. I think it is for everyone – whether they have had their problems or not, it is still one of the biggest clubs for a player to get to.”
Lukaku’s future plans in chaos
Romelu Lukaku’s hopes of joining Inter Milan have been handed a huge blow.
That’s because Inter have reportedly completed the signing of Paulo Dybala.
Dybala is said to have accepted a four-year contract offer from Inter, with a minor detail that still needs to be ironed out.
And that’s bad news for Lukaku, as Inter won’t be able to afford both strikers, according to reports.
Morning Chelsea fans
Chelsea will move for Wolves defender Rayan Ait-Nouri once Marcos Alonso completes his move to Barcelona.
The Blues have been keeping tabs on the French U21 star since it became apparent that the club would face a defensive exodus this summer.
And journalist Alan Nixon believes Chelsea have earmarked £25m rated Ait-Nouri – although they are likely to face competition from Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.
However, Wolves have no intention of selling Rayan Ait-Nouri to Chelsea, a source revealed.
Wanderers boss Bruno Lage wants to build up his thin squad and is in no mood to let the French wing-back leave with four years left on his deal.
Ait-Nouri cost £10m from French side Angers last summer.
But Wolves are not interested in cashing in on him to make a speedy £15million profit.
Elsewhere, Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a transfer swoop for Lazio keeper Thomas Strakosha.
Strakosha is available on a free transfer.
And the Blues are considering him as a viable option to replace No.1 goalie Kepa if he decides to leave Stamford Bridge, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Meanwhile, Andreas Christensen is keen on completing his transfer from Chelsea to Barcelona soon.
When asked when his switch to Barca will happen, he said: “Hopefully soon.
“I have known what I was going to do for a while. I’m just waiting for the right time. Unfortunately, it’s not entirely up to me. There are also other things that need to fall into place.
“It is one of the biggest clubs in Europe. I think it is for everyone – whether they have had their problems or not, it is still one of the biggest clubs for a player to get to.”
In other news, Jules Kounde’s dream move to Chelsea has been rocked by an injury storm.
The £70million-rated Sevilla defender underwent surgery on Tuesday on an old pelvic problem which flared up on international duty on Monday.
Kounde fears that although the op is minor it could still affect his chances of securing a big-money transfer to the Prem this summer.
And Sevilla are privately fuming that Kounde opted to play for France against Croatia in the Nations League, while carrying the knock and risking the deal.
Finally, Former Chelsea star Jake Clarke-Salter has reportedly agreed to join QPR.
The 24-year-old will complete the transfer on Wednesday, according to The Athletic.
That’s once his medical is completed, the report added.
Inter ‘push for Lukaku transfer’
Inter Milan are still pushing to sign Romelu Lukaku despite landing Paulo Dybala from Juventus.
And Lukaku is demanding that the Blues let him leave this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Talks between Chelsea and Inter over his loan fee are still ongoing.
But the Belgian striker is willing to take a pay cut to force through the transfer, Romano added.
Lukaku plans future crunch talks
Romelu Lukaku is reportedly heading back to London at end of the international campaign to sort out his Chelsea future.
Lukaku’s keen on a return to Inter, and will jet back to Stamford Bridge to get the transfer complete before the month ends, according to the Mirror.
However, Inter may have difficulties rustling up the £20m needed to loan the Belgium international.
Chelsea ‘keen’ on Sterling
Chelsea are reportedly keen on signing Raheem Sterling from Man City.
But the Blues will probably miss out on the winger to Real Madrid, according to talkSPORT host Alex Crook.
He said to Give me Sport: Sterling’s an interesting one because I think that they will definitely be keen on him.
“Personally, I think he is more likely to end up abroad. Real Madrid are still looking to strengthen up top having missed out on a couple of targets.
“I could see Raheem Sterling at the Bernabeu. I think he’s the type of player that would excite them, and I think he’d be excited by that challenge.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
