CHELSEA look set to rival Manchester United for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, according to reports.
Elsewhere, the Blues have been handed a mega boost in their pursuit of Jules Kounde, with Barcelona said to have pulled out of the race to sign the Frenchman.
The Catalans are said to be unable to afford Sevilla’s £65m asking price, particularly as they are looking to sign two-time Fifa Best Award winner Robert Lewandowski.
And Chelsea are reportedly willing to make a £50million bid for Everton forward Richarlison.
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Chilwell refuses to be a lounge lizard
Ben Chilwell and Dele Alli are both cold-blooded ballers when playing on the pitch, writes Anthony Chapman
So it’s no surprise that the Chelsea and Everton stars enjoyed visiting some iguanas while on holiday in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
The pair looked to be loving life as they soaked up the Caribbean sunshine.
Chilwell and Dele are enjoying a well-deserved getaway together after a gruelling Premier League season.
And they spent the other day relaxing in the company of several reptilians at Little Water Cay – otherwise known as Iguana Island.
The curious creatures looked to be having plenty of fun in the sun.
And the iguanas appeared happy too, enjoying the weather amongst the glorious palm trees and sand.
Chilwell and Dele also took a trip on a boat, with the latter getting a go behind the wheel. And Chilwell took advantage of the warm water by diving off the side for a swim.
Earlier this month Chilwell was spotted amongst the sights and sounds of downtown Los Angeles with model Holly Scarfone.
Blues take Clauss action
Chelsea have made “initial contact” over signing Lens star Jonathan Clauss.
That is according to Goal reporter Nizaar Kinsella, who claims the Blues are keeping tabs on Clauss.
The West Londoners reportedly see the right-back at Cesar Azpilicueta’s replacement.
The move would cost £10million and Atletico Madrid are also interested.
It has been added that the France international is also a Chelsea fan.
PSG blow for Chelsea and Spurs over Skriniar
Chelsea and Tottenham have been dealt a blow after Paris Saint-Germain launched a second, improved bid for Milan Skriniar, according to reports.
The two Premier League sides are desperately seeking defensive reinforcements this summer.
Spurs have qualified for the Champions League after a three-year absence and will need to improve their squad depth to compete on all fronts.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have already lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen and are expected to lose both Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso before the start of the new season.
Both clubs have identified Skriniar, 27, as a target amid his stellar, five-year stint at Inter Milan.
However, PSG currently lead the race after launching another bid for the in-demand Slovakia international.
Inter are currently demanding around £68m for their star defender and are playing hardball as they face the prospect of losing fellow centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, potentially even to Chelsea or Spurs.
Two weeks ago, PSG are said to have launched a cheeky £43m offer – well shy of the target.
However, with Skriniar out of contract at the end of the coming season, Inter could accept a fee of closer to £50m.
And multiple reports in Italy claim PSG have come back with an improved offer of £43m up front, with a further £4.3m in add ons.
Chelsea only FOURTH favourites for title
Manchester City and Liverpool are favourites to be crowned 2022-23 Premier League champions.
That’s according to bookmakers Betfair, who are predicting another two-horse race with Pep Guardiola’s Citizens available at 4/7 and Liverpool at 12/5.
The dust has settled on the 2021-22 campaign with Manchester City landing their fourth title in the last five years.
But it’s a quick turnaround with less than 50 days until the new 2022-23 season starts on August 6th, with the fixtures now released.
It will include a six-week mid-season break to accommodate the World Cup in Qatar with the final round of fixtures to be played on the final weekend in May.
Manchester City are odds-on favourites at 4/7 to defend their crown.
And it’s easy to see why given they’ve already added Norwegian superstar Erling Haaland to their ranks.
Betfair odds
- Manchester City – 4/7
- Liverpool – 12/5
- Tottenham – 14/1
- Chelsea – 16/1
- Manchester United – 25/1
- Arsenal – 40/1
- Newcastle – 100/1
Blues vs Red Devils for Rabiot
Chelsea could battle Manchester United for Adrien Rabiot.
That’s after Thomas Tuchel made direct contact with the Juventus midfielder this week.
The Mail claims Rabiot is set for a fresh start after three years in Turin.
The France international joined on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.
And Rabiot has gone on to score six times in 129 appearances.
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag is said to be a big fan of the resilient playmaker.
The Mail claims Rabiot is set for a fresh start after three years in Turin.
The France international joined on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.
And Rabiot has gone on to score six times in 129 appearances.
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag is said to be a big fan of the resilient playmaker.
Ultras don’t want proper Romelu welcome
Scorned Inter Milan Ultras have fired a warning at Romelu Lukaku ahead of his imminent return to Italy.
Chelsea have agreed to loan the Belgian back to the San Siro side for just £7million, a year after buying him for £97.5m.
While it would appear great business for Inter on the pitch, a section of supporters have told others not to celebrate the return of their deadly former No9 too much.
The Curva Nord were furious at the nature of Lukaku’s departure 12 months ago. They wrote at the time: “Despite the fact we protected you like a son, like one of us, you too proved yourself to be just like all the rest, going to your knees for money.”
Addressing fellow supporters now, Curva Nord have urged fans not to “run and drool” after him – instead claiming that he will have to earn their affection back with “humility and sweat”.
They wrote: “Curva Nord supports Inter and will not make any objection to the player (despite last summer’s behaviour). Given this no one should go to welcome him with scarves or banners of the Curva or of the groups that compose it.
“Everything that will eventually be done towards him in the future will have to earn it on the pitch with humility and sweat …
“He was supported (and treated) like a King, now he is one like many others.”
Four-club Fab fight
Arsenal and Newcastle lead the transfer race ahead of Manchester United and Manchester City for Napoli star Fabian Ruiz.
That’s according to Corriere dello Sport, who claim the Partenopei want £26million for Ruiz.
The Serie A giants still hope to keep the 26-year-old but might cash in this summer as he only has one year left on his contract.
The Spain international amassed a total of seven goals and five assists in 38 appearances across all competitions last season.
Mour hope for Billy at Celtic
Celtic would be an ideal fit for Chelsea ace Billy Gilmour next season but his family wouldn’t allow him to move there, according to club legend Pat Nevin.
Nevil told the Scottish Sun: “I know Billy a bit and his family and yeah Rangers would suit his style and so would Celtic.
“Knowing his family though, the Celtic one is unlikely.
“He’s different class Billy, he’s a super player. But he needs to be playing for a team who plays good football which is suited to him.
“I think Celtic and Rangers style would work for him, but because of his family, it wouldn’t be Celtic for him.”
Chelsea target Militao
Chelsea are keeping tabs on Real Madrid star Eder Militao as they look to boost their bakline.
That is according to Mundo Deportivo, who report that the Blues are preparing an offer for Militao.
However, Real are in no way keen on letting the centre-back go in the summer transfer window.
Los Blancos have also slapped a staggering €250million (£215m) asking price on the Brazil international, who has a contract until 2025
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Kounde still linked
Sevilla star Jules Kounde is currently on holiday after reaching an agreement with Chelsea.
That is according to AS, who continue to claim that Kounde is very close to joining the Blues.
The Spanish outlet reports “all roads” lead the centre-back to Stamford Bridge this summer.
However, Barcelona continue to monitor the France international as manager Xavi is very keen to sign him
Arsenal keen on Morata
Former Chelsea star Alvaro Morata is said to be in London rivals Arsenal’s sights.
Atletico Madrid ace Morata has just enjoyed two reasonably successful seasons on loan with Juventus.
Fabio Vieira and Marquinhos have already joined the Gunners in the summer transfer window.
And Caught Offside report Arsenal have even made a bid for the former Real Madrid star
Chelsea’s new board
Chelsea have confirmed their new board ahead of the 2022-2023 season after a consortium led by Todd Boehly bought the club from Roman Abramovich.
Director of football Marina Granovskaia is set to leave the club after the summer transfer window with chairman Bruce Buck also leaving imminently.
Boehly will take Buck’s place with a number of familiar names from his own takeover added to the board.
Behdad Eghbali and Jose E. Feliciano will be the co-controlling owners of Chelsea.
Mark Walter, Hansjorg Wyss and Jonathan Goldstein will sit as the club’s co-owners.
They will be joined by Barbara Charone, Lord Daniel Finkelstein and James Pade
Luk at that
Romelu Lukaku has given up a third of his £325,000-a-week wages to return to Inter Milan.
Chelsea forked out £97.5million for Lukaku 12 months ago but his second stint at Stamford Bridge turned into a nightmare.
Many fans have described the striker as “the worst transfer of all time” with some supporters now desperate for him to leave.
The 29-year-old, who still has four years remaining on his contract, has already made it clear that he wants to go back to Inter in his controversial interview last winter.
And now he is set to get his wish by returning on loan to the San Siro after an agreement was finally reached between the two clubs and the Belgium international
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Lucas in Pia-n
Former Chelsea player Lucas Piazon dislocated his shoulder and was shown a red card after helping his new club win the Battle of Brazil.
Piazon spent nine seasons with the Blues, but made just three senior appearances.
The winger starred in the Rio outfit’s 3-2 comeback win at Internacional on Sunday.
But the 28-year-old became one of four players red-carded after triggering an on-pitch brawl in added time, during which he suffered a dislocated shoulder, in footage shown by A BOLA.
Chelsea target Clauss
Chelsea have made “initial contact” over signing Lens star Jonathan Clauss.
That is according to Goal reporter Nizaar Kinsella, who claims the Blues are keeping tabs on Clauss.
The West Londoners reportedly see the right-back at Cesar Azpilicueta’s replacement.
The move would cost £10million and Atletico Madrid are also interested.
It has been added that the France international is also a Chelsea fan
Lukaku deal details
Chelsea ace Romelu Lukaku is set to rejoin Inter Milan on loan in the summer transfer window.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has shared the details of the deal between the Blues and Inter.
According to Romano, there is an €8million (£6.9m) loan fee guaranteed and €4m (£3.4m) in add-ons related to performances.
The striker’s salary is reduced from €12m (£10.3m) net to €8m (£6.9m) net this season.
There is no buy option or obligation clause, while his medical takes place in Milan next week.
Tuchel’s transfer power
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel now has more control of transfers at the club following the exit of director of football Marina Granovskaia.
And the Blues’ new owner Todd Boehly has immediately put his trust in Tuchel by sanctioning the decision to offload Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan on loan.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Granovskaia was keen to keep Lukaku for one more season as he had arrived for a club record £97.5million just 12 months earlier.
But her exit has seen the German head coach get his way, with The Telegraph claiming that Boehly opted to back him by allowing the £7m loan move to Inter to take place.
The decision to get rid of the striker is the first sign that Tuchel has more power when it comes to signings and departures
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Nev-er going to happen
Celtic would be an ideal fit for Chelsea ace Billy Gilmour next season but his family wouldn’t allow him to move there, according to club legend Pat Nevin.
Nevin told the Scottish Sun: “I know Billy a bit and his family and yeah Rangers would suit his style and so would Celtic.
“Knowing his family though, the Celtic one is unlikely.
“He’s different class Billy, he’s a super player. But he needs to be playing for a team who plays good football which is suited to him.
“I think Celtic and Rangers style would work for him, but because of his family, it wouldn’t be Celtic for him”
Barcelona still want Kounde
Barcelona are still pushing for Sevilla star and Chelsea target Jules Kounde.
According to Mundo Deportivo reporter Ferran Martinez, Barca could even make Kounde their first signing of the summer.
The Blaugrana are also confident they will land Robert Lewandowski, although Bayern Munich continue to resist.
The Catalan giants are also keeping tabs on Manchester City ace Bernardo Silva but will only move if they lose Frenkie de Jong
Toni’s Rud choice
Former Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger has revealed that he rejected Barcelona in order to sign for Real Madrid.
But the centre-back insisted he only wanted to join Real in the summer.
Rudiger said during his official welcoming ceremony: “There was interest from Barcelona.
“I told my agent that it was Madrid or nothing”
Armando Broja EXCLUSIVE
Southampton will not be pursuing a move for Chelsea’s Armando Broja and that is set to give West Ham a huge transfer boost, reports SunSport’s Tom Barclay.
The Hammers have made Broja their top target this summer and they are set to bid around £30million to try to convince the Blues to sell.
Saints were initially keen to explore a fresh move for the striker, whether it be on loan or on a permanent deal.
But they have now moved on to other targets, meaning a return to the South Coast for the Albania international looks extremely unlikely
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Kounde transfer boost
Chelsea have been given a free run at signing Jules Kounde as Barcelona are unable to meet Sevilla’s £65million asking price.
Barca are already set to snap up the Blues’ ace Andreas Christensen on a free transfer.
But Marca report manager Xavi is also keen on signing Kounde to create a new defensive partnership.
Sevilla feel the centre-back should be selling for around £65m this summer.
However, broke Barcelona do not have that kind of money available and that opens the door for the West Londoners to finally completely a highly-anticipated deal.
It’s reckoned the France international has already agreed a five-year contract to join Chelsea
Marina Granovskaia leaves
Chelsea have announced sporting director Marina Granovskaia will leave after the summer transfer window.
The Blues’ new owner and chairman Todd Boehly will fill Granovskaia’s role until a full-time replacement is determined.
However, the two parties will remain in touch until the end of the summer transfer window.
Chelsea released the following statement: “Chelsea FC and Ms. Granovskaia have agreed that she will remain available to Boehly and the Club for the duration of the current transfer window, to the extent required to support the transition”
Kylian Mbappe rejected
Chelsea once sensationally rejected Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe because of concerns about his defensive abilities.
Mbappe went on trial for the Blues when he was 12 years old and spent a week at Cobham but was only invited back for a second trial at the end of it, rather than being offered a contract.
That infuriated the now 23-year-old’s mother, who gave them an ultimatum via former scout Serge Daniel Boga.
Boga told Goal: “She said to me, ‘listen, my boy won’t be coming back. If they want him they have to take him now, or in five years time they will be coming back to buy him for €50million (£45m)’.”
Boga added: “He was very skilful, but in England they want to see the player track back and be a hard worker.
“At the time, he wasn’t a hard worker, defensively he wasn’t there yet. When he got the ball, he was unbelievable, but without the ball, he didn’t work a lot.
“Chelsea wanted to see him again to see how he could improve on this – I think that’s why they asked him back. He did skilful things and dribbled well, so maybe the things they wanted to see in the second trial was improved work on the defensive side.”
Mbappe left West London with just a Chelsea shirt he was gifted at the end of his trial with the club
Kep at it
Nice are lining up a potential loan swoop for Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga after losing their No1 Walter Benitez to PSV Eindhoven.
According to Foot Mercato, the Ligue 1 outfit want Kepa to replace Benitez between the sticks this season.
The world’s most expensive stopper arrived at Stamford Bridge for a whopping £71.6million in 2018.
However, since Edouard Mendy arrived two years later, the Spain international has been reduced to a bench-warming or cup-keeper role.
The 27-year-old still has three years left on his seven-year contract in West London but has grown frustrated over his bit-part role
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
