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    Incredible XI of stars Chelsea could sell to fund huge summer striker signing including £72million Kepa Arrizabalaga

    CHELSEA could be forced into selling an entire XI of star players this summer in order to fund a world class striker.The Blues’ desperation for a No 9 has left the club needing to flog players in order to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules.Manager Enzo Maresca is prepared to shift as many as 11 players to get a new No 9Ben Chilwell could be one player leaving Stamford Bridge on a permanent basisCredit: PAWith £1.2billion spent under Todd Boehly since 2022, Enzo Maresca essentially has two separate squads and more players than he can count.But so far Chelsea have avoided Financial Fair Play punishments due to their ability to sell players – such as £60million-plus deals for Mason Mount to Manchester United and Kai Havertz to Arsenal – amounting to decent net sales.And this summer, they have no shortage of options for potential profitable exits – so many that you could practically make an XI out of a sellable list.It’s hard to keep up with who is on the books at Chelsea, with NINE of the XI currently out on loan, but SunSport runs the rule over those who could make way.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSKepa ArrizabalagaKepa Arrizabalaga joined Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao for £72m in 2018.The Spaniard, who is currently on loan at Bournemouth, remains the most expensive keeper of all time.The 30-year-old is reportedly keen to join the Cherries on a permanent basis after starting 22 Prem games this season.But after spending last term on loan with Real Madrid, Kepa will surely have many other suitors, too.Most read in FootballKepa Arrizabalaga is reportedly keen to join Bournemouth on a permanent basisAlfie GilchristChelsea loanee Gilchrist has started 26 of Sheffield United’s 30 Championship games this season.Home-grown talent and an English defender aged 21 is a good combination for getting a decent fee.With Chris Wilder’s side pushing for immediate promotion back to the Prem, the club could move to make Gilchrist’s deal permanent.Alfie Gilchrist has started 26 of Sheffield United’s 30 Championship games this season.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeTrevor ChalobahFellow Cobham star Chalobah, who joined Chelsea at the age of eight, is said to be seen as “expandable” by the club heading into the summer.Academy graduates represent “pure profit” when it comes to PSR and any sales would go a long way to helping Chelsea get some money in the bank to spend on new arrivals.Chalobah likely had hopes of saving his Blues career when the club recalled him from his loan at Crystal Palace as Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill were out with suspected long-term injures.Axel DisasiChelsea are planning to sell Disasi after sending the Frenchman out on loan to Aston Villa in January. A move to the Birmingham-based club could be an option for the Frenchman should he impress in the remainder of the season. Chelsea are planning to sell Axel Disasi after sending the Frenchman out on loan to Aston Villa in JanuaryBen ChilwellChilwell set Chelsea back a whopping £50m when he arrived from Leicester in 2020 but fitness issues have made him a liability.Maresca said the left-back is “free to leave” when he loaned him to Crystal Palace for the remainder of the season in January.Chilwell, who earns around £200,000-per-week, was widely criticised by a section of the fanbase last season.Renato VeigaVeiga, 21, joined Chelsea from Basel for £11.8m in the summer but was loaned to Juventus at the turn of the year.The Italian side have agreed to cover the Portugal international’s wages and pay a £3.8m loan fee, with no option to buy included in the deal.Veiga has also been linked with Borussia Dortmund as he looks for more minutes to stay in the Portugal squad.Carney ChukwuemekaThe 21-year-old joined Dortmund on loan, with an option to buy, from Chelsea in February and has enjoyed a great start there.The Bundesliga giants would be keen on keeping Chukwuemeka for another loan after this one comes to an end, although this would rely on them qualifying for Europe.’Embarrassing our manager is taking that…’ – Eagle-eyed Chelsea fans fuming after spotting Maresca’s gesture to TimberRaheem SterlingSterling has endured a nightmare stint at Stamford Bridge since signing for £47.5m from Manchester City on a FIVE-YEAR deal in 2022.The 82-time England international joined Arsenal for a season-long loan last summer, with Maresca explaining that he wouldn’t play a minute under his management.With four Prem starts in 29 games this season, Arsenal won’t move to sign Sterling, who bags £325,000-per-week on a permanent deal.Bookies have West Ham and Fenerbahce as the front-runners to take him if he was to leave Chelsea.Arsenal won’t move to sign Sterling on a permanent dealJoao FelixFelix’s £113 million transfer from Benfica to Atletico Madrid in 2019 made him the fifth most expensive football transfer of all time. After a topsy-turvy few years Diego Simeone, Felix joined Chelsea on a brief loan in 2023, before he spent a campaign with Barcelona.His £42.7m sale to Chelsea last summer saw the LaLiga side ultimately accept a devastating financial loss.But within six months of his deal which runs until 2031, Maresca sent him on loan to AC Milan – which has been another nightmare.Felix, 25, has been slammed by some sections of the Italian press after a string of underwhelming performances since January.Joao Felix was shipped out on loan to AC Milan in JanuaryDavid Datro FofanaFofana’s 18 months at Chelsea have seen him feature just four times for the club, while he bags around £30,000 a week.The 22-year-old was recalled from his loan spell with Super Lig side Goztepe after major knee injury left him unable to play until next season.Previous loans at Union Berlin and Burnley previously conjured up just six goals in 32 appearances.Now Chelsea could cut their losses on the £13m man and ensure he is off their wage bill.Armando BrojaChelsea were willing to sell striker Broja last August, before he joined Everton on a season-long loan on deadline day.But bidders might be put off by the Albania international’s ongoing injury problems.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 23-year-old was sidelined for the opening months of the season at Everton as he continued to recover from an Achilles injury, which had scuppered a transfer to Ipswich.Broja was then available for selection for FIVE games before being stretchered off with oxygen during Everton’s FA Cup win over Peterborough. 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    Player who has never played for Newcastle receives Carabao Cup winners’ medal due to little-known rule

    A TEENAGER who is yet to make his Newcastle debut was given a Carabao Cup winners medal following Sunday’s 2-1 win over Liverpool.The Magpies ended their 70-year wait for a domestic trophy at the weekend by winning the Carabao Cup at Wembley.Sean Neave was on the bench for Newcastle during the Carabao Cup finalCredit: GettyThe 17-year-old was handed a winners medal despite not playing a single minute for the senior teamCredit: GettyDan Burn put his team 1-0 up on the brink of half-time with a composed header before Alexander Isak increased the advantage in the 52nd minute.Federico Chiesa got one back for Liverpool in added time, but it was not enough and Eddie Howe’s side went on to clinch the victory.Academy graduate Sean Neave was on the bench for Newcastle but did not get any minutes.Although he was denied the chance to make his senior debut at Wembley, the 17-year-old still received a winners medal.Read More on NewcastleNeave penned his first professional contract for Newcastle last summer.He said: “Ever since I was young, it’s been my dream to play for Newcastle United so to sign a professional deal here is surreal.”I was really pleased to make my debut for the under-21s as it means next year, I can push on and try to make a few more appearances and hopefully score a few goals.”Making my international debut was a really proud moment for me and my family. Playing for your country is one of the biggest things in football and I’m hoping that, next season, I can gain more appearances for England.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I’m more than happy about my goals this season at under-18 level and I was really pleased to be the top goalscorer at the club.”I’m hoping I can push on, score a few more next season and be up there with the top goalscorers in the league.”Liverpool 1 Newcastle 2: Jubilant Toon finally end 70 years of heartache to win Carabao Cup in week from hell for RedsNeave scored less than two minutes into his Premier League 2 debut in November and is now one of the most highly-regarded young prospects at the club.Meanwhile, goalkeeper Martin Dubravka also received a medal despite not making an appearance.And reports are claiming that Miguel Almiron is poised to be given one despite leaving St James’ Park in January.Almiron made four appearances for the Magpies in the Carabao Cup this season before joining Atlanta United. More

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    Nick Cushing turns focus on WSL clash after Miedema’s Man City brace ends Chelsea’s unbeaten run

    NICK CUSHING is ready to turn his attention to Manchester City’s WSL test against Chelsea after his side beat them in Europe last night. Vivianne Miedema’s brace sealed City’s 2-0 Champions League quarters first-leg victory, ending the Blues’ 31-game unbeaten run. Nick Cushing guided Manchester City to a hardfought win at Joie Stadium on their return to Champions League actionCredit: AFPTwo second-half goals for Vivianne Miedema sealed City’s quarter-final first leg victoryCredit: AlamyBrazil forward Kerolin impressed for City on her first European outing since joining the club in JanuaryCredit: AlamyThe Netherlands star’s second-half double enabled the Cityzens to avenge their League Cup final loss to Chelsea before their second-leg clash next Thursday at Stamford Bridge. Before then the rivals meet at the Etihad this Sunday at 2:30pm in the top tier. And Cushing is targeting his first match win in the top tier since his Man City return last week. His side are currently fourth in the WSL and 12 points behind leaders Chelsea after losing four of their 16 games this term. Read More Football StoriesThe interim Cityzens boss, who oversaw his first game at Joie Stadium since 2019, said: We wanted to win, we’ve won with a two-goal lead. “We can put that one away now and focus on the league game, because our league position isn’t where we want it and Sunday’s game becomes crucial. “After that we prepare for the Stamford Bridge (reverse Champions League) game. “We know any game against Chelsea is going to be incredibly difficult. Most read in Football”The confidence and belief comes from knowing that we can play whatever game is in front of us.”While striker Khadija Shaw and forward Aoba Fujino joining Lauren Hemp on the Cityzens’ crocked list, Cushing opted to start Miedema on the bench on Wednesday night. His side had three first-half shots on target including 19-year-old Lily Murphy’s low strike close to half-time which prompted a comfortable save from keeper Hannah Hampton. With visitors Chelsea content to soak up pressure, Cushing shuffled his deck bringing Miedema on in the second half.The WSL record scorer rewarded him with a 60th-minute shot into the roof of the net before a late strike with two minutes of normal time left. After the match Miedema said:  “I’m honestly happy that I could come on and help the team. Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor has backed her Blues to bounce back in their WSL duel with City at the Etihad on March 23Credit: Alamy”This is the standard that we need to set ourselves. It gives us a lot of confidence going into the next two games (against Chelsea).”It’s a really special (win). We’ve had a couple of special Champions League nights here this season. “We had the win over Barcelona as well, but this one feels really really good.” More

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    Croatia vs France: Get £50 in free bets for Nations League quarter final with Betfred

    CROATIA and France go toe-to-toe in the first leg of their Nations League quarter final.And brand new Betfred customers can claim a fantastic £50 in free bets and bonuses when they sign-up and stake a tenner on the international encounter.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereCroatia vs France: Get £50 free bets HERE*How to claim..Betfred welcome offerVisit the Betfred website HERE*Register an account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Deposit £10 using a Debit CardPlace your first bet of £10 or more on any qualifying Sportsbook markets, at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that bet has settled, Betfred will credit your account with £50 in Free BetsBetfred: Get your £50 in free bets – Claim here*Croatia vs France: Get £50 free bets HERE*New to Betfred? Then you can claim this incredible offer.Simply visit the Betfred website using this link HERE* and register a new account using the Promo Code: BETFRED50Then you just need to deposit and stake £10 on any football market at odds of Evens or greater.When that first bet has settled — win or lose — Betfred will credit your account with the following free bets;3 x £10 to use on any Sportsbook Markets2 x £10 to use on Accumulators (4+ selections)Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.*New customers only. Register with BETFRED50. Deposit £10+ via Debit Card and place first bet £10+ at Evens (2.0)+ on Sports within 7 days to get 3 x £10 in Sports Free Bets & 2 x £10 in Acca Free Bets within 10 hours of settlement. 7-day expiry. Eligibility & payment exclusions apply. T&Cs apply. More

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    Italy vs Germany: Get £40 in free bets on the Nations League quarter final with BetMGM

    ITALY host Germany in the first leg of their Nations League quarter final this Thursday.And bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the mega match-up.Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles hereHow to claim..BetMGM £40 welcome bonusVisit the BetMGM website HERE*Select SPORTS OFFER on the websiteRegister a new account – No Promo Code necessaryOpt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greaterOnce that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free betsItaly vs Germany: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here*Not got a BetMGM account? No problem!This offer is just for you, and it’s incredibly easy to claim!Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker.Once that’s settled – win or lose – your account will be credited with £40 in free bets!Italy vs Germany: Get £40 in free bets — claim yours here**BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place a qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1x £10 Free Bet on Football, 1x £10 Free Bet on Horse Racing, 2 x £10 Free Bet Builders. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. Full T&Cs apply.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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    Chelsea’s Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo signings confirmed in unorthodox announcement as EXACT transfer fees revealed

    THE exact transfer fee – including the costs of agents – that Chelsea will pay to sign Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo has been revealed.Selling club Sporting Lisbon announced the deals in a statement which also detailed how much the fees would come to.The exact fee Chelsea will pay to sign Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo has been revealedCredit: RexChelsea will pay up to £44m for 17-year-old QuendaCredit: GettyMeanwhile, Essugo will cost £18.7mCredit: GettyThis was a very different move to the way deals are typically announced with clubs often calling the fee “undisclosed”.The Portuguese giants revealed the double deal was worth just under £62.4m (€74.5million).Broken down for the two players, Chelsea have paid more than double the fee for Quenda than Essugo.The 17-year-old, one of Europe’s most sought after talents and previously linked with reuniting with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, was reported as a shock move last week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea will pay £42.6m up front for the winger, with a further £1.1m in potential add ons.However, the Blues will not see their new star in action until at least 2026 after an agreement was struck to leave the teen on loan in Lisbon.Meanwhile, the deal for Essugo, currently on loan at Las Palmas, has seen Chelsea pay a flat £18.7m (€22.27m).The defensive midfielder will remain on loan in Spain before linking up with Chelsea in the summer. Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeThat means he could make his debut for the club during the inaugural Club World Cup.The statement also added fees for intermediation services in the deals were worth £3.7m for the pair of them – £2.8m (€3.35m) for Quenda and £838,000 (€999,700).’This is a joke’ – Danny Drinkwater reveals moment he was told he had ONE HOUR to leave Chelsea More

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    Teenage footballer Guo Jiaxuan, 18, dies in hospital after suffering knee to head during friendly in Spain

    A TEENAGE footballer has died in hospital after a clash with another player during a friendly match in Spain.Chinese player Guo Jiaxuan was knocked unconscious after receiving a knee to his face last month in Madrid during a training game against Spanish side RC Alcobendas, organised by the Beijing Football Association.Guo Jiaxuan has died after suffering a knee to the head in a matchCredit: Jam PressThe 18-year-old defender, declared brain dead while he was still in Spain after being rushed to a medical centre, was flown back to his homeland in an air ambulance on February 13 – a week after the freak accident.He was admitted to Pekin’s Tiantan Hospital the following day and had been kept on a life support machine.Yesterday his family were told his condition had worsened and he was subsequently officially declared dead.It was not immediately clear if his loved ones had managed to make it to hospital to say their goodbyes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGuo, who joined Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan aged 13 as a youth player, had previously represented the Chinese national team at under-17 level and had been invited to train with Bayern Munich in 2023.He became part of Bayern Munich’s World Squad, an international project by the German giants aimed at developing promising players from around the world.Guo’s brother revealed on social media after the February 6 clash that led to him being declared brain dead that he had suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage – a form of stroke caused by bleeding on the brain – in the accidental collision.His father had reportedly refused the doctor’s suggestion to turn off his son’s life support and perform an autopsy, and instead sought for him to be repatriated to China for further treatment.Most read in FootballRC Alcobendas had offered a message of support for Guo and his family while he was still in Spain, saying in a statement: “We want to express our deep concern for the player from the Beijing Football Association delegation who suffered an accident during the friendly match played this morning against our first team.“We send all our support to him, his family and his team at this difficult time. We sincerely wish you a speedy recovery.”The club has yet to comment following confirmation Guo has died in hospital. More

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    Liverpool vs Chelsea legends: CONFIRMED line-ups with Gerrard and Zola among stellar names for Anfield charity match

    LIVERPOOL AND CHELSEA legends will clash at Anfield THIS WEEKEND for a charity match.Liverpool will host an enthralling legends charity match with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Gianfranco Zola among the stellar names in action.Liverpool hero Steven Gerrard will play in the matchChelsea icon Gianfranco Zola is going to be back in action for the BluesOld rivalries will be rekindled 20 years on from the astonishing 2004-05 season. That year was the memorable Champions League semi-final between these two teams, which ended in a 1-0 win for the Reds after Luis Garcia’s controversial ‘ghost goal’.Rafa Benitez’s team went on to win the competition that year, with the Spaniard back in the dugout for Liverpool on Saturday.Gerrard will also return to Anfield and is looking to roll back the years on Saturday.read more fooball newsThe midfield icon enjoyed a glistening career making over 700 appearances for the Reds, bagging 186 goals and winning nine major trophies.Fans will also be excited by the prospect of Gianfranco Zola starring.The Italian maestro is best remembered for his incredible close control and dribbling skills and helping transform Chelsea in the late 1990s.With Benitez in Liverpool’s dugout, Chelsea will also have a Champions League-winning manager guiding them.Most read in FootballClub legend Roberto Di Matteo was the man responsible for Chelsea’s first ever Champions League in 2012 and he takes charge of the legends again.One hundred per cent of the money raised from the charity fixture will support the LFC Foundation, Forever Reds, Chelsea Foundation and Chelsea Players’ Trust.Rafa Benitez won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005Credit: Getty – ContributorRoberto di Matteo took Chelsea all the way in Europe in 2012.Other players making an appearance for the sides include Robbie Keane, Jerzy Dudek, Dirk Kuyt, Ramires, Eidur Gudjohnsen, Florent Malouda and many more.Football fans are in for a treat and will not want to miss this one with all these phenomenal names taking part – it’s due to be a cracker of a game and a great event. What are the lineups?More names could well be announced but here are the current confirmed names:Liverpool legends:Jerzy DudekSander WesterveldFabio AurelioDjimi TraoreMartin SkrtelRagnar Klavan Mark GonzalezSteven GerrardJay SpearingDirk KuytDjibril CisseRobbie KeaneSami HyppiaDavid JamesBjorn Tore KvarmeGregory VignalMohamed SissokoIgor Biscan Florent Sinama PongolleNatasha DowieRafa Benitez (Manager)Chelsea legends:READ MORE SUN STORIESCarlo CudiciniGary Cahill RamiresJohn Obi MikelGianfranco Zola Loic Remy Florent MaloudaJesper GronkjaerJimmy Floyd HasselbankRyan BertrandKatie ChapmanRoberto Di Mateo (Manager)When is Liverpool vs Chelsea legends and how can I watch it?Liverpool Legends vs Chelsea Legends will take place at Anfield on Saturday, March 22.Kick-off is at 2pm.The game will be screened on LFCTV which is an additional subscription.The match can also be watched on the Chelsea app or Chelseafc.com, with fans paying a pay-per-view fee of £5.99.Alternatively, all the action will be live blogged by SunSport. More