Subterms
GABRIEL MAGALHAES was something of an unknown quantity before last season. But the Brazilian centre back became one of the first names on the team sheet for French side Lille and impressed so much Arsenal have now signed him in a £27million deal. Getting him was something of a fight though, witch Chelsea boss Frank […] More
CRYSTAL PALACE have reportedly won the race to secure the services of Chelsea starlet Conor Gallagher on loan.
It was believed that the 20-year-old midfielder was set to link up with West Brom for the 2020/21 season.
1
Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is set to join Crystal Palace on loanCredit: PA:Press Association
But the Eagles have swooped in and are now in pole position to capture the England youth international.
According to Football.London journalist Oliver Harbord, Gallagher had a medical with Palace on Sunday ahead of his proposed move.
He tweeted: “Understand Conor Gallagher had a medical with Crystal Palace yesterday ahead of a proposed loan move.
“Several clubs interested in the Chelsea youngster, but seems the Eagles have won the race.”
SunSport exclusively revealed in July how Palace were originally seeking a permanent move, but the Blues are unwilling to sell the youngster.
And we also told you how Bundesliga clubs Schalke, Mainz and Arminia were also keeping tabs on the player.
Gallagher enjoyed two successful loan spells away from Stamford Bridge last term.
The 2017 U-17 World Cup winner spent the first half of the term at Charlton, where he chipped in with six goals and four assists in 26 games.
He then made the move to Swansea midway through January, where he provided seven assists in 19 outings for the Welsh outfit.
Hakim Ziyech limps off with injury on Chelsea debut vs Brighton in huge blow before start of Premier League season More
CHELSEA could still make THREE more signings this summer despite their monster spending already.
The Blues have already bought Ben Chilwell (£50million), Timo Werner (£48m) and Hakim Ziyech (£36m) this window.
2
Chelsea are set to buy THREE more players after signing Chilwell, Silva, Sarr, Ziyech and Werner
2
Chelsea want three more players, including HavertzCredit: EPA
Centre-backs Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr have also arrived on free transfers.
Despite already over-compensating for last summer’s transfer ban, Frank Lampard hopes to bring in THREE more new faces.
Kai Havertz is the top target, with the £90m-rated Bayer Leverkusen star expected to be confirmed at Stamford Bridge imminently.
Chelsea and Leverkusen have agreed to a £90m fee, including £72m up front and two instalments of £9m apiece.
However, the “when” regarding those two future payments is yet to be agreed upon.
Chelsea also hope to complete the signing of West Ham ace Declan Rice after Roman Abramovich gave the green light for a £150m splurge.
The Hammers want £80m for their prized asset, but the West Londoners want to cut that figure to below £50m
But the Blues are also desperate for a new goalkeeper to get rid of £71.6m flop Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Lampard has already looked at Dean Henderson, Andre Onana, Jan Oblak and Edouard Mendy.
Henderson signed a new five-year contract at Manchester United, while deals for Onana and Oblak proved fruitless.
Ajax appeared unwilling to sell Onana cheaply, while Atletico Madrid wants Oblak’s £109m release clause met in full.
The Blues turned their attention to Rennes stopper Mendy, but saw a £15m bid knocked back.
Now, reports in Italy have claimed Chelsea want AC Milan stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is out of contract at the San Siro at the end of the 2020-21 season.
Chelsea are now set to test the Serie A giants’ resolve with a £45m bid.
Chelsea confirm Thiago Silva on free transfer as former PSG star signs one-year deal at Stamford Bridge More
CHELSEA striker Tammy Abraham is wanted by Aston Villa as he faces a big fight for his future in West London.
The Blues have signed Timo Werner this summer after seasons of scoring in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig.
1
Aston Villa are belieevd to be interested in Cherlsea striker Tammy AbrahamCredit: REUTERS
And Frank Lampard is believed to be close to bringing in exciting German talent Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen for £90million.
Having also signed Hakim Ziyech from Ajax, Lampard could go with a new dynamic for his frontline next season.
And Olivier Giroud agreed a new deal with the club late last season, and ended the campaign preferred to Abraham.
According to MailOnline, Villa “have asked” about Abraham, but the 22-year-old “wants to stay and fight for his place at Stamford Bridge”.
Abraham is of course well known to the Birmingham outfit having enjoyed a brilliant spell season there in 2018/19.
The England man scored 26 goals in 40 games to help lead Villa back to the Premier League.
That unsurprisingly alerted Chelsea that Abraham was clearly ready to stake his place in the first XI.
And he started the season in style with seven goals in his first five games.
But the Londoner picked up an ankle injury in mid-January, and failed to rediscover that early season form on his return.
But with the forward determined to fight for his place at Stamford Bridge, the Villains might have to look elsewhere.
Brentford hotshot Ollie Watkins is also on the radar after his 26 goals helped the Bees into the Championship play-offs.
But they came a cropper against Fulham in the final, and Watkins may now wish to test himself at the highest level.
Lampard warns Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham he must ‘improve’ amid competition from Timo Werner next season More
CHELSEA are targeting a move for AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to replace flop Kepa Arrizabalaga, according to reports.
Frank Lampard is desperate to replace the £71.6million goalkeeper after a dreadful 2019-20.
2
Chelsea have lined up a bid for AC Milan star Gianluigi Donnarumma, say reportsCredit: Alamy Live News
2
Chelsea are keen to offload flop Kepa Arrizabalaga this summerCredit: Reuters
And reports claim the Blues are set to continue their sensational spending on the £45m-rated Italian after contacting agent Mino Raiola.
Chelsea have already looked at Dean Henderson, Andre Onana, Jan Oblak and Edouard Mendy.
Henderson signed a new five-year contract at Manchester United, while deals for Onana and Oblak proved fruitless.
Ajax appeared unwilling to sell Onana cheaply, while Atletico Madrid wants Oblak’s £109m release clause met in full.
The Blues turned their attention to Rennes stopper Mendy, but saw a £15m bid knocked back.
Now, reports in Italy have claimed Lampard is aiming bigger – with a mega-money swoop for Donnarumma.
The Italian, 21, is out of contract at the San Siro in June.
Milan now face a race against time to tie Donnarumma down to a new deal or face losing him for free next summer.
Chelsea are now set to test the Serie A giants’ resolve with a £45m bid.
The Blues have even already contacted the stopper’s agent, Raiola, as they attempt to swiftly conclude a deal, according to the report.
Burnley’s Nick Pope and Watford’s Ben Foster have also been linked with Chelsea.
Whoever is brought in, Lampard’s monster summer spending looks to be carrying on well into the transfer window.
The Blues have already signed Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva and Malan Sarr, with Kai Havertz on the brink of joining, too.
Chelsea confirm Thiago Silva on free transfer as former PSG star signs one-year deal at Stamford Bridge More
NOT many make something of their lives outside Les Moulins, a rough suburb to avoid in the picturesque city of Nice.
But Malang Sarr is an example that anything is possible.
8
Chelsea signing Malang Sarr comes from an impoverished suburb of NiceCredit: AFP or licensors
8
A local hero, Sarr has a street park named after him in Les MoulinsCredit: Twitter / @ognice
The highly coveted 21-year-old defender has hit the big time with a move to the Premier League.
Joining Frank Lampard’s Chelsea on a free transfer after his contract expired, Sarr has signed a five-year deal with the Blues and is expected to be sent out on loan to gain valuable game time.
It’s a transfer that he could only have dreamed of growing up on an estate in a disadvantaged neighbourhood in the French Riviera.
However, despite his rapid rise through the ranks at Nice – Sarr has never forgotten his roots.
DOING HIS BIT FOR CHARITY
Sarr understands what he achieved was against the norm for kids from Les Moulins.
That’s why he became an ambassador for the Adam Association.
Formed in 1977, the charity works with children and young adults from the poor area and gives them opportunities they may not get.
Educational support for kids is high on their agenda, as well as social and professional integration for young adults.
Sarr turned to the Adam Association himself, when it came to needing help with his school work, so he understands exactly what they represent.
8
Sarr is a role model for the people of Les Moulins to aspire to beCredit: Twitter / @ognice
8
When Sarr was a boy he relied on local charity Adam Association to help him with his studiesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
At the turn of the year, Sarr made an appearance at one of their meetings to hand out certificates for 23 graduates of a security training course.
He told his audience: “Knowing that we all come from Les Moulins and seek to follow the path of those who have achieved great things in the neighbourhood is the only thing you should have in mind.
“You should not put up any barriers because luck is made, in sport and in all other professions.”
IN HIS HONOUR
Last year, Sarr’s remarkable rise was recognised in Les Moulins.
At only 20, he was immortalised with his very own park named after him in the district.
The street park features a mural of the local’s hero painted on a wall, while naturally there are goals for kids to practice with and aspire to be the ‘next Sarr’.
Sarr understands he’s a role model for the people who have supported him and his epic ascension from Nice youth product to potential Premier League star.
“To be able to give back to the neighbourhood, to give back to the city, all I could have is the least of things,” Sarr revealed.
“It’s a neighbourhood where life is good, everyone is pleasant, where everyone loves each other and is generous.
8
Sarr’s street park features a mural of the new Chelsea star
8
Malang Sarr Street Park opened last yearCredit: Twitter / @ognice
“I try to be the best person I can to give a good image and to set an example.”
A BORN LEADER
Sarr joined Nice when he was six, spending 12 years developing with the club’s academy.
He made his debut in 2016 – scoring and becoming the second youngest goalscorer in Ligue 1 history in the process.
And under Nice manager Patrick Vieira he became a mainstay of the first team, filling in at left-back as well as playing in central defence.
8
Patrick Vieira has called Sarr a leader among menCredit: Icon Sport – Getty
8
Chelsea have snapped Sarr up on a five-year dealCredit: Instagram / @fedepastorello
The former Gunners legend also sees something of him in the talented Sarr.
“He has the personality of a leader,” Vieira told Sport365 in 2019. “He answers simply and clearly.”
Clearly, Sarr is a leader on and off the pitch.
Chelsea confirm £50m Ben Chilwell transfer from Leicester City as he becomes Frank Lampard’s third addition to squad More
FRANK LAMPARD was rubbing his hands in anticipation of an exciting year ahead with Chelsea this time last week.
New signings were rolling in with deals agreed for Ben Chilwell and Germany’s rising star Kai Havertz.
6
Eight of Frank Lampard’s Chelsea stars are in quarantineCredit: Getty Images – Getty
6
Timo Werner is looking to make his mark in the Premier League after joining from RB LeipzigCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Lampard was also sneaking under the radar to snap up the perfect man to fix his defence with a crafty freebie for the experienced Thiago Silva, 35.
Everything Chelsea were touching was turning to gold.
Now Lampard dare not touch anything down at the club’s hi-spec, Surrey training ground because his team is riddled with coronavirus once again after a fresh outbreak.
Chelsea’s head coach may still be rubbing his hands together with optimism — but only while elbow deep in hand sanitiser.
Those meticulous preparations to lead his club back up to the position of being genuine title contenders will now face a massive early challenge.
One far greater than defending champions Liverpool, ambitious Manchester City or any dogged opposition can mount on a matchday.
Lampard is not alone among Premier League managers in counting the cost of virtually the entire combined force of the top-flight playing staff dropping their boots at the end of a tiring and protracted season to flit off on luxury foreign holidays.
QUARAN-TEAM
Once abroad, and in most cases to destinations not considered high risk, it seems normal rules such as social distancing did not apply.
Covid testing and bio-secure bubbles were abandoned in favour of far more earthy behaviour.
The heady mix of sunshine and sense of release from lockdown and then the final completion of the fixture list must have been overwhelming, making it feel like the pandemic belonged to another world. If only.
England captain Harry Kane is in enforced quarantine following a break in the Bahamas when it was added to the list of countries requiring isolation while he was there.
His Tottenham team-mate Tanguy Ndombele actually has the disease.
Lampard is missing EIGHT players with Ross Barkley, Jorginho, Emerson and Michy Batshuayi joining the initial four of Tammy Abraham, Christian Pulisic, Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori sitting it out in quarantine after holidaying in the Greek islands.
Abraham and Mount’s inclusion in the England squad for the forthcoming Nations League games against Iceland and Denmark must be in question.
6
The Blues are preparing for the opening fixture of the Premier League season in two weeksCredit: Getty Images – Getty
6
Blues fans cannot wait to see Hakim Ziyech in action following his switch from AjaxCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has tested positive for the virus and must follow the rules like everybody else for the next fortnight by staying put.
One way of making sure he remains at Old Trafford this summer, perhaps.
Ironically, Chelsea were the first English club hit by coronavirus as it ripped through normality in March.
Midfielder Callum Hudson-Odoi detected a slight sniffle, had a swab jammed up his nose and was then hastily sent packing home.
Even though he had not been near the training ground and did not actually feel ill.
The gates to the Cobham complex were immediately slammed shut and the place deep-cleaned.
The rest of the squad were banished to boring home workouts for weeks before anyone was allowed near the place again.
6
Chelsea are one of the favourites to win the Premier League in the upcoming campaignCredit: Getty Images – Getty
6
Reece James is looking to nail down a starting spot at right-back ahead of Cesar AzpilicuetaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Chelsea, with maybe more players in quarantine to come, are continuing pre-season training as best they can.
The club, understandably, will not and maybe cannot pinpoint the precise source of the second wave of coronavirus, which has rocked them far more than the first.
Testing of the players left working is proceeding as per usual, so no panicky measures this time.
Lampard, with his coaching staff, is doing his best to soldier on — even though it will soon be easier to name the Chelsea players who are not in quarantine rather than those who are.
Football is learning to deal with Covid and that could be the nub of the latest problem.
The players, like a lot of people in this country, believe that the worst is over — that it will not happen to them.
Blues midfielder N’Golo Kante downed tools with justifiable fright and asked not to train because of health concerns at the outset of lockdown in the spring.
But he is now believed to be going in normally and is relatively unconcerned.
His inclusion in the latest France squad underlines that he is fit and raring to go, even though there are spikes everywhere.
In just a few months the approach to this deadly disease has changed dramatically with experience.
But if many more players start getting the kind of results they dread from the wave of testing now being carried out as they return from truncated summer holidays, things may start to look a little more shaky.
Not just for Chelsea but for all clubs…
There is a long way to go before serious doubts arise about starting the season on September 12.
The Premier League remains calm about the latest wave of fresh cases and quarantines.
And Chelsea have no plans to ask for their opening game at Brighton on September 14 to be postponed.
But coronavirus is like the bone-dry brush in Northern California — ready to reignite any minute.
Footballers, like everyone else, might just need to curb their jet-set lifestyles for now to keep everyone safe.
Chelsea confirm £50m Ben Chilwell transfer from Leicester City as he becomes Frank Lampard’s third addition to squad More
THIAGO SILVA is closing in on a deal to join Chelsea after Paris Saint-Germain confirmed the defender’s exit.
The 35-year-old has run his contract down at Parc des Princes after eight years of service, with his last appearance coming in the Champions League final defeat on Sunday.
1
Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed that Thiago Silva has left the clubCredit: Getty Images – Getty
🙌🔴🔵 #MerciCapitaineLe Président du @PSG_inside Nasser Al-Khelaïfi a tenu a adresser un message à @tsilva3 : «Thiago, merci pour ces huit années mémorables, pleines de souvenirs impérissables et pour ton implication, ta dévotion et ton aura. […]
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) August 27, 2020
PSG were keen to tie the Brazilian down to a new deal, but Silva has opted to depart as he longs to play in the Premier League.
Les Parisiens took to Twitter to say goodbye to the centre-back, as they posted a clip of his highlights at the club.
Captioning the video, they said: “You marked the history of the club.
“Red and Blue for life. Forever in our hearts.”
A statement from PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi then read: “Thiago, thank you for these eight memorable years, full of lasting memories and for your involvement, your devotion and your aura.
GO GET HIM
“You will forever be one of the greatest players in history, and your legendary status here at PSG will last forever.
“I wish you and your family the best for your future challenges, you will always be part of the family and the history of the club, a big thank you captain!”
SunSport reported on Wednesday how Silva has already agreed a deal to join the West Londoners.
A two-year contract has been rumoured to be on the table for Silva, who has already posted an emotional farewell to PSG fans.
He wrote on Thursday: “Today a cycle ends, after eight years with the @psg team.
View this post on Instagram
🇫🇷 «La valeur des choses n’est pas dans le temps qu’elles durent, mais dans l’intensité avec laquelle elles se produisent. Pour cette raison, il y a des moments inoubliables, des choses inexplicables et des gens incomparables »(Fernando Pessoa). Aujourd’hui un cycle se termine, après 8 ans au sein de l’equipe du @psg, je voudrais remercier mes coéquipiers, toute l’équipe technique et la direction, les fans, ma famille, Dieu et mes amis, pour tous ces heureux moments que nous avons vécu dans la Ville Lumière. Ici, avec ma femme @bellesilva, nous avons vécu des moments inoubliables, nos enfants ont grandi, nous sommes devenus citoyens français, et nous porterons à jamais ces années vécues et la France dans nos cœurs. Merci beaucoup 🙏🏽🔴🔵 🇧🇷 “O valor das coisas não está no tempo que elas duram, mas na intensidade com que acontecem. Por isso, existem momentos inesquecíveis, coisas inexplicáveis e pessoas incomparáveis” (Fernando Pessoa). Hoje se fecha um ciclo, depois de 8 anos no @psg , eu gostaria de agradecer aos meus colegas de equipe, à toda a equipe técnica e direção, à torcida, à minha família, a Deus e aos meus amigos, por todos esses felizes anos que vivemos na Cidade-luz. Aqui, junto com a minha esposa, @bellesilva , vivemos momentos inesquecíveis, nossos filhos cresceram, nos tornamos cidadãos franceses, e vamos levar pra sempre esses anos vividos e a França nos nossos corações. Muito obrigado 🙏🏽🔴🔵 • • • #AllezParis #ICICESTPARIS #PSG #ParisSaintGermain #Paris #Football #ThiagoSilva #ParisSaintGermain #IciCestParis #TS2 #DefenseurCentral #Capitão #Capitaine #CoronaOut #StopCorona #EquipePSG #PSGTeam #PSGlife #PSGforever #StayHealthy #OMonstro #PSGOL #AllezParis
A post shared by Thiago Silva (@thiagosilva) on Aug 26, 2020 at 1:36pm PDT
“I would like to thank my team-mates, the whole technical team and management, the fans, my family, God and friends, for all these happy moments we experienced in the City of Light.
“Here, with my wife @bellesilva, we have experienced unforgettable moments, our children have grown, we have become French citizens, and we will forever carry these years and France in our hearts.
“Thank you so much.”
Chelsea confirm £50m Ben Chilwell transfer from Leicester City as he becomes Frank Lampard’s third addition to squad More
