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    Chelsea complete Malang Sarr free transfer with defender set to be loaned out after signing five-year deal

    CHELSEA have completed the signing of Malang Sarr on a free transfer – with the defender set to be loaned out after signing a five-year deal.
    The French centre-back, 21, played over 100 times in Ligue 1 for Nice.

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    Malang Sarr has officially completed his move to Chelsea

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    Chelsea have signed Malang Sarr five-year dealCredit: AFP – Getty
    But the Blues have decided to loan him out for his first season at Stamford Bridge to gain more first-team experience.
    It has not yet been announced where Sarr will play next season on a temporary deal.
    However, many Bundesliga clubs already said to be keen after he left Nice at the end of his contract in July.
    On the deal for Sarr, Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said: “The opportunity to sign Malang was one we could not miss.

    “He is a tremendous prospect and we will be monitoring him closely during his loan period, hoping he will soon be back at Chelsea.
    “We are very happy to welcome him to the club today.”
    Sarr should complement Chelsea’s style perfectly in the coming years.
    The defender is competent at both centre-back and on the left-side of a back-three – capable of starting attacks from the back.

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    Chelsea will loan France Under-21s star Sarr out for the 2020-21 seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Sarr had been at boyhood club Nice since the age of five and played 119 times in all competitions, scoring three times.
    The defender is eligible to paly for Senegal through his parents.
    But Sarr has played for France at every age group between Under-16 and Under-21.
    MORE TO FOLLOW…

    Malang Sarr shows amazing goal scoring skills in Nice training More

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    Incoming Chelsea star Kai Havertz will become Premier League’s fourth-highest earner on £310k-a-week as top ten revealed

    KAI HAVERTZ will become the Premier League’s fourth-highest earner on £310,000 a week after he completes his move to Chelsea.
    The German playmaker, 21, is said to be on the brink of completing his £90million move to Stamford Bridge.

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    The Premier League’s top ten earners, including Ozil and De Gea

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    Kai Havertz is set to become the Premier League’s fourth-highest earnerCredit: AP:Associated Press
    The Blues are set to pay the incoming German star a staggering pay-packet to convince him to join.
    And his astronomical wages will see him immediately crack the top-five earners in England.
    Havertz’s £310,000 a week will mean he sits behind only David De Gea, Mesut Ozil and Kevin De Bruyne in the list of the Premier League’s highest earners.
    De Gea was handed a new contract worth £390,000 per week last September.

    Arsenal ace Ozil currently rakes in £350,000 a week, despite rotting on the bench for much of last season.
    Meanwhile, De Bruyne pockets a weekly pay-cheque of £320,000 after lighting up the league with his creative masterclasses in recent seasons.
    The Belgian’s Manchester City pal Raheem Sterling is the only other player to earn £300,000 or more.
    Manchester United star Paul Pogba earns £290,000 a week at Old Trafford – with team-mate Anthony Martial not far behind on £250,000.

    Staying in Manchester, Sergio Aguero (£230,000) and Marcus Rashford (£200,000) are just two other members of the £200k club.
    Tottenham duo Harry Kane and Tanguy Ndombele, as well as Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, also earn £200,000.
    Back in West London, Chelsea are so keen to sign Havertz they are willing to absolutely shatter the club’s pay policy – worth £80.6m over five years.

    And the Blues will have to pay Havertz even more if they win trophies thanks to a proposed clause in his contract.
    With Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Ben Chilwell also having joined this summer, Frank Lampard is hopeful of finally launching a charge at the Premier League title.
    Thiago Silva is widely expected to be next through the Stamford Bridge door on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.

    Danny Murphy thinks Kai Havertz could be the goalscoring midfielder they’ve been missing ‘since Frank’ More

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    Thiago Silva’s free transfer to Chelsea ‘almost done’ after Champions League final heartbreak

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN icon Thiago Silva’s free transfer to Chelsea is “almost done”, according to reports.
    The 35-year-old became a free agent after his side’s Champions League heartbreak against Bayern Munich and he is reportedly on his way to Stamford Bridge.

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    Thiago Silva’s free transfer to Chelsea is ‘almost done’Credit: Handout – Getty
    Bayern ground out a 1-0 victory over Silva’s side in the Champions League final in Lisbon.
    But while representing the Ligue 1 giants in Portugal, discussions over Silva’s new club have been brewing in the background.
    The Blues were said to be in “advanced talks” two days ago.

    And now the deal is “almost done”, according to the Athletic.

    Following the match, Silva said thank you to PSG fans as he tweeted: “It was my last match in Paris.
    “I’m sad. I apologize to the supporters. I thank all the fans for their love.”
    Thomas Tuchel also confirmed PSG would be “losing” the Brazilian in his post-match interview.
    Despite turning 36 next month, Silva still backs himself to perform at the highest level.

    And BT Sport pundit Steve McManaman believes Silva would be a welcome addition to the Chelsea side.
    Speaking about the potential free signing, McManaman said: “Football is all about the now.
    “You can’t plan about five, six or seven years because the manager might not even be there then.
    “For the here and now he is an excellent defender.”
    Silva has also long admired the Premier League, and is keen on a move to England.
    But after eight years and seven Ligue 1 titles in France, his commitment to PSG still shines through.

    Tuchel’s side made the surprise call to opt against renewing his deal but only this week Silva suggested he could still sign an extension if PSG were to change their minds.
    He told the club’s website: “The club turns 50 and it’s the last year of my deal.
    “I gave everything I could.

    “If I can continue to play with the club, we will discuss it and make the best decision.”
    Chelsea are usually reluctant to hand anything more than a one-year contract to players in their 30s, although did renege on this habit with David Luiz last year.
    They had also been willing to offer Willian, 32, a two-year deal prior to his switch to Arsenal.

    Former PSG player Kingsley Coman scores only goal of Champions League final to complete historic Bayern treble More

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    Heartbroken ex-Chelsea boss Antonio Conte hints at Inter exit after Europa League final defeat and aims dig at board

    ANTONIO CONTE has dropped a huge hint that he could leave Inter Milan after their Europa League final defeat – aiming another dig at the club’s board.
    The Italian boss, 51, saw his side fall agonisingly short in their exhilarating 3-2 defeat to tournament-specialists Sevilla.

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    Antonio Conte has hinted he could leave Inter Milan this summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    And after what he called a “tough” season, Conte has admitted he doesn’t know if he will stay on at the club in 2020-21.
    The Inter boss famously and publicly rowed with the club’s board throughout the season.
    And after the Europa League defeat, Conte said: “Now we have to get back to Milan.
    “We will take two or three days off, then with cool heads will meet.

    “It’s only right that we analyse the entire season, look at everything in a very calm way, and try to plan the future of Inter.
    “Whether it’s with or without me, I don’t know.”
    Conte went on to thank the owners, despite their public feud, for affording him to opportunity to lead Inter.

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    The Italian media were left wondering if Conte would leave this summer
    ‘NO BITTERNESS’
    The Italian continued: “It was a very tough season in many ways.

    “So it’s only right to take a little rest, face the situations and make the decision that is best for Inter.
    “There is absolutely no bitterness.
    “There might be different views on things, but we’ll evaluate everything.
    “It has been difficult and we’ll figure things out.
    “It has been wonderful for me to be the coach of Inter, I thank the owners who allowed me to go through this great experience.
    “If I can say one thing: It was worth it.”

    Regardless of everything, it was a positive experience and I thank those who gave me this opportunity.
    Antonio Conte on being Inter boss

    Conte continued: “I will always thank those who gave me the opportunity to have this experience.
    “Regardless of everything, it was a positive experience and I thank those who gave me this opportunity.
    “I was welcomed beyond the rosiest expectations.
    “I gave a great deal to them and the players gave their all to me.”

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    Inter Milan slipped to a 3-2 loss to Sevilla in the Europa League finalCredit: AFP

    Conte was left seething during the Europa League final in Cologne – after Ever Banega appeared to mock his hair.
    Banega is reported to have started the row, saying: “Let’s see if that wig is real”.
    Conte, who has undergone a successful hair transplant, was understandably fuming about the gesture early doors in the contest.
    And he allegedly told the Argentine he would “see him after the game”.

    Watch furious Antonio Conte scream ‘see me after the game’ after Sevilla’s Ever Banega takes mickey out of his hair More

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    Former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink takes charge of Caribbean minnows Curacao… ranked 80th in the world

    FORMER Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink has taken over as manager of Curacao.
    The 73-year-old has been out of work since leaving his post as head coach of China’s U21 national side after they failed to qualify for the Olympics.

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    Former Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink has taken over as manager of CuracaoCredit: Getty Images
    Now the veteran Dutchman is setting about transforming the Caribbean nation’s fortunes – despite them being ranked 80th in the world. 
    Hiddink said: “It may not be obvious, but it was difficult to say ‘no’. 
    “Curacao has made good steps in recent years.
    “I would like to help the players and staff to get one step higher in the international ladder.”

    Hiddink will begin his new job next month after signing a contract to take him until the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
    The coach has a long and successful history in the dug-out.

    He has managed European giants such as PSV, Valencia, Real Madrid and Chelsea throughout his storied career.
    Hiddink has enjoyed two stints as caretaker boss of the Blues, winning the FA Cup in 2009.

    He has also enjoyed a number of roles at international level, memorably leading South Korea to the 2002 World Cup semi-finals and Russia to the last-four of Euro 2008. More

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    Chelsea target Andre Onana became Ajax NO1 after Barcelona snub, and funded an electric grid for his mother’s hometown

    CHELSEA have made the signing of a goalkeeper a priority after £72million Kepa Arrizabalaga’s disastrous tenure between the sticks at Stamford Bridge.
    Their chief transfer target is £30million-rated Ajax NO1 Andre Onana, according to reports.

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    Chelsea have made Ajax star Andre Onana a transfer target this summerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    Charitable Onana has a foundation and provided electricity for his mum’s village in CameroonCredit: Instagram / @foundation_andreonana
    The Cameroon international was a revelation in the club’s Champions League run to the semi finals in 2019.
    And the 24-year-old has made sure he’s shared the wealth accrued from his fame with his homeland.
    Last week, it was reported that Onana uses part of his salary to fund an electric grid that provides electricity for a small African town.
    He began his youth career at Barcelona, but annoyed the Catalan giants when he snubbed an offer of a contract to join Ajax at 18.

    The decision was clearly the correct one, though, as Onana has gone on to become one of Europe’s most sought-after keepers.
    CHARITABLE CAUSE
    Born in Cameroon, it wasn’t Onana’s intention to support his mother’s hometown Mengueme.
    But, having signed a new £20,000-per-week contract last year, he decided he had to give something back.
    Onana put his money to good use, funding a power grid that provides electricity for the Essoessam population.

    He, literally, took the people of Menguene out of darkness and curbed their reliance on kerosene lamps.

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    The £20,000-per-week Onana funded a power grid in MengueneCredit: Instagram / @andreonana.24

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    The Andre Onana Foundation was set-up in 2016 to help young African childrenCredit: Instagram / @andreonana.24
    And that’s not his only charitable contribution.
    In 2016, Onana set up his foundation to help young African children, providing them means to a better education, giving them access to medical care, as well as help to those affected by terrorist attacks.
    “I know first-hand what many children in my country are suffering,” he revealed.
    “Inside me I feel that I must help them to have a better future.”
    IMPORTANCE OF SAMUEL ETO’O
    Onana’s success is partly down to former Barcelona star Samuel Eto’o.
    A prodigy of the legendary striker’s academy in the Cameroon, he linked up with the La Masia Academy at 14.
    “I’m very thankful for what he did for me coming from his foundation,” Onana told OmaSportsTV.
    But it didn’t quite work out for Onana in Catalonia.
    In 2014, Barcelona were hit by a FIFA ban for breaking the rules of signing foreign youngsters.
    That meant Barça youngsters had their development halted because they couldn’t play any competitive games for 18-months.

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    Legendary Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o’s Academy discovered OnanaCredit: AP:Associated Press

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    At 14, Onana moved to Barcelona Credit: Instagram / @andreonana.24

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    However, Onana failed to get a break at BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    When he returned, playing for Barcelona against Ajax in an Under-19 UEFA Youth League game, he won man-of-the-match and alerted Ajax’s coaching staff.
    FRUSTRATION
    At 18, Onana grew frustrated with his chances at the Camp Nou.
    He was adamant he belonged in Barcelona’s B team, and saw a path to the first team blocked with the arrivals of Claudio Bravo and Marc Andre ter Stegen that summer.
    There was only one thing to do.
    Barcelona offered him a contract, but Ajax’s sales pitch was more attractive. He moved to Amsterdam to develop his game further, much to the annoyance of Spanish legend Andoni Zubizaretta.
    And when first-team keeper Jasper Cillessen moved in 2016, ironically to Barcelona, manager Peter Bosz decided 20-year-old Onana was going to be his NO1.
    CHANCES HAMPERED
    Although a dream move to the Premier League is in the offing, Onana’s chances of progressing to a bigger club could’ve happened sooner.

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    After moving to Ajax at 18 Onana established himself as Ajax’s NO1 two years laterCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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    Onana was once told that the colour of his skin would be a problem for a big clubCredit: Instagram / @andreonana.24
    After a breakthrough season in 2016-17, helping Ajax reach the Europa League final, an unknown club began negotiations with him.
    However, the shot-stopper revealed he was told that the colour of his skin would be a problem for fans and the move was quashed.
    “It is not easy for a black goalkeeper to reach the top,” Onana told Dutch outlet Het Parool, with the quotes also carried by Marca.

    “They decided not to sign me because a black goalkeeper would be difficult for their followers.
    “It wasn’t because they didn’t think I was good enough. I consider it a compliment.”
    That club’s loss could certainly be Chelsea’s gain.

    Chelsea and Everton chasing shock move for Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster, 37, after Hornets relegated More

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    Chelsea ‘unlikely’ to fail in Kai Havertz transfer but risk losing him to Real Madrid or Bayern if they don’t move now

    CHELSEA are ‘unlikely to fail’ in their transfer bid for Kai Havertz from Bayern Leverkusen – but must move quickly.
    That’s according to respected German newspaper Bild, who believe the Blues are in pole position ahead of the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

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    Chelsea are the favourites to sign Kai Havertz this summerCredit: EPA
    The German giants will demand a transfer of around £90million for him with sporting director Rudi Voller insisting there will be no ‘cornavirus discount’.
    But Chelsea are believed to be ready to match the valuation, with Bayern and Real Madrid struggling to raise the funds.
    But if Chelsea don’t get the deal over the line this summer, the other two European giants could come back in for him next year.
    Voller has even confirmed an agreement is in place for Havertz to leave.

    Havertz would join a forward line including new signings Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, which is sure to excite the Stamford Bridge faithful.
    And after the 7-1 Champions League thrashing by Bayern Munich over two legs, Frank Lampard still has plenty of work to do to bring silverware back to the club.
    But the immediate priority is trying to get the Havertz deal over the line.
    The 21-year-old has proved his potential this season with 17 goals and nine assists.

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    Havertz is believed to be keen on the move to Stamford Bridge and has reportedly told Leverkusen he wants to move on in his career.
    The German club’s CEO Fernando Carro said: “Kai has voiced his desire to make the next step.”
    But he has an agreement with the Bundesliga side that he will only be allowed to move if their valuation is met and an acceptable offer arrives.

    Kai Havertz set to become Chelsea’s fifth highest earner on £140k a week BEFORE bonuses if they clinch transfer More

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    Chelsea chasing transfer for 15-year-old defender Paul Ibahadon after move to Aston Villa collapsed earlier this year

    CHELSEA are reportedly hoping to complete the signing of 15-year-old wonderkid Paul Ibahadon.
    With Blues boss Frank Lampard determined to give youth a chance at the club, the young centre-back fits the bill.

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    Frank Lampard could be about add another top young talent to the ranksCredit: PA:Press Association
    And he won’t cost a penny in transfer fees as he is currently a free agent.
    The Birmingham Mail reports that Ibahadon was due to sign for Aston Villa earlier this season, but that fell through.
    All Nigeria Soccer claim that international clearance issues prevented it happening then.
    But now Chelsea are set to show their hand, and have reportedly invited him to the academy for a trial.

    Ibahadon was born in Italy and was part of the Atalanta academy before a family move to the UK.
    He is described as “ball-playing central defender who is composed, strong and quick, Ibahadon can also be utilized as a holding midfielder”.
    While the main transfer aim this summer for Chelsea appears to be Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz, another player is now being linked.
    SunSport exclusively revealed that the Londoners are closing on a £40million swoop for Brighton defender Lewis Dunk.

    Watford’s veteran goalkeeper Ben Foster, 37, is also a target.
    Dunk is a lifelong Chelsea fan and believes he is on his way to Stamford Bridge.

    Blues boss Lampard needs to stiffen up a defence that conceded 54 goals in the Premier League last season — more than any other team in the top ten.
    Chelsea have also considered  a move for former Blues academy starlet Declan Rice — but West Ham value the England ace at a massive £80m.
    And Dunk, a consistent performer in Brighton’s three seasons back in the top flight, is now emerging as the leading candidate.

    Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu ‘close’ to joining Fulham on loan despite transfer interest from Norwich More