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    Chelsea star N’Golo Kante leaves France squad ‘for personal reasons’ with midfielder a possibility to return

    CHELSEA midfielder N’Golo Kante has had to leave the French national team set-up “for personal reasons”.The midfielder was called up for France’s friendlies against Ivory Coast and South Africa.
    Kante with his team-mates on MondayCredit: AFP
    Kante linked up with his international team-mates on Monday but according to RMC sport, the Blues midfielder has left “for personal reasons”.
    However, there is still a chance Kante could return to France’s base camp.
    Kante isn’t the only concern for World Cup-winning manager Didier Deschamps.
    Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Presnel Kimpembe missed today’s training.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BLUES NEWS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Nick Candy ‘significantly increases’ Chelsea bid as John Terry backs consortium
    Kimpembe is believed to be suffering from bronchitis.
    And captain Hugo Lloris is thought to have a slight issue with his calf.
    Lloris’ injury could hand AC Milan shot-stopper Mike Maignan a chance to start in goal.
    Deschamps is also without Real Madrid star Karim Benzema with a calf injury and Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard.
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    As a result of their absences, Olivier Giroud and William Saliba were called up.
    Arsenal defender Saliba has spent the season on loan at Marseille, where he has earned rave reviews.
    The centre-back has helped fire Marseille into second in Ligue 1. More

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    Chelsea warned off Ricketts family takeover bid by fans of his Chicago Cubs

    CHELSEA have been warned off the Ricketts family’s takeover bid by fans of his Chicago Cubs MLB franchise.Family patriarch Joe Ricketts has already sparked deep concerns among the Blues fanbase, after Islamophobic emails sent in 2012 resurfaced.
    Joe Ricketts is among the frontrunners to buy ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Chelsea supporters were appalled last week when leaked emails sent by the 80-year-old emerged featuring a number of disturbing messages including “Muslims are my enemy”.
    The Athletic claim that more than 20 bids were made to the Raine Group for Chelsea by last Friday’s deadline.
    A shortlist of three is expected to be selected imminently, with the Ricketts family confident that they will make the cut.
    The Chicago Cubs owners possess the backing of US hedge fund manager Ken Griffin, who is worth an estimated £20billion.
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    Prospective buyers with existing experience of owning a sports team are thought be preferred, putting Ricketts in a strong position.
    In 2016, the Ricketts-owned Cubs won their first World Series in over 100 years, but fans have still taken issue with their running of the MLB franchise.
    As part of a lengthy open letter to all those involved in the sale of his beloved club, head of the Chelsea Chicago Supporters Club Brian Wolff, who also roots for the Cubs, pleaded for Ricketts’ bid to be rejected.
    He wrote: “As the Head of Chelsea Chicago Supporters Club, and the Chelsea Fans’ Forum Overseas Representative, I’ve had a unique position hearing what supporters in Chicago and worldwide have said regarding the Ricketts family’s bid for Chelsea.
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    “I can report the vast majority of opinion has been of universal disdain.
    “The Ricketts’ political donations, fundraising and support for candidates who do not share the inclusive views of Chelsea Football Club and its supporters are wholly inconsistent with 19 years of fantastic work done by the club and the Chelsea Foundation, most notably as a leader in committing to a living wage and efforts to protect and promote equality for BAME and LGBTQ+ communities.
    “Their ownership of Chicago Cubs baseball and redevelopment of Wrigley Field raises serious doubts whether they will build upon the club’s success on the pitch, and also the continued existence of the Chelsea Pitch Owners and the goal to keep Chelsea Football Club playing at Stamford Bridge at our forever home.
    I urge you to reject their bid for ownership of Chelsea Football ClubBrian Wolff
    “On behalf of countless supporters worldwide, I urge you to reject their bid for ownership of Chelsea Football Club in favour of others who will commit to not only building upon the last two decades of investment in players and infrastructure, but equally important, the investment in supporters and the values we hold dear.”
    The Ricketts family reportedly plan to speak to the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust – with the club’s West London home at the forefront of discussions, as well as Chelsea Pitch Owners PLC.
    Their redevelopment of the Cubs’ Wrigley Field arena helps to back up their stated desire to upgrade Stamford Bridge.
    Tom Ricketts has already met with Chelsea and Fulham Conservative MP Greg Hands.
    In addition to Ricketts, LA Dodgers chief Todd Boehly is also among the frontrunners – on a list that also includes Brits Sir Martin Broughton and Nick Candy.
    The latter is understood to have upped his initial £2billion bid over the weekend, having secured further financial backing from Korean finance institutions.
    Nick Candy is also among those trying to buy the BluesCredit: Getty More

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    Romelu Lukaku ‘has said goodbye to Chelsea team-mates and wants transfer return to Inter Milan’

    ROMELU LUKAKU has said goodbye to his Chelsea team-mates as he hopes for a move back to Inter Milan, according to reports. The Belgian has struggled at the European champions since his move from Inter.
    Lukaku scored in his last outing against MiddlesbroughCredit: AFP
    He has just 12 goals across all competitions this term and has started 11 games from the substitutes bench.
    Lukaku even admitted he was “NOT happy” with his situation at Chelsea, with boss Thomas Tuchel choosing “to play with another system.”
    The forward also insisted he “will RETURN to Inter” at some point in his career… which could be sooner rather than later.
    According to AS, Inter are working on a summer return for Lukaku.
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    And Lukaku is already saying his goodbyes to his Chelsea team-mates.
    Reporter Fabio Bergomi told CMIT TV, as quoted by AS: “The Belgian told a friend that he had already said goodbye to his team-mates.”
    Lukaku has also been named the Serie A Player of the Season, edging out Cristiano Ronaldo for the award.
    He played a vital role in Antonio Conte’s title winning side last season, scoring 24 goals in 36 appearances.
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    He told AIC on accepting his award: “The club [Inter] always backed us and so did the fans who I want to thank.”
    Lukaku is keen to reconcile with Inter fans for the manner of his summer exit.
    He told Sky Italia last year: “Now it’s the right time to share my feelings. I have always said that I have Inter in my heart: I know I will RETURN to Inter, I really hope so.
    “I am in love with Italy, this is the right moment to talk and let people know what really happened.
    “I really hope from bottom of my heart to return to Inter not at the end of my career, but when I’m still at top level to win more together”. 
    “I want apologise to the Inter fan, the timing of my words was wrong: what you did for me will remain forever.” More

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    Nick Candy ‘significantly increases’ Chelsea takeover bid as John Terry backs consortium, FA Cup tickets – latest

    NICK CANDY has “significantly increased” his Chelsea bid from £2bn to over £2.5bn, according to reports.Meanwhile former captain John Terry is backing a bid from the True Blues consortium.
    And there looks set to be some good news for Chelsea fans looking to attend their FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace at Wembley.
    The Blues have been drawn against Patrick Vieira’s side in the last four and are set to face them on the weekend of the 16th and 17th of April.
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    Follow ALL of the latest updates and transfer gossip from Stamford Bridge right here…
    Blue York
    Chelsea stars had the best seats in the house in New York to watch some high-flying NBA action.
    Hakim Ziyech, Romelu Lukaku and Trevor Chalobah all hit the Big Apple for a welcome getaway during the international break.
    All three were spotted courtside in New York City, but at two different arenas.

    Ziyech and Lukaku were in the front row for a Brooklyn Nets game at the Barclays Center. While Chalobah was in Manhattan 24 hours earlier to watch the New York Knicks at the world famous Madison Square Garden.
    Ziyech and Lukaku were treated to another Kevin Durant masterclass as he scored 37 points in a 114-106 win over Utah Jazz.
    The Jazz were also the Knicks’ opponents the day before, where they ran out 108-93 winners.
    Chelsea players are feeling the strain from their club’s current situation with government sanctions limiting their operations. The squad didn’t even know if they could fly to Middlesbrough for their FA Cup quarter-final win at the weekend. But the Blues ran out 2-0 winners to set up a semi-final showdown with Crystal Palace.
    Centricus vow ‘continued success’ for Chelsea
    Latest bidders Centricus are pledging ‘continued success’ for Chelsea if they win the race to buy out sanction-hit Roman Abramovich
    The global investment firm’s co-founder Nizar Al-Bassam and chief executive Garth Ritchie lead the bid, assisted by hedge fund manager Jonathan Lourie of Cheyne Capital and Bob Finch of Talis Capital.
    The group is ‘committed to supporting [Chelsea] and its key stakeholders to ensure its continued success’.
    The statement added: “Our financing for the deal includes funding for the completion of the transaction and funding for working capital required for the day-to-day operations of the CFC Group, funds required to maintain an elite global brand, investment in grassroots and in-community football initiatives such as the Chelsea Academy, the women’s team, the youth development programme and the Chelsea Foundation and strategic real estate investment.
    “The intention is to maintain and support existing management on both the business and sporting operations of the CFC Group. We intend to maintain the existing strategy direction.
    “Clearly, the CFC Group has been operating in challenging conditions and we appreciate the importance for the CFC Group, the fans and other key stakeholders of ensuring a smooth and stable ownership transition.”
    Red Devils dominate top Prem earners
    Manchester United boast four of the top five earners in the Premier League, according to a study.
    The Red Devils may be struggling off the pitch but their financial power is still strong.

    Research from respected French publication L’Equipe shows that they dominate the list of highest-paid players.
    The French newspaper released their list of the top five earners in the Premier League on Tuesday.
    And four of them currently ply their trade at Old Trafford.
    Cristiano Ronaldo takes home £2.2million a month – or £26.4m per year – making him the best-paid player in England.
    That figure is still someway off the £3.4million that his rival Lionel Messi earns at Paris Saint-Germain every month.
    Man City playmaker Kevin de Bruyne is the second highest earner with a wage of £1.7m per month (£20.4m a year).
    Blues pay £600k a week on loan exiles
    Chelsea are forking out £600k-per-week for players currently out on loan at other clubs, according to the latest data.
    A report from BettingOdds (via The Star) indicates that the Blues are currently paying more than half-a-million pounds in wages each week for a long list of young stars playing their football away from Stamford Bridge.
    The Blues’ habit of overloading their squad with the best young players in the country, and then sending them out on loan for their formative years has long been criticised by supporters of other clubs.
    The likes of Conor Gallagher, Billy Gilmour, Armando Broja, Ethan Ampadu, Levi Colwill and Dujon Sterling are currently among 24 players that have been loaned out for the season by The Blues.
    It recently emerged that Chelsea’s daily expenditure was around the £1million mark, and this development is likely to be of further concern for any would-be buyers.
    Tammy still star-struck by Jose
    Former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham has revealed his love for two-time Blues boss Jose Mourinho.
    The pair have again linked up at Roma, where Abraham has been busy making himself a cult hero with the Stadio Olimpico crowd.
    The England international scored twice in Sunday’s 3-0 win over city rivals Lazio, and now has 23 goals in 40 appearances since joining the Giallorossi.
    In an interview with CBS Sports (via Football Italia), Abraham explained why he eventually moved to Serie A despite initial concerns. He said: “At first, when they initially contacted me, I thought to myself, ‘This isn’t for me’.
    “But then, when people explain to your their ambitions, and show that they have faith you and make you feel valuable, that’s when you want to give them everything you can. As soon as I arrived here, I fell in love with this place.
    “I still look up to [Jose] as an idol. And I never told him this, but every time I see him I’m still star-struck even though I see him every day.
    “When he was at Chelsea, I was there, but I was still a young kid. I trained with him a couple of times so I knew what he was like a little bit and since coming here, I call him my uncle of Rome.”

    Candy consortium set for sweet FA
    Nick Candy and his consortium have supposedly been unsuccessful in their attempts to purchase Chelsea.
    That’s the view of eagled-eyed social media sleuths, who translated a now-deleted instagram post from Catalina Kim, one of Candy’s backers.
    The post in Korean apparently reveals that the consortium ‘are disappointed as [the] South Korea embassy didn’t support them.’
    Kim goes on to apologise ‘to the fans who supported.’
    There has been no official word from either Nick Candy nor the Raine Group.
    New owners must protect club’s heritage
    The new owners of Chelsea Football Club must ‘protect the club’s heritage by issuing a golden share for supporters.’
    That’s the belief of the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust, who last night issued a statement imploring the Government to safeguard the Blues’ future.
    The fans group believe it is essential that supporters are given a stake and subsequent say in the club, and any bid that doesn’t support such an initiative should be immediately discounted.
    The shortlist of potential purchasers is expected to be narrowed to three or four parties imminently.
    Credit: Chelsea Supporters’ Trust
    Chelsea in loan stars state
    Chelsea are forking out £600k-per-week for players currently out on loan at other clubs, according to the latest data.
    A report from BettingOdds (via The Star) indicates that the Blues are currently paying more than half-a-million pounds in wages each week for a long list of young stars playing their football away from Stamford Bridge.
    The Blues’ habit of overloading their squad with the best young players in the country, and then sending them out on loan for their formative years has long been criticised by supporters of other clubs.
    The likes of Conor Gallagher, Billy Gilmour, Armando Broja, Ethan Ampadu, Levi Colwill and Dujon Sterling are currently among 24 players that have been loaned out for the season by The Blues.
    It recently emerged that Chelsea’s daily expenditure was around the £1million mark, and this development is likely to be of further concern for any would-be buyers.
    Emerson heading back to Bridge
    Emerson Palmieri is set to quit Lyon and return to Chelsea, according to reports in France.
    Football journalist Sebastien Denis states that the Italian is unhappy at the Groupama Stadium, and could cut short his loan spell with the Ligue 1 club.
    Initially, it looked as though the move would be made permanent after Emerson made an impressive start to his time with the French club.
    However, it soon became apparent that Lyon would be unlikely to finance the left-back’s wages.
    Emerson is out of contract at Chelsea this summer, but may pen an extension with concerns over Ben Chilwell’s fitness and question marks over Marcos Alonso’s ability to play regularly at the top level.
    Reds to hijack Blues’ Tchou coup
    Liverpool hope to take advantage of Chelsea’s troubles by hijacking their move for Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni.
    Thomas Tuchel has been an admirer of the midfielder for some time, and had identified the 22-year-old as the perfect long-term replacement for N’Golo Kante.
    A bid from The Bridge was supposedly imminent, but the club are currently unable to do business while outgoing owner Roman Abramovich sanctioned.
    The Express now report Jurgen Klopp as being ‘very interested’ in the player with the Anfield club preparing a £42million bid with The Blues out of action in the transfer market.
    Shortlist could be finalised today
    The Raine Group are expected to narrow the field of Chelsea’s potential purchasers today, according to Sky Sports News.
    The merchant bank appointed by Roman Abramovich to oversee the sale of the club will present a shortlist of three or four parties imminently to both Chelsea and the UK Government.
    A joint decision will then be made on the most suitable offer, which will then be disclosed to the Premier League.
    Takeovers have previously been completed in around ten days, but due to the complexities of this case, a deal is likely to take around a month.
    Morning Chelsea news
    Nick Candy’s Chelsea takeover bid has been bolstered by a new financial backer.
    Candy, 49, submitted a £2billion bid for his boyhood club to The Raine Group last Friday.
    Following the addition of a new backer to his Blue Football Consortium, however, he has now upped his offer.
    The bid now has the backing of South Korea’s Hana Financial Group and C&P Sports Group.
    In other news, The FA is in talks with the government to find a way to sell tickets to Chelsea fans for next month’s FA Cup semi-final with Crystal Palace.
    The Blues are currently barred from selling tickets due to sanctions placed on club owner Roman Abramovich in the wake of his country Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
    Meanwhile, Manchester United are not chasing Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel to be their new manager, according to reports.
    The German has been linked with the position at the Red Devils, which will become vacant in the summer when interim boss Ralf Rangnick moves into a consultancy role.
    But Sky Sports are now reporting United are ‘not considering’ Tuchel and describe him being linked to the Old Trafford hot-seat as ‘media talk and not reality’.
    Though Chelsea are plotting a move for Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni at the end of the season.
    Foot Mercato state that the Premier League club have been tracking the midfielder ‘for months’ ahead of a possible summer move to Stamford Bridge.
    And finally, Chelsea have been put on red alert with Paulo Dybala to depart Juventus at the end of the season.
    The Argentine ace will be available on a free transfer having failed to agree terms on a new deal in Turin.
    Ricketts confident of making shortlist
    The Ricketts family are confident they will be shortlisted in the race to buy Chelsea, according to an Evening Standard report.
    The owners of American baseball club Chicago Cubs are set to jet into the UK to meet Blues fans and the Chelsea Pitch Owners PLC to outline their vision for the club.
    Chicago Cubs chairman Thomas Ricketts is co founder of investment bank Incapital LLC.
    Chelsea fans’ FA Cup hope
    The FA is in talks with the government to find a way to sell tickets to Chelsea fans for next month’s FA Cup semi-final with Crystal Palace.
    The Blues are currently barred from selling tickets due to sanctions placed on club owner Roman Abramovich in the wake of his country Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
    But an FA spokesperson said: “We hope to have sell-out crowds at both of our Emirates FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley Stadium.
    “This includes tickets for Chelsea supporters for their match against Crystal Palace.
    “And we are working with the government on a method to achieve this while respecting the sanctions that are currently in place on Chelsea.”
    Candy makes improved Chelsea offer
    Nick Candy’s bid to buy Chelsea has been bolstered by a new financial backing from South Korea’s Hana Financial Group and C&P Sports Group.
    Candy, 49, submitted a £2billion bid for his boyhood club last Friday but his Blue Football Consortium has now upped its offer.
    Women’s FA Cup London derby
    Women’s FA Cup holders Chelsea will go to Arsenal in the semi-finals of this season’s competition.
    The Blues beat the Gunners in last year’s final.
    The other last-four tie sees West Ham hosting Manchester City.
    Both games will be played on Sunday, April 17, with the final at Wembley on May 15.
    Manchester United ‘not after’ Tuchel
    Manchester United are not chasing Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel to be their new manager, according to reports.
    The German has been linked with the position at the Red Devils, which will become vacant in the summer when interim boss Ralf Rangnick moves into a consultancy role.
    Sky Sports are now reporting United are ‘not considering’ Tuchel and describe him being linked to the Old Trafford hot-seat as ‘media talk and not reality’.
    Shevchenko on ‘changed’ Abramovich relationship
    Andriy Shevchenko says his relationship with Roman Abramovich has been changed as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
    Ukraine’s legendary striker was signed by Russian oligarch Abramovic’s club Chelsea in 2006.
    Now Sheva is trying to help those in his war-torn homeland while Abramovich has been hit by sanctions by the UK government due to his alleged ties with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
    Shevcnehko told the Daily Mail: “We had a long relationship and I don’t think it will ever be the same.
    “But I also know there are a lot of Russian people who want to stop the war.”
    Lampard labeled ‘salty’ by fans
    Crystal Palace fans felt Everton manager Frank Lampard was a sore loser after Sunday’s FA Cup humiliation at Selhurst Park.
    After a 4-0 quarter-final win for the Eagles, Chelsea legend Lamps described two of the goals as ‘average’ and one as ‘a fluke’.
    One Palace fan tweeted: “Sooo salty Lampard.”
    Another said: “Why’s Lampard so f***ing salty. Get over it, we battered you and you were s***!”
    Ex-Chelsea keeper’s MMA win
    Former Chelsea goalkeeper Ricardo Prasel has made a winning start to his new MMA career in Poland.
    The Brazilian, 31, was a Blues squad player over a decade ago who never made a first-team appearance for Jose Mourinho’s star-studded side.
    On Saturday night he recovered from a first-round battering at the hands of fellow heavyweight Michal Kita in a KSW MMA event to win by TKO in round two with a ground and pound finish.
    Blues fancy summer Tchou coup
    Chelsea are plotting a move for Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni at the end of the season, according to French Media.
    Foot Mercato state that the Premier League club have been tracking the midfielder ‘for months’ ahead of a possible summer move to Stamford Bridge.
    However, the Blues face stiff competition for the 22-year-old from several clubs including that of rivals Liverpool.
    Thomas Tuchel is understood to be an admirer of the French international, and is already considering long-term replacements for Jorginho and N’Golo Kante.
    Dybala exit to fuel transfer frenzy
    Premier League clubs have been placed on red alert after it was announced that contract talks between Paulo Dybala and Juventus had broken down.
    After two hours of negotiations this morning, the striker’s agent revealed that the striker would not be signing a new deal in Turin, and would leave the club this summer on a free transfer.
    A number of English clubs had been linked with the 28-year-old in recent months including Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham, but the expectation was that the forward was about to commit his future to Juve.
    This afternoon’s revelation is now likely to start a bidding war as clubs prepare attractive packages for the Argentine.
    Dybala has scored 113 goals in 283 appearances for the Old Lady, and has 32 international caps for his country.

    Progressive talks just the ticket
    Chelsea fans could yet be in attendance at their FA Cup semi-final with Crystal Palace at Wembley after it was revealed that government officials are in discussion with the club and the Football Association.
    The Times report that plans regarding a commercial ticket agency being brought in to sell tickets to supporters is being considered with the proceeds to be held in a frozen account.
    The Stamford Bridge outfit have been prohibited from selling new tickets to games following the sanctioning of owner Roman Abramovich.
    If agreed, the process could also be used to sell tickets for Chelsea’s Champions League quarter-finals with Real Madrid, and their remaining Premier League matches.
    Jose wants big-time Charly
    Roma boss Jose Mourinho wants Charly Musonda to become the latest Chelsea player to join him at the Stadio Olimpico.
    The forgotten Blues star is finally set to depart Stamford Bridge after a decade with the London club when his contract comes to an end in the summer.
    Goal report that former boss Mourinho hopes the 25-year-old will make the same journey as Tammy Abraham before him by heading to the Italian capital.
    The Belgian midfielder broke into the Chelseas first team in 2016, but has had to deal with a host of injuries and loan spells away since.

    Centricus reveal bid for Blues
    Global investment firm Centricus has confirmed that it made an offer to buy Chelsea on Friday, and revealed four key areas it intends to fund should their bid be successful.
    The London-based firm is headed by Nizar Al-Bassam and Garth Ritchie, who have also teamed up with Cheyne Capital’s Jonathan Lourie and Talis Capital’s Bob Finch. All four are season ticket holders at Stamford Bridge.
    Centricus oversees global assets worth a staggering £40 billion, and vowed to pour money into the club, allowing for normal day-to-day operations while also building for the future.
    A statement confirmed the bid, and proposed the four areas which they wish to finance:

    Working capital required for the day-to-day operations of the CFC Group.
    Funds required to maintain an elite global brand.
    Investment in grassroots and in-community football initiatives such as the Chelsea Academy, the Women’s Team, the Youth Development Program and the Chelsea Foundation.
    Strategic real estate investment.

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    Chelsea home kit for 2022/23 season ‘leaked’ with Three branding still in place despite sponsorship suspension

    CHELSEA’S home kit for next season has apparently been leaked and includes Three’s suspended sponsorship.According to Footy Headlines, the Blues’ home jersey for the 2022-2023 campaign is all blue, as per tradition, with a white and turquoise neckline.
    Chelsea’s home kit for the 2022-2023 season has apparently been leakedCredit: Footy Headlines
    Three’s sponsorship is still included in Chelsea’s home kit for next seasonCredit: Footy Headlines
    Of course the badge is placed on the top left while Nike’s sponsorship brand appears on the other side.
    However, sponsors Three, whose name is still written on the front, are also bizarrely included.
    The telecommunications giants have halted their £120million contract with Chelsea following the UK government’s sanctions on departing owner Roman Abramovich.
    Abramovich’s assets have been frozen due to Russia’s unjust invasion of Ukraine and his alleged ties with controversial president Vladimir Putin.
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Sport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BLUES NEWS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Nick Candy ‘significantly increases’ Chelsea bid as John Terry backs consortium
    A statement from Three read: “In light of the Government’s recently-announced sanctions, we have requested Chelsea Football Club temporarily suspend our sponsorship of the club including the removal our brand from the and around the stadium until further notice.
    “We recognise that this decision will impact the many fans who follow their team passionately.
    “However, we feel that given the circumstance, and the Government sanction that is in place, it is the right thing to do.
    “As a mobile network, the best way we can support the people of Ukraine is to ensure refugees arriving in the UK from the conflict and customers currently in Ukraine can stay connected to the people who matter to them.
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    “Therefore, we are offering connectivity packages to all Ukrainians arriving in the UK, and those in the Ukraine.”
    Abramovich has been desperately trying to sell Chelsea, with a number of bidders expressing their interest to succeed him at Stamford Bridge.
    Three have suspended their sponsorship with Chelsea after Russia’s invasion of UkraineCredit: Footy Headlines
    Chelsea’s home kit for next season also includes a white and turquoise necklineCredit: Footy Headlines More

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    Chelsea stars Ziyech and Lukaku enjoy US break at Brooklyn Nets NBA game but Chalobah goes to watch New York Knicks

    CHELSEA stars had the best seats in the house in New York to watch some high-flying NBA action.Hakim Ziyech, Romelu Lukaku and Trevor Chalobah all hit the Big Apple for a welcome getaway during the international break.
    Romelu Lukaku and Hakim Ziyech watched the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays CenterCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Trevor Chalobah took in a New York Knicks game at Madison Square GardenCredit: Twitter @TrevohChalobah
    All three were spotted courtside in New York City, but at two different arenas.
    Ziyech and Lukaku were in the front row for a Brooklyn Nets game at the Barclays Center.
    While Chalobah was in Manhattan 24 hours earlier to watch the New York Knicks at the world famous Madison Square Garden.
    Ziyech and Lukaku were treated to another Kevin Durant masterclass as he scored 37 points in a 114-106 win over Utah Jazz.
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    The Jazz were also the Knicks’ opponents the day before, where they ran out 108-93 winners.
    Chelsea players are feeling the strain from their club’s current situation with government sanctions limiting their operations.
    The squad didn’t even know if they could fly to Middlesbrough for their FA Cup quarter-final win at the weekend.
    But the Blues ran out 2-0 winners to set up a semi-final showdown with Crystal Palace.
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    Thomas Tuchel’s men face a make-or-break 12 days next month after the internationals.
    They take on Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals before their Palace semi-final at Wembley.
    And two more London derbies follow that against Arsenal and West Ham in the Premier League, which Tuchel still holds hopes of winning.
    Chelsea are 11 points behind leaders Man City and 10 off second-placed Liverpool.

    But Tuchel said: “The problem is they are both also on a run for what feels like a long time.
    “It feels like it’s been three years that they’ve both been on a run. And it feels like our 13 games is not enough.
    “We have to be honest, but we will never admit anything before it’s decided. We’ll always push ourselves to the limit.
    “We cannot do anything else and we should not get carried away. Two teams took advantage of our problems.
    “Full credit to them and they deserve where they are. We need to make sure we catch as many points as possible.” More

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    ‘Pay some respect’ – Reece James praises ex-Chelsea pal Tammy Abraham as star lights up Serie A in record-breaking year

    REECE JAMES wants Tammy Abraham to be shown respect with his former team-mate smashing records at Roma.Abraham, 24, is thriving under Jose Mourinho after his £34million move to the Italian capital last summer.
    James said ‘numbers don’t lie’ as Abraham broke a Roma debut season goal-scoring recordCredit: @reecejames: Instagram
    Ex-Chelsea team-mate Reece James praised Abraham on social media after Sunday’s Rome derbyCredit: Rex
    The former Chelsea star has set a new club record for most goals in a debut season at Roma, previously held by icon Gabriel Batistuta.
    And Blues right-back James added a photo of his pal celebrating after the derby victory on Sunday against Lazio.
    The caption read: “Numbers don’t lie. Pay some respect please.”
    Abraham opened the scoring in the huge Serie A clash at the Stadio Olimpico inside the first minute.
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}READ MORE ON CHELSEA.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BLUES NEWS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Nick Candy ‘significantly increases’ Chelsea bid as John Terry backs consortium
    The No9 then buried a second with a volley from inside the box to dominate the derby.
    And he could have even scored a hat-trick on the 67 minute mark.
    As he beat the keeper with a one-on-one, the ball sailed inches wide.
    Argentine hitman Batistuta and Vicenzo Montella both previously held the goal-scoring record in their debut seasons for the club, each registering 21.
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    Now 24-year-old Abraham has surpassed that tally, moving onto 23 for the term.
    The fact that the Londoner has broken this record with eight more league games to play speaks volumes of his success this campaign.
    Abraham was called up to the England squad last week for friendlies against Switzerland and the Ivory Coast.
    James was also initially named in the squad but has pulled out through injury.
    The full-back had been out of action due to a hamstring problem.
    He returned for Chelsea’s 4-0 win over Burnley earlier this month but suffered another blow on his comeback.
    And afterwards Tuchel claimed that the star, who only has 147 minutes of action under his belt in 2022, should stay at his club to continue his recovery. More

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    Leeds star Raphinha ‘agrees personal terms with Barcelona’ in transfer blow to Chelsea and Liverpool

    LEEDS UNITED star Raphinha has allegedly agreed personal terms with Barcelona ahead of a summer transfer.The Brazilian forward, 25, has been in superb form this season.
    Leeds star Raphinha has allegedly agreed terms with BarcelonaCredit: Reuters
    Raphinha has become the star player at Leeds this season
    And he is expected to leave the relegation battlers in the summer.
    Leeds were desperate to hang on to their prized asset and offered him a new package that would have doubled his wages.
    Raphinha snubbed that extension and has now allegedly been in negotiations with Barcelona.
    And Sport, a Catalan newspaper, claims that he has agreed financial terms on a five-year contract at the Nou Camp.
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    It also adds that the LaLiga side have tabled an opening bid of £29million to Leeds.
    However, the Elland Road club are currently holding out for the £70m release clause fee that is included in the South American’s deal.
    The news will come as a bitter blow to Premier League big boys Chelsea and Liverpool.
    Both of them have been monitoring the attacker’s situation closely for months but now appear to have been beaten in the transfer chase.
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    Barca also have the added advantage of Deco being Raphinha’s agent.
    The former Portugal star spent four years at the Nou Camp as a player and still works as a South America scout for the Spaniards.
    Raphinha is under contract at Leeds until the end of the 2023-24 season. More