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

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      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.

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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

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      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

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      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

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      Havertz ‘wants Chelsea transfer more than Sancho wants Man Utd move’ with deal ‘set to be done after Europa League’

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      KAI HAVERTZ is said to be pushing for a move to the Premier League more than Jadon Sancho.
      The Bundesliga stars are both linked with a move to the English top flight.

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      Kai Havertz is pushing for a move to Chelsea Credit: AFP or licensors

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      Jadon Sancho has started pre-season training with Dortmund Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Havertz, valued at £90million, is subject to heavy interest from Chelsea while United are at loggerheads with Borussia Dortmund, who price 20-year-old Sancho at £108m.
      According to Sky Sports, of the pair it is Havertz, 21, who “is the one who is most keen to move as soon as possible”. 
      It is understood Chelsea have already agreed personal terms with the playmaker after Petr Cech flew to Germany for talks.
      But Bayer Leverkusen publicly insisted if their valuation is not met, Havertz will not leave.

      The player is reportedly keen to wrap up a move as soon as Leverkusen’s Europa League campaign is over.
      They play Inter Milan in the quarter finals tonight.

      United on the other hand face a battle to get their transfer for Sancho over the line.

      Like Leverkusen, Dortmund stand firm they are in no rush to sell unless their price tag is met.
      But United have made it clear they have no intention of paying £108m up front for the England forward.
      The Germans told Old Trafford bosses they wanted an agreement in place by August 10.
      But it appears no deal has been met with the winger boarding Dortmund’s flight to Switzerland to start their preparations for next season.
      United are currently in Germany to complete their Europa League campaign.
      And they are understood to see the Dortmund’s deadline as meaningless with the transfer window open until October 5.

      On Saturday SunSport reported meeting the price tag for Sancho might lead to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side potentially blowing their entire transfer funds on one player. 
      It also emerged Sancho will be offered a new £173,000-a-week deal at Dortmund if he stays.
      Although it would make him one of German football’s highest earners, it is still dwarfed by the £350k-a-week he is likely to get at Old Trafford.
      Sancho attended a house party in the UK with rap stars Krept and Konan at the weekend. 
      But Dortmund posted a statement confirming they were happy for the 20-year-old to be in England.
      Communications chief Sascha Fligge said: “It’s common and fine for players to go home before a training camp if they’re not risky. 

      “The same goes for Jadon.
      “From our point of view, the pictures that have been shown to us so far do not violate.”
      It is claimed former City starlet Sancho wishes to return to Manchester, but could be involved in a nervy summer saga.

      Man Utd transfer target Sancho spotted at UK house party More

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      Chelsea post incredible throwback snap of 11-year-old Christian Pulisic meeting Mason Mount on academy visit

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      CHELSEA released a throwback image of Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount together as youngsters.
      The picture was taken as the Blues’ Cobham training ground in 2010, when the pair were both 11.

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      Chelsea released a throwback image of Christian Pulisic and Mason Mount as youngsters

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      Since Pulisic arrived at Chelsea last summer, he has formed a good partnership with Mount
      England international Mount has been a top prospect at Chelsea since he was six and finally broke into the first-team this season.
      American Pulisic, however, was just visiting the Blues, then bossed by Carlo Ancelotti, and only found his way back last summer after a £58million transfer from Borussia Dortmund.
      And since the pair were reunited, they have formed a thriving partnership in Frank Lampard’s young side.
      The attacking pair were both nominated for Premier League young player of the season.

      Pulisic scored 11 times and provided 10 assists in his debut season at Stamford Bridge.
      He revealed the move was destined after releasing incredible pictures of his first visit to Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea even further back, as a seven-year-old in 2006.
      In a video posted by The Players’ Tribune, Pulisic showed off snaps of himself as a wide-eyed youngster in awe, visiting Stamford Bridge for the first time.
      Mourinho’s side were well on their way to a second consecutive Premier League title.

      And a young Pulisic could hardly contain his excitement.

      Now a Chelsea star himself, he said: “The craziest thing is I remember going to Chelsea.
      “I was very young, I was just going there to train with the youth Chelsea team and I remember being at the training ground, which I then a few weeks ago go back and see.
      “I see the same thing and I’m like wow, it’s crazy how full circle it came.”

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      An awe-struck Pulisic in the Chelsea dressing room back in 2006Credit: Facebook – The Players’ Tribune

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      Pulisic sits in Jose Mourinho’s chair during his 2006 visitCredit: Facebook – The Players’ Tribune

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      Willian confirms Chelsea exit as Brazilian says ‘it’s time to move on’ while he nears free Arsenal transfer

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      WILLIAN has confirmed his departure from Chelsea in an emotional open letter – paving the way for a switch to London rivals Arsenal.
      The Brazilian, 32, spent seven seasons at Stamford Bridge but was unable to agree a contract extension.

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      Willian confirmed his departure from Chelsea in an emotional open letterCredit: Getty Images

      He told fans: “The time has come to move on. I am certainly going to miss my teammates.
      “I will miss all the staff at the club who’ve always treated me like a son and I will miss the fans.
      “I leave with my head held high, safe in the knowledge that I won things here and always did my best in a Chelsea shirt!”
      The winger had been at loggerheads with the Chelsea hierarchy as his time as a blue came to an end.

      Willian made it clear he was only interested in a three-year deal, but was only offered two years by Chelsea.
      Manager Frank Lampard insisted he and the club had “done everything” to keep the forward at Stamford Bridge.
      Willian’s departure comes as Arsenal push on to sign the playmaker on a free transfer.

      It is understood the Gunners are ready to offer him a three-year deal, with £100k-a-week deal already agreed.

      Defender David Luiz last summer made the switch across London in an £8million move.
      It came a year after Olivier Giroud traded red for blue.

      Willian transfer to Arsenal appears to be confirmed in leaked PES21 clip showing Chelsea star in Gunners kit More

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      Chelsea transfer target Havertz trains with Leverkusen as ‘important’ requirement for move is revealed

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      KAI HAVERTZ was pictured training with Bayer Leverkusen as they prepare to play Rangers.
      The Bundesliga club host the Scottish giants tomorrow in the Europa League, taking a 3-1 lead into their second leg.

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      Kai Havertz was pictured training with Bayer Leverkusen as they prepare to play RangersCredit: EPA

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      Leverkusen host the Scottish giants tomorrow in the Europa LeagueCredit: AFP or licensors
      But the tie comes amid speculation star man Havertz is pursuing a move to Stamford Bridge.
      After Real Madrid and Bayern Munich cooled their interest in the 21-year-old, Chelsea moved closer to securing their transfer target.
      The Blues are believed to have approached Leverkusen with a £70million offer, around £20m shy of the player’s price tag.
      With personal terms said to have been agreed after Chelsea chief Petr Cech flew to Germany, a fee is the only thing standing in the way of the deal being completed.

      But the Blues success in qualifying for the Champions League is a “important” requirement met – according to ex-midfielder Michael Ballack.
      Ballack, who made lifted the Premier League at Stamford Bridge, told Sport Buzzer: “He brings everything with him, but is still in development.
      “It is also important for such a player to play in the Champions League. Therefore a change would be logical for him.
      “But he will also know that the competition and expectations of a big club like Chelsea are greater than in Leverkusen.

      “He’s not an extrovert, more of a calm guy. I don’t know what he’s like in the changing room.
      “But the fact that he already received the captain’s armband from Bayer shows that he is highly valued in Leverkusen.”
      “The next step for him is to take on more responsibility. This will also advance him in personality development. And he needs international toughness.”

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      Havertz is said to be pursuing a move to Stamford BridgeCredit: EPA

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      Chelsea are believed to have approached Leverkusen with a £70m offerCredit: AFP or licensors

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      It is understood Leverkusen rate Havertz at £90m Credit: AFP or licensors

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      How Chelsea could line up vs Bayern Munich with Lampard set to be without NINE of his 25-man Champions League squad

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      CHELSEA come into their Champions League second leg decider against Bayern Munich with NINE players set to miss out.
      Following a devastating 2-1 FA Cup final loss against London rivals Arsenal, Lampard has been hit with a host of injury problems.

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      Christian Pulisic and skipper Cesar Azpiliciueta limped off Wembley with hamstring injuries and Roma-bound Pedro suffered a dislocated shoulder.
      N’Golo Kante was an unused sub in the final and Lampard is uncertain on whether he will be fit to face Bayern, who carry a 3-0 lead into the return tie.
      Further midfield misery sees Ruben Loftus-Cheek facing a late fitness assessment after picking up a knock in training last week.
      Billy Gilmour remains sidelined after undergoing knee surgery last month.

      Marcos Alonso and Jorginho are both suspended while Willian – yet to agree a contract extension – did not even make the bench against Arsenal.
      Since Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final victory against Manchester United, they have stuck with a 3-4-3 formation.
      With Azpilicueta out, Antonio Rudiger, Kurt Zouma and Andreas Christensen will be expected to make up the back three.
      Emerson is the natural replacement for Alonso on the left and Reece James is in line to start from the right.

      If Lampard reverts to a back four, Emerson and James would be remain at full-back with either Rudiger, Zouma or Christensen dropping out to make way for a centre-half pairing.

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      Kepa Arrizabalaga, struggling for form and confidence, faces an uncertain summer leaving Willy Caballero likely to remain between the posts.
      Despite being sent off against Arsenal, Mateo Kovacic is available from the off in Germany.
      Ross Barkley, who came on against the Gunners, is in line to partner the Croatian.
      But should Kante return to the squad, he could slot right into a three-man midfield or central pairing, depending on what formation Lampard uses.
      With Pulisic, Willian and Perdo out, Callum Hudson-Odoi looks guaranteed to be given a rare start, against the side that tired to sign him last season.
      A lack of options out wide also means Mason Mount will likely start on the wing, instead of his favoured central role.
      In-form Olivier Giroud is favourite to lead the line, but top scorer Tammy Abraham is available should Lampard switch up his squad.
      With the Premier League season kicking off again just 35 days after their second leg in Munich, Lampard is fuming at the quick turnaround.

      He said: “Players need to be given a break to play at the level and quality the Premier League is.
      “Hopefully they give us a fair start next season.
      “Even in a worst-case scenario – we don’t go through against Bayern – the 12th feels too early for me for the players to start playing again.”

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