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      Mauricio Pochettino in brutal dig at Chelsea transfer policy as he brands new signing as someone to ‘send on some loan’

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO has launched a brutal dig at Chelsea’s summer transfer policy after the club’s latest signing.Chelsea agreed a £23.5million fee with Rennes for the signing of 19-year-old midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu with the midfielder expected to complete the move shortly.
      Pochettino has expressed frustration with Chelsea’s summer transfer policyCredit: Rex
      Ugochukwu is the latest example of Chelsea signing young players with bags of potential – but some are not quite ready for the first teamCredit: Getty
      Pochettino is keen to bolster a Chelsea midfield that currently boasts 23-year-old Conor Gallagher as its most experienced player in the central midfield role.
      Ugochukwu made 35 appearances for Rennes last season despite his young age and has represented France at Under-19 level nine times.

      But it’s clear that the Argentine does not see Ugochukwu as a player that will boost his midfield options, at least in the short term.
      When asked whether the signing boosted his midfield after Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over rivals Fulham in a pre-season friendly, the manager said: “My information is he is a player that is from France that maybe they are signing with the idea to send on some loan, using a different club but that information was already in your laptop. 
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      “There is nothing to say too much.”
      The dismissal of Ugochukwu’s signing comes after Pochettino warned that Chelsea’s upcoming season could be a “mess” if Chelsea’s 29-man squad is not thinned.
      The window has seen experienced midfielders Mason Mount and Matteo Kovacic leave.
      And Pochettino is keen to replace these outgoing stars with some much needed experience in the midfield.
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      The club remain keen on a deal for 21-year-old Brighton midfielder who has two seasons of Premier League experience under his belt.
      The midfielder shone last year, and was subject to two bids from Arsenal during last season’s January window.
      Chelsea have so far had two bids for Caicedo rejected this summer, the second of which was worth £80m.
      Brighton are holding out for their full £100m asking price amid reports that Chelsea bosses will attempt to negotiate this fee down.
      Meanwhile Chelsea have agreed a £39m fee for 25-year-old French defender Axel Disasi from Monaco.
      The centre-back, who has made four appearances for the French national team will provide some much-needed defensive reinforcement after Wesley Fofana’s latest knee injury. More

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      Chelsea ‘agree £23.5m fee with Rennes for 19-year-old next Vieira Lesley Ugochukwu with midfielder set for medical’

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      CHELSEA have agreed a £23.5million deal to sign Rennes wonderkid Lesley Ugochukwu, according to reports.The 19-year-old has impressed since breaking through with his hometown team.
      Lesley Ugochukwu is set to leave Rennes for ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Ugochuwku has drawn plenty of interest with his displays in Ligue 1 – but Chelsea have won the race for his signature.
      According to The Athletic, the midfield wonderkid is set to undergo a medical ahead of signing a long-term contract with the Blues.
      Chelsea have already agreed personal terms with the French youth international.
      Mauricio Pochettino’s side have undergone a huge midfield clear out this summer.
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      Mason Mount departed for Manchester United, while Mateo Kovacic joined Manchester City.
      N’Golo Kante penned a lucrative contract to move to the Saudi Pro League – leaving Conor Gallagher and Enzo Fernandez as Chelsea’s only senior midfielders.
      Andrey Santos and Carney Chukwuemeka could also look to force their way into contention.
      It is not yet clear whether Ugochuwku will go straight into Chelsea’s first-team squad.
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      Should they decide to loan him out, they could look to send him to sister club Strasbourg, who were taken over by Todd Boehly’s BlueCo consortium earlier this year.
      Rennes-born Ugochuwku is already fluent in English.
      Speaking to The Athletic last month, the teenager cited two French Premier League icons as his midfield idols.
      He said: “When I was small, I would watch the skills of players like [Paul] Pogba and [Patrick] Vieira on YouTube.
      “They inspired me a lot because of the way they play. When I grew up, my academy coach sometimes called me ‘Vieira’ because they could see some techniques that he had before. I kind of see myself in both players.”
      On Vieira specifically, he added: “It’s an advantage being tall and powerful. People like Vieira inspire me a lot because of what he did for Arsenal.
      “It’s something that I want to do during my career, to live like that and for people to say, ‘Lesley was that kind of player’.”
      The 6ft 3in starlet has already made 60 first team appearances for Rennes, following in Eduardo Camavinga’s footsteps as a teenage midfielder to come through the club’s esteemed academy.
      Patrick Vieira has been cited as one of Ugochukwu’s idolsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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      Moises Caicedo ‘will ask Brighton to lower £100m asking price’ just days after Chelsea have £80m transfer bid rejected

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      MOISES CAICEDO and his representatives will ask Brighton to bring their asking price down from £100million, according to reports.Chelsea had an £80m bid for Caicedo rejected on Thursday and Brighton’s resistance has frustrated the player.
      Moises Caicedo is wanted by ChelseaCredit: Getty
      The Blues have now had three offers turned down and it remains unclear whether they will go in for the midfielder again.
      Chelsea have long been interested in Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, as are Liverpool.
      But according to Fabrizio Romano, the West Londoners are not yet ready to walk away from the deal.
      Brighton’s owner Tony Bloom and manager Roberto De Zerbi want to keep Caicedo.
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      It comes after they lost World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, who joined Liverpool for £35m in June.
      But there was a release clause in Mac Allister’s contract that limited Brighton’s negotiating power.
      The Times say Caicedo and his reps will look to handle the matter sensitively in respect for Brighton and after he publicly plead to leave in January.
      Arsenal had bids of £60m and £70m rejected and subsequently they would sign Jorginho from Chelsea instead.
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      Caicedo did play in Brighton’s pre-season friendly with Brentford on Wednesday night in Atlanta and he is expected to feature against Newcastle on Friday.
      De Zerbi admitted Caicedo will have to be replaced if he is sold ahead of their first Premier League game of the season against Luton Town in two weeks.
      He said: “If you asked me what I would like, I would like him to stay with us but it is not my work.
      “My work is to tell my owner that if Caicedo leaves we need another big, important midfielder.”
      Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi wants to keep Moises CaicedoCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea handed huge Uefa fine for FFP breaches and ‘potentially incomplete financial reporting’ under Abramovich

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      CHELSEA have been hit with an £8.6million fine for Financial Fair Play breaches stretching back to the Roman Abramovich era.A Uefa probe into the club’s finances was opened after the Stamford Bridge outfit’s new owners, led by Todd Boehly, reported the issues last summer.
      Chelsea have been handed a fine by Uefa for Financial Fair Play breachesCredit: PA
      The irregularities have to do with the period between the 2012 and 2019 season while under Roman AbramovichCredit: Alamy
      In a statement, Uefa said: “Following the club’s sale in May 2022, the new ownership identified, and proactively reported to Uefa, instances of potentially incomplete financial reporting under the club’s previous ownership. 
      “The reported matters related to historical transactions which took place between 2012 and 2019.”

      While the precise nature of the infractions is not clear, it is understood that a number of relatively minor historical elements emerged during the sale process.
      While there is believed to have been no deliberate attempts to circumvent the rules, the breaches were discovered.
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      With Uefa having a three-year statute of limitations over FFP breaches, Chelsea only faced punishment for the rule-breaking in the 2018-2019 season.
      Meanwhile, Italian giants Juventus have, as expected, been banned from this season’s Europa Conference League.
      That is due to a “capital gains” transfer scam that saw them deducted 10 Serie A points to finish seventh.
      Juve were also fined £17.2m, half of which was suspended if they comply with Uefa financial rules up until the end of the 2024-25 season.
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      The Bianconeri’s European ban will last for a year and the club has confirmed there will be no appeal.
      Juventus president Gianluca Ferrero said: “We regret the decision of the Uefa Club Financial Control Body.
      “We do not share the interpretation that has been given of our defense, and we remain firmly convinced of the legitimacy of our actions and the validity of our arguments.
      “However, we have decided not to appeal this judgment. This decision is in line with the one taken last May in the context of the disputes with the FIGC.
      “As in that case, we prefer to put an end to the period of uncertainty and ensure full visibility and certainty to our internal and external stakeholders about the club’s participation in future international competitions.
      “Lodging an appeal, possibly to other levels of judgement, with uncertain outcomes and timing, would increase the uncertainty with respect to our eventual participation in the 2024-25 Champions League.
      “Instead, we want the first team, our fans, our sponsors, suppliers and financial partners to be able to experience the 2023-24 season with the utmost serenity and certainty with respect to the results achievable on the pitch, especially after the turbulent past season.” More

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      Meet Christopher Nkunku: Fearless in the face of Erling Haaland and determined to drive Chelsea back to the top

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      FOCUSED. Driven. Fearless. English football, meet Christopher Nkunku.Chelsea’s brand new £52m striker strolls through a sliding door at the glitzy Waldorf Astoria hotel in Atlanta and takes a seat. The clock says 22:15pm local time.
      Christopher Nkunku has been put through his paces since joining ChelseaCredit: Getty
      The Frenchman already has two goals during the Blues’ pre-season tripCredit: Getty
      Nkunku, 25, must be tired. He is mid-way through his first pre-season at the club and has been at the mercy of boss Mauricio Pochettino’s notoriously brutal running sessions.
      He laughed: “I came late, and spoke with my teammates and they said: ‘It’s very hard’.”
      But Nkunku is not here, in his first interview with the English press, to complain about fatigue on this breathless tour of the United States.
      He is here to set out his stall ahead of a debut Premier League season he has been dreaming about for years.
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      He is here to reassure Blues fans that he is committed to owner Todd Boehly’s ambitious and expensive vision, regardless of last season’s 12th placed flop.
      The French international explained: “The season of Chelsea last year wasn’t good, everybody knows this. I knew this new season would not be the same.
      “This year is a new project, new year, new season. I am the new project and I am happy to be here.
      “Even if Chelsea were in 15th or 16th place, it doesn’t matter for me.
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      “The club is not in a European competition but I want to have a main role in the team. Chelsea proposed this project to me and I am happy with it.”
      It is clear the Champions League is a priority for Nkunku. He added: “This is my goal, the goal of the club, the team and the fans. I want the club to be where they need to be.”
      In a wide-ranging chat, topics such as Erling Haaland’s fear-factor, Chelsea’s No.9 curse, Paris Saint-Germain’s elite mentality and being a terrible loser are all discussed.
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      But first, he speaks of a moment as a teenager that shaped him into the player and man he is today – from his birthplace in the Parisian suburbs to the glamour of West London.
      Nkunku explained: “I was around 15-years-old. It was difficult because I had growing pains in my knees.
      “I was late in preparing physically as a player compared to the others, but I lived with it. I needed to work more to earn my place. It was good to learn. This is how I grew as a player.”
      That steely determination from a young age paid off. Having been turned away by the likes of Lens, Le Havre and Monaco due to his skinny physique, PSG took a punt on him in 2015.
      It was there over the course of four years he beefed up both physically and mentally.
      Christopher Nkunku enjoyed a successful time at RB LeipzigCredit: AFP
      Christopher Nkunku’s trademark balloon celebrationCredit: Getty
      Nkunku was already an extremely competitive person, growing up in a football-mad family.
      He said: “I don’t like to lose. Even if we play cards, I want to win.”
      So, he has walked into Chelsea – a club renowned for their win-at-all-costs attitude and cut-throat nature – comfortable in that pressurised environment, one that he previously shared with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar in the French capital.
      He said: “[PSG and Chelsea are] basically the same in every category. You need to win and be first in the table. This is what we learned at PSG, how to win. Even drawing a game is like a loss.”
      He took that mindset with him to Red Bull Leipzig in 2019, hitting the heights he had promised to deliver in his third and fourth seasons. 58 goals in 88 games in all competitions.
      It was after the 2021/22 campaign, one that included 11 goals in 12 Champions League outings and 20 goals and 13 assists in 34 Bundesliga games, that Chelsea pounced.
      A pre-contract agreement was conjured up in October 2022.
      Nkunku developed a winning mentality with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar at PSGCredit: AP:Associated Press
      At that time, Graham Potter had replaced Thomas Tuchel as manager, Chelsea were in Europe and competing for the top four and above.
      A month later, a training ground injury scuppered his Qatar World Cup dreams with France.
      He then had to watch on from Germany as Chelsea went into free-fall. More managerial sackings, transfer spending lunacy and multiple dressing room fall-outs.
      It did not faze him. Seemingly, nothing does, even the suggestion that Chelsea’s recent record of signing prolific strikers – especially from the Bundesliga – is poor.
      Nkunku, who could take the vacant No.9 jersey, replied: “When you say this, is this about Kai Havertz and Timo Werner?”, the German pair who signed for Chelsea in 2020 for a combined fee of around £120m but have since departed.
      Nkunku continued: “Maybe sometimes they have personal problems, you don’t know. Everybody is different.
      “I know I can do a lot of great things here, that’s why I sit here. We will see in the future but I am not scared about anything.”
      Not even Manchester City’s 52-goal monster Erling Haaland frightens him. Nkunku already has two goals in three pre-season outings, and often celebrates by blowing up a balloon on the pitch in honour of his two-year-old son.
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      Erling Haaland has taken the Prem by storm since his arrival last summerCredit: Getty
      Nkunku said: “I will compete against anybody. I just focus only on my work and not about the work of Erling or any player.
      “I want to build my career. I want to do everything I can do in football and show what I can do. This is just the beginning.” More

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      Fulham ‘to hijack Lazio’s Callum Hudson-Odoi transfer’ but fans can’t believe the fee for Chelsea star once valued £70m

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      FULHAM have made a “verbal proposal” to sign Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi, according to reports.The 22-year-old, who received three England caps in 2019, has stalled at Stamford Bridge in recent years.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi is being linked with a move away from Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
      He spent last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, but registered just one goal in 21 games.
      As a result, his stock has fallen considerably – and with it his price tag.
      Back in 2020, Chelsea rejected a loan offer from Bayern Munich which included a £70MILLION option to buy.
      Now Fabrizio Romano is reporting Fulham have offered £4m for the attacker.
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      It comes amid interest elsewhere from Italian side Lazio and Saudi Arabia.
      Chelsea are not thought to be happy with the bid from their West London rivals.
      However, they are only believed to be holding out for £8m.
      And Fulham are said to be confident of securing a deal in the “next days”, with negotiations at an “advanced” stage.
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      But fans are in disbelief at just how much Hudson-Odoi’s value has fallen over three years.
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      Reacting on social media, one person said: “Mad to think Chelsea rejected a £70m from Bayern Munich just a few seasons ago.”
      Another added: “Can someone tell me what happen to Hudson-Odoi?😭😭😭”
      A third replied: “Four million is approximately free to me. Funny how Hudson-Odoi used to be Chelsea’s saviour some seasons ago.”
      And a fourth responded: “£8m for Hudson-Odoi?! That’s a bargain and a half. But the disrespect from Chelsea.”
      Hudson-Odoi, who joined the Blues as a young boy in 2007, has racked up 126 appearances and 16 goals for the first team, winning the Champions League, Europa League, Club World Cup and Uefa Super Cup.
      Meanwhile, Chelsea are in the middle of a mass exodus this summer.
      They have already axed high-profile stars such as N’Golo Kante, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Christian Pulisic, Edouard Mendy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Cesar Azpilicueta and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
      The likes of Conor Gallagher, Hakim Ziyech and Romelu Lukaku are also being linked with moves. More

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      Chelsea leading Arsenal in race for £40m Ajax star Kudus but transfer could depend on Man Utd’s Hojlund move

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      CHELSEA are leading Arsenal in the race to sign £40million Ajax star Mohammed Kudus.However, any potential transfer could depend on Manchester United’s move for Rasmus Hojlund.
      Chelsea lead Arsenal in the race to sign Mohammed KudusCredit: Rex
      Kudus has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, with both Brighton and United previously interested.
      Chelsea are the current favourites to sign him, though, according to The Independent.
      The report states that the Blues have presented a more convincing package than Arsenal.
      In addition, Chelsea believe they can price Arsenal out of any potential move as they are in a stronger position to agree both a transfer fee and wages.
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      Kudus is expected to be valued at around £40million by Ajax if he is to leave the club.
      Arsenal are keen on him as one of their midfield targets, alongside the arrival of a new right-back.
      However, the Gunners need to sell before buying following their early business.
      Meanwhile, Chelsea have already trimmed their squad down considerably and could sign two midfielders before the window closes.
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      As well as Kudus, Mauricio Pochettino is also chasing a deal for Moises Caicedo, with talks ongoing.
      Any deal for Kudus, who almost joined Everton last summer, could hinge on United’s business, though.
      The Red Devils have been linked with the Ghana international but are currently looking to sign Atalanta’s Hojlund.
      A bid has been launched for the Danish striker, but it is understood to be below the Italian side’s asking price.
      Failure to land Hojlund could see United come back in for Kudus, who can also play as a striker or on the right wing.
      Manchester United’s pursuit of Rasmus Hojlund could affect Mohammed Kudus’ futureCredit: Getty
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      Fans say Moises Caicedo is ‘now worth £500MILLION’ after Man Utd name their price for Scott McTominay

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      FANS joked Moises Caicedo’s transfer value has soared to £500million – after Manchester United named their asking price for Scott McTominay.Brighton face a battle this summer to keep hold of their talismanic midfielder Caicedo.
      Brigton are desperate to hold out for £100m for Moises CaicedoCredit: Rex
      Scott McTominay could head to West Ham as Declan Rice’s replacementCredit: Getty
      The Ecuadorian star, 21, has been heavily linked with Chelsea – who have seen two bids rejected – while United are also interested.
      Brighton owner Tony Bloom is holding out for £100m for Caicedo.
      But reports that the Red Devils will not sell McTominay – another Premier League midfielder tipped for a transfer – for less than £40m has prompted Seagulls supporters to urge their club to revalue Caicedo.
      And one fan quipped the £40m price tag on McTominay’s head amid West Ham interest means Caicedo’s worth has skyrocketed.
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      They wrote on Twitter: ” Caicedo is now worth £500m @ChelseaFC.”
      Another said: “Chelsea fans this is why we’re asking for £100m for Caicedo xx”
      Others were baffled by the money United want for their academy graduate.
      One said: “£40m for Scott McTominay… worth £10m max.”
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      Another added: “£40m for an extremely limited midfielder is insane.”
      Chelsea’s second bid to Brighton for Caicedo was worth £70m.
      But the Blues were reportedly told it was “nowhere near enough” because the South Coast club reckon their No25 is similar in value to Declan Rice, who joined Arsenal for £105m.
      In addition, Brighton rejected a £70m bid from the Gunners for Caicedo as recently as January.
      The midfielder has since signed a new four-year deal through to the summer of 2027.
      He also starred as the Seagulls went on to secure qualification for this season’s Europa League.
      Liverpool were also linked with Caicedo as a possible replacement should Fabinho leave but Stamford Bridge remains the youngster’s preferred destination and he has even admitted “he can’t say no” to joining Chelsea.
      The midfielder also let out a small smirk when asked if he was about to sign for the Blues during Brighton’s pre-season tour in America.
      However, boss Roberto De Zerbi confirmed Caicedo is going nowhere unless another club offers the right price – and could not resist a brutal dig at Chelsea.
      The Italian said: “It’s a clear situation at the moment. He stays with us until my owner changes his mind.
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      “I don’t know what can happen in the future, but if Moises leaves we have to find the right player because it’s difficult to replace a player as good as Moises.
      “We have to substitute him with a great player because this year we play in the Europa League, unlike Chelsea.” More