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    Chelsea agree £14m transfer for MLS star Djordje Petrovic after seeing off competition from Man Utd

    CHELSEA are on the verge of signing New England Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.The Blues have been scouting a potential new No 1 since first-choice keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga left to join Real Madrid on a season-long loan.
    Chelsea are on the verge of signing PetrovicCredit: Getty
    They have already signed Robert Sanchez in a £25million transfer from Brighton this summer.
    But, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are now set to raid the MLS for Petrovic.
    Todd Boehly and Co have agreed to pay £12.5m plus £1.5m in add-ons for the New England goalkeeper.
    Petrovic is set to undergo a medical this week before penning a seven-year contract with an option to extend for another season.
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    The 23-year-old will likely play back-up to Sanchez at first, but Chelsea expect him to take over as the new No.1 in the near future.
    Petrovic spent one season in New England after joining from Serbian side FK Cukaricki in April 2022.
    He made 48 appearances for the MLS side and kept 15 clean sheets.
    Manchester United expressed an interest in signing the goalkeeper earlier this summer.
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    The Red Devils started to monitor him but they chose not to launch a bid.
    Instead, they signed Andre Onana in a £47m transfer from Inter Milan. More

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    Lewis Hall joins Newcastle on loan transfer from Chelsea but is handed ‘cursed’ shirt number belonging to former flops

    NEWCASTLE have confirmed the signing of Lewis Hall from Chelsea – but he has been handed a ‘cursed’ shirt number.The versatile youngster broke through at Stamford Bridge last season and had agreed a new deal with the Blues earlier this month.
    Lewis Hall has confirmed his transfer to NewcastleCredit: Getty
    Eddie Howe is delighted to add the youngster to his squadCredit: Getty
    Hall will wear the number 20 shirtCredit: Getty
    But he has now completed his switch to Toon, joining on loan with an obligatory fee of £28million to be paid next summer according to Newcastle, which could rise to £35m if certain add-ons are met.
    However Chelsea claim the clause is only an option to buy.
    Chelsea fans are not happy to see Hall go, with many incredulous at the club’s asking price.
    The 18-year-old revealed his pride at signing for Newcastle, and spoke to the club’s media team as his move was announced.
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    He said: “I’m very proud. Me and my family are Newcastle fans, and for me and my brother growing up, it was drilled into us that we were Newcastle. It’s a big club and I can’t wait to get started.
    “I got a lot of experience last year in some big fixtures and I was really proud of the way I progressed as a player and a person. To now be here at Newcastle, the club that I’ve supported since I was a kid, I’m honoured and very proud to wear this shirt.
    “It’s very exciting. When you look back on last season and the way the team performed – not just the results, but the performances the team were putting in – it was amazing.
    “There’s so many talented players and we’ve got the Champions League now as well so there’s many different competitions that I know the team will be wanting to do well in, and hopefully get a trophy or two as well.”
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    Hall has been given the number 20 shirt, which has a chequered recent history at the Magpies.
    The likes of Florian Thauvin, Remy Cabella and Albert Luque all flopped wearing the shirt number.
    While its most recent incumbent, Chris Wood, lasted only 12 months at the club before joining Nottingham Forest in January.
    Eddie Howe also spoke about Hall’s capture and revealed he is a player they have been watching closely.
    He said: “I’m delighted to welcome Lewis to Newcastle United.
    “He is a player we have tracked closely, as have a number of clubs, so it’s very pleasing to secure him and to add a player of his quality, versatility and high potential to our squad.
    “I’d like to thank everyone involved for their tireless work to bring in the players we have.
    “A lot of time, effort and resource goes into a transfer window, but we have a real togetherness at all levels here and I appreciate that teamwork and support.” More

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    Chelsea fans say ‘I’ve never heard of this’ as Hakim Ziyech completes Galatasaray transfer on baffling terms

    CHELSEA fans were left stunned by Hakim Ziyech’s baffling move to Galatasaray.Ziyech struggled to stand out at Stamford Bridge after joining from Ajax in 2020 as he only mustered 14 goals and 13 assists in 107 appearances.
    Hakim Ziyech has left Chelsea for Galatasaray in a bizarre loan dealCredit: Getty
    Ziyech joins Galatasaray on a free loan that includes performance-based add-ons with an obligation to buyCredit: Getty
    However, the winger has moved on as he joined the Turkish champions on loan.
    But the terms of that deal have left the Blues’ faithful absolutely bewildered.
    Fans were stunned to read reports from the Evening Standard that the Morocco international would leave on a free loan deal with a free buy option.
    Though later further reports suggested that the buy clause is mandatory and Galatasaray could pay some performance-based fees.
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    And most of the 30-year-old’s wages are off the West Londoners’ books.
    But Chelsea fans were still left absolutely confused by that arrangement for a player the club signed for £37million three years ago.
    One fan tweeted: “I have never heard of a free loan with option of a free purchase ever. Ziyech should be embarrassed.”
    Another commented: “He’s a better player than that, some poor management there.”
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    A third stated: “Option to buy him for free? Wtf.”
    This fan said: “You can’t buy a player for free, can you?”
    And that one wrote: “Makes no sense at all lol.” More

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    Chelsea ready to hijack Barcelona’s transfer pursuit for Spain wonderkid with Catalan chiefs at loggerheads over deal

    CHELSEA are ready to continue their recruitment strategy of snapping up young talent by entering the race for 18-year-old Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda.ESPN report the Blues are ready to rival Barcelona for the signature of the Spain under-19 international with Valladolid wanting between £6.3 and £8.5 million for the defender.
    Fresneda was a bright light in last season’s Valladolid side that got relegated from LaLigaCredit: Getty
    Barcelona had been favourites for Fresneda’s signature but manager Xavi appears to be at loggerheads with the board over the deal.
    Xavi favours bringing in an experienced top-level player in the position and wants the club to sign Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo.
    The Barca boss reportedly also favours a move for former Spurs defender Juan Foyth to help address the club’s shortcomings at right-back over a move for Fresneda.
    But new sporting director Deco wants Fresneda as he looks to build a Barcelona team for the future.
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    The discordance between sporting director and manager has opened the door for the likes of Chelsea, who see Fresneda as a player with a lot of potential.
    The Blues will reportedly pounce on a move for the Spaniard if the player is keen on a move.
    Portuguese clubs are also keen on a move for the now Spanish second division player with Porto, Benfica and Sporting CP all circling.
    Chelsea’s interest in Fresneda comes after captain and first choice right-back Reece James suffered yet another injury setback.
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    The England man missed the majority of last season with a knee injury and looks to be facing injury hell again after tweaking his hamstring against Liverpool last week.
    The club fear that James could be looking at months rather than weeks out of the team.
    Promising French defender Malo Gusto is expected to start at right-back in place of James during their trip to West Ham tomorrow. More

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    Chelsea launch shock transfer bid for £12m-rated MLS star as Pochettino searches for Kepa replacement

    CHELSEA are keeping tabs on New England Revolution goalkeeper Djorde Petrovic after Kepa Arrizabalaga’s departure.Kepa joined Real Madrid on a season-long loan to cover for another former Blues keeper in Thibaut Courtois, who could miss the whole campaign after rupturing his ACL.
    Chelsea are keen to sign New England Revolution goalkeeper Djorde PetrovicCredit: Getty
    Chelsea want Petrovic to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga after he joined Real Madrid on loanCredit: Getty
    Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is actively looking for another goalkeeper after signing Robert SanchezCredit: Rex
    According to The Athletic, the West Londoners are keen on Petrovic to replace the Spain international and have opened talks with his MLS club.
    Mauricio Pochettino’s side have reportedly made an opening bid for the Serbia international.
    And deal could be reached in the range of £12million with talks between the two sides ongoing.
    The 23-year-old is highly-rated and many consider him the best goalkeeper in the US.
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    Chelsea signed Robert Sanchez from Brighton to reinforce Pochettino’s squad after Edouard Mendy’s departure to Al-Ahli.
    However, the Argentine tactician also lost Gabriel Slonina, who joined Eupen on loan.
    Pochettino addressed the club’s continuing search for another goalkeeper before Sunday’s Premier League clash at West Ham.
    The ex-Tottenham manager admitted Chelsea are “thinking and exploring all of the situations and possibilities on the market”.
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    New England Revolution have already rejected bids from Nantes and Nottingham Forest, who ultimately got Petrovic’s predecessor Matt Turner from Arsenal.
    They insisted they didn’t want to lose their No1 before the end of the season and the summer transfer window in the MLS is now closed.
    But Petrovic is keen to move to Stamford Bridge this summer and fight for a place between the sticks.
    Revolution, who can still sign free agents, are preparing for the worst and are thus keeping tabs on Josh Cohen after an impressive season with Maccabi Haifa. More

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    Chelsea’s new £58m signing Romeo Lavia reveals the THREE reasons he picked Blues – and snubbed Liverpool transfer

    ROMEO LAVIA snubbed a move to Liverpool after being convinced by Chelsea’s “ambitions” for the future.The Belgium midfielder was the subject of three bids from the Reds before he completed a £58million move to Stamford Bridge from Southampton on Friday.
    Romeo Lavia was the subject of three bids from Liverpool before he joined ChelseaCredit: GETTY
    The midfielder snubbed a move to Anfield after being convinced by the “project” at Stamford BridgeCredit: GETTY
    Lavia, 19, was enticed by the prospect of joining the Merseysiders but opted to move to West London because of the Blues’ history and their vision for the next few years.
    The Belgium international told the club’s official website: “Three factors determined my decision.
    “The project and the ambitions of the club were key factors in me choosing Chelsea, but also the history behind the club.
    “It’s really exciting to be a part of this football club and to write some history.
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    “I’m really happy and proud. It’s a privilege to be able to put on this shirt.
    “Most of the players we’ve signed are players I’ve played against.
    “And thought, ‘Ooooof, these players are good.’ So to be able to work with them is a great feeling.
    “They are young players and good players, so it will be good to make each other better. That’s the only way to succeed.”
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    New Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino played a pivotal role in convincing Lavia to swap the south coast for London.
    The teenager said of his new gaffer: “He’s a great manager.

    “We all know what he’s done before.
    “When I spoke to him, he was pretty clear on what he wanted, and the direction he wanted the team to go in.
    “I was really pleased to hear what he wanted, and his energy was something that matched with mine.”
    Mauricio Pochettino played a big role in Romeo Lavia’s decision to join ChelseaCredit: REX
    Lavia can’t wait to get down to down to business and fight for a place in Poch’s starting XI.
    He said: “It seems to be a dressing room with a great vibe, and I just want to be a part of it.
    “I’m really grateful for everything they’ve done for me.
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    “I wouldn’t be here without their constant support, so I’m happy to be able to share this moment with them.”
    Lavia could make his Chelsea debut on Sunday afternoon when the Blues travel to the London Stadium to take on West Ham. More

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    I dreamed of playing for Newcastle but Jurgen Klopp changed my mind – I joined Arsenal and Chelsea instead

    FORMER Arsenal and Chelsea star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang dreamed of playing for Newcastle.The Gabon striker looks back to his best at Marseille, attempting to reignite a career that has stalled in recent years.
    Aubameyang wanted to sign for NewcastleCredit: AFP
    Before Jurgen Klopp changed his mindCredit: Bongarts – Getty
    But in 2013, a 24-year-old Aubameyang was trying his best to leave Ligue 1 and there was no shortage of admirers.
    Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, Paris St Germain, and – most importantly – Newcastle were all interested.
    His 19 league goals for Saint-Etienne left him second in the goalscoring charts, only behind PSG superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
    Joe Kinnear had just been installed as Newcastle’s director of football and Aubameyang became one of his top targets.
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    The Magpies made a bid of £15million, with the hope of securing a double deal with Kurt Zouma for £26m.
    It was rejected, prompting Aubameyang to make a public statement about his desire to move to the Premier League.
    He said: “My dream has always been to play in one of the top two leagues in the world.
    “Newcastle is a good club and St James’s Park is a monumental stadium where there is passionate fans.”
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    However, he ended up signing for Dortmund – then managed by Jurgen Klopp – who reached the Champions League final the previous season.
    Explaining his decision in 2016, he said: “We opted for Dortmund, finalists in the Champions League, because my father studied Klopp’s game”.
    During his time at Dortmund, Aubameyang became one of the hottest strikers in Europe.
    While Newcastle embarked on a three year decline which would eventually witness them relegated from the Premier League in 2016.
    Arsenal broke their transfer record to sign the forward from Dortmund in a £56million deal in 2018.
    He won the FA Cup with the Gunners, and scored 64 goals in 114 leagues games before the 2021/22 season – when everything stumbled.
    Aubameyang’s behaviour as captain and role model to the club’s younger players began to vex manager Mikel Arteta – and a very public fallout led to the striker’s sudden exit.
    Barcelona snapped him up in January 2022 and Aubameyang made a solid start, scoring 11 goals in 17 La Liga matches.
    Chelsea then decided to sign the 34-year-old in the summer of 2023.
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    It turned out to be a bad decision as he returned one Premier League goal and barely featured during a nightmare campaign for the club and the player.
    But had Newcastle managed to sign Aubameyang in his prime, their last decade might have panned out very differently.
    Aubameyang was a shining star for Arsenal when the club were experiencing hardshipCredit: AFP
    The striker then joined Chelsea after his successful stint at BarcelonaCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea in stitches at Liverpool’s latest transfer target as they spot bizarre coincidence after beating Reds to stars

    CHELSEA fans made light of Liverpool’s little-known latest transfer target after spotting a funny coincidence. Jurgen Klopp’s side are desperate to recruit further midfield options before the transfer deadline.
    Wataru Endo is set to sign for LiverpoolCredit: Rex
    They have already sold Fabinho and Jordan Henderson earlier this summer, while James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all left on free transfers.
    But, after being snubbed in favour of Chelsea by Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, the Reds remain short of options.
    So Liverpool have turned their attention to Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo, according to Fabrizio Romano.
    But Chelsea fans loved how close the name sounds to Enzo Fernandez and Caicedo.
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    One said: “They couldn’t get Enzo now they are going for Endo.”
    Another added: “Caicedo + Enzo = Endo.”
    And, with the deal coming out of the Blue, one fan joked: “They couldn’t wait till tomorrow!! Cos Chelsea hijack.”
    And a second commented: “Signing some random won’t help them compete.”
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    Endo has been given permission to travel to England to complete his move, worth £15.5million.
    He has just a year remaining on his Stuttgart contract and the Bundesliga club had been eager to renew his deal.
    But Endo is keen to join Liverpool after learning of their interest.
    He joined Stuttgart, initially on loan, from Sint-Truiden in 2019.
    He had moved to European football with the Belgian side a year earlier from J-League outfit Urawa Red Diamonds.
    In addition to holding midfield, Endo can also play at centre-back.
    The 50-cap international was named in Japan’s squads for the last two World Cups.
    He featured in Stuttgart’s season opener last weekend, scoring in his side’s 4-0 DFB-Pokal win over TSG Balingen.
    Jurgen Klopp is desperate for a new midfielderCredit: Getty More