Chelsea transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 275 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      I live next to a Premier League ground and they want to have boozy, late-night concerts – but we took them on

      by

      ONE OF the Premier League’s wealthiest football clubs has suffered a defeat long before the new season starts – dished out by neighbours unhappy about their boozy late-night gig plans.Residents living close to the billionaire-backed team’s stadium launched a protest campaign against the prospect of pop concerts featuring all-day alcohol sales.
      A Premier League giant has been forced to back down on pop concert plansCredit: Reuters
      The rebellion by neighbouring residents marks the latest recent setback for the BluesCredit: PA
      The high-profile gigs would have added to the existing annual sporting calendar of 19 league home games plus cup ties.
      But the plan has now been scrapped in a victory for neighbours over the club’s rich US owners.
      The venue in question is Stamford Bridge, in well-to-do west London – and the club now licking its wounds is two-time Uefa Champions League winners Chelsea FC.
      The ruling has been hailed as a triumph for people power, with campaigners today celebrating how they had “frightened” the footballing power which has a lion on the badge and as its mascot.
      Read More On Chelsea
      Chelsea were bought by a US consortium headed by Todd Boehly last summer, after Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich – bankroller of the Blues since 2003 – was forced to cede control following his country’s invasion of Ukraine.
      The club, who have long been investigating for years how to boost Stamford Bridge’s 41,000-capacity, wanted to boost revenue in the meantime by hosting concerts there.
      London rivals Tottenham Hotspur have attracted music superstars such as Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Guns N’ Roses to perform at their new 62,850-capacity stadium since opening it in 2019.
      Yet Chelsea have been forced to abandon their hopes of doing similar.
      Most read in Football
      Hundreds of residents living around the ground – which is in Fulham, south-west London – signed petitions urging Hammersmith and Fulham council to refuse permission.
      Chelsea had applied for approval for a concert venue in part of their stadium.
      Under their proposals, it would have remained throughout the year with an alcohol licence from 10am until 11pm, the Mail On Sunday reported.
      Yet after talks with council officers, the club has now decided to withdraw the application – to neighbours’ delight.
      Writer Kate Reardon, who has lived close by for eight years, said: “We are thankful Chelsea have chosen to engage and listen to residents’ concerns.”
      But she went on: “What really frightened them was the sheer scale of the application.
      “It would have given any future owners the possibility of making the residents’ lives a misery.
      “Chelsea have been here since 1905 and their ability to influence the health and happiness of the neighbourhood cannot be understated.”
      Another happy local, 49-year-old Ramzi Mroueh, said: “We are relieved and very grateful that Chelsea FC listened to our concerns and pulled the application.”
      And neighbour Adriana Ennab said: “It shows what is possible when the community works together towards a goal.”
      Chelsea’s hopes of emulating London rivals such as Spurs, Arsenal and West Ham United by getting a bigger ground have also been hampered by technicalities.
      Stamford Bridge is owned by thousands of fans in shares, giving the the Chelsea Pitch Owners PLC organisation a big say on whether the Blues can move.
      The group have to approve the shift from Stamford Bridge if the club were to continue in their current form of “Chelsea”.
      The CPO also owns the freehold to the Bridge and would need to be bought out by the club’s owners for control of the stadium.
      Abramovich, a former ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin, attempted to buy the land in 2012 but was rebuffed by CPO shareholders.
      Blues fans suffered more misery in the Premier League season which concluded last month, with the club finishing 12th in the table – their lowest placing since 14th in 1994.
      They went through four managers in 2022-2023 – Thomas Tuchel, ex-Brighton and Hove Albion boss Graham Potter, one-game interim head coach Bruno Saltor then returning club legend Frank Lampard whose 11-match caretaker spell brought just one win.
      They have since hired a permanent replacement in former Tottenham and Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino.
      Spurs are not the only Premier League club in London who are able to put on pop concerts.
      Arsenal’s 60,074-capacity Emirates Stadium has hosted the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Green Day, the Killers and earlier this month the Arctic Monkeys ahead of their Glastonbury headline spot this weekend.
      Read More On The Sun
      The Rolling Stones, Robbie Williams, the Foo Fighters, Muse and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers have played West Ham’s 66,000-seat London Stadium which was originally built for the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.
      Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s home since 1905, currently has capacity for 41,000 fansCredit: Getty
      Beyonce last month brought her Renaissance world tour to the home of Chelsea’s London rivals Tottenham Hotspur for five nights
      The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has also hosted Lady Gaga and Guns N’ RosesCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Lyon ‘approach Pulisic over summer transfer’ but talks could see Chelsea outcast end up at another Premier League club

      by

      LYON have expressed an interest in signing Christian Pulisic from Chelsea, according to reports.The Blues are prepared to bid farewell to several first team stars this summer, including Kai Havertz, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Mason Mount.
      Christian Pulisic is being targeted by LyonCredit: Getty
      N’Golo Kante has already left Stamford Bridge to join Saudi Super League club Al-Ittihad in a free transfer.
      And according to French outlet L’Equipe, Pulisic could be one of the next players to move on.
      Lyon are considering a swoop for the winger, but the club’s controlling shareholder Eagle Football Holdings – led by American businessman John Textor – also hold 45 per cent of shares in Crystal Palace, so he could make a move to Selhurst Park.
      Pulisic is said to be a priority target for the Eagles this summer, but Lyon are currently the main club involved in discussions.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      The 24-year-old reportedly held talks with Lyon officials at the end of last season.
      And he is keen on the prospect of a move away from Stamford Bridge.
      Pulisic joined Chelsea in a £58million transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2019, but he has gradually fallen down the club’s pecking order.
      He was limited to 30 appearances across all competitions last season.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      With several players set to leave Chelsea in the next few weeks, the Blues have already started plotting their summer business.
      New boss Mauricio Pochettino has already welcomed Christopher Nkunku into the squad.
      And Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson is set to follow in a £30m transfer. More

    • 263 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd’s Mason Mount transfer at risk of being HIJACKED as European giants swoop in for Chelsea star at last minute

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED’S transfer for Mason Mount is at risk of being HIJACKED, according to reports.The Red Devils have been chasing Mount throughout the summer as he enters the final year of his Chelsea contract.
      Mason Mount’s move to Manchester United could be offCredit: Reuters
      And although the midfielder is keen to leave for Old Trafford – with personal terms said to be agreed – the Blues have rejected all three of United’s offers.
      The latest of those was submitted on Friday and worth £55million.
      But Chelsea want £65m for their academy graduate.
      And now United could spectacularly miss out on Mount – because Bayern Munich are reportedly stepping up their interest.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      According to The Guardian, Bayern want to pounce on United’s delay in agreeing a fee with the Stamford Bridge club.
      Bayern are managed by Thomas Tuchel, who enjoyed working with Mount at Chelsea as they won the Champions League together.
      It is understood the German would be keen to be reunited with the English midfielder.
      To boost Bayern’s chances, Chelsea may be willing to drop their £65m demands if they sold abroad.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      However, it remains unclear if Mount would want to make the switch to the Bundesliga – although he would be guaranteed to be challenging for titles and Champions League football at the Allianz Arena.
      Tuchel also wanted Kai Havertz who is heading to Arsenal while Mateo Kovacic looks set to sign for Manchester City for £25m.
      United could even walk away from negotiations altogether as they do not want to pay more than they feel Mount is worth.
      Director of Football John Murtough is said to be fuming with the Blues over their transfer dealings.
      And Erik ten Hag has drafted a four-man shortlist of alternative midfielders – with Brighton ace Moises Caicedo understood to be on there.
      Thomas Tuchel is keen to work with Mount again at Bayern MunichCredit: Getty More

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Mikel Arteta breaks silence on Kai Havertz transfer and own rule about targets as he reveals why he wants Chelsea ace

      by

      MIKEL ARTETA has defended Arsenal’s shock swoop for Kai Havertz – insisting the German is worth every penny.The Gunners are on the verge of completing a £65million deal for the Chelsea midfielder, who is being let go as part of the Blues’ bid to balance the books.
      Arsenal are on the verge of snapping up Kai Havertz from ChelseaCredit: GETTY
      Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has hailed the Germany international’s imminent arrivalCredit: PA
      Havertz’s imminent and pricey move to North London has shocked the Emirates faithful, but Arteta insists: “Talent comes at a price, and at Arsenal, we are always interested in youngsters with experience.
      “I repeat, I’m not talking about players from other clubs, but in the case of Kai he has already shown a lot, including in the Champions League.
      “He is a talented player, versatile and only 24 years old.”
      Arteta will be hoping the addition of Havertz will help Arsenal get over the Premier League finish line next season.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      The North Londoners surrendered a nine-point lead to Treble winners Manchester City, dropping them during a disastrous three-week period in April.
      Arteta, 41, told: “It still hurts me deeply not having won the Premier after spending ten months fighting with City.
      “But that’s the sport. That said, what has been achieved with such a young team is worthwhile. That is clear to me too.
      “Those three draws in a row penalised us, and all the misfortunes that happened.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
      “There were three or four injuries to important players and from there, everything got complicated.
      “When we had the full team, we were consistent. As soon as problems came, we couldn’t be consistent.
      “And then our rival was the best team in the world, the best squad in the world, the best coach in the world.
      “We had no choice but to accept it and shake hands with the champion.”
      Arteta is confident of ending Arsenal’s 20-year wait for Prem glory, telling Marca: “That is our ambition.
      Mikel Arteta remains confident that Arsenal can win the Premier LeagueCredit: GETTY
      “We know the difficulty, it is the best league in the world and next season is going to be the most difficult league in history.
      “Why? Last year it already was. I’ve been here for 22 years and I’ve never seen a competitive level like that.
      “So much quality, so much organization, so many resources, such good coaches.
      Read More On The Sun
      “And now [Mauricio] Pochettino and [Andoni] Iraola have arrived.
      “The level is that and to win the Premier you must be the best. That is why we have to strengthen.” More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea keeper Kepa makes decision on future amid Saudi transfer raids as Wag Andrea Martinez shares ‘beautiful’ pics

      by

      KEPA ARRIZABALAGA wants to stay at Chelsea and convince the fans he is their true Blue No1.The Spanish keeper, 28, thinks incoming boss Mauricio Pochettino can help him win over the supporters.
      Kepa Arrizabalaga is keen to stay put at Chelsea and win over the fans for goodCredit: Getty
      Kepa is big pals with Toni Jimenez who will be joining Pochettino as goalkeeper coach.
      The pair have started planning and believe Kepa can improve next season.
      Chelsea are selling fellow keeper Edouard Mendy, 31, to Saudi side Al-Alhi and have been linked with a move for Inter Milan’s Andre Onana.
      But Kepa must prove himself to a fifth manager since a £71.6million move to London five years ago.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      Jimenez is part of Pochettino’s staff who will officially begin work on July 3.
      Kepa returns a few days later, having been recalled to Spain’s squad — even if he did not play in their Nations League triumph.
      Kepa has two years left on his contract and wants to stay, even though Chelsea’s owners are offloading a raft of players.
      During his time off, though, Kepa is relaxing in the sunshine with his fiancee Andrea Martinez.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The glamourous Wag took to Instagram to share snaps of the pair soaking up the rays on holiday.
      The loved-up couple also did a gym session together as the goalkeeper ensures he keeps up his fitness levels during the off-season.
      Fans adored the pics and flooded the comments with support for the engaged duo.
      One said: “Beautiful together.”
      Another wrote: “So sweet.”
      A third added: “Best couple, best goalkeeper.”
      Kepa and Andrea Martinez are enjoying a holiday following the long 2022-23 seasonCredit: Instagram @kepaarrizabalaga
      The couple are engaged to be married and fans loved the contentCredit: Instagram @kepaarrizabalaga More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Devil Baby’ influencer who stalked Chelsea star Mason Mount after one-night stand breaks silence following conviction

      by

      A MODEL who branded herself ‘Devil Baby’ as she stalked Mason Mount after a one-night stand has spoken for the first time.Orla Melissa Sloan, 22, created 21 phone numbers and told the Chelsea star she wasn’t eating as she hounded him online.
      Orla Melissa Sloan branded herself ‘Devil Baby’ as she stalked Mason Mount after a one-night standCredit: orlamelissa
      Mason Mount was left terrified of obsessed SloanCredit: Getty
      Sloan said she was ‘stuck in her own world’ while stalking the three Prem stars
      She also targeted Ben Chilwell, 26, and Brighton’s Billy Gilmour, 21, in a relentless ‘kiss and troll’ crusade after meeting the Premier League trio at a house party.
      During her harassment campaign, Sloan created sinister collages of Chilwell and Mount, 24, with other women and demanded apologies from the players for ignoring her messages.
      And Gilmour was left taking sleeping pills, cutting ties with his family and having his security beefed up after she falsely claimed she was pregnant despite the pair never having sex.
      On Tuesday, Sloan – a former OnyFans model – was spared jail when she was sentenced at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
      Read More on Devil Baby
      She was handed a 12-week sentence suspended for 18 months and told to pay the millionaire stars a total of £1,100 in compensation – £500 to Gilmore and £300 to Chilwell and Mount.
      But speaking for the first time since her sentence, Sloan says she regrets her behaviour but claims it was down to “loneliness”.
      She told The Mail on Sunday: “I didn’t see it coming. I was very stuck in my own world.
      “I didn’t meet many people. I was quite lonely and being on OnlyFans just made me more lonely.
      Most read in Football
      “It’s only until it got to the point where I had to go to court, and potentially to prison, that I could see what I had done.”
      Sloan’s harassment exploded after she was invited to a party at England international Chilwell’s house after meeting him over social media.
      She slept with Chelsea team-mate Mount, who has 36 England caps, and the pair chatted “sporadically” for around six months until he cut things off.
      Sloan, from Exeter, Devon, then started stalking the 24-year-old and changed her number 21 times when he kept blocking her.
      She also sent him a screenshot of her paying £12.99 for a new number from Apple, saying: “I’m not buying food anymore so I can get more numbers.”
      ‘DEVIL BABY’
      And in the grips of obsession, she told him: “You must apologise or you will unlock a new character – Devil Baby. So let me apologise and make it right.”
      She told The Mail on Sunday the name was only meant to be “a joke”.
      Mount was left terrified that she would show up at the Chelsea training centre after she was unable to contact him.
      Speaking of her interactions with Mount, Sloan said she “thought it was going somewhere” but in reality there was no chance of a relationship.
      She also made an Instagram account with the username DevilBaby_10, which she used to create collages of Chilwell with other women.
      Gilmour was then bombarded with messages about Mount after the England star refused to message back.
      The stalker tagged his family and friends in the “completely fictitious” posts which ended in her claiming she was pregnant, despite the pair never having sex.
      Gilmour, who has been capped 16 times by Scotland, said her messages had a “huge impact” on his life following his switch from Chelsea to Brighton last September.
      He told the court: “I have not been able to sleep and have had to take sleeping tablets. It’s had a negative effect on my performance and professional life.”
      The court was told by Sloan’s mum, who describes herself on Facebook as a Reiki and Shamanic healer, that her daughter is “addicted” to social media.
      Following her trial, Sloan says she never intended to harm the three players but has learnt that online actions have real world consequences which she did not anticipate at the time.
      The influencer previously admitted one count of harassment, one of stalking and one count of stalking involving fear of violence or serious alarm or distress.
      The latter charge carries a maximum sentence of ten years in prison.
      Read More On The Sun
      Sloan admitted stalking Mount between June 19, 2022 to October 28 and Scots international Gilmour between September 10 2022, and October 28.
      She also pleaded guilty to harassing Chilwell between October 20 and 29. More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd transfer chief ‘fuming with Chelsea over Mason Mount talks’ as Todd Boehly names price for England star

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED’S transfer chief is reportedly fuming with Chelsea over the Mason Mount transfer saga.The Red Devils are keen to land the midfielder, 24, this summer as he enters the final 12 months of his Blues contract and has refused all extension offers.
      Mason Mount’s transfer saga to Manchester United continues to rumble onCredit: Getty
      But their three bids so far – for £40million, £50m and £55m – have all been rejected by the Stamford Bridge club.
      And now the Manchester Evening News report that United’s football director John Murtough is growing increasingly frustrated with Chelsea.
      He is said to be annoyed and taken a dim view of their policy to communicate the United bids through to the media.
      To make matters worse, Todd Boehly continues to hold out for a whopping £65m for the 36-cap England international.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      The Chelsea owner would likely accept £58m with £7m in add-ons, too.
      However, United may struggle to meet that fee with the MEN adding that Murtough’s “hands are tied” due to the financial state of the Old Trafford side.
      The Red Devils do not think Mount is worth as much as Chelsea are demanding, especially given his desire to leave and short contract length.
      And United know they cannot overspend – because their priority remains landing a new central striker.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      It is thought if the Mount negotiations fail with Chelsea to develop – personal terms have already been agreed – then Erik ten Hag has four possible alternatives to the midfielder lined up, although Mount is the favourite.
      Ten Hag even held video calls with some transfer targets to discuss possible moves.
      Declan Rice has previously been linked with Old Trafford.
      But the West Ham skipper looks on course to join either Manchester City or Arsenal.
      Adrien Rabiot, meanwhile, may opt to extend his contract at Juventus, with his current deal expiring on Friday.
      Moises Caicedo of Brighton is another option – but he would not be cheap with the Seagulls rejecting an offer of £75m from Arsenal in January. More

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea icon Cesar Azpilicueta ‘seals Inter Milan transfer’ after agreeing two-year deal and return to Champions League

      by

      CHELSEA icon Cesar Azpilicueta has reportedly sealed a transfer to Inter Milan after agreeing a two-year deal.The move will see the Spaniard make a return to the Champions League, with the Blues not in Europe next season.
      Cesar Azpilicueta is set to join Inter Milan on a free transfer from ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Fabrizio Romano reports that Azpilicueta has agreed personal terms with the Italian giants and will join on a two-year deal.
      He is now set to complete a free transfer, with Chelsea happy to cancel his contract a year early to allow him to leave for the Champions League runners-up.
      It means Azpilicueta’s 11-year stay at Stamford Bridge will come to an end this summer.
      The 33-year-old joined the club from Marseille for £7million in 2012 and has made over 500 appearances in blue.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      He has also won two league titles and the Champions League amongst nine major honours during that time.
      Azpilicueta had looked set to leave Chelsea last summer after entering talks with Barcelona, only to instead stay and sign a new deal.
      Chelsea are looking to trim their squad in order to make room for new signings as Mauricio Pochettino overhauls his side.
      Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Hakim Ziyech all look set to depart, with several Saudi Arabian clubs said to be interested.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      N’Golo Kante has already finalised a move to the Middle East, joining Al-Ittihad on a free transfer.
      As for incomings, Chelsea confirmed the signing of Christopher Nkunku this week, having signed an agreement for the Frenchman before the end of the season.
      The club also remains in talks to sign Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo. More