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    Chelsea’s huge transfer clearout means just THREE of their 2021 Champions League winners could be left next season

    INCREDIBLY just THREE of Chelsea’s Champions League winners from 2021 could remain at the club next season.The Blues famously beat Manchester City 1-0 in Lisbon to lift the iconic trophy for the second time.
    Chelsea won the Champions League with this starting XI in 2021Credit: AFP
    But little more than a year later, the manager for that memorable night, Thomas Tuchel, was harshly sacked.
    And now barely any of the Kings of Europe heroes are left either in a dramatic two years for Chelsea.
    Todd Boehly bought the club in May 2022 and continues to oversee a major overhaul of the playing squad – splashing out more than £600million on transfers last season.
    But with the waves of new players coming in, plenty of others have passed through the Stamford Bridge exit door – or could be about to as part of the clearout of the bloated squad and to avoid FFP breaches.
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    Edouard Mendy started in goal in the final but is on the brink of joining Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia.
    Of the three centre-backs, Antonio Rudiger was released and joined Real Madrid last year while Cesar Azpilicueta is a transfer target for Tuchel’s Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.
    Thiago Silva is staying put for at least 12 more months at Chelsea while wing-backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell remain key cogs.
    The entire midfield and attack, though, have either been sold or look set to move on.
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    Jorginho signed for Arsenal in January while his midfield partner from that night, N’Golo Kante, secured a free transfer to Al-Ittihad that will see him get paid a whopping £86m.
    Timo Werner returned to RB Leipzig last summer while matchwinner Kai Havertz is strongly linked with following Jorginho to the Emirates for £65m after agreeing personal terms.
    Mason Mount, meanwhile, has rejected all contract extensions and could be about to head to Manchester United.
    Amazingly, 11 of the 12 subs could also be playing their football away from Stamford Bridge in 2023-24.
    Willy Caballero, Marcos Alonso, Andreas Christensen, Kurt Zouma, Emerson, Billy Gilmour and Olivier Giroud have all already left.
    Mateo Kovacic is close to completing his switch to Manchester City while Hakim Ziyech is another man heading to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr.
    Callum Hudson-Odoi was loaned out last year and could be targeted by a Saudi outfit, too, while Christian Pulisic is surplus to requirements and will likely move on.
    That leaves Kepa Arrizabalaga as the only substitute seemingly with a future at Chelsea after winning his place between the sticks back from Mendy – although even he is not guaranteed to stay if Boehly signs another goalkeeper.
    The likes of Hakim Ziyech, Mateo Kovacic and matchwinner Kai Havertz could all leave this summerCredit: Reuters More

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    Man Utd legend Silvestre lists the five key attributes Chelsea’s Mason Mount would bring as club launch transfer bid

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Mikael Silvestre has listed the five key attributes Mason Mount would bring to the club.The England international is a target for United, who have launched yet another bid to sign him from Chelsea.
    Mikael Silvestre has listed the attributes Mason Mount would bring with himCredit: Getty
    Manchester United have launched another bid to sign Mason Mount from ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Mount remains a key transfer target for the Red Devils, despite their improved £50million offer being rejected.
    Silvestre is excited by the prospect of Mount joining his former club, even if a deal is yet to be struck.
    The Frenchman believes he will bring a series of attributes with him, including versatility, finishing and mobility.
    Silvestre also feels Mount loves to play in between the lines and can both receive and make precise passes.
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    He told FourFourTwo: “Versatility is his obvious quality.
    “I’ve been following him since his loan to Vitesse Arnhem, and there was laughter when he broke into Chelsea’s first team.
    “He’s a very interesting player, very mobile and loves to play in between the lines, receiving and making precise passes.
    “He’s a good finisher as well and is a player in his prime. I think he would be an immediate reinforcement for United and would fit into Erik’s philosophy as well.”
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    Chelsea are said to be “trying to comply with Mount’s wishes”, with the player keen on a move to Old Trafford.
    However, the Blues also value the 24-year-old at £70million, despite him entering the final year of his deal after contract talks collapsed. More

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    Thomas Tuchel ‘wants surprise transfer for Chelsea stalwart’ as he eyes reunion at Bayern Munich

    THOMAS TUCHEL is eyeing a surprise return for one of his Chelsea stalwarts after missing out on Manchester City’s Kyle Walker.Reports suggested that talks between Bayern and City were at an advanced stage over a deal for Walker, 33.
    Tuchel oversaw a Bundesliga title victory amid a fraught atmosphere at BayernCredit: AFP
    The manager is reportedly keen on Azpilicueta after missing out on a deal for WalkerCredit: Getty
    But Sky Sports report that City are unwilling to let the defender go this summer despite him only having a year remaining on his deal.
    And as a result, Tuchel will look to reunite with Cesar Azpilicueta, 33, according to German outlet Bild.
    The two worked together during Tuchel’s spell in charge of Chelsea between January 2021 and September 2022.
    Under Tuchel’s reign Azpilicueta captained Chelsea to Champions League victory in 2021 as well as the Club World Cup later that year.
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    The two still have a good relationship according to the German outlet and remain in touch.
    The Spaniard still has a year left on his contract at the Bridge but an offer from Bayern could see the Blues cash-in as they trim their bloated squad.
    Azpilicueta would be following Kalidou Koulibaly, Hakim Ziyech and N’golo Kante out the door if he were to bring his 11 year spell at Chelsea to an end this summer.
    It has been a frustrating window for Bayern so far as Tuchel looks to mould the squad to his needs.
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    The German took over in March when he replaced Julian Nagelsmann but endured a tough start to his tenure in charge.
    The Bavarian side were knocked out of the DFB Pokal in Tuchel’s second game and were beaten convincingly by Manchester City in the quarter-final of the Champions League.
    And while they finished the season as Bundesliga champions it was achieved amid a fraught squad atmosphere.
    The Bavarian club have so far missed out on targets Declan Rice and look set to fail in their pursuit of Walker.
    Tuchel is rumoured to approve of the sale of a number of players including: Benjamin Pavard, Leroy Sane, Serge Gnabry and Sadio Mane as he looks to put his stamp on things. More

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    Man Utd have improved Mason Mount offer REJECTED by Chelsea as Blues reveal transfer stance on wantaway star

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly submitted an improved £50million bid for Chelsea star Mason Mount.Last week, the Red Devils saw a £40m offer rejected by the Blues – with Mount’s price tag understood to be around £70m.
    Mason Mount is being heavily linked with a move to Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
    But now David Ornstein is reporting that Erik ten Hag’s men have upped their bid by tabling £45m plus £5m in add-ons.
    Chelsea have countered with a proposal of £60m plus £5m in add-ons.
    It means there is still no agreement between the two clubs – with Man Utd adamant they do have a limit to the amount they will pay.
    However, they will take confidence from claims Chelsea are “trying to comply with Mount’s wishes”.
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    The England international, 24, who has been capped 36 times by his country, has just one year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
    Attempts to tie him down to a longer-term deal collapsed earlier this season.
    Mount came through Chelsea’s youth system and won the Champions League under Thomas Tuchel in 2021.
    He has contributed 33 goals and 37 assists in 195 appearances for the West London outfit.
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    But he struggled during the 2022/23 campaign, registering just three goals and six assists in 35 games.
    Mount’s potential departure comes amid a mass exodus at Stamford Bridge.

    N’Golo Kante has departed to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad in a four-year deal worth £86m.
    And a host of other Chelsea stars are the subject of interest from Saudi including Hakim Ziyech, Romelu Lukaku, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
    Manchester City have also reportedly agreed a £30m deal for Blues midfielder Mateo Kovacic. More

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    Arsenal ‘close to £65m Kai Havertz transfer with medical to be scheduled as personal terms agreed’

    ARSENAL are closing in on a £65million deal for Chelsea star Kai Havertz.And the German is set to undergo a medical after agreeing personal terms.
    Arsenal are nearing a £65m swoop for Kai HavertzCredit: Getty
    David Ornstein claims Havertz is on the verge of a cross-London switch with Arsenal and Chelsea nearing an agreement on terms of payment.
    It’s reckoned the Gunners will pay the bulk of their £65m in instalments, with Chelsea also entitled to bonuses down the line.
    Havertz has already agreed personal terms with Mikel Arteta’s side.
    And a medical is being scheduled as all parties prepare to finalise the transfer.
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    It’s reckoned Havertz will be paid £200,000-a-week at the Emirates.
    Arsenal moved quickly to prepare a contract, with Chelsea equally keen on a swift sale.
    And Havertz is now set to become the 14th player to star for both sides in England’s top flight.
    The German joined Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial £62m in 2020.
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    Havertz went on to score 32 goals in 139 games while winning the Champions League.
    But Chelsea’s need to trim their squad for new boss Mauricio Pochettino has seen Havertz sacrificed along with several teammates.
    N’Golo Kante has joined Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad on a free transfer.

    And he will be followed by Hakim Ziyech, Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly to the Middle East.
    Callum Hudson-Odoi could also be on his way to the Gulf state.
    And Mateo Kovacic is on the verge of joining Treble winners Man City for £30m. More

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    Chelsea agree fee with Man City for Mateo Kovacic transfer and fans can’t believe how cheap it is

    MANCHESTER CITY have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Mateo Kovacic for £30million, according to reports.The Premier League champions had already come to an understanding with the Croatian, 29, regarding personal terms.
    Mateo Kovacic is set to sign for Manchester CityCredit: Getty
    And transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed the two English clubs have settled on a £30m fee, with £25m of it upfront.
    Kovacic is expected to undergo a medical in the next few days.
    And football fans have been left stunned by the bargain price Pep Guardiola has managed to secure for the former Real Madrid man.
    One said: “Amazing player for Man City, only £25m. Kovacic will better than Gundogan [in his] prime at Man City. Let’s see next season.”
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    Another added: “£25million for their greatest midfielder ever? We really fleeced them 😭.”
    A third replied: “£25m😂😂😂😂. Get IN.”
    And a fourth responded: “What a signing for Pep!”
    Kovacic was set to enter the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge.
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    But now he is poised to join Man City’s formidable Treble-winning squad as the European champions eye a sixth Premier League title in seven seasons under Guardiola.
    Speaking recently about his future, Kovacic told Nacional via the Evening Standard: “I have one more year with Chelsea, this season was very bad.
    “Everything is going towards the fact that after five good years I will change, but in football anything can happen.

    “Right now, I’m focused on Croatia and the Nations League.
    “Manchester City is a top team and deserves to be in the Champions League final.
    “That’s what I have to say. The summer is long, we’ll see what happens.
    “Chelsea is phenomenal for me. I love the city and the fans, they love me, I have wonderful memories of Chelsea. We’ll see what happens.”
    Man City have also been linked with a move for Arsenal target Declan Rice. More

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    Hudson-Odoi becomes latest Chelsea star wanted for Saudi transfer and Blues fans know who they want to go next

    CHELSEA outcast Callum Hudson-Odoi is the latest Blues player to be linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.French midfielder N’Golo Kante, 32, was confirmed as an Al-Ittihad player on Tuesday as he sealed a four-year deal worth £86million.
    Callum Hudson-Odoi has been linked with a move to Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
    And a host more Chelsea stars look set to join the World Cup winner in the Middle East.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Edouard Mendy, Hakim Ziyech, Romelu Lukaku and Kalidou Koulibaly are all being linked with Saudi moves.
    And transfer expert Fabrizio Romano is now reporting Hudson-Odoi could be the latest to make the switch.
    The 22-year-old is understood to have been approached by two Saudi clubs.
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    Talks are yet to start and it is unclear whether Hudson-Odoi would accept a move to the Saudi Pro League.
    The English forward spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Bayer Leverkusen where he made 21 appearances, contributing just one goal and one assist.
    Prior to his spell in Germany, he had started just 21 Premier League games across the previous two seasons at Stamford Bridge.
    And his lack of game time saw his career stall – with Hudson-Odoi failing to earn an England cap since 2019.
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    His contract is set to expire next summer.
    Yet despite all of the Chelsea players being linked with transfers to Saudi clubs, one player that is yet to be mentioned is midfielder Conor Gallagher.
    And Blues supporters on social media want him to be next to make the move, saying: “Saudi…. Gallagher next please😂😂.”
    Another added: “Still no interest for Gallagher from my Saudi bruddas 😵‍💫 Come on don’t be shy.”
    And a third replied: “I wish they would take Gallagher too.” More

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    THREE more Chelsea stars reach ‘agreements’ on Saudi Arabia moves just hours after Kante transfer confirmed

    HAKIM ZIYECH, Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly have reportedly all reached full verbal agreements on transfers to Saudi Arabia.The Chelsea winger, 30, goalkeeper, 31, and centre-back, 32, are surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge following Todd Boehly’s mammoth spending spree.
    Hakim Ziyech looks on the brink of moving to Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
    Edouard Mendy is also set to make the switch to the Middle EastCredit: Getty
    And now Fabrizio Romano claims deals are virtually done for the trio to become the next Chelsea players to make the switch to the Middle East this summer.
    N’Golo Kante, whose contract in West London expired this month, completed a whopping £86million contract with Al-Ittihad.
    Ziyech will link up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr after agreeing personal terms with the Saudi Pro League outfit and an agreement is in place with Chelsea.
    The Moroccan is set to put pen to paper on a three-year contract until 2026.
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    Ziyech was on the brink of joining Paris Saint-Germain on loan in the January transfer window.
    However, the move collapsed when Chelsea failed to submit the completed paperwork in time.
    And now Mendy – who lost his place in goal to Kepa Arrizabalaga and refused a new contract – has also found a new club with Al-Ahli set to seal a deal until 2026.
    The contract is set to be signed imminently to confirm the Senegal stopper’s Blues exit.
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    Both Mendy and Ziyech’s Stamford Bridge deals were due to expire in 2025, meaning they will likely get transfer fees for the Champions League winners.
    Koulibaly only joined Chelsea last year and has three years left to run on his contract but has an agreement in place with Al-Hilal – again until 2026.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubemeyang could also move to Saudi Arabia as Chelsea continue to clear out their deadwood – to trim down the bloated squad and help balance the books to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.
    Romelu Lukaku, though, is reluctant to make the move despite the Blues wanting to sell their £97.5m striker.

    The dealings, though, have left rival clubs angry and accusing Chelsea of using a “get out of FFP jail free card”.
    They want an investigation into the Saudi spending, especially as news emerged that the Saudi state’s Public Investment Fund had invested billions of pounds into Clearlake Capital, the majority owners of Chelsea.
    The seeming ability to offload unwanted players for big transfer fees – Al-Hilal look set to pay £25m for Koulibaly – could prove a controversial loophole, understandably leaving other clubs desperate for action.
    Wolves sold captain Ruben Neves to Al-Hilal for £47m while Saudi representatives are said to be in a posh London hotel this week to thrash out more transfers.
    Kalidou Koulibaly will team up with Ruben Neves at Al-HilalCredit: Getty More