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      Chelsea will be handed whopping £50million cash injection thanks to Fifa decision

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      CHELSEA are in line for a massive £50million cash boost – after Fifa confirmed the Blues have qualified for the first expanded version of the Club World Cup.World chiefs meeting in Rwanda agreed the qualification format for the 32-team event, starting in 2025 and likely to be held in China.
      Stamford Bridge chief Graham Potter has the prospect of more games and more cash next season, via the Club World CupCredit: Alamy
      Europe has been given the largest share with 12 slots with Fifa’s ruling Council agreeing that qualification would run over the four year cycle from the 2020-21 to 2023-24 seasons.
      It means the four Champions League winners over those seasons, plus the next eight leading sides on Uefa’s four-year coefficient rankings system, will earn berths for the money-laden new competition.
      Chelsea’s 2021 Final win over Manchester City means they are now guaranteed a spot, alongside Real Madrid, to be joined by the next two winners of Europe’s biggest prize.
      No country can have more than two places through the coefficient table but as it stands Liverpool and Manchester City would qualify.
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      However, if Liverpool miss out on a European spot for next season, that would open the door for Manchester United to replace them by reaching the knock-out stage of the Champions League. 
      Fifa is also revamping its current smaller version of the Club World Cup, which will continue to be played annually but rebranded and with the Champions League winner automatically through to the Final.

      World chiefs also finally agreed the “International Match Calendar” dates for international qualifiers to start in 2025.
      It will mean a four-match and 16-day window for games stretching between late September and early October from 2026, rather than the current two separate breaks.
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      Nine day breaks, for two matches, will continue to be held in March, June and November, meaning 10 international games outside of tournaments per year.
      Meanwhile, recalled Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella hopes to revive his Spain career too.
      Cucurella hopes to take on Erling Haaland’s Norway in the opening Euro 2024 qualifier on Saturday, March 25. More

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      Marc Cucurella hopes his Chelsea resurgence will earn Spain recall for clash against Erling Haaland’s Norway

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      MARC CUCURELLA hopes his Chelsea revival will be rewarded with a 90-minute test against goal machine Erling Haaland.Spain boss Luis de la Fuente names his squad on Friday for the Euro 2024 qualifying double header against Norway and Scotland.
      Cucurella hopes his Chelsea revival will see him return for Spain as they launch their Euro 2024 qualifiers with two games in a weekCredit: Getty
      Cucurella is getting back on track after finding it hard to adjust to life at Chelsea following a £62m move from Brighton last summer during which he endured personal problems.
      The family home was robbed while his partner was expecting their third child and the full back was booed by his own supporters.
      But daughter Bella was born safely two and a half weeks ago and that coincided with a huge upturn in the full back’s performance levels.
      To the extent that he was voted Man of the Match in Chelsea’s exciting 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund last week that fired the club into the quarter finals of the Champions League.
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      And having been left out completely by boss Graham Potter recently, Cucurella has completed the last two matches, with Chelsea winning both.
      Sources close to Cucurella insist the left back is much more settled now and that the huge transformation at Chelsea following the ownership change even affected the new players who signed last year.

      The source added: “Marc is more motivated than ever now.”
      Cucurella played at U-18, U-20 and U-23 level for Spain under de la Fuente.
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      He also earned his only senior cap under him in June 2021 when head coach Vicente del Bosque missed a game through Covid.
      De la Fuente has already made informal contact with Cucurella and his Chelsea team-mate and keeper Kepa to let them know he is impressed by their recent performances.
      Spain play Norway on Saturday week when Manchester City’s 33-goal hitman Haaland will head to Malaga in blistering form. More

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      Man Utd and Chelsea in Gregor Kobel transfer fight with Borussia Dortmund keeper seen as David De Gea replacement

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea are interested in signing Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, according to reports.The keeper has impressed this season and likely caught the eye of Blues chiefs in their recent Champions League meeting with the German side.
      Manchester United and Chelsea want to sign Gregor KobelCredit: Getty
      Kobel has impressed for Borussia Dortmund this season
      United are also keeping an eye out for a new goalie with David de Gea in the final 18 months of his contract.
      And according to Sport1 they could make a summer move for Kobel.
      However the report adds Chelsea have held a meeting with the player’s representatives over a potential switch.
      Kobel, 26, still has three years remaining on his contract so Dortmund could demand a huge fee to let him leave.
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      The Swiss has impressed since joining from Koln in 2021 and has kept eight clean sheets in 18 games this season.
      Kobel has also committed his future to the club after speculation linked him with a move to Bayern Munich in December.
      He said: “I did not hear those stories and that’s not of interest to me either.
      “I play for Borussia Dortmund and we have big plans with BVB. That’s all I care about.”
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      United have also been linked with Leeds shot-stopper Illan Meslier, who could be available for a bargain price if the Whites are relegated.
      Sevilla star Bono is also believed to be of interest but he could cost £45million. More

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      Chelsea star Reece James names the toughest players he has ever faced.. and not a single Premier League player features

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      CHELSEA star Reece James has revealed the two toughest players he has ever faced.And none of them have ever competed against James in the Premier League.

      Chelsea star Reece James revealed the two toughest opponents he has facedCredit: TikTok / @zeinababdalla11
      Reece James named Vinicius Junior and Rafael Leao as his toughest opponentsCredit: TikTok / @zeinababdalla11
      The right-back singled out Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior and AC Milan ace Rafael Leao.
      James told CFCBluesCom when asked to name the most difficult opponents he ever faced: “Vinni. Vinni is one. Vinicius.
      “Say Vinni and Leao.”
      Vinicius has risen to superstardom at Real by spearheading Carlo Ancelotti’s attack.
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      The striker is the obvious candidate to succeed the mantle from Karim Benzema at the frontline.
      Leao, on the other had, has stood out at Milan ever since his arrival from Lille in 2019.
      The winger has even attracted interest from various Premier League clubs.
      That includes Chelsea, who have faced a bidding war with Real Madrid and Liverpool.
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      James has also become a prolific figure at Stamford Bridge ever since his first-team breakthrough in 2019.
      The right-back has since amassed a total of 11 goals and 20 assists in 140 appearances with the Blues.
      And the England international will be crucial for Graham Potter’s side in the Champions League quarter-finals. More

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      Man Utd ready to swoop for £66million Arsenal target if Red Devils cannot seal Harry Kane transfer this summer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly ready to battle Arsenal for Dusan Vlahovic if they fail to sign Harry Kane this summer.SunSport revealed last week that Erik ten Hag has made the Tottenham star his No1 transfer target this summer.
      Dusan Vlahovic is on Manchester United’s summer transfer target listCredit: Getty
      Tottenham striker Harry Kane remains their No.1 targetCredit: Reuters
      Kane, 29, has less than 18 months remaining on his deal and United are hoping to take advantage of the England captain’s contract situation.
      But we reported last night that they are still anticipating a “nightmare” pursuit.
      That’s because Spurs chief Daniel Levy is renowned as a tough negotiator.
      Now ESPN have claimed that has left United “focusing on alternative options including Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Juventus forward Vlahovic. 
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      Regarding Kane, this update says that the Red Devils “will not risk a prolonged pursuit”  which “drags out until final hours of the summer transfer window”.
      A source told them: “United can’t afford to start the season without a new striker.
      “And having dealt with Levy in the past, they don’t want to go through that nightmare all over again for Kane with so much at stake, so they might not even get involved.”
      Vlahovic, 22, joined Juventus from Fiorentina back in January after snubbing the chance to move to the Premier League with Arsenal.
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      Mikel Arteta’s side were desperate to bring the Serbian international to the Emirates – but he rejected them in favour of Turin – but they are still keen.
      Vlahovic has scored ten goals this term but has now gone six game without finding the net but Juve’s early Champions League exit has left them needing to raise funds.

      Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain have entered the transfer race for Osimhen.
      The Nigerian star’s goals have fired Napoli to the top of Serie A this season.
      His blistering form, which includes 19 goals in 22 top-flight matches, has attracted interest from the likes of United, Chelsea and Arsenal.
      And Luciano Spalletti’s side stand to make a big profit from Osimhen, valuing him at £107m. More

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      Arsenal could lose Ethan Nwaneri as Chelsea and Man City consider transfer raid for 15-year-old record breaker

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      CHELSEA and Manchester City want to sign Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri, according to reports.Nwaneri became the youngest ever Premier League player when he featured as a substitute against Brentford in September aged 15 years and 181 days.
      Ethan Nwaneri is wanted by Chelsea and Manchester CityCredit: Getty
      He is highly regarded by the Gunners but they risk losing him amid interest from Premier League rivals.
      Chelsea and City are amongst the clubs who are keeping tabs on Nwaneri, according to The Telegraph.
      But Arsenal have not given up their hopes of keeping the youngster, who could agree scholarship terms with the club when he turns 16 on March 21.
      Arsenal will be determined to avoid a repeat of last summer when they lost highly-rated academy prospect Omari Hutchinson to Chelsea.
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      Unlike Nwaneri, Hutchinson was never given a first-team opportunity and Arteta’s faith in the teenager could influence him to stay.
      Arteta said of his decision to play Nwaneri against Brentford: “I met the boy and really liked what I saw.
      “Per Mertesacker and the academy staff gave me really good information about him as well.
      “It’s another step, another experience. In your career all the steps are not going to be forward.
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      “After that, maybe he needs three backwards to go another one forward, but as well I think it sends a really strong message about who we are as a club.”
      Arsenal reportedly offer young players contracts based on add-ons and incentives, so a lucrative weekly wage could persuade Nwaneri to leave. More

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      Meet new Chelsea wonderkid Dujuan Richards, 17, who snubbed Newcastle and was offered a fortune by a Middle East club

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      CHELSEA have moved fast to add Jamaican wonderkid Dujuan Richards to their esteemed academy,The lighting-quick forward, 17, was confirmed to have a signed a contract with the Blues – who he will join when he turns 18.
      Dujuan Richards has put pen to paper on a pre-contract agreement with ChelseaCredit: https://www.instagram.com/whisper.9._/?hl=en
      Richards signs a deal next to Craig Butler, left, the adoptive father of Leon Bailey and his coach
      Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign 17 year old Jamaican talent Dujuan “whisper” Richards, here’s the best goals we could find of him 👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/fNWbt4zdAd— ChelseaFC365 (@CFC365Official) March 11, 2023

      Originally, it was Newcastle who thought they were in pole position to sign the promising teenager.
      After he impressed on trial in February, the Toon were desperate to push through a deal.
      But, they were beaten to the punch by their Premier League rivals – who have claimed the talent’s signature.
      However, Richards’ future could have been decided before his move to West London.
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      He revealed he snubbed a huge contract from an unnamed Middle Eastern club to pursue his dream of playing in the Premier League.
      English ties
      Richards has turned heads in his homeland and in the UK – playing for the Phoenix FC football academy.
      He was groomed by Jamaican coach Craig Butler – the adoptive father of Aston Villa star Leon Bailey, who coaches at the Kingston-based club.
      For the past five years his development has known no bounds, and last season he was particularly impressive.
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      Some 31 goals and 19 assists showed he was a cut above the rest.
      Originally from Port Royal, his grandmother is English.
      He earned the nickname Whisper among his peers and coaches.
      “I don’t speak a lot, I listen much much more. That’s why they call me Whisper,” he revealed.
      And the 6ft4in powerhouse also spent some time in the UK, where he studied at Brooke House College in Leicestershire.
      Their impressive football academy played against Aston Villa, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace, which gave the youngster the opportunity to showcase his talents against English opposition.
      Standing at 6ft4in tall, Richards is a powerhouseCredit: https://www.instagram.com/whisper.9._/?hl=en
      Last season Richards bagged 31 goals and 19 assistsCredit: https://www.instagram.com/whisper.9._/?hl=en
      Newcastle thought they’d got him
      Last month, Richards spent two weeks on trial at Newcastle United.
      He was even invited to watch the Magpies play West Ham United at St James’ Park.
      He believed he impressed.
      He told ChronicleLive: “All I can say is I think did well and I was able to be seen by all the coaches. I am grateful for the opportunity and I believe it could be a good fit.
      “I’m very pleased with how the trial went, and I believe my performance was impressive enough. I learned about their methods, their vision for the club and where they want to be.
      “I know they are a very ambitious club and want to be playing in the Champions League. I am expecting to hear positively from the club.”
      However, it was Chelsea who have now swooped to sign Richards on a pre-contract agreement.
      Preferring to let his football do the talking, Richards is nicknamed ‘Whisper’Credit: https://www.instagram.com/whisper.9._/?hl=en
      Butler confirmed on Instagram: “We are grateful to Chelsea Football Club and look forward to the continued relationship and partnership with our academy as we prepare Whisper for the Premier League.
      “On a personal note, Chelsea FC was my boyhood dream club and I’m so pleased to have one of my players built in the furnaces of the Phoenix at Stamford Bridge.
      “Thank you to the staff at Chelsea, especially Joe Shields for believing me two years ago when I told him that I was building the top talent, Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards.”
      He has principles
      Richards was offered a huge sum of money to sign for a club from the Middle East.
      But, according to Butler, he turned it down for his dream move to the Premier League.
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      Richards was offered a life-changing amount of money by a club from the Middle East – but snubbed it for his dream to the Premier LeagueCredit: https://www.instagram.com/whisper.9._/?hl=en
      Richards revealed: “Wow, that was a really difficult situation. I don’t want to elaborate much, but Jamaica is my home and my grandmother is English so I have a connection there too.
      “Honestly I would never want to sell out my country. It was a huge sum of money, but it would be against my principles as a son of Jamaica and my career goals as a footballer.” More

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      Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic ‘offers himself’ to another club during showdown transfer talks in London

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      CHELSEA star Mateo Kovacic has offered himself to another club after holding talks over a transfer, according to reports.The 28-year-old’s contract expires at the end of next season and he could be on his way out of Graham Potter’s side.
      Mateo Kovacic has made himself available to one club following a meeting with chiefsCredit: Alamy
      Kovacic has reportedly told AC Milan that he is willing to sign for them.
      Club chiefs Paolo Maldini and Frederic Massara were in London for the Italian side’s Champions League clash with Tottenham last Wednesday.
      Pianeta Milan claim that they met with the player and his representatives in a hotel to discuss a potential transfer.
      They also report that the midfielder plans to leave Chelsea this summer as Todd Boehly prepares to further overhaul his squad.
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      He could be one of 12 players to be forced out of Stamford Bridge this summer.
      Kovacic is into his fifth season at the Blues and has played 210 times for the club, helping them win the Champions League in 2021.
      The Croatian has enjoyed another good campaign, firing Croatia to a third place finish at the World Cup and he has featured in 26 games for Chelsea.
      He has also captained the side in their last two wins over Borussia Dortmund and Leicester as Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta are out injured.
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      If the former Real Madrid ace does move to the San Siro, it will be a controversial transfer after he played for rivals Inter Milan for three seasons between 2012 and 2015.
      Kovacic has previously been linked with a switch to Manchester City. More