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      ‘Can I get his job when the contract ends?’ – Fans stunned as Chelsea outcast keeper signs new three-year deal

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      CHELSEA fans reacted in shock after goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli extended his contract. The stopper signed for the Blues in 2021, swapping Craven Cottage for Stamford Bridge having moved down the road from Fulham.
      Chelsea fans reacted in shock after goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli extended his contractCredit: Rex
      He has so far been third-choice by providing back up to Kepa Arrizabalaga, 28, and Edouard Mendy, 31.
      But as the future of Chelsea’s preferred two keepers remains in doubt, Bettinelli, 30, has committed himself to the club.
      He has extended his contract until at least the summer of 2026 and cooly posed on a chair as Chelsea announced the surprise news.
      One said: “Can I get his job after the contract ends?”
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      Another said: “He’s already sitting on the bench like he has always done all season long…”
      One added: “This guy only here for vibes and I love it.”
      Another joked: “He’s really living the life.”
      Bettinelli has made only ONE Chelsea appearance, in a 5-1 FA Cup win against Chesterfield in January 2022.
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      But he is relishing “an extra couple of years” on the Blues books.
      Bettinelli said: “It is a privilege to be at a club like Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, and a couple of years ago when I signed I was delighted to be here, delighted to sign.
      “To be here now and see the club going through this transition and seeing what we are developing, it is amazing to be a part of and I am buzzing to be here for an extra couple of years.”
      Marcus Bettinelli has extended his Chelsea contractCredit: Twitter More

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      Chelsea could share West Ham’s London Stadium for next four years while new ground is built

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      WEST HAM’S London Stadium is reportedly one of two new grounds Chelsea have held talks about sharing while Stamford Bridge is redeveloped.American billionaire Todd Boehly and his co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali want the Blues to have one of the greatest stadiums on the planet by 2030.
      Todd Boehly is searching for a temporary home for Chelsea while Stamford Bridge is redevelopedCredit: AP
      West Ham’s London Stadium has now emerged as a shock contenderCredit: Getty
      It has been widely-reported that the Blues currently have three options regarding their home ground.
      One is to start work and build on a completely new site while another is knocking down their current home and rebuilding a new ground from scratch and the other is just to redevelop Stamford Bridge.
      We revealed how demolishing their West London ground and building a brand new one in its place on the existing site is emerging as the most likely option.
      The whole project could cost a mega £2BILLION in total and may see them playing their home games away from Stamford Bridge for FOUR YEARS.
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      It then emerged that Fulham’s Craven Cottage, Wembley Stadium and Twickenham had already been discussed as potential groundshares.
      Now the Daily Mail has claimed that “West Ham’s ground is another potential option being considered” by Chelsea.
      The London Stadium, which has a capacity of 62,500, has already been used to jost other sports such as baseball and rugby and it would enable the Blues to continue playing “home” games at a Premier League stadium.
      However, this update also adds that “the prospect of a ground share may not be especially appealing for West Ham and Chelsea supporters given the rivalry between the two clubs”.
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      But another, albeit much smaller, stadium has also been added to the list of potential temporary host venues.
      Championship side Reading’s Select Car Leasing Stadium, better known as the Madejski Stadium, only has a 24,000 capacity and is located 39 miles away from Chelsea’s current home.
      Another issue is that it is a considerable distance from Stamford Bridge, and many Chelsea supporters wouldn’t be happy at the prospect of the club playing home games outside of London.
      Rugby union games have been held there previously, but playing games outside of the capital could prove to be a step too far for supporters. More

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      Chelsea announce worrying net losses for 2021-22 after ‘extraordinary expenses and loss of revenue’

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      CHELSEA have revealed “extraordinary expenses and loss of revenue” as a result of the sanctions imposed on them last year. The UK government placed former Blues owner Roman Abramovich under sanctions in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and his links to the country’s president Vladimir Putin.
      Chelsea have announced ‘extraordinary’ losses following sanctions last yearCredit: Getty
      Roman Abramovich has sanctions placed against him last yearCredit: PA
      And the full impact of the sanctions has now been revealed.
      The club announced net losses of £121.3million for the financial year of 2021-22.
      Chelsea were handed a “special license” to continue operating throughout the sanctions.
      However, they were restricted in a number of aspects, including receiving revenue and negotiating contract renewals for players, staff and sponsors.
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      Despite this, the club say they are still set to comply with Premier League and Uefa financial regulations.
      The massive losses come despite turnover increasing to £481.3m from £434.9m the year prior, which was heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
      An increase in operating costs including matchday and non-matchday expenses has been attributed as among the causes for the losses.
      A one-off payment of £26.6m to former boss Antonio Conte and his staff was also included in the figures.
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      Worryingly for the club, the sanctions will continue to be felt in the coming years, with Chelsea saying: “Some of these limitations are also expected to have an impact on the financials in the following years due to the long-term impact from restrictions on entering into new contractual arrangements.”
      The 21/22 results show the club made £123m from incoming transfer fees – including Tammy Abraham, Marc Guehi, Fikayo Tomori and Kurt Zouma.
      During the same period, Chelsea spent £118m on incoming players.
      The latest figures do NOT include the club’s recent £600m transfer splurge under new owner Todd Boehly. More

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      N’Golo Kante contract talks ‘into final stages’ with star expected to commit future to Chelsea after long lay-off

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      N’GOLO KANTE’S contract talks are into the final stages, according to reports.And the midfielder looks set to commit his future to Chelsea.
      N’Golo Kante is set to sign a new two-year contract at ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Kante, 31, is out of contract at the end of this season in just three months’ time.
      Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are both monitoring his situation in the hope of securing a free transfer, while Liverpool were also linked.
      However, they are all expected to be left disappointed with Fabrizio Romano stating Kante is close to putting pen to paper on an extension at Stamford Bridge.
      SunSport understands that the deal will likely run until 2025 – with Chelsea having the option to trigger an additional 12 months.
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      The Frenchman enjoys life in London so has been keen to stay put having made 262 appearances since joining from Premier League champions Leicester in 2016.
      The negotiations have rumbled on despite Kante not featuring since August due to a hamstring injury that also ruled him out of the World Cup.
      It means he is yet to play under manager Graham Potter, who took over in September.
      Potter said this month: “Managers before me have spoken very highly of N’Golo because he’s a top, top player.
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      “He’s been a huge miss for us. Great for us for him to be back. We have to be mindful.
      “We have to take the steps to get him back up to speed.”
      Kante returned to training earlier in March and was an unused sub against Everton before turning out in a behind-closed-doors 3-0 friendly win against Charlton on Friday.
      Mason Mount – who withdrew from the England squad as he regains fitness – and Thiago Silva cheered on Kante at the Cobham training ground.
      Fellow midfielder Mount even wore a ‘Kante 7’ home Chelsea shirt backwards to show his support.
      The struggling Blues will be back in action a week on Saturday, welcoming Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge, before facing Liverpool and Real Madrid either side of a trip to Wolves. More

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      Chelsea set to sign 18-year-old Norwich star Alex Matos on a free transfer but fans are all saying the same thing

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      CHELSEA are set to sign Norwich wonderkid Alex Matos on a free transfer.But fans all said the same thing in response to the possible deal.
      Another young prodigy is set to join the Chelsea academy in Alex MatosCredit: Getty
      EXCL: Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign U-18 talent Alex Matos (2004) from Norwich 🚨🔵 #CFCDeal entering closing stages, it will be done on a free transfer with add-ons.English winger will become part of Jim Fraser project, pushing for signing to build top U21 squad. pic.twitter.com/Dj8WosbGx2— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 24, 2023

      As reported by Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are closing in on securing a contract for Matos.
      The versatile 18-year-old winger and midfielder, born in 2004, can join for nothing – although some add-ons are expected.
      At Chelsea, the Englishman will link up with Jim Fraser’s project to build a strong Under-21s team.
      Head of youth development and recruitment Fraser identified Matos as the perfect candidate with bags of potential.
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      But supporters are convinced he will fall into the trap of plenty of other Chelsea youth stars over the years.
      One said: “Why are these kids joining Chelsea, zero pathway, just stocking piling talent. At this point will they even get consistent game time at youth-team level?”
      Another wrote: “Why do kids sign for Chelsea. No chance ever of progressing. Out on loans to Darlington in 6 months. One day kids will learn.”
      And a third added: “Suspect we will never hear from him again. So sad these young lads’ heads are turned.”
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      Matos started out at Luton before switching to Norwich at U12s level.
      He has progressed through the ranks, featuring for the U18s as a schoolboy and signing a scholarship at Carrow Road in 2021.
      This season, he has racked up an impressive three assists in 13 appearances for the Canaries in the Premier League 2.
      At international level, he has appeared for England U15s.
      Matos would link up with Jimmy-Jay Morgan in the Chelsea academy.
      The striker turned down the advances of Manchester City and Arsenal to join Chelsea from Southampton for £6million in February.
      Within weeks of joining the Blues, though, Morgan flew out to Los Angeles to have surgery on a knee problem found during his medical.
      Jimmy-Jay Morgan joined Chelsea from Southampton in FebruaryCredit: Getty More

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      Aubameyang ‘willing to accept a minimum salary’ to end Chelsea nightmare and return to cash-strapped Barcelona

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      PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG is reportedly willing to accept a huge wage cut to return to Barcelona.The striker is under contract with Chelsea until 2024 but the Blues are believed to be open to terminating his contract.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is happy to accept a massive wage cut to join BarcelonaCredit: Rex
      Aubameyang has played just 18 games since arriving from Barca for £10million last summer.
      A return of three goals has led to the 33-year-old being frozen out, and he could return to the Nou Camp at the end of the season.
      According to Sport, Aubameyang is willing to accept a minimum salary at Barcelona, who are still in financial difficulty.
      The cash-strapped club were fined £700,000 for breaching Financial Fair Play rules after exceeding salary limits for the free signings of Dani Alves and Andreas Christensen, plus Ronald Araujo’s contract extension.
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      That means they may not be able to get anywhere close to the reported £160,000 a week Aubameyang earns at Chelsea.
      But Aubameyang appears to have an affinity to the club and was warmly welcomed back into the dressing room after he watched Barca beat Real Madrid 2-1 in El Classico last week.
      He posed for photos with a delighted Ferran Torres and would likely be a welcome signing after he scored 13 goals in 23 games for the Blaugurana last season.
      Manager Xavi admitted he was sad to see Aubameyang leave after he helped his side qualify for the Champions League.
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      He said: “I feel bad because he helped us a lot. He was an example on and off the pitch.”
      Barcelona reportedly tried to re-sign the Gabon international in January but LaLiga rules prevent a player being registered three different times in one season. More

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      Teenage wonderkid to snub huge transfer to Man Utd or Chelsea after fears over lack of first-team football

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      BRIGHTON wonderkid Evan Ferguson is set to snub a host of suitors to stay on the South Coast.Manchester United will send scouts to watch the young Republic of Ireland international play against France tomorrow.
      Evan Ferguson is wanted by a number of top clubsCredit: AFP
      Tottenham and Chelsea are also admirers of Ferguson, who is having a breakout season for the Seagulls.
      But the 18-year-old is in no hurry to leave Brighton and believes his development will be better served by remaining at a club where he will have more opportunities to play first-team football.
      Ferguson followed up his two goals in the Seagulls’ 5-0 FA Cup win over Grimsby by scoring on his first start for the Republic of Ireland, in last week’s friendly win over Latvia.
      The teenager has netted seven goals in all competition for Brighton this season in 16 matches.
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      His good form is helping the the club mount a challenge for European qualification.
      Ferguson also has the chance to impress against Man Utd in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on April 22.
      The Red Devils view signing a striker as a priority in the summer and Ferguson may not be the only attacker through the door.
      Erik ten Hag is keen on the likes of Tottenham star Harry Kane and Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos.
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      However, adding youth seems to be important with United also being linked with Atalanta star Rasmus Hojlund.
      The Dane, who scored a hat-trick on his international debut for Denmark, has been compared to Erling Haaland and he is supposedly a Man Utd supporter. More

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      ‘He fell a little bit short’ – Ben Foster says Chelsea MUST replace £72m star who is ‘not the right guy’

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      BEN FOSTER has insisted it is time for Chelsea to get rid of Kepa Arrizabalaga.The Spanish goalkeeper has endured a rollercoaster experience since moving to Stamford Bridge in a £72m deal in 2018.
      Ben Foster kept a clean sheet for Wrexham today in a 3-0 win over York as he made a shock return to footballCredit: Getty
      The fee remains the highest ever paid for a goalkeeper but Kepa has often failed to impressed during his stay in west London.
      He spent much time on the sidelines after the arrival of Edouard Mendy in 2020 as Chelsea sought to replace the error prone keeper.
      But injury to the Senegalese stopper – who also lost form at the beginning of this season – reopened the door to Kepa.
      Despite clear improvement from his first spell as Chelsea’s main goalie, opinionated podcaster Foster is still far from convinced.
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      The former Manchester United and West Brom keeper, who made an extraordinary move to Ryan Reynold’s Wrexham this week, expressed doubt over Kepa after his failure to prevent Everton’s late goal a week ago.
      He said: “Let’s talk about Everton’s equaliser because I think Kepa should save it. A top goalkeeper saves that.
      “This is a big moment, we’re in injury-time so if he saves that, it’s 2-1, three points, boom, everyone is happy. These are the fine margins but I think a top goalie has to save that.
      “It’s a slightly awkward one so I’ve got a bit of sympathy but you need to make those big saves. He fell a little bit short.
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      “I don’t think Kepa is the right guy for it, full stop. I don’t think he’s the long-term solution. They spent £70m on Kepa by the way and £25m on Mendy, that’s almost £100m on goalkeepers.”
      Ellis Simms’ shot surprisingly sneaking past the keeper is just the latest mistake that has left Blues fans frustrated.
      Many also judged Kepa to be culpable for Oliver Skipp’s opener in last month’s loss at Tottenham as well as Riyad Mahrez’s winner for Manchester City at the beginning of January.
      But in between the errors have been impressive performances, such as his string of fantastic saves in a win over Aston Villa before the World Cup.
      Kepa Arrizabalaga has had good moments and bad moments since returning as Chelsea no.1 this seasonCredit: Alamy
      Kepa, 28, has struggled to stay out of the headlines since arriving at Stamford Bridge and normally finds the spotlight on him for one reason or another.
      He is probably most famous for the bizarre moment in the League Cup Final of 2019 when he refused Maurizio Sarri’s attempts to sub him off the pitch.
      Three years later and he would again find himself at the centre of a cup final storm as he blasted a crucial penalty over the bar to leave Chelsea on the losing end of a shootout against Liverpool. More