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    Chelsea ‘reopen Enzo Fernandez transfer talks with Blues confident they’ll secure £105m deal for Benfica ace’

    CHELSEA have reportedly “reopened” transfer talks with Benfica over a potential deal for Enzo Fernandez.Blues owner Todd Boehly has splashed out over £500m on 16 new players since last summer.
    Chelsea have re-opened talks with Benfica over a deal for Enzo FernandezCredit: Getty
    Full-back Malo Gusto, 19, became the latest addition to Graham Potter’s squad this weekend after penning a deal that runs until 2030 following a £31m move from Lyon.
    We reported earlier in the week how Boehly is ready to get his chequebook out again to try and secure 21-year-old midfielder Fernandez.
    A Chelsea bid worth £112m – £6m more than his £105m release clause – was turned down this month as it was structured to be paid in three £37.3m yearly instalments.
    That led many to believe that they had given up on their pursuit of the South American, at least until the summer.
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    But The Telegraph have now reported that the Stamford Bridge side have started negotiations again with Benfica as they are determined to land the Argentina World Cup winner before the deadline closes at 11pm on January 31.
    And transfer guru Fabrizio Romano echoed those claims as he offered his own update on the situation.
    He tweeted: “Chelsea are back in direct talks with Benfica for Enzo Fernandez.
    “They want the player at all costs — Chelsea would be prepared to pay €120m fee.”
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    However, he added: “Benfica president Rui Costa has still no intention to accept — but Chelsea will insist to get the deal done now.”
    Benfica have already issued a statement regarding Fernandez, who appears desperate to move to Stamford Bridge, stating he would not be old.
    Fernandez only arrived at Benfica from River Plate last summer and is under contract until 2027.
    He played the full game as they secured a 2-0 win at Pacos Ferreira on Thursday. More

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    Chelsea in Enzo Fernandez transfer blow as Benfica look to increase his buyout clause by £27m to £132m

    CHELSEA’S pursuit of Enzo Fernandez is set to take a colossal hit as Benfica try to increase his release clause to £132million, reports suggest.The Blues submitted a significant offer to the Portuguese giants to try and bring Fernandez to Stamford Bridge earlier in the window.
    Enzo Fernandez has been linked with a transfer to Chelsea throughout the windowCredit: Getty
    However, the structure of the deal Chelsea offered was not acceptable to Benfica – even though one offer went above Fernandez’s current release clause.
    After the breakdown of talks, which Benfica manager Roger Schmidt branded “disrespectful”, the club are now said to be trying to raise the release clause.
    Portuguese outlet Record report the club want to increase the clause by £27m to take it up to £132m.
    The report suggests they want to do this in order to fend off interest in the star.
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    But this is unlikely to deter Chelsea, who are considering another approach for the World Cup winner before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
    Earlier today, Malo Gusto was announced as Chelsea’s SEVENTH January signing.
    And with the defender’s acquisition, Todd Boehly has now allowed £222m to be spent in the winter window alone.
    The total outlay of transfers under the Boehly-Clearlake ownership now stands at almost £500m.
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    Last week it was reported that Chelsea had launched a new offensive to try and land Fernandez.
    The deal reported package included £88m plus players, More

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    Chelsea CONFIRM Malo Gusto transfer as they snap up defender in £31m deal and loan him back to Lyon for rest of season

    CHELSEA have signed Lyon full-back Malo Gusto on a deal that runs until 2030.The Blues had been in hot pursuit of the the 19-year-old for weeks as they looked for more cover on the right for Reece James.
    Gusto is the latest new name to arrive at Stamford Bridge this monthCredit: Getty
    Gusto has been signed for in a £31m deal but will be loaned back to Lyon for the rest of the season.
    The deal is the SEVENTH transfer Chelsea have pulled off in their frantic January window – with the deals now totalling an incredible £222m.
    Malo arrived in London to do his medical yesterday after Chelsea managed to strike a deal with reluctant Lyon chiefs.
    Now the 19-year-old has put pen to paper to give Blues fans another new signing to get excited about.
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    Speaking on Chelsea’s social media channels, Gusto said: “I like this city and I’m really, really happy to come here.
    “I chose Chelsea because it is a very big club and I really like the project.
    “I’m very happy to be here. Thank you for your messages. See you soon.”
    He adds that he is “a fast player, a crosser and box-to-box.”
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    The highly-rated defender already played 54 matches for Lyon, registering six assists during that period.
    And his arrival ahead of next season will see him provide some much-needed cover for James, who’s missed much of this campaign with two separate knee injuries.
    James has endured long spells on the sidelines, forcing him to miss more than 15 matches in all competitions.
    But the England star is in contention to return for Chelsea’s next game against Fulham on Friday.
    Chelsea had been keen on cover for the injury-hit Reece JamesCredit: Getty
    Gusto follows Myhkailo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile, David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos and Noni Madueke in signing for the Blues this month.
    Along with the cost of Joao Felix’s loan deal, Chelsea’s spending has now far outpaced their rivals this month.
    The Stamford Bridge hierarchy will be hoping the new names can spark a turnaround of fortunes on the pitch.
    Chelsea sit 10th after 20 Premier League games with a 10 point gap to a Champions League position.
    After exits in the EFL Cup and FA Cup to Manchester City, the Champions League is now the only trophy Potter can win in his opening season. More

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    Jody Morris agrees to become Swindon boss as Frank Lampard’s former Chelsea assistant coach lands first manager job

    FORMER Chelsea player and assistant manager Jody Morris is set to be named Swindon boss. The League 2 club had been in search of a new manager after Scott Lindsey jumped ship to take charge of Crawley earlier this month.
    Morris worked closely with Lampard for years and was well-regarded at ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Now Morris looks on the brink of officially taking his first job in management.
    Sky Sports report that Frank Lampard’s former assistant has agreed to become the club’s new head coach.
    Despite having no managerial experience, Morris has been involved with much high-level coaching in previous years.
    He was Lampard’s No2 both at Derby and Chelsea, helping the Rams reach the play-offs and the Blues get into the top four despite a transfer ban.
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    Morris left Stamford Bridge after Lampard’s sacking and has not worked in football since.
    The 44-year-old has also spent four years as Chelsea’s academy coach, having come through their youth system and making over 100 appearances for the senior team.
    It could be a baptism of fire for Morris with Swindon in the middle of a congested scrap for promotion from League 2.
    Swindon are 6th but only five points separate fifth and 15th.
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    Interim boss Gavin Gunning was in charge yesterday as the Robins enjoyed a bonkers game with Gillingham.
    The Wiltshire-based club went 1-0 up within the opening minute but then found themselves 3-1 down before the 15 minute mark.
    A brace by Charlie Austin, who returned to his childhood club last month, rescued a point. More

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    Arsenal ‘submit second Moises Caicedo transfer bid worth £70m but determined Brighton refuse to sell star midfielder’

    ARSENAL have reportedly submitted a second offer worth £70million in an attempt to sign Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.But the Seagulls are understood to be standing by their decision not to sell the Ecuadorian, 21.
    Moises Caicedo has attracted interest from both Arsenal and ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Caicedo released a statement on Friday night urging Brighton to accept the Gunners’ original £60m bid.
    Chelsea had also already seen an offer worth £55m turned down by the south-coast outfit.
    Brighton responded to Caicedo’s demand by telling him to stay away from training until after the January transfer window closes on Tuesday.
    He was also informed he would play no part in their FA Cup clash with Liverpool on Sunday.
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    Now, according to The Mail, Arsenal have returned with a second offer consisting of £60m plus £10m in add-ons.
    It comes after Thomas Partey was taken off at half-time during the Gunners’ 1-0 defeat to Man City in the FA Cup on Friday .
    Brighton insist they will not sell, but reports suggest they may considering a deal at £80m.
    The young midfielder, who has been a key part of Roberto De Zerbi’s side this season, is concerned he will not be in demand in the summer if Arsenal and Chelsea turn their attention towards West Ham captain Declan Rice.
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    That’s why he took to Instagram on Friday in a desperate attempt to convince Brighton to allow him his move.
    He wrote: “I am grateful to Mr. Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to come to the Premier League and I feel I have always done my best for them. I always play football with a smile and with heart.
    “I am the youngest of 10 siblings from a poor upbringing in Santa Domingo in Ecuador.
    “My dream always to be the most decorated player in the history of Ecuador.
    “I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club continue to be successful.
    “The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart so I hope they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity.”
    Brighton sit sixth in the Premier League table and are in contention for a European place.
    Meanwhile, Arsenal are keen to bolster their squad in order to maintain their title challenge.
    And Chelsea are continuing to swoop for a host of players having already splashed nearly £200m in the January window. More

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    Malo Gusto arrives in London for Chelsea medical ahead of £26m transfer with defender missing Lyon’s clash vs Ajaccio

    MALO GUSTO has arrived in London to undergo his medical at Chelsea, according to reports.The Lyon right-back has agreed a £26m move to Stamford Bridge after the Blues beat Manchester United to his signature.
    Malo Gusto is set to undergo his medical at ChelseaCredit: Getty
    And he’s now moved a step closer to completing his switch to the Premier League.
    According to RMC Sport, Gusto has a landed in the capital to have his Chelsea medical.
    As a result, the 19-year-old WON’T play in Lyon’s Ligue 1 clash with Ajaccio on Sunday.
    But Gusto will return to France because the two clubs have struck a deal that will see the teenager spend the rest of the season on loan in Lyon.
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    He is set to become Graham Potter’s sixth signing of the January window and will link up with his new team-mates in the summer.
    Gusto will cost the Blues £26.3m plus add-ons.
    Despite not turning 20 until May, he’s already played 54 matches for the French club, registering six assists during that period.
    And his arrival ahead of next season will see him provide some much-needed cover for Reece James, who’s missed much of this campaign with two separate knee injuries.
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    James has endured long spells on the sidelines, forcing him to miss more than 15 matches in all competitions.
    But the England star is in contention to return for Chelsea’s next game against Fulham on Friday. More

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    Jose Mourinho ‘interested’ in shock return to struggling Chelsea with Roma boss desperate to come back to Prem

    JOSE MOURINHO is reportedly in line to be in charge of Chelsea at the start of next season. The shock claim comes with Mourinho said to be growing frustrated at a lack of financial backing by Roma chiefs.
    Jose Mourinho won three Prem titles with ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Mourinho took over as Roma boss in July 2021, tasting success with the inaugural Europa Conference League as the Italians lifted their first-ever European trophy at the end of last season.
    However, the Daily Mail report the ex-Chelsea boss is “interested” in taking over for a third time, with the Stamford Bridge gig his “ideal” scenario.
    The main factor causing three-time Prem winner Mourinho to want to leave the Serie A behind is said to be a lack of financial backing to facilitate a title push.
    Roma currently sit level on points with Inter Milan and Lazio and are only separated on goal difference – putting them fifth in the table following Juventus’ 15-point penalty.
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    Since his arrival in 2021 – 11 years since his famous treble win with Inter – the club have allowed Mourinho to bring a number of big names.
    These include but are not limited to Nemanja Matic, Paulo Dybala, Andrea Belotti, Tammy Abraham, Rui Patricio and Georginio Wijnaldum on loan – plus a cake he was given for his 60th birthday earlier this week.
    In the four transfer windows he has been given, Roma have spent just under £120million, but £112m of this sum was spent in the first season.
    In fact, the Mail’s report indicates Mourinho is “eager” to take any job in England next season due to his preference to work in the Premier League as well as his family still living in the English capital.
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    The Blues have struggled this season under Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, with the latter recently overseeing a run of form which saw them win just once in 10 games.
    But owner Todd Boehly has thrown his weight behind the former Brighton boss with a number of signings as he aggressively overhauls the squad.
    The latest signing Chelsea are set to welcome is Lyon full-back Malo Gusto, though he will remain in France for the remainder of the season after the reported £26m move is finalised.
    In the meantime, SunSport has revealed Potter took his under-fire squad for a team bonding exercise at an army base in Hampshire.
    The club were knocked out of the FA Cup after being thrashed 4-0 by Manchester City, with Arsenal being the next scalp claimed by City after a 1-0 win last night. More

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    Graham Potter takes Chelsea stars to meet soldiers in bid to improve team spirit and embed new transfers

    GRAHAM POTTER has turned to the army in a bid to build a better team spirit at Chelsea.Boss Potter took his troops to meet real soldiers as part of a bonding day to encourage more togetherness in the dressing room.
    Graham Potter is hoping the army can help transform Chelsea’s seasonCredit: Getty
    He also wants to use the experience to help the flood of new signings settle in quickly at the club while Chelsea have some down time.
    The whole squad were taken to an army base near to the town of Liss in Hampshire last Tuesday. 
    Bordon and Longmoor Military Camp is in the area and are operational training camps with a long history in the Armed Forces.
    But there was no rough stuff or hardcore drilling – instead Potter used the experience to train the minds of his players with a series of mental exercises to get them thinking and working together.
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    Deep thinker Potter is renowned for employing off-the-wall tactics to encourage team spirit in his squads and his offbeat ideas.
    While manager of Swedish minnows Ostersunds between 2011 and 2018 he got his players to perform ballet, write a theatre show about Vikings and perform traditional Finnish rap songs to an audience.
    With Chelsea already knocked out of this season’s FA Cup the team has a blank fixture weekend so Potter is using the time to work on mental matters as well as full physical training.
    He has another couple of ideas planned for next week but they remain a closely guarded secret.
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    Chelsea’s new American owners turned to Potter as manager in September as part of a long term project to transform the club following a £4.25billion takeover.
    Six new players have been signed this month alone at a total cost of £189.5million which includes the £9m loan fee for forward Joao Felix.
    Potter wants to harmonise the growing numbers as quickly as possible.
    He said only last week that he had plans to get his team out of its comfort zone with team bonding to try to improve results on the pitch.
    He said: “There will be an element of team bonding.
    “We need to try to bring the group together. There are a few new faces, we’ve got a bit of window now. It’s not just about the grass, it’s about how you interact as a team and as a group.
    “There are some things we can do, and we will use the two weeks to try to do that as best as we can.
    “We have a window to do it, and with a lot of players here, we need to build some togetherness, some understanding, and we have to be creative with how we do it.”
    Chelsea have won only two of their last ten games in all competitions and sit tenth in the Premier League table. More