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      Ex-Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel ‘didn’t RECOGNISE’ Denis Zakaria when he arrived and had ‘no input’ in transfer

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      FORMER Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel FAILED to recognise Denis Zakaria when they first met.Zakaria, who has started each of Chelsea’s last three Premier League games, was the final player brought in by Todd Boehly during the summer.
      Denis Zakaria was the final player brought in by Chelsea in the summerCredit: Rex
      But Thomas Tuchel did not recognise him straight awayCredit: AFP
      But owing to the frantic nature of Chelsea’s window, Tuchel actually failed to recognise the Swiss international straight away, as revealed by The Telegraph.
      Fortunately, Tuchel avoided an embarrassment as he was then able to recognise the midfielder shortly after.
      Zakaria was brought in on a last-minute loan transfer from Juventus in order to add depth to the squad’s midfield options.
      And it took some time for Zakaria to make his debut, with it not coming until November 2 in the Champions League – by which time Tuchel had been replaced by Graham Potter.
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      However, the report adds that Tuchel had had “no input” in the transfer.
      The former Borussia Dortmund coach had been involved in many of the main deals the club had participated in over the summer.
      This included the likes of Raheem Sterling and Carney Chukwuemeka – with Tuchel speaking to the latter personally to convince him to sign with the club.
      Following the World Cup Zakaria now appears to be instrumental in Potter’s Chelsea side, producing a superb bit of skill in their latest game against Manchester City.
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      Should he keep up his good performances there is a chance the Blues will trigger the clause to sign him permanently for £30million.
      This would see him tied down to a five-year deal, and give them some breathing room knowing the likes of Jorginho and N’Golo Kante could leave the club in the summer.
      Meanwhile, Boehly has been pressing on with transfer matters in January to help arrest Chelsea’s slide down the table.
      On Friday the club completed the signing of Brazilian wonderkid Andrey Santos to add to Benoit Badiashile and David Datro Fofana.
      The pursuit of Enzo Fernandez also rages on.
      The 21-year-old has reportedly been subject to a £112m bid from the Blues, but Benfica were unhappy with the way the deal was structured and rejected it.
      The Portuguese side want as much as possible of the World Cup winner’s £106m buyout clause to be paid up front. More

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      Chelsea ‘are still keen on Josko Gvardiol transfer but face competition from Tottenham for £88m-rated defender’

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      JOSKO GVARDIOL isn’t short of options when it comes to choosing his next club as Chelsea and Tottenham battle for his signature.The RB Leipzig defender has been long sought after by Premier League clubs after his breakthrough year last season.
      Josko Gvardiol was an important part of Croatia’s bronze medal winning side at the World Cup.Credit: Getty
      Now after playing a crucial part in Croatia’s third place finish at the World Cup, the 20-year-old’s already hefty price tag has since increased further.
      Chelsea seemed favourites to finalise a move for the highly rated centre back yet it seems as though London rivals Tottenham could swoop in and steal the deal.
      According to Bild, the competition from Spurs hasn’t deterred the Blues with Graham Potter’s side still keen on Gvardiol.
      The London sides will need to empty their pockets if they want their man however, with Gvardiol signing his allegiance to RB Leipzig until 2027 last September.
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      The contract states that a release clause of £112million will become active in 2024, meaning Leipzig will be asking for even more before the clause can be activated next year.
      This will see Gvardiol become the most expensive defender in history, beating the record set by Harry Maguire when he made his £87million move from Leicester to Manchester United in 2019.
      If the Croat does make the move to Stamford Bridge, he will be the fourth big named defender to have been recruited by Chelsea since July.
      With Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana joining the two-time Champions League winners in summer followed by the recent signing of Benoit Badiashile, Chelsea’s defence has seen a complete overhaul.
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      Despite this, the Blues defence has seen a decline from last season, conceding 19 goals in 17 league games so far, seven more than this time last season.
      The addition of Gvardiol could see him fill the void of the ageing Thiago Silva, with the Croat’s playing style similar to that of the 38-years-old.
      However neither Chelsea or Tottenham have approached Leipzig as far over a move for Gvardiol. More

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      Liverpool ‘fear Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez transfer could ruin their bid to land Jude Bellingham’

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      LIVERPOOL are reportedly concerned that Enzo Fernandez’s transfer to Chelsea could price them out of a move to land Jude Bellingham. Chelsea are in talks to sign Fernandez, 21, in a move which will almost certainly eclipse £100million.
      Chelsea’s pursuit of Enzo Fernandez has left Liverpool concernedCredit: Getty
      They fear it may price them out of a move for Jude BellinghamCredit: Getty
      However, with the Blues first bid being rejected by Benfica – with the Portuguese side wanting his buyout clause paid up front in full – Liverpool are getting sweaty under the collar.
      Writing for CaughtOffside, Christian Falk said Jurgen Klopp’s side were “a little afraid” about the repercussion’s of the deal.
      He said: “I heard that Liverpool are taking a good look at what is happening between Chelsea and Enzo Fernández.
      “They’re waiting to see if someone covers his release clause, as it can then be used as a benchmark for Bellingham.
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      “If you see that Enzo Fernández is going for this amount of money to a club like Chelsea, everyone will say ‘okay, what is the price of Bellingham then?’ because he’s an English player and had a really good World Cup.
      “It won’t be less, perhaps a little bit more because he’s English.
      “They’re a little afraid of this potential deal and they’re keeping a close eye on whether it will affect Bellingham’s asking price. So, it’s good for Dortmund if this happens.”
      Falk revealed Liverpool’s summer budget will be between £200-250m.
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      And with a deal for Bellingham already being earmarked to be as much £125m, Fernandez going for similar money could see the Englishman’s value skyrocket.
      There is hope for Liverpool that a pre-agreement could be struck with Borussia Dortmund this month, according to Falk.
      However, the situation regarding the owners putting the club up for sale has caused doubt over the ability of the Reds to make a deal swiftly.
      That being said, Bellingham will almost certainly move on in the summer.
      Falk added: “There’s not much in the way of hope that Jude Bellingham will stay at Borussia Dortmund.
      “There isn’t a clause in his current contract allowing him to leave in the summer but they told him that if there’s a big opportunity for him (to leave), he can do that.
      “They have to talk, if he wants to talk. I think they will have to talk. I noted on Twitter a few weeks ago that his father is very keen on the prospect of his boy going to Liverpool.”
      Liverpool also still face competition for Bellingham from the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United, while Chelsea also retain an interest of their own.
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      While Chelsea remain in discussions to sign Fernandez, it has not stopped them making other additions.
      18-year-old Andrey Santos was just announced as their latest signing, making him the third arrival to Stamford Bridge after Benoit Badiashile and David Datro Fofana. More

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      Enzo Fernandez ‘AXED from Benfica squad for next game’ as Chelsea haggle over £106m transfer fee

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      BENFICA have reportedly axed Enzo Fernandez for their next game amid links to Chelsea.The World Cup winner returned to the team in their 3-0 defeat to Braga before flying home to Argentina for New Year’s celebrations.
      Enzo Fernandez will not play a part in Benfica’s next matchCredit: EPA
      That angered manager Roger Schmidt who claimed the midfielder may have played his last game for Benfica.
      Schmidt is set to leave Fernandez out of Benfica’s next match against Portimonense, reports A Bola.
      It comes after the Benfica boss slammed Chelsea for turning Fernandez’s head by submitting a “disrespectful” bid.
      Chelsea were negotiating over Fernandez’s whopping £106million buyout clause but saw their offer of cash plus players rejected by the Portuguese giants – who want the cash up front.
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      Fernandez is said to have informed Benfica that he wishes to leave the Stadio da Luz, much to the annoyance of manager Schmidt.
      And he has reportedly agreed personal terms with Chelsea ahead of the move.

      The Blues submitted an offer worth £112m which was to be paid in three installments.
      But Benfica snubbed the bid, demanding his buyout clause be paid up front.
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      Schmidt said of Chelsea’s pursuit: “We don’t want to sell Enzo. There is a club who wants our player.
      “They know we don’t want to sell the player [and] they tried to get the player on their side and they know that they can only get this player when they pay the [release] clause.
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      “So it’s a very clear situation for what the club is doing who want to buy Enzo.
      “It’s disrespectful against all of us, against Benfica. And I cannot accept what they are doing.” More

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      Chelsea ‘join Man Utd in Marcus Thuram transfer race’ as they prepare to launch January bid for France World Cup star

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      CHELSEA have reportedly joined the race of clubs interested in signing Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram.The French international is also believed to be wanted by Premier League rivals Manchester United.
      Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Marcus Thuram this monthCredit: Getty
      The 25-year-old is out of contract in the summer, with many clubs lining up contracts for him to sign on a free transfer.
      However, Chelsea are willing to pay the Bundesliga side a cut-price fee now in order to sign him this month, according to Foot Mercato.
      L’Équipe have also credited Aston Villa and Bayern Munich with an interest in the forward.
      The striker has started this season in fine form, having scored 13 goals and assisted four more in 17 appearances in all competitions.
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      This form has seen him become the second highest scorer in the Bundesliga this season, only behind fellow Chelsea transfer target Christopher Nkunku.
      He was also called up by Didier Deschamps to play at the World Cup in Qatar for France.
      At the tournament, he impressed again as he picked up two assists from his five appearances.
      However, it is not yet known if the player would prefer a move away from his club now, or if he would rather wait until the summer to decide on his future.
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      Chelsea have already added to their squad in the current transfer window, having signed young striker David Datro Fofana.
      The Blues also completed the transfer of AS Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile after he signed a seven-and-a-half-year deal. More

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      Jude Bellingham ‘is leaning towards Real Madrid transfer despite knowing he can earn more at Man City or Chelsea’

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM is leaning towards joining Real Madrid despite attracting better financial offers elsewhere.SunSport exclusively revealed Madrid believe they have won the race for his signature.
      Jude Bellingham reportedly prefers Real Madrid moveCredit: Getty
      The England star is in high demand and is expected to leave Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
      Real are among the clubs interested in the midfielder, who is also wanted by Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool.
      All three of those clubs could offer Bellingham a better wage than Real Madrid, yet the 19-year-old is still keen on Los Blancos, according to Marca.
      The report adds that Bellingham is aware of what Real can offer him, with the club refusing to pay him more than £200,000 a week.
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      They will not make an exception for the youngster, nor will they enter a bidding war with the likes of Chelsea and City.
      Dortmund are currently in Spain for warm weather training and according to AS representatives of the club will meet with Real Madrid to discuss Bellingham’s potential transfer.
      The Bundesliga giants will reportedly accept no less than £89million.
      But a deal could potentially rise to £125m including add-ons and bonuses.
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      AS support Marca’s claim that Real are leading the race to sign Bellingham, who was said to be eyeing a move to Liverpool.
      Real are prepared to pay £89m for Bellingham but they will refuse to pay “crazy” money, which could come as a boost to other interested parties.
      City are still determined to land the former Birmingham star and hope the chance to work with Pep Guardiola will lure him to the Etihad. More

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      N’Golo Kante ‘nearing new Chelsea contract’ in U-turn after shock transfer links with Arsenal and Tottenham

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      N’GOLO KANTE is reportedly closing in on a new Chelsea contract.That’s despite shock links with London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham.
      N’Golo Kante is closing in on a new Chelsea deal after a U-turnCredit: AFP
      Kante’s current Blues deal expires this summer.
      And previous reports claimed he was set to become a free agent after a string of injuries.
      Despite being eyed by clubs across Europe, Kante’s preference was to remain in London.
      That put Arsenal and Spurs on red alert, with both sides looking for midfield reinforcements.
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      But Foot Mercato claims Kante and Chelsea have had a change of heart.
      Despite his recent injury setbacks, Graham Potter and Todd Boehly are now keen on keeping Kante in west London.
      Likewise, the player is happy to stay put at Stamford Bridge.
      And a new long-term deal until 2026 is now on the table, with the wages coming close close to Kante’s original demands.
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      Chelsea’s new offer also includes various bonuses based on appearances, of which Kante has made just two this season.
      The player is thought to be quietly pleased with the deal, but has asked for several days to consider it.
      Should Kante opt against it, he could end up joining Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.
      Ronnie’s new side Al-Nassr are said to be monitoring Kante’s situation and could pounce with a stunning wage offer.
      That’s despite already paying Ronaldo a world-record £173million a year.
      Kante has been at Chelsea since 2016 following a £32m move from then-champions Leicester.
      He led the Blues to the title in his first season before landing an FA Cup and Europa League.
      But Kante’s defining moment came when his man-of-the-match performances helped Chelsea secure a second Champions League in 2021. More

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      Chelsea fans all say same thing about Kepa after keeper bizarrely decides not to stop Grealish’s cross for Man City goal

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      CHELSEA fans were left raging at goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga for his part in Manchester City’s winner on Thursday night.The Spanish ace, 28, has usurped Edouard Mendy as Blues No1 this term since the arrival of Graham Potter.
      Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga was blasted for failing to stop the cross for Riyad Mahrez’s match-winnerCredit: Getty
      Fans quickly took to Twitter to slam the goalkeeper after the howlerCredit: AP
      But the Spanish stopper may find himself under scrutiny from his boss as supporters blasted him following Riyad Mahrez’s goal to earn the Cityzens a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge.
      Manchester City’s substitutes linked up as they broke the deadlock on 63 minutes.
      Jack Grealish produced a low cross from the left across the six-yard box, which Kepa appeared to pull out of diving for, allowing the ball to whiz past him and allowing Mahrez to tap in at the back post.
      And Chelsea fans were left baffled by the goalie’s decision not to stick out an arm to try to stop the pass as they quickly took to Twitter to slam him.
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      One wrote: “Why doesn’t Kepa try to cut the cross out? It doesn’t look that far away from him!”
      Another tweeted: “If I was Kepa, I would simply try to use my arms.”
      A fellow supporter said: “I have no idea why Kepa left that ball roll past him.”
      A more angry fan wrote: “Don’t understand why Kepa just lets that roll past him for Mahrez to score. S***e goalkeeping.”
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      Meanwhile another blasted: “Kepa is a disgrace for that goal!”
      A fellow fan said: “Shocking goalkeeping that!! Wow.”
      As another asked: “Please explain why Kepa left that ball?” More