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      Chelsea ‘line up Alexis Mac Allister transfer if £106m Enzo Fernandez bid fails’ with Arsenal and Juventus also keen

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      CHELSEA are reportedly eyeing up a move for Brighton and Argentina star Alexis Mac Allister if they cannot sign Enzo Fernandez in the January transfer window.The Blues are being heavily linked with 21-year-old World Cup hero Fernandez.
      Alexis Mac Allister has been superb for Brighton and ArgentinaCredit: Getty
      However, the £106million release clause Benfica currently have written into his contract makes him a difficult acquisition during the mid-season window.
      The Portuguese outfit, who are still in the Champions League, are also determined to keep hold of Fernandez until the end of the campaign.
      And if Chelsea feel he is unobtainable, The Times understand they will then turn their attention towards his Argentina team-mate Mac Allister instead.
      The Seagulls midfielder, 24, played in each of his country’s matches in Qatar and was an important part of their triumph.
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      He only penned a new deal with Brighton in October to keep him at the club until 2025 – with the option of an additional year.
      Yet despite his lengthy contract, Mac Allister is expected to be a much more affordable option than Fernandez – with Arsenal, Tottenham and Juventus also interested in him.
      And the attraction of working with ex-manager Graham Potter could tempt Mac Allister to Stamford Bridge.
      The South American praised the English coach while the pair were both still on the south coast.
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      When asked about Potter during their time together at Brighton, Mac Allister said: “Tactically he is amazing and the coaching staff are really good to help us in every aspect.
      “He is really important for us. I am really pleased I am working with him.
      “He will be an amazing coach and hopefully he will stay here for his life but at the same time we know that may be difficult.”
      Along with Potter, Chelsea took five of his backroom staff with him to west London.
      They also subsequently snatched left-back Marc Cucurella and Paul Winstanley – who will head up their recruitment team.
      The Blues are keen to add to their squad in the January window.
      They have already acquired Molde striker David Datro Fofana and are closing in on Monaco centre-back Benoit Badiashile.
      Potter’s men sit eighth in the Premier League table, six points adrift of the Champions League places.
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      But they did return from the World Cup with a positive result as they beat Bournemouth 2-0.
      Next up for Chelsea is a trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
      Enzo Fernandez, left, was named the Young Player of the Tournament at the World CupCredit: Getty More

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      Man Utd ‘monitor £53m-rated Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi ahead of transfer window’ with Chelsea also interested

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea are monitoring the progress of Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, according to reports.Both clubs are hoping to strengthen their squads in the mid-season transfer window in a bid to improve their top four chances.
      Manchester United and Chelsea are both monitoring Martin ZubimendiCredit: Getty
      The Blues are already willing to pay World Cup star Enzo Fernandes’ £105m release clause but still appear to be in the market for another midfielder.
      That comes despite N’Golo Kante being on course to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge after a breakthrough in contract talks.
      Meanwhile, United – who face Wolves this weekend – are hoping to find a reliable partner for Casemiro.
      Fred and Scott McTominay have shared the workload this season, but neither have been able to nail down a starting place.
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      And Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claim that Erik ten Hag is an admirer of the 23-year-old.
      Zubimendi has impressed in La Liga this term, starting 13 of 14 matches.
      He also featured twice in the Europa League – both against United, which gave Ten Hag the perfect chance to see him up close.
      His form in recent years also led to recognition on the international stage and he was rewarded with his Spain debut against Lithuania in June 2021.
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      And his displays end up landing him a move to the Prem – with Chelsea also keen on his services.
      Journalist Simon Phillips claims that Graham Potter has been “dazzled” by his performances.
      The Londoners have already signed young forward David Datro Fofana ahead of January. More

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      Frank Lampard reveals Chelsea tried to sign Erling Haaland three years ago when Man City star was still at RB Salzburg

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      FRANK LAMPARD tried to bring Erling Haaland to Chelsea three years ago, he has revealed.Champions Manchester City welcome Lampard’s Everton to the Etihad on Saturday, with Haaland looking to add to his 20 Premier League goals in just 14 matches.
      Erling Haaland is the fastest player to ever reach 20 Premier League goalsCredit: AFP
      Frank Lampard has revealed he tried to sign Haaland while Chelsea bossCredit: Getty
      And the ex-Chelsea head coach knows all too well what the 22-year-old Norwegian brings as he attempted to sign him when Haaland was at RB Salzburg.
      Speaking ahead of the Man City clash, he was asked how Haaland has settled in England so quickly.
      To which Lampard replied: “Because he’s an amazing player and I think the ultimate, top level of player generally can do that, can come to whatever league.
      “I’ve got huge respect. I’ve coached against him in a pre-season game against Salzburg and I was sort of eyes wide open at this young boy who had just signed for Salzburg.
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      “It was clear in our pre-match preparation what this boy was already. I tried to sign him at Chelsea, it wasn’t to be, and it was clear what he was going to become.
      “Fair play to him because I know we’re going up against him tomorrow but I respect individuals at the top of their game.
      “We watched the World Cup and people like Messi and Mbappe in that final, it’s what football’s all about.
      “And Haaland has put himself into that bracket at a very young age.”
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      When Lampard attempted to sign Haaland he was scoring for fun for Salzburg.
      He ended up joining Borussia Dortmund in 2020 after bagging 29 goals in 27 games for the Austrian outfit.
      He then scored 86 times in 89 games for Dortmund.
      Everton will be tasked with trying to stop Haaland on Saturday afternoon as they search for a first win in six games.
      The Merseyside outfit conceded a stoppage-time winner against Wolves on Boxing Day, a result which has seen them drop to 17th place – one point above the relegation zone.
      And Lampard is aware his team have a mighty challenge ahead of them in the form of superstar Haaland.
      Discussing how to deal with the giant striker, he added: “You have to do all you can, it’s a very difficult task because of his qualities and his power, we’re all seeing it.
      “There’s nothing but respect there when you watch it from afar.
      “When you go against him you have to try and not give him the spaces that he wants, it’s as simple as that.
      “We have to do our best to do that and in our prep we’ll do that but, with a player of that talent, of course at any moment they can hurt you in their own way.”
      If Southampton, Nottingham Forest or Wolves win over the weekend, an Everton loss at the Etihad would see them drop into the bottom three.

      Meanwhile, Man City will reduce the gap to Arsenal to just two points with a win over Everton.
      The Gunners then travel to Brighton on Saturday evening. More

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      How Chelsea could line up vs Nottingham Forest with Reece James injured and Denis Zakaria keeping his place in the XI

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      DENIS ZAKARIA is hoping to keep his place when Chelsea travel to Nottingham Forest on New Year’s Day.The 26-year-old Swiss star, who is on loan from Juventus, has found chances hard to come by this term at Stamford Bridge.
      Reece James is out of Chelsea’s trip to Nottingham ForestCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      How Chelsea could start at the City Ground
      But after starting the 2-0 win over Bournemouth, he will be hoping to retain his position in midfield for the trip to the City Ground.
      Reece James suffered a knee injury which forced him off against the Cherries.
      And the England international will miss out as he is expected to be out for a month – which should allow Cesar Azpilicueta to come in.
      Meanwhile, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is battling to shake off a shoulder problem in time for the game.
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      Blues manager Graham Potter has revealed that the Senegal stopper has been troubled by a shoulder problem since the World Cup.
      He missed the Bournemouth match and that should mean that Kepa retains his spot with Marcus Bettinelli on the bench.
      But Chelsea will be boosted by the return of Hakim Ziyech and Mateo Kovacic after they stepped up their training following their comeback from World Cup duty.
      Potter said: “We are not sure about Mendy.
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      “We’ll have to see in the next few days. He has a problem with the bone around his shoulder that he picked up at the World Cup.
      ““He may still need a bit of time.”
      Kai Havertz got on the scoresheet against Bournemouth and he seems most-likely to lead the line again.
      However, Potter could freshen things up in attack by handing a start to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
      Chelsea could also start with Kovacic and Aubameyang More

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      Chelsea transfer blow as Man City ‘prepare to offer Rafael Leao staggering £200k-a-week deal to prise him from AC Milan’

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      CHELSEA have suffered a fresh transfer blow in their pursuit of Rafael Leao after reports suggested Manchester City are prepared to offer him a contract worth £200,000 per week.Leao, 23, has been one of most sought-after stars in Europe for the last few transfer windows.
      Rafael Leao will be offered a mega-money deal by Man CityCredit: Alamy
      And now, teams pursuing a deal for the Portugal attacker are stepping up the ante ahead of a potential move.
      According to tuttomercatoweb, Leao is set to be offered a contract worth an estimated £10.6million per year by Man City.
      It represents almost double the offer he has received from current club AC Milan – with the Italians said to be offering £6.2m per year.
      Leao appeared in all of his nations games at the World Cup before they were knocked out.
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      Despite not starting a single game, he grabbed two goals off the bench to kick start his international goalscoring record.
      He has been in terrific form at club level once again, scoring seven goals and adding nine assists in 20 games.
      Earlier this month it had been claimed the Blues were the front-runners to sign Leao during January in an eye-watering deal worth at least £86m.
      However, as the mid-season transfer window draws closer it now appears City have moved into the driver’s seat.
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      Leao will have just one year left on his contract when the summer rolls around, and Milan are desperate to get him to sign a new deal before they are forced to make a decision on his future.
      The likes of Manchester United and Arsenal have also been linked with him, with fans of the clubs involved in a hilarious Wikipedia war over him. More

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      Chelsea ‘breakthrough in N’Golo Kante contract talks with midfield star able to discuss free transfer abroad in January’

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      CHELSEA have made a breakthrough in their bid to keep N’Golo Kante beyond the end of this season, according to reports.The Frenchman is set to be out of contract in June, when his current deal expires.
      N’Golo Kante is out of contract at the end of the seasonCredit: AFP
      Kante, 31, will be free to agree terms with teams overseas from January 1.
      The 2018 World Cup winner reportedly turned down fresh terms earlier this year.
      But the Blues haven’t given up hope of agreeing a new deal with the influential midfielder.
      According to The Athletic, there is now “increasing confidence” that Kante will decide to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.
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      A major stumbling block has so far has been the length of contract being offered.
      The Blues want to extend Kante’s deal for two years, with the option of a third.
      While, approaching the twilight years of his career, the central midfielder wants a longer commitment.
      Chelsea are hoping to reach a compromise that will see Kante decide to stay.
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      The two-time Premier League winner has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since mid-August.
      He has played only twice this season, with his injury having already ruled him out of the World Cup in Qatar.
      Despite his injury woes the West Londoners view Kante as a “club legend” that holds huge popularity in the dressing room.
      He has attracted plenty of interest from elsewhere, including LaLiga giants Barcelona.
      While Saudi side Al-Nassr want to land his signature and pair him with Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Juventus, Inter Milan and PSG are other potential suitors in Europe.
      While Kante’s services were reportedly offered to Arsenal and Tottenham in October.
      He is not expected to return to action until late February at the earliest, with Chelsea set to exercise caution after he suffered a previous setback in October. More

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      Enzo Fernandez ‘AGREES to £105m Chelsea transfer as Blues open direct talks with Benfica and boss drops huge hint’

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      ENZO FERNANDEZ has reportedly agreed to join Chelsea with the Blues opening direct transfer talks with Benfica.The midfielder, 21, shone for Argentina at the World Cup in Qatar, winning Young Player of the Tournament after they defeated France in the final on penalties earlier this month.
      Enzo Fernandez has allegedly agreed to join ChelseaCredit: Rex
      Chelsea have been leading the chase for his services with Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester United also interested.
      Fernandez has a contract until 2027, with Benfica playing hardball to keep him.
      The Portuguese club were demanding his full release fee and reported earlier this week that Chelsea had appeared to almost match it by lodging a £105million bid.
      Now a fresh report has stated that Fernandez has agreed to the move to Stamford Bridge as the Blues continue to thrash out terms with Benfica.
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      Journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Chelsea are now in direct talks with Benfica for Enzo Fernandez.
      “Chelsea want to offer huge fee instead of paying release clause in one solution #CFC Benfica always asked full €120m (£106m) clause.
      “Understand Enzo already said yes to Chelsea. #LFC or #MUFC made no bid, as of now.”
      And even Benfica’s manager Roger Schmidt seems to have accepted that Fernandez will be on the move.
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      He was asked about whether the player will be staying ahead of today’s game with Braga, and he replied: “I can’t reveal those conversations.
      “When I talk to the players, these are things I keep to myself. What I can say is what I’ve already said. We all know what football is like.
      “These young people have opportunities, and it’s not just about Enzo.
      “If they have opportunities, they have to make decisions, and I respect them.
      “I can advise them, but they only have one career. If I can convince them or influence them in a certain way, I try to do it, but I accept their decisions.” More

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      Chelsea agree personal terms with Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile in third transfer for 2023 after Fofana and Santos

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      CHELSEA are closing in on their third January signing after agreeing personal terms with Monaco star Benoit Badiashile, reports suggest.According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Blues and Badiashile have reached a deal and the transfer is now in its “final stages”.
      Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Monaco star Benoit BadiashileCredit: Rex
      The Blues have been very active ahead of the January transfer window as they have already landed Molde’s David Datro Fofana and Vasco da Gama’s Andrey Santos.
      Romano tweeted: “Chelsea are close to complete their third 2023 signing after Fofana and Andrey Santos:
      “Deal at final stages for Benoit Badiashile, all parties feel it will be done soon.
      “‘Final bits’ now and then here we go expected. Personal terms in place, Badiashile wants Chelsea.”
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      Chelsea’s interest in Badiashile has been well known and reports have indicated that he could cost up to £35million.
      The centre-back is strong in one-on-one situations, well-built, quick and is a strong passer.
      The 21-year-old’s age means he could form part of Graham Potter’s defence for several years, alongside fellow Frenchman Wesley Fofana.
      Badiashile started out at Monaco’s academy in 2016 and was promoted to the senior squad only two years later at the age of 17.
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      Since then, the France international amassed a total of six goals and three assists in 135 appearances.
      The defender will be part of Chelsea’s Premier League comeback effort, which includes the arrival of Datro Fofana and Santos for £10.5m and £11m respectively. More