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      Chelsea boost with Wesley Fofana set to return in ‘three or four weeks’ from knee injury amid fears he would miss season

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      CHELSEA defender Wesley Fofana is expected to return to action next month after suffering a minor injury during a behind-closed-doors friendly against Brentford on Tuesday.Fofana, 22, has not featured in a competitive match for the Blues since he damaged his knee in October.
      Fofana sustained a serious knee injury in OctoberCredit: Alamy
      The defender recently returned to first-team training, but he picked up another minor injury in a friendly this weekCredit: Getty
      He was re-introduced to the squad earlier this week and briefly featured in a friendly clash with Brentford before being prematurely forced off with what appeared to be another major injury.
      However, the Frenchman has since confirmed that the issue is not serious.
      In response to a fan’s Instagram post about his injury, Fofana wrote: “Nothing bad champions in not even 1 month we’re back to break everything.”
      Football journalist Fabrizio Romano has also claimed that the Chelsea star will return in just a matter of weeks.
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      He tweeted: “Wesley Fofana, expected to return in three or four weeks after new injury in the last friendly game. It’s not serious injury.”
      Fofana joined Chelsea in a huge £70million transfer from Leicester during the summer transfer window.
      But, he has made just four appearances for the Blues due to a knee injury.
      Although the Frenchman will not be deemed fit enough to appear in Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League clash with Bournemouth, Reece James could make a return to the squad.
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      Like Fofana, the England star sustained a knee injury in October.
      The setback meant that he was left out of Gareth Southgate’s 26-man England squad for the World Cup in Qatar.
      James returned action on Tuesday, playing 60 minutes in the behind-closed-doors friendly against Brentford.
      Chelsea won the match 5-1 with Kai Havertz scoring a hat-trick.
      James could return to start against BournemouthCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea make first January transfer signing as David Datro Fofana joins for £10.5m from Molde as he undergoes medical

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      CHELSEA have reportedly kicked off their January transfer business with the £10.5million signing of Molde forward David Datro Fofana.The 20-year-old, who made his international debut for the Ivory Coast in 2019, is set to undergo a medical in London on Thursday.
      David Datro Fofana has impressed while playing for Norwegian side MoldeCredit: Getty
      He enjoyed a sensational 2022 with the Norwegian outfit, scoring 22 goals in 39 appearances.
      Fofana was one of Molde’s key players as they completed a league-cup double and has now been snatched by Graham Potter before the official start of the window.
      Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has confirmed a deal has been reached between Chelsea and the player.
      He tweeted: “David Datro Fofana to Chelsea, done deal and here we go!
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      “There’s full agreement between all parties, deal sealed.
      “Been told medical tests will take place today in London, on his birthday.
      “Born in 2002, Ivorian striker will join Chelsea from Molde for €12m fee.”
      Chelsea spent more than £250m in the summer as the likes of Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Carney Chukwuemeka arrived at Stamford Bridge.
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      Yet despite a blockbuster window, Thomas Tuchel was sacked just weeks later following a poor run of results.
      Potter succeeded the German and began with a nine-match unbeaten run.
      But four defeats in a row before the World Cup break piled pressure on the ex-Brighton head coach.

      Chelsea resume their domestic campaign when they host Bournemouth in the Premier League on December 27.
      That’s followed by a trip to Nottingham Forest and a home game against champions Manchester City. More

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      Nketiah can’t replace Jesus at Arsenal warns Emmanuel Petit who also reveals how Nkunku can shine at Chelsea

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      ARSENAL legend Emmanuel Petit claims Eddie Nketiah isn’t ready to replace injured star Gabriel Jesus because he is “still young”.Jesus picked up a knee injury while playing with Brazil at the 2022 World Cup and went under the knife with the Gunners fearing he could be out for three months.
      Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit doesn’t think Eddie Nketiah can replace Gabriel JesusCredit: PA
      Emmanuel Petit suggested Arsenal should turn to the January transfer windowCredit: Rex
      Manager Mikel Arteta needs a replacement for the striker, who was vital in the North Londoners topping the Premier League table with five goals and six assists in 14 matches.
      Nketiah is Arteta’s most obvious choice to play as a centre-forward but Petit claims this responsibility comes “too soon” for the 23-year-old.
      The France great suggested Arsenal will have to turn to the January transfer window as they are “short of options”.
      Speaking to Mega Casino, Petit said: “I think Arsenal have a very good squad with a very good mentality. Arteta and his staff are doing a very good job.
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      “Even Edu. I was not convinced by Edu initially, but the job he has done over the last two transfer windows has convinced me. He has taken the right decisions and he has a vision. It seems like everyone at the club is pulling in the same direction.
      “What happened with [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang shows you how fragile a dressing room can be – even your own captain can be a danger! To get rid of him was a strong decision and Arteta and Edu obviously have a clear idea of what they want to do at the football club. On the pitch, you can see that the players are really buying into Arteta.
      “The first eleven is of exceptional quality but the depth on the bench isn’t as good as it needs to be and if you want to compete with Manchester City, Liverpool, you need more and you need to be clever in the transfer market, especially when you’re without a player like Jesus.
      “Ben White is fit, but mentally, we have no idea. We also don’t know about the other players coming back from the World Cup. Arsenal definitely, and even Arteta has said it, are short of options. They need more players.
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      “Nketiah is a good player but he is still young. He is gaining experience all the time, but you can’t replace Jesus with Nketiah and expect the same results. It is too soon for him. If you put him in and expect that, that is not fair on the player, but his time will come.”
      Petit also claims Chelsea are dealing with issues up front, but the ex-Blues ace believes RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku can solve them.
      Nkunku is expected to link up with Graham Potter’s squad in July after a reported deal with Leipzig that cost £53million.
      The striker will be facing the famous No9 curse at Stamford Bridge but Petit believes he could still emulate Didier Drogba’s success, even though they are not the same.
      The ex-Barcelona star claims the France international, who missed the World Cup due to a leg injury, can shine because he will be well up for the challenge.
      Petit added: “He is a very good player. Will he be a hit? You know, just like I know, there is a striker’s curse at Stamford Bridge! I hope he will break the curse.
      “I hope he can follow in the same footsteps as Drogba. He is not the same type of player as Drogba, but he has so much quality. He exploits spaces with his speed. He has great technical quality too and he is clinical when he is in front of the goal.
      “He was the best player in the Bundesliga, which is a big achievement, especially when you don’t play for Bayern [Munich] or [Borussia] Dortmund, the last player to do that was Kevin de Bruyne!
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      “It was so sad that he couldn’t go to the World Cup, but he has a big career in front of him. He has the hunger to succeed. He hasn’t been at the biggest club in the Bundesliga, so when he goes to Chelsea, that will be a step up for him.
      “He will want to prove that he deserves to be there. I think he is ready to take the next steps in his career and he is ready to handle the pressure and expectation that comes when you’re playing as a striker for Chelsea.”
      Emmanuel Petit believes Christopher Nkunku can be a success at ChelseaCredit: Getty More

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      Edouard Mendy snubs ‘disrespectful’ six-year Chelsea contract as AC Milan, Nice and Monaco plot transfer swoop

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      EDOUARD MENDY snubbed a six-year contract offer  — because Chelsea are not showing him enough “respect” over wages.The Senegalese keeper has been back training with his club since last week after reaching the World Cup last 16 —  but there is still no sign of an agreement.
      Edouard Mendy has snubbed a new contract at ChelseaCredit: Getty
      The Chelsea stopper has interest from AC Milan, Monaco and NiceCredit: Getty
      Mendy wants to be paid the same as team-mate Kepa ArrizabalagaCredit: Reuters
      Mendy, 30, earns around £100,000 a week and wants parity with his Blues rival Kepa Arrizabalaga who picks up almost twice that.
      Sources claim Chelsea bosses have even withdrawn their initial offer of a long-term deal as they play hardball with the negotiations — and now there is a stand-off.
      And an insider told SunSport: “Edouard is back at Chelsea and he is ready to play.
      “But there is a feeling that the contract situation is just going nowhere.
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      “Edouard has won some huge trophies for Chelsea — but there is a sense that he is not being shown enough respect by the club over a new deal.”
      The Blues star still has two and a half years left on his contract but Italian champions AC Milan are closely monitoring the situation — as are French sides Nice and Monaco.
      Mendy was voted Fifa’s best goalkeeper of 2021, having helped Chelsea win the Champions League in 2020.
      He also played a key role in the Blues lifting the Club World Cup —  the last big trophy to elude them.
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      Mendy won the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal in 2021 and played for his homeland in Qatar, going out to England in the first knockout round.
      Now he is back at Chelsea’s Surrey HQ and hopes to play when they return to Premier League action at home to Bournemouth on December 27.
      Meanwhile, Chelsea have confirmed Christopher Vivell’s arrival as their new technical director.
      Vivell, 36, previously worked at RB Leipzig in his native Germany, where he was responsible for recruitment and scouting all age groups.
      Stamford Bridge chairman Todd Boehly says Vivell will provide support for manager Graham Potter as they continue revamping a  squad that is currently down in eighth spot — eight points off the Champions League places.
      American Boehly said: “We are delighted Christopher is taking up this important leadership role.
      “His work in Germany and Austria speaks for itself. We are confident that he will continue on his impressive trajectory here at Chelsea.
      “He will provide important support to Graham and the ownership group and play a vital part in advancing our overall vision for the club.”
      Vivell, who succeeds club legend Petr Cech, said: “Chelsea are building the most exciting project in global football. I’m proud to be joining them.
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      “There just is so much potential to continue to  develop and grow.”
      Vivell previously spent five years with Leipzig’s sister club RB Salzburg.
      Chelsea have appointed Christopher Vivell as the club¿s new technical directorCredit: PA
      He will provide support to manager Graham PotterCredit: PA More

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      Chelsea ‘close to signing Andrey Santos after Brazilian wonderkid snubs transfer to Man City and Newcastle’

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      CHELSEA are reportedly close to signing Andrey Santos from Vasco da Gama.The Brazilian wonderkid has already made 37 senior appearances for the Rio de Janeiro-based side.
      Andrey Santos is believed to have chosen a move to ChelseaCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      Santos plays in midfield and has already turned out for the Brazil under-20 side as he makes a name for himself.
      He also has an eye for goal, having found the net on eight occasions in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie B.
      Chelsea are in the process of finalising the deal to bring the 18-year-old to Stamford Bridge for an undisclosed fee, according to the Athletic.
      The report also states that the Blues will have beaten Premier League rivals to his signature.
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      Both Manchester City and Newcastle are credited with interest in the youngster, but he is believed to have chosen a move to West London instead.
      Santos would become the latest rising star to be bought by Chelsea since the new regime was installed.
      Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa, Cesare Casadei from Inter Milan, Gabriel Slonina from Chicago Fire and Omari Hutchinson from Arsenal are other players that have arrived as the club builds for the future.
      This type of transfer is what manager Graham Potter is used to from his time at former club Brighton.
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      During his time on the south coast, the English manager saw multiple talents arrive and eventually make their way into the first team.
      Most notably is midfielder and Ecuadorian World Cup star Moises Caicedo, who has also been linked with a switch to Chelsea. More

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      Ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel ‘leaves UK and takes up Spanish lessons’ with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid targeted

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      THOMAS TUCHEL is edging closer to his next job after leaving the UK and taking Spanish lessons, according to reports.The former Chelsea boss was forced to leave the UK after his visa expired following his sacking at Stamford Bridge.
      Thomas Tuchel is learning Spanish ahead of a move to Barcelona or Atletico MadridCredit: Alamy
      But German chief Tuchel has not allowed this to stop him from pursuing his next gig – which included the England job if Gareth Southgate left the position.
      According to journalist Christian Falk, Tuchel has “intensified his Spanish” after leaving the UK.
      Falk then tagged Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in his post, indicating them as two of the interested parties.
      Barcelona appear to be on an upward trajectory under club legend Xavi, but once again failed to qualify for the Champions League knockout rounds.
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      Instead the Blaugrana have dropped into the Europa League playoffs, and will face a titanic clash with Manchester United in February.
      Meanwhile, Atletico are struggling under Diego Simeone this season having already been knocked out of the Champions League and sitting fifth in LaLiga.
      With both outfits struggling to overcome their Champions League demons, Tuchel could be brought in to remedy the situation.
      The 49-year-old masterminded an improbable Champions League victory with Chelsea months after being appointed.
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      Success continued to flow for the Blues as they won the Club World Cup and Super Cup while also losing out on penalties in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
      Chelsea were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the third round by Manchester City, meaning their next game is not until December 27 when they face Bournemouth. More

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      Chelsea announce Christopher Vivell as new technical director after stealing sought-after chief from RB Leipzig

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      CHELSEA have appointed the highly-sought after Christopher Vivell as their new technical director.The position was vacant at Stamford Bridge following Marina Granovskaia’s summer departure after a major shake-up by owner Todd Boehly.
      Christoper Vivell has succeeded Marina Granovskaia as Blues technical directorCredit: AFP
      Chelsea were without a technical director following Marina Granovskaia’s exitCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTD
      But Vivell – who helped unearth Erling Haaland during his time with Red Bull Salzburg – has now succeeded the Russian.
      An excerpt of a club statement read: “Chelsea FC is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Vivell.
      “He joins immediately as the new technical director of Chelsea FC.
      “Vivell comes to Chelsea from a previous role with RB Leipzig in his native Germany where he was responsible for recruitment and scouting across all age groups.
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      “During his time there he also co-ordinated the overall strategy for squad building and recruitment among Red Bull’s wider football group.
      “Vivell previously spent five years with Leipzig’s sister club RB Salzburg in Austria as head of scouting and recruitment and prior to that was first-team scout at Hoffenheim.”
      Vivell, 36, is looking forward to sinking his teeth into his new role, saying: “Chelsea are building the most exciting project in global football and I’m extremely proud to be joining the club.
      “There is so much potential for the club to continue to succeed, develop and grow.
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      “Under the new ownership, Graham Potter and the broader sporting team, there is a clear and sustainable philosophy underpinned by performance analysis, data and innovation, and I am looking forward to playing a part in that.”
      Blues co-owner and chairman Todd Boehly said: “We are delighted that Christopher is taking up this important leadership role at the club.
      “His work in Germany and Austria speaks for itself.
      Christopher Vivell helped discover Erling Haaland during his time with RB SalzburgCredit: Getty
      “We are confident he will continue on his impressive trajectory here at Chelsea.
      “He will provide important support to Graham and the ownership group and play a vital part in advancing our overall vision for the club.”
      Chelsea will resume their Premier League campaign on Tuesday, welcoming Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge. More

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      Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea transfer blow with Real Madrid confident of £100m-plus Jude Bellingham signing

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      REAL MADRID believe they have won the race to sign Jude Bellingham in a £100million-plus deal.The teenage England star has the pick of LaLiga giants Real, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
      Jude Bellingham is one of the highest-rated youngsters in world footballCredit: Getty
      He was superb in England’s midfield throughout the World CupCredit: PA
      But Carlo Ancelotti’s Real have become increasingly confident that, after courting him throughout 2022, Bellingham, 19, will snub a Premier League move and make a big switch to Spain next summer.
      Liverpool are desperate to sign him, with manager Jurgen Klopp believing that Borussia Dortmund ace Bellingham — who enjoyed a fine World Cup with England — will soon become the world’s best midfielder.
      In Qatar, both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson told the player about the merits of featuring for the Reds.
      City feel they are not out of the race and are expected to up their bid to land Bellingham, who moved from Birmingham to Dortmund for £30m in the summer of 2020.
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      But Ancelotti and Real feel the chance to become a Bernabeu icon will seal the deal.
      All of the clubs, even those with limitless pots of cash such as City and PSG, have been made aware that wages are not important for Bellingham — only how a move would benefit him football-wise.
      As SunSport revealed last week, United boss Erik ten Hag is planning a £200m double whammy to land Bellingham and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.
      Ten Hag’s problem is Bellingham turned down United to join Dortmund.
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      Club legends Sir Alex Ferguson, Eric Cantona and Bryan Robson were all sent to meet the player but failed to persuade him to move to Old Trafford.
      Since joining the German giants, Bellingham has contributed 19 goals and 21 assists in 112 games.
      He was also handed the club captaincy earlier this season, before thriving with England in Qatar.
      Carlo Ancelotti is keen to land Bellingham in the summerCredit: The Times More