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    Chelsea injury fears as Fofana goes off injured in 5-1 friendly win against Brentford with Havertz scoring hat-trick

    A KAI HAVERTZ hat-trick was overshadowed by an injury scare for Wesley Fofana as Chelsea beat Brentford 5-1 in a friendly behind closed doors.Centre-back Fofana “looked upset” as he went off crocked just a week before the Blues resume their Premier League campaign at home to Bournemouth on December 27.
    Defender Wesley Fofana went off seven days before the Prem resumesCredit: Getty
    German World Cup star Kai Havertz bagged a treble in Chelsea’s warm-up clash against BrentfordCredit: Getty
    But the extent of the former Leicester star’s problem has not been revealed.
    Meanwhile, Reece James confirmed his recovery from a knee injury that kept the Chelsea wing-back out of England’s World Cup squad.
    James played an hour of the warm-up game against the Bees, which was played over THREE 45-minute periods.
    But Blues’ midfielder Mason Mount was missing following the Three Lions’ mentally and physically exhausting run to the quarter-finals in Qatar.
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    Most of Chelsea’s World Cup stars are thought to be back in training.
    And some featured alongside youngsters against Brentford in a specially-extended match designed to boost fitness.
    The treble from Havertz followed his impressive double off the bench in Germany’s final World Cup game.
    The former Bayer Leverkusen struck twice in 12 minutes as a 4-2 win over Costa Rica failed to save the Germans from a shock group exit.
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    And the 23-year-old again boosted his chances of more regular starts under Stamford Bridge chief Graham Potter with the star role for his club on Tuesday.
    The concern over Fofana comes after striker Armando Broja was ruled out for possibly the rest of the season due to an injury in last week’s 1-0 friendly victory over Aston Villa in Abu Dhabi.
    The Albanian, 21, needed surgery for a ruptured cruciate ligament. More

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    Chelsea transfer blow as £60m target Anthony Gordon is set to sign new long-term Everton deal

    EVERTON are reportedly close to finalising a new contract for Anthony Gordon.The 21-year-old was the subject of transfer interest from Chelsea in the summer.
    Anthony Gordon is reportedly set to sign a new Everton contractCredit: Getty
    But the Toffees are now on the verge of keeping him at the club long-term, according to the Telegraph.
    In doing so they will stave off any renewed interest in the winger when the January transfer window opens.
    Chelsea previously had several bids turned down for the England U21 star with Everton unwilling to sell their prized asset, who they valued at £60million.
    Tottenham were another team keen on Gordon and were weighing up a January swoop.
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    But a new lucrative deal will see him stay at Goodison.
    His current deal is due to expire in 2025.
    Gordon struggled for form before the World Cup after being a key man in Everton’s escape from relegation last season.
    He has scored just three Premier League goals so far this campaign.
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    The Toffees will be hoping a new and improved contract will put an end to any speculation and settle him down form wise.
    Elsewhere, Alex Iwobi is also reported to be close to penning fresh terms.
    Boss Frank Lampard is eager to reward those who helped kept the club up in dramatic fashion last season.
    Ex-Arsenal ace Iwobi has carried his good form into the current campaign, starting all 15 Prem games before the World Cup break.
    Alex Iwobi is another in line for a new dealCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea star N’Golo Kante ‘wants to sign pre-contract with Barcelona in January as he targets free transfer exit’

    N’GOLO KANTE wants a pre-contract deal with Barcelona in January as he eyes a summer free transfer, reports in Spain say.But Barca are also considering his Chelsea team-mate Jorginho, Leicester’s Youri Tielemans and Real Sociedad star Martín Zubimendi.
    French midfielder N’Golo Kante is reportedly hoping for a free transfer from Chelsea to Barcelona in the summerCredit: Getty
    The Spanish giants have held talks with Kante’s representatives.
    And the Frenchman, 31 is hoping Nou Camp chiefs make a quick decision.
    That’s because he has other options as he nears the end of his contract.
    Juventus and Inter Milan have also been linked with the ex-Leicester hero.
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    But Kante’s fitness record this season could count against him.
    He missed the World Cup with a hamstring injury suffered against Tottenham back in August.
    Sport say Barca rate him as a proven, like-for-like replacement should legend Sergio Busquets depart in the summer.
    But Zubimendi reportedly tops the wishlist of Nou Camp boss Xavi.
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    Manchester United were also mentioned in connection with the 23-year-old last month amid claims they are prepared to activate his £52million release clause at Sociedad.
    And new Aston Villa chief Unai Emery also hopes to tempt Zubimendi, whose contract runs until 2027.
    It’s also believed Barca have monitored Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan and Wolves’ main man Ruben Neves. More

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    Chelsea and Liverpool in transfer scrap for Brighton star Moises Caicedo after stunning World Cup displays for Ecuador

    CHELSEA are Liverpool are keen on signing Brighton star Moises Caicedo.The Prem duo are said to be impressed by the midfielder’s form for Ecuador at the World Cup.
    Chelsea and Liverpool are keen on Moises Caicedo after his fine World CupCredit: Getty
    Caicedo played every minute in Qatar as his side narrowly missed out on a place in the knockouts.
    That comes despite his goal against Senegal in their final group game, which at that point had the South Americans on course to reach the last-16.
    Caicedo’s form at the tournament follows on from his performances for Brighton throughout this year.
    The 21-year-old has established himself as a permanent figure at the Amex, stating every league game this season.
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    And Sky Sports claim both Chelsea and Liverpool are interested in his services.
    But the report states that Brighton have “no intention” of selling the midfielder and don’t feel under any pressure to cash in.
    Earlier this year, SunSport revealed the Seagulls were willing to offer Caicedo pay rise and a new contract.
    Caicedo, who joined for just £5m, has more than three-and-a-half years left on his current deal.
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    But their resolve might be severely tested by the top six giants, who are both desperately hoping to bolster their midfield departments.
    Chelsea are already on course to make RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku their first signing under Graham Potter’s guidance.
    The Frenchman is expected to arrive at Stamford Bridge next summer in a £53m deal. More

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    Man Utd transfer boost as Christian Pulisic leaves door open to Chelsea exit saying ‘anything can happen’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have been handed a boost after Christian Pulisic left the door OPEN to leave Chelsea.The American has entered the final 18 months of his Stamford Bridge contract and has several Prem clubs chasing his signature.
    Manchester United were linked with the Chelsea attacker in the summerCredit: Getty
    One of those is United, while Arsenal and Newcastle are also keen.
    Erik ten Hag tried to bring the winger to Old Trafford in the summer with the Red Devils interested in a shock loan move.
    Ultimately, despite serious doubts over his Blues future, Pulisic stayed in West London.
    But he’s down the pecking order under Graham Potter, making just four starts since he arrived.
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    Pulisic matched that tally in less than two weeks at the World Cup.
    He was recently quizzed on his Chelsea future, and while he said the Blues remain his focus right now, he failed to rule out leaving in the future.
    Speaking on the Indirect Podcast, he said: “I mean, right now I’m absolutely back at Chelsea and focused and ready to finish the season.
    “But you know how things work in football.
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    “Things change quickly and anything can happen.
    “At the moment I am just pushing myself in training and working at Chelsea because that’s where I am right now.”
    Pulisic returned to training at Cobham earlier this week following his exploits at the World Cup for the US. More

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    Fans all say the same thing as Chelsea transfer target Josko Gvardiol scores sensational header for Croatia vs Morocco

    FANS have all been praising Chelsea transfer target Josko Gvardiol after he scored for Croatia in the World Cup third-place playoff.The defender netted with a leaping header after Luka Modric’s cross to put his side in front against the African nation.
    Josko Gvardiol scored a brilliant header against MoroccoCredit: AP
    The defender has been impressive at the World CupCredit: Reuters
    Croatia faced Morocco in the clash after both sides lost their World Cup semi-final matches against Argentina and France.
    Despite taking the lead thanks to Gvardiol’s goal, it was quickly cancelled out as Moroccan defender Achraf Dari scored just less than two minutes later.
    Gvardiol has been one of the stars of the tournament with his impressive performances in the back line.
    The 20-year-old RB Leipzig star was already a wanted man, and his goal is a reminder of how good he can be.
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    Chelsea are one of the clubs tipped to be interested in signing the defender.
    After his goals, fans were quick to say how good he is on social media.
    One wrote: “Running out of words to describe how good of a footballer that Josko Gvardiol is.”
    A second commented: “Josko Gvardiol is the best centre-back in the 2022 World Cup”.
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    A third said: “Fine goal by a quality player”.
    A fourth added: “Josko Gvardiol’s goal is a prize that football gives him after an outstanding World Cup”.
    As well as Chelsea, Gvardiol has attracted interest from other Premier League sides such as Manchester City.
    The Citizens are said to be lining up a £110million move for the defender to strengthen their backline. More

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    Chelsea target Brazil wonderkid Vitor Roque, 17, but Athletico Paranaense striker has amazing £87m buyout fee

    CHELSEA will try and sign Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque, according to reports.But the Blues may face a tough task to land the youngster – because he has a staggering £87million buyout clause.
    Chelsea want to sign Brazilian teenager Vitor RoqueCredit: Getty
    The 17-year-old Roque is one of the hot prospects for the future of Brazilian football alongside Endrick.
    Real Madrid pipped the Blues to land 16-year-old Endrick for £60m this week.
    But according to AS, Chelsea are leading the charge for Roque from Athletico Paranaense.
    However, Paris Saint-Germain are said to be very interested, Barcelona are keen and Real Madrid will also try their luck.
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    The rapid and bullish striker is attracting plenty of attention with his performances in the Brazilian Serie A, but with his dribbling ability he is equally effective on the wing.
    He made his debut aged 16 – although he was dragged off after just 18 minutes – before helping Ronaldo’s club Cruzeiro earn promotion to Serie A and then joined Paranaesne in April 2022.
    He has racked up seven goals in 36 appearances since the switch.
    Roque featured in the Copa Libertadores final – a 1-0 defeat to Flamengo – and is under contract until 2027.
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    But because he turns 18 in February, he will be eligible to move to Europe in the summer transfer window.
    Roque may well follow in the footsteps of compatriots Endrick, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior by making the transfer aged 18.
    However, with all three of those heading to the Bernabeu, Chelsea will hope to buck the trend with the latest talent.
    And he would fit the new transfer strategy under Todd Boehly of snapping up exciting teenage players with the view of developing them into first-team stars.
    The likes of Eddie Beach (18), Carney Chukwuemeka (18), Gabriel Slonina (18), Omari Hutchinson (18), Zak Sturge (18) and Cesare Casadei (19) all signed for Chelsea in the summer. More

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    Chelsea transfer for striker Nkunku is ‘signed and sealed’ with RB Leipzig star to join Blues in summer for £53m

    CHELSEA’s deal to sign RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku is “signed” and “sealed”, according to reports.The 25-year-old is expected to link up with his new team-mates in July and will cost the Blues £53m.
    Chelsea look set to win the race to sign Christopher NkunkuCredit: Getty
    Chelsea have been hoping to conclude a deal for the Frenchman for some time, with SunSport exclusively reporting in September of a “secret” medical.
    Nkunku underwent a the examination earlier that month with a view to signing for the Blues in 2023.
    And guru Fabrizio Romano has now given the transfer his “Here We Go” approval.
    The Italian journalist said: “Christopher Nkunku deal, signed and sealed — here we go now confirmed.
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    “All documents and contracts are also signed, it’s 100% close.
    “#CFC French striker can be considered new Chelsea player, starting from July 2023.
    “It’s all signed/sealed with RB Leipzig and player side.”
    Nkunku is currently out injured after missing the World Cup due to a leg problem sustained in training ahead of the tournament.
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    But the forward is expected to return in the second half of the Bundesliga season, where he’ll be hoping to continue his fine form.
    Prior to the break, the France international had scored 17 goals and registered four assists in 24 outings.
    He’ll have to go some way to beat his tally of 55 goal contributions from last term, but he’s well on track.
    Nkunku will become Graham Potter’s first signing as Chelsea manager. More