Chelsea transfer news

CHELSEA want to kick-off contract negotiations with Mateo Kovacic, according to reports.The Croatian has emerged as a key man in the heart of Graham Potter’s midfield in recent weeks.
Chelsea want to extend Mateo Kovacic’s stayCredit: Getty
Amid uncertainty surrounding Kovacic’s fellow midfield stalwarts N’Golo Kante and Jorginho, the Blues want to tie the 28-year-old down.
Both Kante and Jorginho are set to be out of contract at the end of the season, with neither close to signing an extension at present.
Kovacic, meanwhile, is contracted until 2024.
According to the Standard, the Blues want to enter talks with the former Real Madrid man after the World Cup, with a view to getting a deal signed early next year.
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They add that Kovacic would be happy to extend his deal, having settled well in West London.
He lives in the capital with wife Izabel and their two-year-old son.
Kovacic joined Chelsea on an initial loan deal in 2018, before making the move permanent a year later.
He has played under Maurizio Sarri, Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel and now Potter at Stamford Bridge, making himself a key man for all of them.
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The midfielder has made 197 appearances for Chelsea, most notably helping them win the Champions League in 2020.
It was his fourth triumph in the competition, having won it three times with Madrid.
Kovacic, who has won 83 caps for his country, suffered with knee problems earlier this season – but Chelsea are relaxed over his injury situation.
Regular midfield partner Kante is set to be out for the next four months after suffering a recurrence of his hamstring injury.
The Frenchman, 31, hasn’t featured since August.
N’Golo Kante briefly returned to training earlier this month before suffering a setbackCredit: Getty More

CHELSEA have confirmed the appointment of Joe Shields as their new transfer guru.The talent-spotter joins from Southampton after Ralph Hasenhuttl revealed the move earlier this month.
Chelsea have confirmed the appointment of transfer guru Joe Shields from SouthamptonCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
And Shields’ official new role at Chelsea is Co-Director of Recruitment and Talent.
He only joined Saints as chief scout in July after nine years at Manchester City.
Shields raided his old side for top youngsters including Romeo Lavia and Gavin Bazunu.
And Chelsea owner Todd Boehly hopes Shields can use his analytical skills to identify more top young talent.
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Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali said: “Joe is another great addition to Chelsea, and we’re thrilled to have him on board. 
“We have a clear plan and will adopt a modern and data-driven philosophy, focused on elite emerging talent. 
“We’re assembling a deep and collaborative management team who are eager to build a continued sustained winner at Chelsea. 
“Joe has a great track record and understanding of the game and emerging talent. 
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“We know we have another strong leader and a team player who will help us continue to build our world-class football organisation.”
Shields becomes Chelsea’s second big appointment in as many days.
That’s after Monaco guru Laurence Stewart was hired in a newly-created transfer role.
There could be a third announcement shortly, with ex-RB Leipzig chief Christopher Vivell set to join as technical director.
And Chelsea are hopeful of landing a new sporting director too after holding interviews earlier this month. More

CHELSEA are plotting a move for Palmeiras wonderkid Endrick, according to reports.There are believed to be several European giants tracking the 16-year-old.
Chelsea and PSG want to sign Palmeiras wonderkid EndrickCredit: Reuters
The youngster has broken into the Palmeiras first-team this season and is very highly rated by the Brazilian side.
Chelsea have been interested in the striker for some time, according to Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola.
He also claims Endrick has a release clause of just £35million, though could be sold for less.
Paris Saint-Germain are another side reported to be very keen on Endrick and are preparing a £25m bid.
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Transfer chief Luis Campos was in Brazil over the weekend to speak to Palmeiras boss Abel Ferreira about the possibility of signing Endrick.
Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also said to be showing an interest in the wonderkid and sent scouts to watch him in action.
The forward has shown a lot of early promise this season with eight goals in 11 games in all competitions.
Another Brazilian who moved from Palmeiras to the Premier League, Gabriel Jesus, was not as prolific as Endrick in Brazil’s Serie A, having scored four goals in 20 games in his debut season.
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However, reports claim Endrick will not move to Europe before he is 18-years-old.
That means the battle between Chelsea and PSG could rumble on unless his release clause is activated soon. More

CHELSEA are ready to send reserve goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina out on loan amid Kepa Arrizabalaga’s resurgence. The Spanish keeper was once a laughing stock at Stamford Bridge and made a series of high-profile mistakes after his big-money move in 2018.
Slonina may need to be patient for first-team opportunities at ChelseaCredit: Getty
The goalie briefly developed a reputation as a penalty expert before an unfortunate incident in the League Cup final last season once again left him being ridiculed.
But he has experienced a sudden return to form after returning from the Chelsea bench.
An injury to out-of-form Edouard Mendy opened the door for Kepa to return.
And while his opening performances were steady, Kepa really announced his return with a stunning string of saves against Villa.
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His form has kept Mendy on the bench, and means Chelsea have two capable goalkeepers ready to rotate during the busy pre-World Cup schedule.
The Evening Standard report that there is now the possibility of another loan move for Slonina amid Kepa’s upturn in form.
The young American keeper signed a six-year deal in August and was one of a number of summer signings.
Although he is highly-rated, it would likely be difficult for the 18-year-old to hold down a regular place in goal once he returns from his loan to the MLS in January.
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He did train with the first-team for the first time this week under Graham Potter during a trip to London.
The club are believed to be exploring loan options in the Championship or in Europe.
Slonina is in contention to be in the USA squad for the World Cup and will be looking to impress in his final months at Chicago Fire.
Kepa is also on a mission to work his way into his international squad for Qatar.
The Spaniard’s recent form may have done him plenty of favours, with the performance against Villa followed up with decent saves in draws against Brentford and Manchester United. More