Chelsea transfer news

CHELSEA boss Graham Potter has hinted at a stunning transfer swoop for AC Milan’s Rafael Leao.That’s after making a U-turn on talking about players at other clubs.
Graham Potter has hinted at a transfer swoop for AC Milan star Rafael LeaoCredit: Getty
Potter has previously refused to talk about reported transfer targetsCredit: Getty
Former Brighton gaffer Potter is already impressing at Stamford Bridge after just four games, leading his new side to three straight wins.
However, the tactician was not in the mood to discuss targets last week when asked if Chelsea remained interested in Manchester United misfit Cristiano Ronaldo.
Potter said: “We can spend all day with these questions but I’m not going to speak about this.
“If they are not our players, I am not going to speak to them.”
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However, the Chelsea manager has now hinted at a possible swoop for Leao by openly praising Milan’s star forward ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash at the San Siro.
Former Blues boss Thomas Tuchel had an approach rejected for the 23-year-old over the summer.
But it’s reckoned owner Todd Boehly remains determined to bring Leao to Stamford Bridge.
The Portugal star has impressed this season with four goals and four assists in eight games.
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And Potter admits he has been blown away by Leao’s form for the Italian champions.
However, the gaffer refused to delve further into his interest, respecting the fact that Leao is tied down to Milan until 2024.
Potter said: “You can see Leao’s quality and skills, it’s obvious.
“But he is part of a strong team. We have to respect that [he is under contract].”
Leao will certainly be out to impress this evening, having been on the receiving end in Milan’s 3-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge last week.
The Italians remain hopeful of tying Leao down to a new contract, but the player is thought to be keen on a Premier League switch.
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Chelsea have built ties with Milan in recent years, allowing them to sign Fikayo Tomori for just £25million in 2021 after an impressive loan spell.
They also let Olivier Giroud join Milan for a nominal fee in the same window, with the striker and Tomori both playing a key role in the club’s first Serie A title win since 2011. More

AC MILAN are reportedly ready to reignite their interest in Chelsea outcast Hakim Ziyech.And Graham Potter could be open to an exit after failing to start Ziyech in his first four matches.
AC Milan are ready to return for Chelsea misfit Hakim ZiyechCredit: Reuters
Tuttomercatoweb claims Milan boss Stefano Pioli remains interested in the winger after a failed summer swoop.
Ziyech was expecting to depart Stamford Bridge after falling out with Thomas Tuchel.
But Milan could not strike a deal after refusing to meet Chelsea’s asking price – believed to be the £33million they paid Ajax for Ziyech in 2020.
The Moroccan’s former Dutch side also failed with a late bid in August.
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Meanwhile, an approach from Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was blocked by his own club.
And Ziyech has since been left in limbo, with several dud performances reflecting the situation.
However, Milan are preparing another rescue effort in January, and Chelsea are reckoned to have softened their stance.
Ziyech has made just two appearances off the bench in Potter’s first four games at the helm.
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And with RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku on his way, the Blues could be ready to let Ziyech leave for the San Siro on loan.
It’s reckoned talks are already at an early stage between the two sides.
And Milan are prepared to include a clause to make Ziyech’s loan permanent next summer.
It’s not the first time the clubs have done business recently, with Fikayo Tomori joining Milan 18 months ago.
Olivier Giroud also quit Chelsea for the Italians on a free transfer in 2021, firing Milan to last season’s title.
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The two rivals met on the pitch last week in the Champions League, with Chelsea cruising to a 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge.
They play again on Tuesday in Milan, with both sides needing a victory to put them on course for the knockout stages. More

CHELSEA have reportedly added Spain star Yeremy Pino to their shopping list for next summer.And a deal could also be on the cards for Italy ace Lorenzo Pellegrini too.
Chelsea have added Villarreal’s Yeremy Pino to their summer shopping listCredit: Getty
The Blues are also looking at Roma captain Lorenzo PellegriniCredit: Getty
The Telegraph claims Todd Boehly is targeting the two attacking midfielders as he seeks an overhaul of Chelsea’s frontline.
Pino, 19, has been starring for Villarreal since 2020 and already has 15 goals in 86 games.
It’s reckoned the versatile teen, who can also play out wide, would cost around £40million.
Pino is also thought to have attracted interest from Arsenal.
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Pellegrini, 26, would also cost a pretty penny after becoming Roma captain.
The playmaker, linked with mega-rich Newcastle, has 35 goals in 202 outings.
And he is a favourite of ex-Blues manager Jose Mourinho.
Pino and Pellegrini have emerged on Boehly’s shortlist as the American sweats over a new deal for Mason Mount.
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The England star, 23, is out of contract in 2024.
But he is yet to strike terms with Chelsea despite seeing team-mate Reece James land a new £250,000-a-week package.
Chelsea chiefs remain confident a deal will be done, with Fabrizio Romano claiming an agreement is close.
But the Blues are also keen to ensure there is a contingency plan in case of a late problem.
New Chelsea gaffer Graham Potter is certainly hopeful of keeping Mount after seeing the ace bag two assists in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Wolves.
Speaking after the game, Potter said: “I really liked his performance today.
“He linked the game well, he and Christian [Pulisic] were a threat down that left side, he made lots of runs in behind, sacrificed himself for the team, worked hard when we didn’t have the ball, so it was a really good performance by him.
“I’ve no doubt about Mason Mount at all. Sometimes the team doesn’t function as well and so the individuals don’t function as well.
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“Any young player knows football is a bit up and down, you have moments when it doesn’t go your way and it’s about what you can learn from that. 
“He’s got that character, that personality, to continue to develop. He’s a delight to work with.” More

CHELSEA are reportedly close to handing Mason Mount a new long-term contract.Team-mate Reece James has already committed his future to Stamford Bridge this term.
Chelsea are set to hand Mason Mount a new deal following Reece James’s extensionCredit: Getty
And Fabrizio Romano claims Mount is set to follow after impressing new boss Graham Potter.
Mount, 23, is already in his fourth season as a senior Chelsea player following loans at Derby and Vitesse.
He has 30 goals in 171 games for his boyhood club.
And after starring under both Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel, Mount is looking equally sharp in Potter’s fluid new system.
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The England star laid on two assists in Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Wolves on Saturday.
But new Blues owner Todd Boehly won’t relax until Mount extends his deal for at least five more years.
Doubts over his future emerged when Roman Abramovich was hit by UK sanctions, leaving Chelsea unable to conduct business.
SunSport revealed in April that Manchester City and Liverpool were both monitoring Mount’s situation.
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And Man United were also linked with a stunning switch over the summer.
Mount’s current contract expires in 2024.
However, Romano now says Boehly and Chelsea have made his new deal a “priority.”
There is no agreement just yet, but all parties are “confident” it is just a matter of time before pen is put to paper.
Mount is likely to see a huge pay rise to make him one of the club’s top earners.
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Team-mate James now pockets £250,000-a-week after becoming one of Chelsea’s best players.
And Mount could see his £80k-a-week salary soar to a similar sum. More