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    Graham Potter reveals key reason behind Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s sensational Chelsea form after stalling at Arsenal

    GRAHAM POTTER reckons that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s blistering Chelsea form has been a result of improved fitness levels.The former Arsenal captain, 33, signed for the Blues from Barcelona late in the transfer window.
    Graham Potter has enjoyed working with Pierre-Emerick AubameyangCredit: PA
    Aubameyang, 33, celebrates his goal against MilanCredit: Rex
    He initially joined to reunite with his former Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel – but played just an hour for the German before he was sacked by new owner Todd Boehly.
    But Aubameyang has flourished since the arrival of Potter – bagging three goals in four matches under the former Brighton gaffer.
    Following the Gabonese striker’s latest effort in the 2-0 win over AC Milan on Tuesday, Potter was asked if he could take any credit for the striker’s form.
    The 47-year-old modestly replied: “No, we’ve not done anything special, it’s all down to him.
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    “He has been building his fitness up. He had a difficult summer.
    “So it’s been a case of building up his match minutes. The more he gets, the stronger he gets… and the more we understand him, the more he understands us.
    “Everyone knows his quality and it’s great for him. He looks like he is enjoying his football and scoring goals is important.”
    Aubameyang bagged Chelsea’s second goal of the night, expertly converting Mason Mount’s smart pass after Jorginho had given the Blues the lead from the penalty spot.
    The night was a special one for Aubameyang, who played in Milan’s academy without ever breaking into their first team.
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    After the match he wrote on Instagram: “Big dream achieved!!
    “I used to come to this stadium to see my brothers playing and never had the chance to play at San Siro myself, now it’s done.
    “Another great team performance come on Chelsea.” More

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    Chelsea ‘wanting to terminate Denis Zakaria’s loan transfer in January after flop spell and open to Hakim Ziyech offers’

    CHELSEA have already had enough of loanee Denis Zakaria and want to offload him in January, according to reports.Zakaria joined the club in a deadline day loan deal as extra cover for the Blues’ midfield ranks.
    Denis Zakaria could be offloaded in January despite failing to play a single mnuteCredit: Getty
    Hakim Ziyech also looks set to leave the club in JanuaryCredit: Getty
    But he is yet to feature since his arrival from Juventus and it appears he will soon be one of the club’s January departures.
    Playmaker Hakim Ziyech is also up for sale again.
    The Moroccan was already on the fringes under Thomas Tuchel, but he has also struggled for game-time since Graham Potter’s arrival – playing just 12 minutes since the Englishman took over.
    According to 90min, neither player has a future at Stamford Bridge.
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    Chelsea hope Juventus part ways with under-fire boss Massimiliano Allegri and his hypothetical successor wants Zakaria back at the club.
    However, should he feature for the Blues before the winter window he would be unable to join a third club due to Fifa rules dictating a player cannot represent more than two clubs in a season.
    Indeed, Potter went so far as to hand Carney Chukwuemeka a debut ahead of Zakaria against Wolves.
    Meanwhile, Ziyech’s days at Chelsea have been numbered for a while, and the club did try to offload him in the summer.
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    Interest from AC Milan and Ajax remains, and it is hoped a deal can be struck with one of these clubs.
    American owner Todd Boehly is planning a drastic overhaul of the club’s midfield department, and these departures could help pave the way for the likes of Christopher Nkunku. More

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    Chelsea fans all say the same thing as Reece James pockets Blues transfer target Rafael Leao in Champions League AGAIN

    CHELSEA fans are all in agreement after watching Reece James pocket AC Milan star Rafael Leao for the second time in a week.The Blues right-back put in a player of the match display at Stamford Bridge and was brilliant again in the reverse fixture at the San Siro on Tuesday.
    Reece James expertly kept Rafael Leao out of both games against ChelseaCredit: AP
    James was forced off in the second-half in worrying scenesCredit: Getty
    That was until he had to be replaced just after the hour mark by Cesar Azpilicueta through injury.
    James jarred his knee and limped off, sparking concerns that he may be sidelined for the World Cup, which gets underway next month.
    But yet again in the Champions League, James was superb in keeping Chelsea transfer target Leao, 23, quiet.
    And Blues fans are now all saying Leao should secure a move to Stamford Bridge after being unable to get the better of James.
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    One wrote on Twitter: “Rafael Leao if you can’t beat Reece James just join him man, join him. It’s simple!!”
    Another said: “Leao should come to Chelsea just so he doesn’t have to face James again.”
    And a third added: “If I was Leao I’d join Chelsea just so that I wouldn’t have to play against Reece James anymore.”
    Leao was a summer transfer target for Chelsea as new owner Todd Boehly came in and splashed the cash.
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    AC Milan technical director Paolo Maldini even confirmed the Blues had made a verbal offer for the winger.
    Boehly and Co are said to be expected to reignite their interest in Portuguese ace Leao when the transfer window reopens in January.
    But reports suggest they could have a battle on their hands to secure his signature.
    Paris Saint-Germain are now believed to have entered the race to sign Leao.
    The French champions see him as a perfect replacement for Lionel Messi, who has been linked with an emotional return to Barcelona. More

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    Chelsea boss Graham Potter hints at Rafael Leao transfer from AC Milan after making U-turn on talking about players

    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

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    Chelsea fear N’Golo Kante has suffered ANOTHER injury blow as Graham Potter says midfielder ‘had a reaction in training’

    GRAHAM POTTER has revealed his fear that N’Golo Kante has suffered another injury setback.Chelsea are preparing to face AC Milan at the San Siro in the Champions League on Tuesday.
    FILE – Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Burnley at the Stamford Bridge stadium in London, Nov. 6, 2021. Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante has suffered a fresh setback in his fight to shake off his latest hamstring injury. The France midfielder did not travel to Italy on […]Credit: AP
    N’Golo Kante has suffered a fresh injury blow at ChelseaCredit: Reuters
    However, the Blues will still be without their 31-year-old French World Cup winning midfielder.
    Kante last played in mid-August after suffering a hamstring injury but Potter was hoping to have the star back soon.
    However, he has now revealed that the ace broke down in training and that Chelsea’s medical team are now awaiting the test result to determine the damage.
    Potter said: “N’Golo, we are just waiting — he has had a reaction in training so we are just waiting on the news from that.
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    “It’s certainly not ideal and it’s disappointing for him and for us. We have to wait and see the extent of it and go from there.”
    Meanwhile, a fresh report has claimed that Kante does NOT want to leave Chelsea next summer.
    He is available on a free transfer in 2023 when his Blues contract expires.
    Negotiations have stalled between Kante and the West Londoners over the length of a potential extension.
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    The 31-year-old wants a three to four year deal comparable to the one given to new signing Kalidou Koulibaly over the summer.
    But, wary of his injury record in recent seasons, Chelsea only want to commit to a two-year deal.
    Kante is happy living in London and has even reportedly been offered to Arsenal and Tottenham by his representatives.
    But according to French outlet Le10 Sport, his preference would be to stay at Chelsea. More

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    ‘The answer is no’ – N’Golo Kante ‘makes shock decision over Chelsea future with ace available on free transfer in 2023’

    N’GOLO KANTE does NOT want to leave Chelsea next summer, according to reports.The Frenchman is available on a free transfer in 2023 when his Blues contract expires.
    N’Golo Kante is set to be out of contract next yearCredit: Alamy
    Negotiations have stalled between Kante and the West Londoners over the length of a potential extension.
    The 31-year-old wants a three to four year deal comparable to the one given to new signing Kalidou Koulibaly over the summer.
    But, wary of his injury record in recent seasons, Chelsea only want to commit to a two-year deal.
    Kante is happy living in London and has even reportedly been offered to Arsenal and Tottenham by his representatives.
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    But according to French outlet Le10 Sport, his preference would be to stay at Chelsea.
    The midfielder has not played since the 2-2 draw with Tottenham on August 14.
    He is nearing a return to action, but boss Graham Potter is eager not to rush him.
    Ahead of last weekend’s 3-0 win over Wolves, the 47-year-old said: “He’s doing more and more integration with the team. He’s still not ready for the weekend but getting closer.
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    “It is what it is, there’s nothing we can do, the injury happened and now it’s about trying to get him back fit and getting him as ready as we can so he can play for a sustained period.
    “He’s been in and out with injuries over a period of time so we have to make sure that when he’s back he’s back for good and strong and enjoying his football.
    “So there’s no frustration from my perspective, it’s just something we have to deal with.” More

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    AC Milan ‘reignite transfer interest in Chelsea outcast Hakim Ziyech as Italian champions target January swoop’

    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

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    Chelsea face fight to keep hold of Jorginho as Italian’s agent ‘spotted in Barcelona ahead of 2023 transfer swoop’

    CHELSEA ace Jorginho’s agent, Joao Santos, has been spotted in Barcelona and there may be contact with the Catalan club, according to reports.The Champions League-winning Italian, 30, is out of contract next summer and will be free to negotiate a pre-contract with foreign clubs from January.
    Barca hold an interest in Chelsea midfielder JorginhoCredit: Getty
    He wouldn’t be short of suitors, and one of the clubs who hold a concrete interest are Barca, Tuttomercato reports.
    And Chelsea ace Jorginho’s agent, Santos, has been spotted in the Spanish city.
    There may also already be contact between Jorginho’s camp and Barca ahead of a potential summer 2023 move.
    Barca have utilised the free agent market in recent seasons.
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    A number of top stars from across Europe have landed at the Nou Camp without Barca paying a transfer fee.
    Marcos Alonso, Hector Bellerin and Andreas Christensen all arrived from the Premier League in the summer.
    Barca also pulled off one of the transfers of the season when they snapped up Franck Kessie for free after his contract at AC Milan expired.
    Director of football, Mateu Alemany, says the club will continue to focus on the free transfer market going forward amid reports legend Lionel Messi could return next summer when his deal at Paris Saint-Germain expires.
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    Alemany said: “More and more we have to focus on the market of free players.
    “This year we have done it with Kessie, Christensen, Marcos Alonso and Bellerin, and there are many more to come.” More