Chelsea transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea and Arsenal blow as Victor Osimhen ‘chooses next team’ and will wait until end of transfer window for dream move

      by

      VICTOR OSIMHEN is tipped to reject Chelsea and Arsenal – so he can wait up to two weeks for his dream move.The Napoli striker has a £100million-plus release clause in a contract expiring in June 2026.Napoli main man Victor Osimhen could be off and running at the end of the season, but maybe not to the Premier LeagueCredit: RexAnd Premier League giants have shown the strongest interest in the Nigerian over the past two seasons.Manchester United were linked with the 25-year-old at one stage.But Paris Saint-Germain have stepped up their hunt over the summer.And it’s claimed the battle for his signature is now between just three clubs – Chelsea, Arsenal and the French giants.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg believes PSG would have to offload a big-name attacker before they could lure Osimhen.Portugal star Goncalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani are the two main players on that list.And Plettenberg reckons Osimhen has not only set his heart on joining PSG, he is also prepared to hold on until the eleventh hour of the transfer window to seal a deal.Chelsea’s faltering hopes to sign the goal-getter have been matched by their frustration at failing to permanently move out 31-year-old frontman Romelu Lukaku.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd whatever happens, Osimhen is said to be determined to leave Napoli.The ex-Lille ace might fancy the idea of succeeding Kylian Mbappe as PSG’s main man.SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesMbappe netted emphatically on his Real Madrid debut on Wednesday as the Spaniards won the Uefa Super Cup with a 2-0 victory over Atalanta.Osimhen notched 41 goals in 57 matches over the last two seasons in Serie A.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

    • 250 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      England star Mason Mount turning supercar garage at £4m mansion into a hi-tech golf simulator – despite course NEXT DOOR

      by

      MAN Utd star Mason Mount has kicked off plans to turn a garage into a golf simulator room at his £4million mansion – next door to a golf course.The midfielder has splashed out on a luxury six-bed new build property in Cheshire.Mason Mount is looking to transform part of his homeCredit: GettyThe football star is known to be a fan of golf and wants to perfect his swinging techniqueCredit: GettySo he has decided to transform a car garage to a high-tech golf simulatorCredit: https://www.instagram.com/masonmount/Mount also applied to his local council for planning permission to build a new gym extensionCredit: https://www.instagram.com/masonmount/His new abode comes with an array of luxury features, which include a pool room, gym and two cinemas.The sprawling house backs on to a prestigious golf resort, providing the home with picturesque views.But, seemingly not happy with just his skills on the football pitch, Mason, 25, is also determined to perfect his golf swing.Now, it seems that the footballer intends to convert an existing garage into a home golf simulator room, despite the close proximity to the course. READ MORE ON MASON MOUNTIt comes after the sports star was seen driving around a golf course last year in a garish bright red Ferrari golf buggy.The midfielder took time out to relax and practice his swing ahead of his first competitive debut following his £60million move from Chelsea.Mount has also applied to his local council for planning permission to build a new gym extension with a sauna, steam room and study.But he needs planning permission because the proposed works are around trees protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), in a green belt area.Most read in FootballHis plush double-fronted pad was built just two years ago and boasts full-length windows, five bathrooms, an open plan kitchen and dining area, orangery and office.It also has a number of reception rooms, a first floor glazed balcony with decking and a second cinema in the loft.Former Chelsea team-mates Mason Mount and Jorginho embrace after Man Utd’s pre-season defeat to Arsenal Officials at the local council gave the go-ahead for the new build despite an objection from a neighbour.In a letter to the council, they wrote: “I don’t believe another property on [the lane] has three full floors and, looking at the proposal, I don’t believe would be in keeping with the area.”Planners are expected to make a decision on the proposed garage conversion and gym extension in October.Other famous footballers who live nearby include Everton’s Jordan Pickford and Michael Keane, and Man Utd goalkeeper Tom Heaton.Close neighbours include Everton’s Jordan PickfordCredit: GettyHis abode features a pool room, gym and two cinemasCredit: GettyIt also has a number of reception rooms and a first floor glazed balcony with deckingCredit: @masonmount More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Maresca says he’s ‘not the guy’ to fix Chelsea’s squad unless they ‘pay me double’ with FIFTEEN outcasts in bloated team

      by

      ENZO MARESCA says he’s “not the guy” to fix Chelsea’s bloated squad on the eve of the new Premier League season.The Blues have already brought in nine new players in the summer transfer window, spending around £160million.Enzo Maresca insists he is not in charge of trimming down Chelsea’s squadCredit: GettyConor Gallagher is one of a host of Chelsea players linked with a move away from Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyThey are also still being linked with additional stars such as Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho.Astonishingly, the size of their squad two days before their Premier League opener with Manchester City stands at 47 players.SunSport has listed nine potential departures before the window shuts on August 30 – including Romelu Lukaku, Trevoh Chalobah, Kepa Arrizabalaga, David Datro Fofana and Armando Broja.But offloading players has proven tough for Chelsea, with Conor Gallagher forced to fly back from Spain after his Atletico Madrid move stalled.READ MORE ON CHELSEANow manager Maresca, 44, who took over from Mauricio Pochettino in June, has categorically stated it is the job of co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart to get rid of players – NOT his.He said “This question is for Paul and Laurence, who are there to try and find solutions [to trim the squad].”I am not the guy in charge to find solutions for loan players. If not, they have to pay me double!”He also added: “At the moment if I start to think I have 43 players it is not a good thing, I have 28 training with me.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRomelu Lukaku is expected to leave before the end of the windowCredit: GettyTrevor Chalobah is another the Blues are trying to offloadCredit: GettyChelsea squadChelsea’s 47-man squad:KepaRobert SanchezFilip JorgensenMarcus BettinelliDjordje PetrovicLucas BergstromAxel DisasiMarc CucurellaTosin AdarabioyoBenoit BadiashileLevi ColwillTrevoh ChalobahBen ChilwellReece JamesMalo GustoWesley FofanaBashir HumphreysJosh AcheampongEnzo FernandezMykhailo MudrykLesley UgochukwuCarney ChukwuemekaCole PalmerKiernan Dewsbury-HallConor GallagherMoises CaicedoTino AnjorinCesare CasadeiRenato VeigaRomeo LaviaOmari KellymanDavid Datro FofanaRomelu LukakuPedro NetoRaheem SterlingArmando BrojaMason BurstowNoni MaduekeNicolas JacksonChristopher NkunkuAlex MatosDeivid WashingtonMarc GuiuAngeloDiego MoreiraRonnie StutterTyrique GeorgeChelsea are the top selling club of the 21st Century having raked in a remarkle £1.6BILLION across the last 24 years.But the money pumped into transfers since owner Todd Boehly took over from Roman Abramovich in 2022 has been on a seismic scale.Chelsea have raked in staggering £1.6BILLION from transfers as top selling clubs of 21st Century are revealedChelsea had spent more than £1bn in the four transfer windows before this summer.But that has not transferred into on-pitch success.They finished the end of Boehly’s first Premier League season in 12th place, down from third 12 months earlier.Last season there was marginal improvement under Pochettino, but they could still only place sixth. More

    • 175 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea fans warned they face ‘prison food’ as opponents for Europa Conference League confirmed

      by

      CHELSEA fans face being served grub ‘worse than prison food’ when they play their Europa Conference League play-off at the end of August.Enzo Maresca’s men must win the two-legged tie against Swiss side Servette if they are to enjoy group stage European football this season.Chelsea fans have been warned they face ‘prison food’Credit: Instagram @footyscranAs Cole Palmer and co. head to Switzerland on August 29Credit: GettyBut the Chelsea faithful should brace themselves for an unappealing bland hotdog when they play in Switzerland.A picture resurfaced of the paltry portion offered up at Servette after it was shared on popular football food account “Footy Scran” last year.The photo shows a sausage on its own with no bun and nothing else but a single small piece of bread – no sauce or toppings.And they’ll have to pay at least £7.20 for the privilege.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAt the time of posting, 89.1 per cent of a 18,000 strong poll said they would refuse to eat it.Taking to X, one fan wrote: “I’ve seen prisons with better food.”A second said: “Pretty sure that violates the Geneva Convention😭.”A third added: “For £7.20 you’d expect a bun or two slices of bread at least FFS.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDespite a sixth-place finish Chelsea dropped into the Europa Conference League after Manchester United claimed the FA Cup against Manchester City in May and took their Europa League place.Supporters also blasted the prices charged for a matchday snack at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersThe masala potatoes available have been slapped with a £7.50 price tag as their team continues to splash the cash on players.Chelsea have signed nine new faces for Maresca so far this window, with former Wolves winger Pedro Neto’s £54million arrival their latest bit of business.The Blues kick off their Premier League campaign on Sunday at home to champions Manchester City.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I’m the one who puts more pressure on me’, says Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor as she targets Blues glory in Europe

      by

      SONIA BOMPASTOR sees becoming Chelsea boss as coming out of her comfort zone with the Blues embarking on a new era under her.Guiding the team to the Champions League prize that eluded them during Emma Hayes’ trophy-laden reign is the ex-Lyon gaffer’s a top priority. Sonia Bompastor intends to instil her football vision and philosophy at ChelseaCredit: GettyThe former Lyon head coach is aiming to win every trophy the Blues will vying for in her first season at the WSL title-holders’ helmCredit: GettyThe France-born Chelsea boss has set her sights on turning Chelsea into Champions League winnersThe France-born mother-of-four is the first woman to win contest both as a player and a manager.And next season will be the Blues’ first of the post-Hayes era following their former boss becoming USA Women’s head coach at the end of last term after 12 years at the helm.In her first Chelsea press conference yesterday, Bompastor talked of her admiration of Hayes’ legacy.Aside from attempting to add an eighth top-flight trophy to the seven the Blues lifted under her predecessor, she is determined to see them claim Europe’s top club football prize.Read More Football StoriesAnd while she respects the foundations Hayes put in place, she intends to build Chelsea in her own vision as she attempts to achieve this goal.Bompastor, who was appointed as Blues boss in May on a four-year deal, said: “I am a completely different person from Emma.”I have a different vision and philosophy. I’m just trying to build on that legacy. “For me what is really important is to come to this club, respect everything that was built before and build my own vision.Most read in Football”From my background and experience, I can support the players and the club to achieve their goals.”I will use everyone to make sure we bring what we need to bring to make sure this team keeps performing at a high level.”Next week Chelsea embark on their first pre-season tour in the USA a month before Bompastor’s first WSL game at their helm on September 22 when her team host Aston Villa. An August 20 clash with Gotham City will be followed by a duel with Arsenal five days later, a warm-up to them battling for next season’s title along with their domestic rivals. The games will also provide an insight into the approach and mindset of the new Blues chief who hates losing.Her ultra-competitive edge has been highlighted by players managed by her in the past. They include Aston Villa playmaker Kenza Dali who was coached by Bompastor in Lyon’s academy at the age of 16.Dali, describes as someone who knows exactly what it takes to win.An individual whose fierce competitive edge helped her triumph in the Champions League twice as a player in 2011 and 2012, and once as a manager in 2022.Bompastor, adds: “As a manager I am really competitive and I don’t like losing. I’m a really bad loser and I never want it to happen.“I will work really hard to make sure we are not in that position but sometimes it can happen.“I am a manager who really likes to take care of people as well.“When you are a player you always take care of yourself and sometimes you are selfish.“As a manager, you never think about you, you always think about everyone else.”Since retiring 11 years ago after a 13-year senior playing career, including two Lyon spells, Bompastor helped her the club maintain their dominance in France’s top tier.Three successive titles were won during her three seasons coaching Lyon’s senior side from 2021, after seven years managing their women’s academy.The team also lifted a Champions League trophy in May 2022 beating Barcelona 3-1 in the final.Winning this tournament with Chelsea is high on Bompastor’s agenda aside from a capturing every major domestic prize in England.And the challenge of doing so at a club who have sacked three men’s team managers since May 2022, is not a concern for her.The Chelsea chief said: “Even if the club puts me under some pressure, I’m the one who puts even more pressure on me.“I’ve signed for four years and four years is a good time for me to come and put (forward) my own philosophy and vision. “Sometimes it’s good to come out of your comfort zone and have this new challenge. For me the goal is really clear.“I had the opportunity to win the Champions League in France, but I wanted to come to a club who has the ambitions to win the Champions League and in a new country.”In the past Bompastor’s predecessor Hayes did not shy away from criticising match scheduling amid concerns fixture congestion could impact players’ welfare.Last November the Blues played three games in seven daysThese included a Saturday lunchtime duel with Liverpool preceded a Wednesday night Champions League clash away at Real Madrid.The team have a Champions League group game (on October 8 or 9) sandwiched between two of their biggest fixtures these coming season. These are a home game against Man United on October 6 and a clash with Arsenal at the Emirates on October 13.And Bompastor has no qualms about making her “voice heard” on fixture scheduling concerns. The Chelsea chief said: “Something what will be really difficult is when you have to play a Champions League game midweek, and then have to play a very big game on weekends against Arsenal, Manchester City, or Man United.”This is something really hard, because you need to perform during one week with three competitive games.”It’s really difficult sometimes for the players to be able to perform with not a lot of recovery between the games.”This is really different from France. Five-time Champions League winner Lucy Bronze is among the four new players signed by Chelsea following Bompastor’s arrivalCredit: Getty “In France, the French (football) federation was helping the French clubs a lot, especially the ones who are playing the Champions League.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They were the ones making sure Lyon were not playing a big team in the league to help us to perform in the Champions League.”This is maybe something we will need to work on with the FA. I will try to use my voice.” More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Alan Shearer predicts Premier League table in full with Chelsea to finish NINTH and Man City denied title

      by

      ALAN SHEARER has made a bold set of Premier League predictions as he names the table in FULL ahead of the new season starting on Friday.Manchester City are aiming for an historic fifth consecutive title with Arsenal the favourites to challenge their dominance.Alan Shearer has made his Prem predictionsCredit: GettyHe backs Arsenal to overcome their demons and lift the titleCredit: RexBut his projections are bad news for Chelsea and Todd BoehlyCredit: GettyAnd Shearer backed the Gunners to do just that – and overcome their 21-year title drought to be crowned Prem champions for the fourth time.He did press that Arsenal need to land themselves a “statement” striker before the window slams shut to give them a real chance.The Newcastle icon expects Chelsea’s misery to continue, predicting the Blues to finish NINTH after they climbed up to sixth last season.Shearer can hardly be blamed though – Chelsea did come 12th two years ago and are onto their fourth manager of the Todd Boehly era.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSStamford Bridge chiefs have forked out £185m on ten new faces this summer to rank the American’s total bill up to £1.2billion.Shearer told Betfair: “I don’t see Chelsea getting into the top four at all. They’re not ready yet.”While the Match of the Day star also predicted Newcastle to pip Manchester United and Tottenham to a fourth place finish, while Liverpool will come third under new boss Arne Slot.The Red Devils finished eighth last season – their worst ever position- and have brought in some clever signings, but Erik ten Hag is forecasted to struggle to find a way for his side to gel again.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAlan Shearer’s full Premier League tableShearer added: “It’s a big season for Ten Hag and Man United because they’re going to have to improve massively in the league.”He is projecting a tight relegation battle but thinks the three who got promoted, also including Ipswich and Leicester, will go straight back to the Championship.Fans can’t stop laughing at Roy Keane’s blunt response to bizarre Mikel Arteta Arsenal ‘pickpocket’ storyThe ex-Southampton man is predicting the Saints to be relegated and former Premier League winners Leicester to finish rock bottom.Shearer believes Aston Villa will follow in Newcastle’s footsteps and drop from fourth to seven amid the constraints of playing Champions League football this season.As for the golden boot race, Shearer, who knows a thing or two about putting the ball in the back of the net, thinks Man City’s Erling Haaland will claim his third successive award.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Former England star, 41, hints Arteta’s role for Kai Havertz ‘didn’t go to plan’ before Arsenal star’s transformation

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY legend Joleon Lescott claims Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had different plans for Kai Havertz after signing him last summer.The Gunners landed Havertz, 25, from rivals Chelsea in 2023 following a £65million deal.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had a different role for Kai Havertz before his transformation as a false nineCredit: RexLescott praised Havertz’s performances at Arsenal and slammed the criticsCredit: GettyThe versatile German often led the Blues’ attack during his three-year stint at Stamford Bridge and scored the winner in the 2021 Champions League final against City.Lescott, 41, expected the Germany international to play in a different position at Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta appeared to have the same idea as he hinted he would use him in midfield.However, plans changed and Havertz quickly returned up front as a false nine and often led the North Londoners’ attack amid another round of injury hell for striker Gabriel Jesus.Lescott praised Havertz’s ability to successfully adjust after Arteta’s original ideas “didn’t go to plan”.Read More on ArsenalHavertz received plenty of criticism for some early performances but went on to amass an impressive tally of 13 goals and seven assists in 37 Premier League appearances.Lescott dismissed all the negativity and insists Havertz deserves more credit as he compared his style to Manchester United and Tottenham’s legendary striker Dimitar Berbatov.The ex-England international is adamant the former Chelsea star deserves more respect as he has also proven himself as a false nine in Germany’s national team.Lescott told SunSport: “Yeah, I think it [the criticism] was unfair. I believe when they signed him, I didn’t think he would have or play in the role that he played for them. Most read in Football”I believed he would be important to them. I think Arteta had a different role for him at the start. It didn’t go to plan. And then he and the player, Kai Havertz, was able to adjust. “And yeah, I think because we want a profile of a striker – a number nine – to have a certain look and image, I think we’re not giving him the credit as a number nine. Arsenal release 2024-25 third kit with bold new colour as fans say ‘I speak for us all when I say we’re in love with it’ “But if you compare him to his style, like his attributes, are they much different to a Berbatov, really? He’s able to travel with the ball long distances, he is technically very, very good. He scores. He always looks comfortable in front of goal.”So yeah, I think because he’s played in the previous positions, that hinders the appeal of him looking like a number nine. “But you have to respect, you don’t play for Arsenal being a genuine title contender, playing in the Euros for one of the top nations as a number nine, and not be able to do it adequately.”Lescott is so impressed with Havertz’s “exceptional” performances that he even questions whether the striker’s position is the most important area in which Arsenal need to strengthen this summer.Havertz was ‘exceptional’ last seasonThe former centre-back doubts there are many options available and also insists Arteta’s side didn’t lose the title to his beloved City because of a lack of goals last season.Lescott added: “I think it’s easy to suggest that [Arsenal need a striker], but are there many that are available and that guarantee you the goals they would need? “I do believe strikers get you a different type of goal, whether it gets you more goals than Havertz, who I thought was exceptional last season. “I do think strikers have a different knack of taking an opportunity that’s not really there. I think forwards in general want to see the goal and want to see a perfect position where forwards or strikers just go, ‘I’m just going to shoot’, and sometimes get lucky with the deflection.”I think a striker would bring that different element to it. But again, I think just strengthening your squad, strengthening your team is important. READ MORE SUN STORIES”[But to ] Be specific to a position is slightly harsh, because they didn’t lose the title based on just not having a striker . They did enough to win the games and scored a goal. So it’s just finding an alternative to the little bits that Arteta thinks he needs.”Joleon Lescott was speaking on behalf of BetMGM. Play the new £1million Golden Goals game this season by predicting Premier League scores at https://www.betmgm.co.uk. BeGambleAware 18+Arsenal boss Arteta hinted he was going to use Havertz in midfieldCredit: The Times More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Forgotten £50m star claims Chelsea are ‘building something amazing’ after playing just 32 minutes last season

      by

      CHELSEA have waited a long time to see the best of Romeo Lavia  — not least because of last season’s injury nightmare.The Blues were ready to splash out £50million for the Belgian midfielder just five games after he joined Southampton two years ago.Romeo Lavia is positive for Chelsea ahead of the new Premier League seasonCredit: GettyThat approach, which came after he had scored against Chelsea, was knocked back — but they got their man 12 months later.The wait to see Lavia make an impact has gone on another 12 months, however, because ankle and hamstring injuries restricted him to just 32 minutes of football last term.Speaking at the end of pre-season, during which he has arguably been Chelsea’s best player, 20-year-old Lavia said: “It will be my first proper season.“Last year was very frustrating because it was hard.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS“You’re young and you want to play. You’re getting to know your body as well, which is sometimes unfair because you feel like you’re doing everything right to get back but the nature sometimes decides in a different way.“It was just about understanding that and growing as  a person.“It was frustrating but it was more in the head and now it has helped me.”Chelsea chased Lavia for over a year before he moved to Stamford Bridge for £53m, though they had to steal him from under Liverpool’s noses.He said: “The interest from Liverpool was there but in my head I wanted to play for Chelsea.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“When I heard about Chelsea, and it was from a long time ago before everything started, it was a no-brainer.”Joining Chelsea does not seem a no-brainer right now, with over a billion spent and managers being burned through under their American ownership.Chelsea have raked in staggering £1.6BILLION from transfers as top selling clubs of 21st Century are revealedEvery Chelsea signing under Todd BoehlyHere is a list of all Chelsea’s signings under Todd Boehly…Raheem Sterling – £47.5mKalidou Koulibaly £33mGabriel Slonina – £8mCarney Chukweumeka – £20mMarc Cucurella – £57.5mCesare Casadei – £13.3mWesley Fofana – £70mPierre-Emerick Aubameyang – £10.3mDenis Zakaria – £2.7m (Loan fee)David Datro Fofana – £10.6mBenoit Badiashile – £33.7mAndre Santos – £11.1mJoao Felix – £9.7m (Loan fee)Mykhailo Mudryk – £62m Noni Madueke – £30mMalo Gusto – £26.75mEnzo Fernandez – £107.8mChristopher Nkunku – £52mDiego Moreira – FREENicolas Jackson – £31.5mAngelo Gabriel – £13mLesley Ugochukwu – £23.3mAxel Disasi – £38.9mRobert Sanchez – £20mMoises Caicedo – £100mRomeo Lavia – £53.2mDeivid Washington – £13.7mCole Palmer – £40.1mDjordje Petrovic – £13.6mTosin Adarabioyo – FREEMarc Guiu – £5.1mCaleb Wiley – £8.63mRenato Veiga – £12mAarón Anselmino – £14mOmari Kellyman – £19.2mFilip Jorgensen – £21mKiernan Dewsbury-Hall – £30.2mPedro Neto – £54mBut despite the Blues managing just one win in six pre-season games — against Mexican side Club America — Lavia insists it was an obvious choice.He added: “If you look at all the teams, Chelsea is the one that is growing.“Even though the results are not going that well, you can see the bigger picture. When I saw a group of young and talented players, that at their previous clubs had been the best players, it can only go well.“Now I’m here, I realise it’s true. We are building something amazing.“Everyone at the club can feel it, not just the players but everyone.”There is some convincing to do on that front but Lavia does know a good set-up when he sees one having spent two years at Manchester City, training under Pep Guardiola at times.And the Belgium international is hoping for a first Premier League start for Chelsea against his old club on Sunday.Asked about working under the Spaniard, Lavia said: “Special. It is a massive experience because you get to know about all of the details in football that make a difference.“From the outside you probably don’t see it. You probably see it as players passing the ball around but there’s more than that. It is the details that make the difference.“He would definitely help me with putting my body shape in the side position to get the ball and make a whole difference.”If you look at all the teams, Chelsea is the one that is growingRomeo LaviaLavia joined the City set-up during the pandemic and his mum was never able to watch him play for the club.Add that to an injury-hit season in which he was relegated at Southampton before missing almost all of last year, there have been a few rough moments.He said: “A few hard times. But I take all the hard times in a positive way.“I left my home country to move to England during Covid. My mum never watched a game of me at Man City.“That’s to tell you how hard it was but I never really complained because I knew what I was getting into, the same in every decision I’ve made.“It’s never been a problem, even with the injuries last season. It was tough but what can you do? Turn it into a positive.”Lavia’s family have been able to see him play now, having supported him through the last year — alongside a Chelsea legend.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe spoke to fellow Belgian Eden Hazard before joining and kept in touch with him through the season.Lavia said: “He’s a great guy and like a big brother to me. Whenever I need advice, I go to him.” More