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    Chelsea launch probe into Enzo Fernandez video as team-mate Wesley Fofana slams Argentina stars’ ‘uninhibited racism’

    WESLEY FOFANA has called out his Chelsea team-mate Enzo Fernandez for “uninhibited racism”.The Blues have launched a probe after Fernandez posted a video on Instagram of himself and his Argentina team-mates chanting a sick discriminatory song.Frenchman Wesley Fofana has called out his Chelsea team-mate after a clip circulated on XCredit: GettyThe World Cup winners beat Colombia 1-0 in Miami on Sunday to lift their second successive Copa America trophy.And footage emerged showing celebrating Argentina players singing a racist song on their team bus about the France team following their victory at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.The vile chant dates back to the 2022 World Cup, when Argentina beat France in the final on penalties.Appearing on live TV, some fans from the South American country sang that France’s players were “all from Angola.”read more football newsAnd they also targeted Kylian Mbappe with a transphobic chant amid reports surrounding his dating life.In the latest video, Chelsea star Fernandez and team-mates could clearly be heard singing the part about Angola.Fofana, 23, who is French and the son of an Ivorian father, took to X to express his frustration with the viral clip as he wrote: “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism”.French FA chiefs are threatening legal action against Argentina over the incident.Most read in FootballThe FFF condemned the chant and added: “Faced with the seriousness of these shocking remarks.”Contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the president of the FFF decided to directly challenge his Argentine counterpart.Argentina have been hit by a racism storm after singing a vile chantChelsea star Enzo Fernandez recorded team-mates singing the sick song on Instagram LiveFans sneak into Copa America final through air vents as Argentina stars forced to leave dressing room to help families “And Fifa to file a legal complaint for insulting remarks of a racial and discriminatory nature.”Chelsea themselves are yet to release a statement.Fernandez filmed the footage on his phone via Instagram live, with the midfielder showing celebrations on the team bus.Football in 2024: uninhibited racism.Wesley FofanaBut seconds after the vile chant began, he switched the recording off.Chelsea have a number of French players, such as Christopher Nkunku, Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile and Lesley Ugochukwu.Several have reportedly unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Argentina squad contains multiple players from the Premier League, including Lisandro Martinez and Alejando Garnacho of Manchester United, Man City’s Julian Alvarez, Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, Tottenham’s Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso and Aston Villa keeper Emi Martinez.It’s unclear if any of them were involved in the chanting. More

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    Arsenal and Chelsea want Spain Euro 2024 hero Nico Williams transfer.. but agent Lamine Yamal could give Barcelona edge

    ARSENAL and Chelsea are set to fight it out for Spain star Nico Williams this summer – but Barcelona already have an edge over the Premier League sides.Athletic Bilbao forward Williams, 22, scored two and assisted one for Luis de la Fuente’s men at Euro 2024.Nico Williams, right, shone for Spain at the Euros and is now being chased by Arsenal and ChelseaCredit: GettyWilliams was one of the best players at this summer’s EurosThat included the opening goal in Sunday’s final against England as Spain triumphed 2-1 to clinch a record-breaking fourth European Championship.Williams’ stellar Euros comes off the back of a superb campaign for Bilbao which saw him contribute eight goals and 19 assists in 37 appearances.According to The Athletic, signing the winger would require paying the LaLiga club his £49million release clause up front.Williams is at the front of Arsenal’s list of priorities, but it is understood Mikel Arteta would need to sell players to finance the deal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Gunners are linked with selling the likes of Kieran Tierney, Aaron Ramsdale, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah.Chelsea also remain keen on Williams having monitored him for some time.However, they do already possess a number of options on the flanks – Mykhaylo Mudryk, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Raheem Sterling to name a few.And they are also aware Barcelona appear to be the front-runners to sign Williams.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLamine Yamal, who occupied the other flank for Spain at the Euros and assisted Williams’ goal in the final, is keen for the Bilbao man to join him at the Nou Camp.Barcelona president Joan Laporta has also made it clear they could pursue Williams.Lamine Yamal accidentally shows world his naked Spain team-mates in live social media blunder after England win He told radio station Catalunya Radio: “Today Barca could cope financially with a signing like Nico Williams.”But it remains unclear whether Laporta’s claims are legitimate as it is widely known Barcelona remain in a difficult financial position.Inside the baffling, brilliant story of Lamine Yamal – from being bathed by Messi to doing homework while taking Euros by stormLAMINE YAMAL has confirmed his status as football’s next superstar at Euro 2024 – but has only been playing 11-a-side games for four years, write Jack Rosser.Spain’s incredible 16-year-old bent home the goal of the tournament so far against France as La Roja sealed the spot in the final.But his first five years in Barcelona’s academy were spent playing seven-a-side football, up until the age of 12 in 2020 when he finally got a crack at 11-a-side games.Yamal’s story is baffling, brilliant and barely believable in equal measure.He is a boy born to a Moroccan father and a mother from Equatorial Guinea, who turned 17 the day before the Euros final, and was cradled by footballing royalty at just six months old.Staggering pictures of Yamal as a baby being held and bathed by Messi, taken for a Barcelona charity calendar 16 years ago, resurfaced this week.He did not restrict his brushes with greatness to Barcelona either, with footage of Yamal as an academy player walking as a mascot with Spain and Real Madrid icon Sergio Ramos at an El Clasico in 2016.There is a touch of fate about this gem, Spain’s “little MVP”, as team-mate Nico Williams has dubbed him.Yamal has been doing homework in his spare time and received exam results during the tournament. He passed, obviously.Now he’s the youngest ever goalscorer at the Euros, also becoming the youngest player to ever start a major semi-final – claiming that title from Pele.But it’s Yamal’s humble approach on and off the pitch that most impresses everyone he meets.And France star Adrien Rabiot probably felt quite embarrassed as he boarded his plane back home from Germany.He had tried to intimidate Yamal ahead of their semi-final clash – telling Yamal he “needs to do more.”Was this good enough, then? Yamal responded with a goal for the ages and a man of the match performance.A season which started with a pre-season game against Tottenham where Yamal excelled but was overshadowed by Oliver Skipp scoring a brace will end on the biggest stage European football has to offer on Sunday.From being outshone by Skipp to eclipsing Pele’s records is not a bad year’s work – just imagine what he will do when he grows up.Read all about the incredible rise of Lamine Yamal in full… More

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    Chelsea set to lose ‘next Musiala’, 15, to Premier League rivals who ‘will break historical wage structure for transfer’

    CHELSEA are set to lose a talented academy product dubbed “the next Musiala” according to reports.Rio Ngumoha, 15, is set to join Liverpool after they broke their historic wage structure to bring him in.Rio Ngumoha played nine times for Chelsea’s U18sCredit: GettyNgumoha has been compared to two former Chelsea academy products, Musiala and Michael Olise, for his talent at a young age.Chelsea lost Musiala, 21, to Bayern Munich in 2019, and he has gone on to prove himself as one of the world’s finest emerging talents.Olise was also lost by Chelsea to Manchester City’s academy in 2016. He went on to play professionally for Reading and Crystal Palace before completing £49.5million move to Bayern Munich yesterday.According to Fabrizio Romano, Ngumoha is seen as such a special talent that Liverpool are willing to break their academy wage structure which has remained in place for years.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe says a deal will be completed for the 15-year-old soon.Under their previous structure, which will be broken with the transfer of Ngumoha, academy players’ earnings were capped at £50,000-a-year.The cap is part of a larger set of rules that will remain in place.Players are also limited to a ‘car clause’ which means they can not own a vehicle over 1.3 litres.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPlayers at the academy are also required to hand in their phones at 8:30am and are only given them back at the end of the day.Explaining the rules, academy director Alex Inglethorpe told Jamie Carragher for the Telegraph: “It is a safety thing as much as anything.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsMeet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.”I don’t want boys who have just passed their test with these big chunks of metal, but I was also fed up seeing a car park full of Range Rovers.”If anyone turns up with one of them, they are parking it next door.”We have a pay structure which is fairly old-fashioned. We give them jobs to do. We tell them to hand their phone over at 8.30am and give them back before they go home.”You have been a senior player. You know how it is when a young player comes into the dressing room. You want respect for the pathway.”They have to earn what comes their way first. All the other stuff is fine later. To get there you have to do it on the pitch.”Ngumoha is a talented left winger who made nine appearances for Chelsea’s Under 18s last season, despite only turning 16 later this month.The player has also featured several times for England’s U-16 side.During those appearances, he contributed one goal and one assist.READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool have a good track record of bedding academy products into the first-team in recent years.Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones are first-team regulars, with Conor Bradley also playing extensively in the first-team last season. More

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    Man Utd target shock transfer for Chelsea star Ben Chilwell to battle England rival Luke Shaw for left-back spot

    MANCHESTER UNITED are considering a shock move for Ben Chilwell according to reports.A move for the left-back would see him compete with Luke Shaw for a place in the United team.United are considering a chock move for Ben ChilwellCredit: GettyBoth players struggled with injury last yearCredit: RexShaw, 28, was chosen by Gareth Southgate for England’s Euro 2024 squad in favour of Chilwell, 27, despite both struggling with injuries last season.Chilwell missed Chelsea’s final seven games of the season with a knee injury, although he was fit enough for the bench in Chelsea’s penultimate Premier League game against Brighton.Shaw meanwhile had not featured for Manchester United since February as he rehabilitated from a hamstring injury.The left-back was fit enough to return for England in their quarter-final victory over Switzerland and came on in the 78th minute.READ MORE ON MAN UTDChilwell was made vice-captain of Chelsea last season by Mauricio Pochettino but it is understood the Blues would be willing to let him go should the right offer arrive.That’s due in part to fitness concerns which saw him play just 13 Premier League games last season and 21 games overall.The Mail report that Manchester United are considering an offer for Chilwell to arrive as competition for Shaw.In comparison to Chilwell, Shaw managed to play just 12 Premier League games last season as he struggled with various injury issues and played 15 games overall.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLuke Shaw and Ben Chilwell comparedManchester United are reportedly looking at a transfer for Ben Chilwell to provide competition for Luke Shaw. Here’s a look at how the two compareLuke ShawJoined Manchester United in 2014 for £30millionGames played overall: 350Goals: FourEngland caps: 32Trophies won: FA Cup, League Cup x2, Europa League, Community ShieldBen ChilwellJoined Chelsea in 2020 from Leicester for £45millionGames played overall: 271Goals: 15England caps: 21Trophies won: Champions League, Premier League, European Super CupChilwell joined Chelsea from Leicester in 2020 in a transfer worth £45million.During his time at the Blues he has won a Champions League and European Super Cup – featuring 106 times for the Blues.SunSport’s Dan King on why Luke Shaw’s return is so big for EnglandThe Mail also report that Manchester United are “very close” to signing Netherlands and Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee.United are expecting to activate the player’s release clause in the coming days. More

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    Brains behind Chelsea’s famous academy for 20 years QUITS in ‘insane blow’ with Blues fans ‘worried’

    CHELSEA fans are devastated amid news academy director Neil Bath has left the club.Bath, 58, has been manager of the Blues’ academy set-up since 2004.Neil Bath, centre, is leaving Chelsea after 20 years as academy managerCredit: GettyMason Mount and Reece James are among the players brought through by Bath at ChelseaCredit: GettyHe played an integral part in bringing through the club’s young stars – a host of whom broke through into the first team.They included Reece James, Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah, Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.This helped at a critical time for Chelsea as they had a transfer ban imposed on them, increasing the importance of academy talent.Jim Fraser, who joined Chelsea’s academy as a director shortly after Bath, is also set to leave.READ MORE ON ENGLANDAn official announcement is expected in the coming days.And fans are beside themselves after learning of club legend Bath’s departure.One passionate supporter said: “Neil Bath leaving Chelsea is an insane blow.”Look around the whole of Europe for the last decade, at the sheer amount of top level professional footballers that have come through his ranks.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I thought his promotion a year ago was a positive thing, now I am worried.”People can argue about their differing views on ‘the project’ moving forwards, and everyone is entitled to their position. But this is just categorically a loss.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall posts goodbye video to Leicester fans and says ‘it’s time for me to go’ ahead of Chelsea transfer “The consistent evidence of success in Bath’s work is there for all to see. We don’t know the story yet, but damn.”While another added: “Nothing surprises me anymore. These clowns are tearing the club apart.”A third said: “A massive, massive loss. Possibly marks the end of Chelsea being a destination for elite scholar development.”Yet I fully expect the people who have been brainwashed by BlueCo’s empty promises to try and rationalise it as a good thing.”And a fourth responded: “Systematically removing all the components that made us worth £3bn is quite something.”Chelsea’s academy trophies over the last decade include five FA Youth Cups, two Under-18s Premier League titles, an U21 Premier League title and two UEFA Youth Leagues.Speaking about the Blues’ youth success, Bath previously said: “I will always say it is a wider effort from everybody involved.”There is a particular focus around scouting and coaching, and the coaches won’t succeed if the talent is not of the right level.”That is why the likes of Jim Fraser, Darren Grace and their recruitment team deserve credit for bringing in such talented players from a very young age.”That is a huge part of our development programme. On the other hand, you need the right coaches.””Fundamentally, it is about having good staff in all areas who work as a team.”READ MORE SUN STORIESEx-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard credited Bath for his impact when Mount and Abraham scored in the Premier League.Lampard said: “We had a couple of pints with Neil Bath!” More

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    My dad’s a former Chelsea star and Premier League cult hero, I’m making my own way after signing first professional deal

    HARRY SIDWELL is following in his father’s footsteps as a professional footballer.The 18-year-old is the son of Premier League cult hero Steve Sidwell, 41.Harry Sidwell has penned his first pro deal at WimbledonCredit: AFC Wimbledon via Instagram / @harry.sidwell7He is a midfielder like his dadCredit: AFC Wimbledon via Instagram / @harry.sidwell7Harry was joined by dad Steve and mum KrysyCredit: AFC Wimbledon via Instagram / @harry.sidwell7Harry, who is a midfielder like his dad, has impressed playing for AFC Wimbledon’s Under-18s and he has now be rewarded with his first pro contract.His dad and mum Krysy were at Plough Lane as their eldest son put pen to paper on his new deal.On signing his first contract at the League Two side, Harry said: “To sign my first professional contract is a dream come true. “It’s what I’ve worked for, from an early age as a kid. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”All the sacrifices and all the hard work that have gone into it, has led to this, and now it’s here – I’m really happy.”His dad was also delighted as he posted on Instagram: “Really proud of you.”And there was messages of congratulations to Harry from the likes of Declan Rice, John Terry, Bobby Zamora and Jody Morris.Sidwell Snr came through the ranks at Arsenal before playing for clubs like Reading, Aston Villa, Fulham, Stoke and Brighton.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe also had a brief spell at Chelsea, playing 15 times in the 2007/08 season under Jose Mourinho.Sidwell even wore the No9 shirt at Stamford Bridge after surprisingly being offered it by the Special One. Former Chelsea ace Steve Sidwell reveals clause in Premier League stars’ contract that ‘nobody has ever exercised’ More

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    Enzo Fernandez apologises to Argentina coach after Chelsea ‘BLOCK him from Olympics’ – after Pochettino ‘gave the OK’

    ENZO FERNANDEZ has revealed that new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has blocked him from going to the Olympics.The Argentina midfielder, 23, claims former manager and compatriot Mauricio Pochettino had agreed for him to play at the Paris games.Ex-Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino with Enzo FernandezCredit: PABut after he was replaced with Maresca, Chelsea have informed their midfielder, who is already playing at the Copa America this summer, that he cannot take part.Fernandez said: “I did everything possible.”Mauricio was at Chelsea before, he had given me the OK.”Then, there was a change of coach and the club changed its position.READ MORE IN football “I tried, I kept talking, I did everything possible to be there, but it wasn’t possible.”Argentina’s side will be managed by former Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano, though Lionel Messi has ruled himself out of taking part.Fernandez added: “I apologise to Masche. I wanted to be there. It didn’t happen.”As the Olympics are not a FIFA or UEFA event, clubs are not obliged to release their players.Most read in FootballMeet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Brazil went all the way with Spain taking silver and Mexico the bronze. The likes of Antony, Richarlison, Dani Alves and Bruno Guimaraes all won gold medals.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targets More

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    Chelsea to sign Barcelona’s Marc Guiu, 18, as Blues trigger transfer release clause for star who has played just 7 times

    CHELSEA are reportedly set to sign Barcelona prodigy Marc Guiu after triggering his release clause.The striker, 18, burst on to the scene for his Spanish club this season, scoring twice in seven senior appearances – including after 33 seconds on his debut.Marc Guiu is close to joining Chelsea after they triggered his £5million Barcelona release clauseCredit: GettyHowever, chances under new boss Hansi Flick may be limited as Barcelona look to add at least one new superstar forward.And AS claims Chelsea have now made their move for Guiu by triggering his £5million release clause.The Blues will discuss terms with the teen on a long-term contract.While a potential loan move to French sister club Strasbourg may also be in the works.READ MORE ON CHELSEAGuiu looks set to become Chelsea’s third signing of the summer after Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo and Palmeiras’ Estevao Willian, although the latter will not join until 2025.The Blues are also close to a £19m deal for Aston Villa striker Omari Kellyman.And they are also considering a £30m bid for Lille forward Jonathan David, who has 52 club goals in the past two seasons.New boss Enzo Maresca starts his role next week after leading Leicester to the Championship title.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThe Italian had been hoping to bolster his ranks with the £55m capture of Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise.But Chelsea pulled out of a move as Bayern Munich struck terms with the Frenchman.Poch in England frame The Londoners are still thought to be keen on landing a wide-man, although they will target a right-footer and not a left-footer.Lille man David can play on the flanks if needed.While a move for Athletic Bilbao and Spain star Nico Williams has already been deemed too expensive.As for outgoings, Ian Maatsen is on the cusp of a £37m move to Aston Villa.And Armando Broja is being chased by several European clubs following his dud loan spell at Fulham. More