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      Chelsea ready to splash almost £50m on little-known duo and plan to recoup £37m by flogging Maatsen to Aston Villa

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      CHELSEA are splashing yet more cash with £48million on little-known duo Omari Kellyman and Willian Estevao.Aston Villa’s attacking midfielder Kellyman, 19, is due for a medical next week ahead of signing a long term deal – up to six years.Omari Kellyman of Aston Villa is set to join Chelsea on a six year dealCredit: GettyEstevao Willian will cost the Blues an initial £29m up front and a further £25m in add-onsCredit: AFPIan Maatsen is set to leave Stamford Bridge for Aston Villa in a £37m dealCredit: PAIt comes as Chelsea officially announced a deal for Brazilian Estevao, who is only 17.That transfer is believed to be around £29m up front with a further £25m in add ons.Estevao, currently with Brazilians Palmeira, will not join until next summer when he turns 18.Estevao joins fellow countrymen Deivid Washington and Andrey Santos at Stamford Bridge as part of the latest influx of youth.Read more football newsKellyman cost Villa around £600,000 from Derby two years ago.He has made six first team appearances and is an Under-19 England international.Netherlands left back Maatsen is on duty with his country at Euro 2024 but after spending last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund is now set to join Villa for around £37.5m.Chelsea sporting director Paul Winstanley is also keen on Argentine defender Aaron Anselmino.According to reports, they have opened talks with the Boca Juniors wonderkid over a £13.4million transfer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, that offer falls short of the £20million release clause in his contract.The moves come following Chelsea’s failed attempt to lure Michael Olise from Crystal Palace.SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesThe winger looked set to join the Stamford Bridge outfit in a £55million deal.But, the Frenchman decided against a move to West London, preferring to join Bayern Munich. More

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      Chelsea sold the ‘soul of the team’ by letting three stars go in transfer exits, claims legend Gianfranco Zola

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      GIANFRANCO ZOLA has claimed Chelsea sold the “soul of the team” by letting go of three stars last year.The Blues legend claimed this was the start of Chelsea’s struggles that they endured for most of the 2023-24 season.Gianfranco Zola revealed Chelsea let go of the ‘soul of the team’ by letting go of three players in 2023Credit: PA:Empics SportZola, 57, played for the Blues between 1996 and 2003 and made over 300 appearances for the club.And last term Chelsea ended their campaign sixth in the Premier League after a slight improvement in the second half of the season.But Mauricio Pochettino’s side did not have an easy start.According to Zola, selling Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic, who joined Arsenal and Manchester City respectively, was a bad decision for Chelsea.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLZola also added that Jorginho’s exit to Arsenal in January 2023 left the Blues without a leader.Zola told Ladbrokes: “Chelsea have had a hard season, especially at the beginning, but they changed a lot.”They put a lot of young players in place and lost a lot of experienced ones like Jorginho, Havertz, and Kovacic. They lost many players who were the soul of the team, the leaders, so it took time to get going.”But finally Pochettino got it working and it was working quite well. It was very surprising to see him leaving.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”And I don’t know the full reasons but obviously from a supporter’s point of view I am disappointed.”Despite Chelsea securing a spot in Europe after a dismal start to the season Pochettino headed out the door last month.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsWith a host of players arriving at Stamford Bridge last summer, it was inevitable it was going to take time for those players to settle in.And one who ended up thriving was Cole Palmer scoring 22 Premier League goals.Now for the Blues Enzo Maresca has taken charge in a five-year deal and there has been one new star already at the club after Tosin Adarabioyo made a free transfer from West London rivals Fulham.Chelsea sold Kai Havertz to Arsenal last summerCredit: PAThe Blues also sold Mateo Kovacic to Man CityCredit: PAJorginho left in January 2023 for ArsenalCredit: PA More

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      Chelsea ‘hold talks with Jonathan David’ as Todd Boehly ready to splash more cash on Lille striker

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      CHELSEA have held talks with Jonathan David’s representatives, according to reports.The Lille striker has been a long-term target for the Blues and could finally move to the Premier League this summer.Chelsea have reportedly held talks with Jonathan David’s representativesCredit: GettyDavid was keen to join an English club 12 months ago but ultimately remained at Lille.However, after scoring 26 goals across all competitions last season, Chelsea are ready to make their move.The Athletic report talks have taken place with the players’ representatives.David is said to be high on Chelsea’s list of attacking targets this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, there is hope a reasonable fee can be agreed due to David entering the final year of his contract.Chelsea and Lille also have a good relationship, the report adds, although an approach to the Ligue 1 side has yet to be made.David’s 19 league goals last season were only bettered by top scorer Kylian Mbappe.He has also scored 26 goals in 48 caps for Canada, who he is currently on international duty with at the Copa America.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSPredominantly a striker, the 24-year-old can also play slightly behind the centre-forward and in attacking midfield.Prior to joining Lille in 2020, he also enjoyed a successful spell in Belgium with Gent.Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaManchester United are long-time suitors along with Chelsea, with Aston Villa, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid also linked with a move this summer.Elsewhere, Chelsea have already signed defender Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer from Fulham.The signing of teenager Estevao Willian has also been confirmed, with the Brazilian joining the Blues in 2025.However, Enzo Maresca missed out on Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise this week, with the winger set to join Bayern Munich instead. More

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      Tipped to be Slovenia’s greatest ever player, it’s little wonder Benjamin Sesko has Arsenal and Chelsea on red alert  

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      HE is the latest Bundesliga star to attract serious interest from the big boys of the Premier League.Once upon a time it was Erling Haaland. Now, Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is the name on everyone’s lips, a supreme talent that is on every transfer wish list back in England.Slovenia’s Benjamin Sesko was tipped to move to the Prem before the EurosCredit: AFPThe 21-year-old has already made a name for himself in the BundesligaCredit: GettyArsenal and Chelsea – to name just a few – were hopeful of luring the 21-year-old to the bright lights of London this summer after netting 18 goals in all competitions last season, ready to trigger an appealing £55m release clause.But it says a lot about this young player’s mindset and maturity that he recently decided to sign a new long-term deal with Leipzig instead.There is a composure and an aura around the Slovenian which is hard to ignore. A self-confidence that his time in the Prem spotlight will come – just not yet.Not that the spotlight has avoided his towering 6ft5 stature over in Germany during the Euros, showing glimpses of why he is such a wanted man.read more on EnglandAs such, he is embracing Slovenia’s Group C showdown with England on Tuesday, a chance to pit himself against players he may well call teammates before too long.Speaking to SunSport, he said: “To be honest, with the pressure, I put it on the bright side.“It’s a good kind of pressure. If you have the opportunity where people can talk about you, doesn’t matter if it’s good or bad, there’s something about you and it means I have done something good in the past and people are talking about it.“I always put it on the bright side and I am happy to be a part of this.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“It’s definitely a good chance for me to play in this type of tournament. I’m really proud of myself to be a part of the team and be here and for the experience and the self-growth.“It’s really important for me and for my career in general. It’s been an amazing time and I’m looking forward to more of this.”SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesSlovenian journalists – who have covered Sesko’s journey ever since he took the plunge at the age of 15 to leave his home in a small village in Radece and join Red Bull Salzburg in 2019 before agreeing to join Leipzig last summer – are in awe of this kid.They happily admit they have never seen or met anyone like him – a unique presence matched with an eye-catching ability.Having scored 11 times in 31 caps, he is already tipped to be Slovenia’s greatest ever product, with many predicting he will soon eclipse Zlatko Zahovic’s national goalscoring record of 35 sooner rather than later.Sesko holds the country’s footballing hopes on his enormous shoulders. He added: “It’s good that I can be that. We have to know that I am still young and there will be plenty more games, tournaments, so I am always going to be there for the team.“Sometimes I am lucky, sometimes I am not. It is just about the position I am in at the moment. It’s my status. I always help my team as much as I can and do my best.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYHe is yet to find the net at his first major tournament, but came agonisingly close in Slovenia’s opening 1-1 draw with Denmark, smacking the post from range late on.Two points from two games sees Slovenia needing an unlikely result against the Three Lions to stand any chance of reaching the last 16 in their first Euros campaign for 24 years.Sesko’s impressive conviction shines through again when asked what he thinks of England’s stuttering start in the Euros and whether Slovenia could catch them cold.He explained: “Yeah we definitely can. They know that we have played two great games.“They’re not at their best. They are still doing great of course, but now is the best opportunity to play against them and show them the best we can do. I am sure we are going to shine.”Sesko admits to watching clips of England skipper and Bayern Munich man Harry Kane on his journey to becoming a top European goal-getter – not that he believes they are one of the same, having already sized him up in the Bundesliga this term.He said: “Every single season [Kane] scores plenty of goals and he is a great striker – a different type to me but still the position and what a striker needs.READ MORE SUN STORIES“He is a great example to learn from. It’s amazing that I am going to play against him and try to copy him in a couple of positions.“I watch him, I watch a lot of strikers and try to learn from them and hope to learn from him too.” More

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      Mauricio Pochettino in frame for England job after finally agreeing £10million Chelsea pay-off

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO has finally agreed a £10million Chelsea pay-off that frees him up as a contender for the England job if it comes up.The Argentine would be a candidate to replace Gareth Southgate should the England manager go after the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino could be in line for the England job if it becomes availableCredit: GettyGareth Southgate could step down after Euro 2024Credit: GettyPochettino’s pay-off negotiations with Chelsea have finally been settled following his sacking on May 21.And SunSport understands there are no restrictions in the deal to prevent the former Southampton and Tottenham manager taking another job in England.Pochettino’s talks over his severance package complicated interest from Manchester United, who approached him to discuss the Old Trafford job before sticking with Erik ten Hag.The 52-year-old said he was open to staying in England when he returned to Stamford Bridge to manage a team at SoccerAid earlier this month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut with no top Premier League jobs currently available, succeeding Southgate may be his best bet.The FA have yet to compile a shortlist for the next England manager, but given his experience in this country and track record of developing young players – including Cole Palmer at Chelsea last season – Pochettino is viewed as a leading contender.Chelsea’s agreement with Pochettino takes their bill for managerial changes to close to £67m in two years of the club’s new ownership.Thomas Tuchel and Potter both received over £13m in compensation after being sacked during the season, while Potter’s move to West London saw Brighton bank £21m in compensation from Chelsea, who have also agreed to pay Leicester £10m to secure new coach Enzo Maresca.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHow Pochettino and Southgate’s stats compare
      Mauricio Pochettino:

      Total matches managed – 649
      Wins – 319
      Draws – 139
      Defeats – 191

      Gareth Southgate:

      Total matches managed – 282
      Wins – 135
      Draws – 63
      Defeats – 84

      Pochettino’s coaching team of Jesus Perez, Miguel d’Agostino, Toni Jimenez and Sebastiano Pochettino will also receive pay-offs as they were under contract at Stamford Bridge until next summer.Chelsea required some creative accountancy to avoid breaking FFP rules last year following the £1billion transfer splurge by new owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, but are confident they will comply this season.Premier League sides deducted points and others at riskThe club sold two hotels and car parks at Stamford Bridge to a sister company for £76.5m, which enabled them to reduce a projected loss of £166.4m to a loss of £89.9m.Chelsea were approached for comment.How much have Chelsea spent on managers?The Blues have spent close to £67MILLION on hiring and firing managers over the last two years…
      Thomas Tuchel (January 2021 – September 2022) – £13m compensation
      Graham Potter (September 2022 – April 2023) – £21m compensation to Brighton & £13m compensation after dismissal
      Mauricio Pochettino (May 2023 – May 2024) – £10m compensation plus staff pay-offs
      Enzo Maresca (June 2024 – ) – £10m compensation to Leicester More

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      Man Utd complete first summer transfer as they beat Premier League rivals to sign NINTH-TIER wonderkid

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have beaten their Premier League rivals to the signing of wonderkid James Overy.United offered a scholarship deal to bring the starlet into their academy. Man Utd have signed James OveryAnd according to Manchester Evening News, the transfer has now been wrapped up. The 16-year-old left Perth Glory last year when his family moved to England.He has since been playing for Newton Abbot Spurs’ first team in the English NINTH TIER. But the right-back impressed during a pre-season friendly last summer against West Ham while playing for Perth at just 15. READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe Hammers joined Everton and Leicester in tracking Overy, who is eligible to play for England and Australia. But United won the race and the teenager is expected to feature for their Under-18s next season. Scholarships are offered to young players and represent a milestone on the way to potentially being offered a pro contract that can be signed at 17.Overy comes into a United set-up still led by Erik ten Hag after the Dutchman kept his job with a contract extension now also in talks. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTen Hag told Dutch TV station NOS: “We had a good chat and several topics have been discussed.”And we drew the conclusion that we continue with each other. But the conclusion is also that we’ll sit down to extend the contract.”We have to come to an agreement. No, that’s done as easy as one-two-three, we need to discuss that.”Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.
      Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.
      Gareth Southgate
      Enjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.
      Kieran McKenna
      Talks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.
      Roberto De Zerbi
      Allegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.
      Thomas Frank
      Brentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.
      Marco Silva
      Fulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.
      Mauricio Pochettino
      Fell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.
      Thomas Tuchel
      Made a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.
      Ruben Amorim
      Sporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.
      Roberto Martinez
      Portugal manager was considered in the early stages.

      Scotland hero Scott McTominay floats unlikely career change as Man Utd star admits ‘I would be all over that’ More

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      Major Chelsea blow as Olise’s transfer release clause ‘not straightforward’ and only some clubs can trigger it

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      CHELSEA have been dealt a huge blow after sources claimed that they are unable to trigger Michael Olise’s release clause.This comes after Chelsea contacted Crystal Palace over a move for Olise as the Blues look to step up their attacking transfer plans.Michael Olise has a bizarre condition in his release clause, according to reportsCredit: GettyThe Blues missed out on the winger, 22, last summer as he penned a new deal at Selhurst Park.But Chelsea had hoped to trigger the £60million release clause through a structured transfer package of instalments this summer.But now it is understood that Olise’s release clause in his Palace contract is far from straightforward.In fact, it can only be triggered by a Champions League club, claims The Telegraph.read more football newsThis comes as a major blow to Chelsea after they failed to qualify for next season’s edition of Europe’s top competition.Instead, the Stamford Bridge club suffered another disappointing campaign, before being offered some consolation in the final months as they rose from 11th to sixth in the Premier League.However, they were robbed of their Europa League place after Manchester United – who finished eighth in the Prem – won the FA Cup against rivals Manchester City at Wembley.Instead they will play in the Conference League.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNonetheless, Chelsea believe being outside of Champions League will not impinge their ability to land Olise, and trust that they will not have to pay more than any other interested party.But Chelsea fans are in bits over the news.Forgotten Chelsea flop Hakim Ziyech lashes out and throws boots away after being subbed in World Cup qualifierOne supporter wrote: “Oh no, so Olise isn’t coming? All the excitement just went out the window.”Another said: “Oh for God sakes, so Chelsea not be able to trigger it!”Meanwhile the west London club faces competition for Olise’s signature from United, Man City, Newcastle and Arsenal.The Frenchman scored 10 times in 19 games during the 2023/24 campaign, but missed much of the season due to a hamstring problem.Elsewhere Palace have also reportedly slapped the same £60m price tag on Eberechi Eze, who made Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 England squad ahead of Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish. More

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      Arsenal suffer transfer blow as Benjamin Sesko ‘decides to STAY at RB Leipzig with gentlemen’s agreement in place’

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      ARSENAL have been dealt a huge transfer blow after it was firstly claimed that they “held the upper hand” in the chase for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. The 21-year-old Slovenian striker is currently preparing to face England in the Euro 2024 group stages.Arsenal are allegedly in pole position to sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin SeskoCredit: GettyHe has a host of top clubs chasing his services after he fired 23 goals for club and country last term.A report emerged last week that three of the Premier League’s biggest teams are battling it out for the signature of the Bundesliga ace this summer.Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all determined to strengthen their front line before the start of next term.They all want Sesko – who has a release clause of £55.3m – while Newcastle have also joined the long-list of admirers.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut one giant appears to be leading the chase.The NY Times states that “the feeling among those interested parties” is “that Arsenal are in pole position” to sign him.The chasing pack “would like clarity on the situation” before the European Championship begins on Friday.However, even though they know that his price tag will not be inflated should he have a golden summer for Slovenia in Germany due to the release clause, no-one wants any potential deal to drag on.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd that could be good news for Arsenal.There is a belief among the English clubs that Mikel Arteta’s men allegedly “hold the upper hand because they can offer Champions League football and stability”.How Arsenal’s 180-page dossiers on transfer targets have led to outstanding recruitmentThey are two things he and his camp feel are “lacking at Chelsea and United”.But “there is a very real possibility Sesko will opt to stay at Leipzig”.And this fresh report claims that “is more of a threat to Arsenal’s hopes than him electing to move elsewhere in the Premier League”.Now transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has added more weight to that claim by stating that the player will be going nowhere.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      He wrote on X: “Benjamin Sesko has decided to STAY at RB Leipzig and sign new contract on improved terms!“Decision made for talented striker, similar to what Haaland decided back in the days at BVB.“Sesko will stay at Leipzig with a new gentlemen agreement for future exit.”Sesko signed for Red Bull Salzburg in Austria back in 2019 as a 16-year-old from Domzale in his homeland.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter spending two years on loan at their reserve team in the second tier, he went on to score 21 times for the first-team.That led to him joining Salzburg’s sister club RB Leipzig on a five-year contract in 2022.Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
      ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
      Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
      But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
      And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
      BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
      One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
      VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
      Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
      ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
      Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
      Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
      XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
      An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him. More