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      Fans convinced Chelsea are ‘playing Football Manager’ after spotting their bloated squad list on Wikipedia going viral

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      FANS are convinced Chelsea are playing real-life Football Manager after the club’s bloated squad list went viral.Owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Egbali have pursued an aggressive strategy of signing young players with high potential since taking the club over in May 2022.Chelsea are currently on tour in the US with a trimmed version of their squadCredit: GettyTheir full squad now stands at 45 playersCredit: WikipediaThat’s seen them spend over £1billion in transfer fees in a two year period.And while there have been some gems such as Cole Palmer signed along the way, it has left them with a very bloated squad going into this season.Fans on social media were stunned to see the amount of players in the squad when it was simply written out – with the tally now standing at 45 PLAYERS.The club are desperately trying to trim the squad ahead of the new season, with some players listed in the squad seemingly on the chopping block or on their way out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmong those is Conor Gallagher, who looks set to complete a £34million move to Atletico Madrid soon.Fellow academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah also appears on the list, but he has been frozen out of the squad under Enzo Maresca as the Blues look to find a transfer for him.And the perpetually loaned Romelu Lukaku appears in the list, despite not playing a part in Chelsea’s pre-season and looking set to join up with Antonio Conte again at Napoli.Reacting to the brimming squad on social media, one fan said: “I heard they’re adding a second story to the dressing room.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother said: “Quick glance at this and I thought this was just the players in the big 5 leagues on fbref, do they know it’s football not American football?😂😂”A third replied: “List keeps growing. Feel bad for some of these players who won’t even have much playing time.”Chelsea 3 Club America 0: Enzo Maresca’s marquee signing shines as new Blues boss’ plan starts to take shapeWhile a fourth said: “They are signing Omorodion, I’m sure they are playing Football manager for sure!!!”On signing Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion, Chelsea have had their latest offer knocked back but a deal looks likely to happen once Gallagher joins Atletico.Chelsea lost 2-1 to Real Madrid last night in their latest pre-season friendly with Enzo Maresca criticising his team’s defending – so their business might not be done yet in that area.Real Madrid 2 Chelsea 1: Maresca lays into shaky Blues defence as pre-season struggles continue but Lavia shines againBy Jack Rosser in CharlotteENZO MARESCA keeps reminding Chelsea fans that they are trying a lot of different things on this pre-season tour.Defending does not appear to be one of them.The new Blues boss knows this is very much a work in progress, but his players are going to have to do a lot of learning on the job – and fast.Real Madrid ripped through them time and again on the break across a chaotic first half in Charlotte as Chelsea’s pre-season tour came to an end.Five games, five cities and a whole lot of questions.They have been taken apart by Celtic and Manchester City too while Stateside.Maresca said: “Any team wants to do something, they want to win games and compete.“They have to work in the right way defensively. It’s difficult when you concede one goal or two, always starting behind.”Today, again, for the first five minutes, we had two clear chances. When you concede and you are 1-0 behind, 2-0 behind, it becomes difficult.“But overall, in terms of the things we are doing, we are improving and I’m quite happy.”There have been positives, of course. Romeo Lavia looks fantastic, Noni Madueke has been confident and effective while a host of players who spent last season injured have a bank of minutes in the tank.The Chelsea ownership know this is going to take time, they are completely overhauling the playing style at Stamford Bridge. But on this evidence the early weeks of the season could be hard to watch.Players still look confused and unsure of their roles when defending while chances hardly flowed against the Champions League winners – who were without a host of their big names.Vinicius Jr was there, however, and tormented the Chelsea defenders – especially in the first half.Maresca has already moaned about how his players defend with a high line and they were all over the place again in North Carolina.Dani Ceballos grabbed the first, bundled in at the far post after a break was messily defended by Chelsea.Vinicius opened the Blues up again with a fine ball in behind to setup the second. His pass was collected by Brahim Diaz who rounded new goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen and finished from an impressively tight angle.Chelsea were much improved defensively after the break, though there was a slight feeling that Madrid were easing their way to the end of their tour.Lessons are being slowly learned by Maresca’s new men – their second half improvement is an example of that – but the defending especially is something ingrained which the new boss is desperate to cut out.The fact his side did not collapse to fall four down, as they did against Celtic and Manchester City, will have pleased Maresca, though that is fairly slim pickings with the opening game against the champions less than two weeks away. More

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      Real Madrid 2 Chelsea 1: Maresca lays into shaky Blues defence as pre-season struggles continue but Lavia shines again

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      ENZO MARESCA keeps reminding Chelsea fans that they are trying a lot of different things on this pre-season tour.Defending does not appear to be one of them.Maresca has said that his team must defend better with the new season fast approachingCredit: GettyBlues found themselves two goals down early into the first-halfCredit: GettyBut Romeo Lavia offered a bright spark for ChelseaCredit: GettyThe new Blues boss knows this is very much a work in progress, but his players are going to have to do a lot of learning on the job – and fast.Real Madrid ripped through them time and again on the break across a chaotic first half in Charlotte as Chelsea’s pre-season tour came to an end.Five games, five cities and a whole lot of questions.They have been taken apart by Celtic and Manchester City too while Stateside.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMaresca said: “Any team wants to do something, they want to win games and compete.“They have to work in the right way defensively. It’s difficult when you concede one goal or two, always starting behind.”Today, again, for the first five minutes, we had two clear chances. When you concede and you are 1-0 behind, 2-0 behind, it becomes difficult.“But overall, in terms of the things we are doing, we are improving and I’m quite happy.”Most read in FootballVinicius Jr tormented Chelsea early onCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThere have been positives, of course. Romeo Lavia looks fantastic, Noni Madueke has been confident and effective while a host of players who spent last season injured have a bank of minutes in the tank.The Chelsea ownership know this is going to take time, they are completely overhauling the playing style at Stamford Bridge. But on this evidence the early weeks of the season could be hard to watch.Marc Cucurella sings his own song in advert after viral post-Euros video but unimpressed fans say ‘I physically cringed’Meet 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.Players still look confused and unsure of their roles when defending while chances hardly flowed against the Champions League winners – who were without a host of their big names.Vinicius Jr was there, however, and tormented the Chelsea defenders – especially in the first half.Maresca has already moaned about how his players defend with a high line and they were all over the place again in North Carolina.Dani Ceballos grabbed the first, bundled in at the far post after a break was messily defended by Chelsea.Vinicius opened the Blues up again with a fine ball in behind to setup the second. His pass was collected by Brahim Diaz who rounded new goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen and finished from an impressively tight angle.Chelsea were much improved defensively after the break, though there was a slight feeling that Madrid were easing their way to the end of their tour.READ MORE SUN STORIESChelsea improved defensively in the second halfCredit: GettyNoni Madueke continues to look on-form in pre-seasonCredit: GettyLessons are being slowly learned by Maresca’s new men – their second half improvement is an example of that – but the defending especially is something ingrained which the new boss is desperate to cut out.The fact his side did not collapse to fall four down, as they did against Celtic and Manchester City, will have pleased Maresca, though that is fairly slim pickings with the opening game against the champions less than two weeks away. More

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      Chelsea ‘in pole position’ for Atletico Madrid striker transfer and could sign Victor Osimhen in stunning double deal

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      CHELSEA are in pole position to sign Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid after Conor Gallagher agreed to move to the Spanish club.The Blues have also not ruled out signing Napoli star Victor Osimhen to Enzo Maresca’s squad this summer.Chelsea are in pole position to sign Samu Omorodion from Atletico MadridCredit: GettyConor Gallagher has agreed to move to the Spanish clubCredit: GettyThe Blues have also not ruled out signing Napoli star Victor OsimhenCredit: AlamyAtletico could let Omorodion leave for a deal of around £40million if they can sign Julian Alvarez this summer.If the transfer is made then Chelsea are the frontrunner to sign the Spaniard.The Blues have already had a £27.4m offer rejected for the 20-year-old but are still keen on the star.He spent last season on loan at Deportivo Alaves scoring nine goals and providing one assist to help them to a 10th-place finish in LaLiga.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the ongoing pursuit of Omorodion has not turned Chelsea’s heads away from Osimhen as the Blues aim to sign both stars – should Napoli allow the striker to join them on an initial loan.Napoli want to sign Romelu Lukaku if they lose Osimhen in the opposite direction.And signing both Omorodion and Osimhen could solve Chelsea’s issue of not having a right-footed winger.Meanwhile, on Monday the Blues were closing in on Conor Gallagher’s £33.7 million switch to Atletico.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGallagher had verbally agreed to fly to Madrid to complete the move with Chelsea including matching rights in the deal should Atletico agree to sell Gallagher in the future.That means Chelsea could match any bid Atletico accepted on Gallagher before the Spanish club could sell him.SunSport’s Latest Transfer Headlines More

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      Chelsea ‘reach agreement’ with Gremio to sign Gabriel Mec – but Brazilian wonderkid can’t join for TWO YEARS

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      CHELSEA have reached an agreement to sign Gabriel Mec, according to reports.The Blues sent chiefs to Brazil for talks with the Gremio youngster last week.Gabriel Mec is ready to join ChelseaCredit: Instagram @gabriel_mec__And they have been able to strike a deal for a rumoured fee of £20.5million.Mec, 16, is set to undergo a medical in his homeland in the next few days, claim outlet Globo.And he will then put pen to paper on a five-year deal.However, the wonderkid will have to stay at Gremio until April 2026 as youngsters are banned from securing a transfer away from Brazil until they turn 18-years-old.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMec, who is an attacking midfielder, is yet to make an appearance in senior football.But he has been highly-rated for a number of years, with Gremio wanting to add a £136.8m release clause to his contract.However, they were unable to do so and the club were reportedly worried about losing him for free.Instead, he did agree to an image licensing and exploitation deal – similar to one that Neymar was given at Santos as a youngster.Most read in FootballMec is one of several South American wonderkids to commit their future to Chelsea.The club have already confirmed the £50m signing of Estevao Willian from Palmeiras.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsAnd last summer, Chelsea signed Kendry Paez for £17m from Independiente del Valle.Both 17-year-olds will move to Stamford Bridge next year. More

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      Conor Gallagher AGREES record £34m Atletico Madrid transfer after he is banished from Chelsea

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      CONOR GALLAGHER has agreed a transfer to Atletico Madrid, according to reports.The midfielder’s future has been up in the air this summer as he has just one year remaining on his Chelsea contract.Conor Gallagher has agreed a move to Atletico MadridCredit: EPAHe rejected new terms last week amid interest from Atletico, with Gallagher unhappy at the length of the deal he was offered.Atletico had a £34million bid accepted by Chelsea and gave Gallagher a Sunday deadline to decide his future.And according to Fabrizio Romano the midfielder has now agreed personal terms with the La Liga giants.Gallagher, 24, is set to fly to Spain today to hold further talks and finalise his transfer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat is a blow for the likes of Tottenham and West Ham, who were linked with a move for the England star this summer.But for Chelsea selling Gallagher will help balance the books and his fee will be pure profit for the club as he is an academy product.However fans will likely oppose the move after criticising the club’s decision to ban Gallagher from the first-team.Last week Gallagher was told he will not be allowed in the first-team building when he returned to the club from his summer break.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat meant he would have been unable to train with Enzo Maresca’s squad this week – because he rejected a new deal.Gallagher could have left earlier this summer after Chelsea accepted a bid from Aston Villa but he turned down the move.England hero Cole Palmer relaxes with mystery woman in IbizaFans have been furious with Chelsea’s handling of the situation.One said: “Whether you rate him or not the reports of him being exiled are embarrassing. Our academy products should be treated with more respect.”Another added: “What a disgrace.”A third reacted: “Absolutely insane, what a joke of a club.” More

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      Chelsea join £20m transfer hunt for Celtic star Matt O’Riley but midfield ace has reservations over Blues move

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      CHELSEA have joined the race to Celtic star Matt O’Riley.The midfielder has attracted plenty of suitors with his impressive performances for the Hoops.Chelsea have joined the race to sign Matt O’RileyCredit: GettySeveral Premier League outfits are lining up a move for the Dane, with Chelsea identifying him as a potential replacement for Conor Gallagher.The Blues offered Gallagher a new contract but he turned it down amid interest from Atletico Madrid.Gallagher could leave for around £34million and the funds could be used to sign O’Riley.Celtic have already snubbed offers for their talisman including a £14million bid from recently promoted Southampton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCrystal Palace and Brighton are also long-term admirers of the midfielder.O’Riley has also been chased by Italian side Atalanta all summer, but Premier League football may appeal more.The Danish international is understood to be unlikely to settle for being a squad man at any new club and will want guarantees of first-team appearances.Chelsea may have to offer more than £20m plus extras to persuade Celtic to sell with boss Brendan Rodgers adamant he will be going nowhere until his asking price is met.Most read in FootballThe West London side have had a busy transfer window and finalised the £20.7m signing of goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal this week.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile Ben Chilwell could leave the club with Manchester United targeting the left-back.There are concerns the left-back may not fit into Enzo Maresca’s set-up, as the Italian likes to use inverted full-backs who drop into midfield. More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Romeo Lavia impresses in midfield but Tosin Adarabioyo struggles in Man City mauling

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      MANCHESTER CITY handed Enzo Maresca and Chelsea a worrying pre-season lesson in Ohio.Maresca has warned already that the Blues will ship goals when playing out from the back, and they managed to concede two in the opening five minutes.Reece James looks on with Romeo LaviaCredit: GettyCity’s penalty, after just two minutes, came after Tosin Adarabioyo hit a pass straight at Jack Grealish. The ball fell to Erling Haaland, who was tripped by Levi Colwill and converted the penalty – having had to retake after scoring the first attempt.Within a minute of the restart, Haaland scored again. This time the Norwegian benefited from Moises Caicedo looking to pass back but finding the feet of the City striker.He rounded Adarabioyo and finished comfortably.City managed another quick double after the break too, Oscar Bobb scoring a wonderful goal with a cute finish at the near post before Haaland grabbed his hat-trick – both goals coming after Chelsea had gifted possession.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSub Raheem Sterling grabbed one back for Chelsea, smashing home a fine left-footed volley before, in the 89th minute, Noni Madueke scored his second goal in as many games on the break.Here is how Jack Rosser rated Chelsea…Robert Sanchez – 6Nothing he could really have done about any of the gaols. Looked a little more comfortable on the ball.Reece James – 6Struggled with Jack Grealish and City’s youngsters at times but was assured on the ball – unlike most of his teammates.Most read in FootballReece James battles with Jack GrealishCredit: APTosin Adarabioyo – 4Handed City the ball in the Chelsea box which resulted in Colwill fouling Haaland to concede an early penalty. Struggled to deal with City’s forwards for most of the game.Levi Colwill – 5Can consider himself unfortunate to concede the early penalty but could have done more to stop Bobb’s goal.Malo Gusto caught out of position at timesCredit: RexCeltic wrap up pre-season tour of USA with 4-1 win over ChelseaMalo Gusto – 5Gave up the ball for Haaland’s third goal in the middle of Chelsea’s half and was caught out of position down the left a few times.Romeo Lavia – 6Continues to impress in midfield during this pre-season tour. Always brave on the ball and has the ability to get out of tight spots.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 5Moved out onto the left on his second start of the tour and was far less effective than when playing centrally against Club America.Kieran Dewsbury-Hall starred in midfieldCredit: RexMoises Caicedo – 5His first start of pre-season and added to Chelsea’s problems playing out from the back, gifting the ball to Haaland for his second goal after just five minutes.Enzo Fernandez – 6The Argentine made his first start of pre-season, but wasted a huge first half chance after Ortega played the ball straight to his feet.Fernandez tried to dink the ball over the City keeper but managed to drag it wide.Enzo Fernandez made his Chelsea returnCredit: RexMykhailo Mudryk – 5Worked hard defensively but offered nothing going forwards. The winger has not had the best pre-season so far.Christopher Nkunku – 6Started the game leading the line and did not have much of an impact, improved after being dropped back behind Mar Guiu.Christopher Nkunku led the line for ChelseaCredit: RexSubstitutesNoni Madueke – 7Added some threat down the right and delivered a fine cross for Sterling’s goal and grabbed one of his own with two minutes to go.Raheem Sterling – 6Sloppy on the ball in the build up to Bobb’s goal but made up for it with a fine finish at the other end.Marc Guiu – 6The young striker put himself about and made some impressive runs in behind but did not have the time to make a real impact.Benoit Badiashile – 6READ MORE SUN STORIESSomehow managed to come off the bench despite not being listed in the squad. Stepped into midfield well at times.Wesley Fofana – n/a More

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      Chelsea star Ben Chilwell in furious neighbour row over privacy fence, firepit & basketball court at his £5m mansion

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      BEN Chilwell has sparked a row with a neighbour after building a firepit and basketball court at his £5million Surrey mansion – without planning permission.The Chelsea defender, 27, has been caught ” offside” over the unauthorised development at his luxury five-bed pad which boasts a swimming pool, gym and two games rooms.Ben Chilwell has sparked a neighbour row after building a firepit and basketball court without planning permissionCredit: GettyThe Chelsea defender failed to get the go-ahead from the local councilCredit: GettyHe put up a retaining wall for a new firepit walkway in a Ground Force-style makeover of his Surrey back garden near the Blues’ Cobham training ground. But, he failed to get the go-ahead from the local council for the “engineering operation”.And, his next-door neighbour has objected, citing loss of privacy and overlooking. In a letter to the council, they wrote: “The new retaining wall to the east and parallel to the border with [my house] has raised the ground levels of the garden and walkway to the firepit by 1.5m compared with the original garden.”This increase in height means someone in this section of the garden or on the firepit walkway now has direct line of sight into our garden, terrace and kitchen area.”This loss of amenity and the new levels mean we are now overlooked.”We are keen to retain the privacy and amenity of our home, terrace and garden and whilst we would prefer the new ground levels not to be so high we appreciate that some mitigation through screening foliage has now bee proposed.”Chilwell wants to plant new laurel and yew hedges and re-level his garden with further soft planting in grey, green and purple – but no blue.Most read in SportHe also wants to splash out on a stone-stepped pool seating area with glass balustrade, and new paving. Papers field at Elmbridge Council state that building work was started in April but has not yet been completed, and officials are expected to make a decision in September. Chelsea and Wrexham stars Levi Colwill and James McClean fight just two minutes into pre-season friendly In pre-application advice, they said: “The scheme is unlikely to have a significant impact on the host dwelling/character of the area/neighbour amenity.”However, this subject to formal consultation with neighbours and relevant consultees.”Chilwell’s planning agent and the council were approached for comment.It comes as Chelsea striker Armando Broja has kicked off plans to build a dream new home complete with a lush cinema, swimming pool and spa.Inside Chelsea star’s incredible £2m five-bed dream mansionBy Jane MatthewsCHELSEA striker Armando Broja has kicked off plans to build a dream new home complete with a lush cinema, swimming pool and spa.The forward, 22, splashed out on an old four-bedroom house in a private Surrey estate – not far from the Blues’ Cobham training ground.But now the player has revealed plans to demolish the £1.8million to make way for a mansion – which will be complete with a boots and kit store.Broja hopes to build a bigger luxury five-bed pad with a gaming and entertainment area, cinema, gym, swimming pool and spa.The proposed new home will also boast a grand double-height entrance hallway, retreat, study and covered outdoor terrace.The Chelsea striker has applied to his local council for planning permission for a detached two-storey house with rooms in the roof, dormer windows and a garage.In a design statement, his planning agents said: “The proposal provides for a form of development that is in keeping with the character and appearance of the surrounding area in terms of its size, scale, height and design.”The proposal will be of a high standard of architecture, finish and landscaping, therefore will enhance the existing street scene significantly and add positive value to the existing area.”The proposed dwelling aims to enhance the plot and internal space utilisation, creating a highly sustainable residence.”Residential properties in this area mainly comprise large detached dwellings on substantial plots, often gated.”The existing house has a games room, snug, wine store and living room with a stone fireplace and open fire.But in a boost to Broja’s green credentials, the proposed new build will feature air source heat pumps, solar power, a heat recovery system and underfloor heating.In a sales listing for the current home, estate agents said: “The house has significant potential, either to build your dream home from scratch or extend and modernise the existing property on this stunning level plot.”Land Registry records show that Broja paid £1.8m for the pad in December, just a month before he was farmed out on loan to Fulham.The forward, 22, splashed out on an old four-bedroom house in a private Surrey estate – not far from the Blues’ Cobham training ground.But now the player has revealed plans to demolish the £1.8million to make way for a mansion – which will be complete with a boots and kit store.Broja has applied to his local council for planning permission for a detached two-storey house with rooms in the roof, dormer windows and a garage.Meanwhile, Man Utd wonder kid Leny Yoro has snapped up a stunning new pad – a £2million mansion which Mason Greenwood once called home.United’s £52million new signing, Leny Yoro, is set to move into the rented six bed, six bath property and will pay a cool £14,000-a-month.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe home in Bowdon, Cheshire boasts an open plan kitchen, three reception rooms, a cinema room and bar.What are your rights?Planning permission guidance according to gov.ukYou will need to request planning permission if you wish to build something new, make a major change to your building or change the use of your building – for example starting a business.To find out if you need planning permission you should contact your Local Planning Authority through your council.If planning permission is refused you can appeal.You are able to appeal if you were refused planning permission for reasons that you think go against the LPA’s development plan or planning policy (you can usually find these on their website).You can also appeal if you were granted planning permission with conditions you object to – you’ll need to explain why you think they’re unnecessary, unenforceable, vague, unreasonable or irrelevant.Another ground for appeal is if the LPA has not given you a decision on your application and 8 weeks have passed since the date they told you they’d received it (or a different deadline you agreed with them has passed).Chilwell wants to plant new laurel and yew hedges and re-level his garden with further soft plantingHis luxury five-bed pad which boasts a swimming pool, gym and two games roomsA letter was submitted to the council by a disgruntled neighbourCredit: Elysian More