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    Chelsea ‘close’ to signing Kalidou Koulibaly, 31, in £34m transfer from Napoli on three-year contract

    CHELSEA are on the verge of signing centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly for £34million from Napoli, according to reports.The Blues have met with Koulibaly’s agent to agree on the terms for the defender’s move to London.
    Koulibaly is ‘very close’ to completing a £34m move to Chelsea, say reportsCredit: Getty
    And French journalist Fabrice Hawkins claims that Koulibaly is “very close” to signing for Thomas Tuchel’s team.
    The Senegalese international “should commit” to a three-year deal.
    Boss Tuchel is desperate to bolster his backline having seen Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen depart as free agents this summer.
    As a result, it emerged that Chelsea had been in discussions with his agent Fali Ramadani over the potential transfer.
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    It is believed that Napoli have agreed on a fee in the region of £34m for the 31-year-old who has entered the last year of his contract.
    Although Napoli are still looking to convince him to remain at the club and have offered him a new deal.
    It was claimed last month how Napoli boss Luciano Spaletti would resign if the club offloaded the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations winner.
    However president Aurelio De Laurentiis has already admitted that they cannot force the defender to stay.
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    He said: “He is a symbol of Napoli, and if he wants to no longer be a symbol, he must decide.
    “We must decide. We want Koulibaly to stay, but people can’t be forced to stay. Everyone has their own dignity and needs. We respect everyone.”
    Meanwhile, Manchester City ace Nathan Ake is also understood to be another key target for Tuchel, with the Dutch defender keen to return to Stamford Bridge.
    The 27-year-old is claimed to have agreed personal terms with Chelsea as they close in on the £45million signing. More

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    Declan Rice ‘has gentleman’s agreement with West Ham to stay for one more season’ as Chelsea set to launch transfer bid

    DECLAN RICE reportedly has a gentleman’s agreement with West Ham to stay for ONE more season amid serious transfer interest from Chelsea.The 23-year-old England international has impressed since making his 2017 debut against Burnley.
    Declan Rice reportedly has a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with West Ham to stay one more seasonCredit: Getty
    A number of top Premier League clubs have been tracking Rice, including the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City.
    However, the Hammers have put a £150million price tag on their captain, despite Rice turning a new mega deal down.
    But according to talkSPORT, Rice has a gentleman’s agreement with West Ham to stay for one more season ahead of a potential Summer 2023 exit.
    And journalist Alex Cook claims he “wouldn’t be surprised” if Rice ended up at boyhood club Chelsea.
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    Rice played in Chelsea’s academy up until his 2014 release.
    The move could also be influenced by his friendship with Blues midfielder Mason Mount.
    Crook told Jim White and Simon Jordan on talkSPORT: “It wouldn’t surprise him if he ends up at Chelsea in the long haul.
    “People feel that he might have a bit of unfinished business there, possibly similar to Nathan Ake – it looks like he will be on his way back to Stamford Bridge from Man City. 
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    “We know about his friendship with Mason Mount.
    “Simon [Jordan] will probably tell you that that doesn’t really come into play when players pick their new clubs, but they do have a really strong bond. 
    “I think Declan Rice will give West Ham one more year. 
    “I think there’s almost a gentleman’s agreement that he will do that… although we know they don’t mean much in football from the Harry Kane saga last summer.

    “I expect him to leave next summer and if Chelsea are a Champions League club, if they finish in the top four as I would expect them to, I think they’ll be right there knocking on West Ham’s door.” 
    West Ham are bolstering their midfield options ahead of a potential Rice exit last summer.
    Flynn Downes was pinched from Swansea for £12m, with the player a boyhood Hammers fan.
    Downes, 23, had the highest pass completion rate across England’s top-four leagues.
    West Ham have also seen a second bid rejected for Lille midfielder Amadou Onana. More

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    Watch Chelsea boss Tuchel smile and respond when asked about transfer for wantaway Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo

    CHELSEA manager Thomas Tuchel was asked by a fan if he will sign Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo and gave a cheeky reply. In the video going viral on social media, a fan asks Tuchel: “Thomas, do we sign Cristiano Ronaldo?”
    Thomas Tuchel smiled when he was quizzed on Cristiano Ronaldo
    Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United return has not been successful and he wants out of the club after just one seasonCredit: Getty
    The German smiles and responds: “I will not tell you” before walking off.
    Fans online have been quick to jump to the conclusion that he is hinting that Chelsea will complete a move for the 37-year-old striker.
    One supporter said: “The smile is saying yes, basically.”
    Ronaldo is desperate to leave Man Utd this summer after the club failed to qualify for the Champions League and he was docked 25 per cent of his wages.
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}READ MORE ON CHELSEA.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BLUES LATEST .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Blues ready to pounce for Robert Lewandowski, Raheem Sterling MEDICAL
    This comes as SunSport exclusively reported he received a six-figure bonus just days before he told the club he wanted out.
    Ronaldo has not joined up with the squad for the club’s tour of Asia and United are planning pre-season without him. Although family reasons have been cited as the reason for his absence.
    Despite all the speculation, Ten Hag has broken his silence to say he is planning for the season WITH Ronaldo in his squad.
    Chelsea are one of a number of clubs interested with new owner Todd Boehly wanting to make CR7 his marquee signing to put down a signal of intent.
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    SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY
    Boehly reportedly even met with Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes to discuss a potential deal.
    Tuchel however apparently needs more convincing that Ronaldo is the man he needs to replace Romelu Lukaku but could be warming to the idea.
    The Blues are ready to bid and are lining up an offer of £14million for the unsettled star.
    Chelsea are set to have a busy summer with potentially many players arriving as they near completion of a £50million deal to bring Raheem Sterling to Stamford Bridge. More

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    Chelsea transfer blow as Barcelona ‘set to win race’ for Raphinha with Leeds to get £63m after Barca sell TV rights

    RAPHINHA is set to become a Barcelona player in the coming days, according to multiple reports.The Leeds United ace has been in demand this summer, with Chelsea and Arsenal both keen, but Barca have won the race to his signature.
    Leeds star Raphinha is set to move to Barcelona after being linked with Chelsea and ArsenalCredit: Getty
    The Blues agreed a deal worth around £55million with Leeds, only for the Brazilian to dig his heels in and hold out for a move to Barca.
    According to the Daily Mail, Barcelona have tabled a late, improved bid for Raphinha.
    They claim that Barca have now agreed to pay £55m plus a further £8m in add-ons – having found the extra money by selling TV rights.
    The 25-year-old has two years remaining on his Leeds contract, although Jesse Marsch’s side have long expected him to leave.
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15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}GET YOUR GOSS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Dembele to ‘COMPLETE’ new Barca deal, Bernardo Silva wants Messi old shirt
    Raphinha wasn’t included in the travelling party for their tour of Australia, while Leeds signed Feyenoord winger Luis Sinisterra to replace him this week.
    His agent, former Barca star Deco, has been fighting to make his childhood dream move to Catalonia a reality.
    According to Spanish paper Sport, he will accept less money at Barca than he could have earned at Chelsea.
    Barcelona are also set to seal a two-year contract extension with Ousmane Dembele, with the Frenchman having also been linked with Chelsea.
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    Despite missing out on Raphinha and Dembele, Chelsea will manage to bolster their attack by sealing a £47.5m deal for Raheem Sterling.
    The England winger underwent his Blues medical tonight, and is set to sign for Thomas Tuchel’s side before jetting out to the US to join them on their pre-season tour.
    Sterling, 27, made 337 appearances for Manchester City, scoring 131 goals and winning four Premier League titles.
    Chelsea are also in talks with City for defender Nathan Ake.
    The Dutchman is reportedly open to a Stamford Bridge return, but the Prem champions could charge £45m. More

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    Chelsea suffer major transfer blow as Matthijs de Ligt edges closer to Bayern deal with Salihamidzic in Turin

    CHELSEA have been dealt a major blow with Juventus ace Matthijs de Ligt edging closer to a Bayern Munich switch.Bayern director Hasan Salihamidzic will be in Turin on Monday to negotiate a fee after agreeing personal terms with the Dutch centre-back, 22.
    Matthijs De Ligt looks set to join Bayern despite interest from ChelseaCredit: Getty
    A five-year, £292,000-a-week deal is on the table for the 38-cap star, who would rather play for Bayern.
    The Germans are believed to have offered £76million for the man Juve paid £67.5m for in July 2019.
    Chelsea are keen on the Ajax youth product having lost centre-backs Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on frees to Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.
    Blues defenders Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta are also unsettled.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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CHELSEA.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BLUES LATEST .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Man City APPROVE £50m Sterling deal, Lewandowski WANTS Blues move
    New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly met with Barca chiefs earlier this week.
    And while part of the meeting was reportedly about stealing De Jong from under Man Utd’s nose, they were also thought to be discussing deals for Azpilicueta and Alonso.
    According to Fabrizio Romano, Barca want to complete a deal for Azpilicueta as soon as possible.
    They are prepared to offer the 32-year-old a two-year contract with the option for a further season.
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    Personal terms have been agreed between Barcelona and both Azpilicueta and Alonso.
    However, the Spanish giants are not keen to pay a large fee for the players as the pair are out of contract next summer.
    Barca are also in a huge amount of debt and are attempting to keep all transfer business to within a strict budget to avoid having problems registering new players. More

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    Chelsea demand £7million transfer fee from Barcelona for Azpilicueta with defender ‘already agreeing two-year deal’

    CHELSEA are demanding a fee of £7million to sell Cesar Azpilicueta to Barcelona, according to reports.Azpilicueta has been at Stamford Bridge since 2012, and has completed a clean sweep of trophies with the club in his time there.
    Azpilicueta has won it all at Chelsea over his 10 years with the clubCredit: Getty
    But now his time at the club could soon be coming to an end, with the Spaniard reportedly agreeing personal terms on a two-year deal with Barcelona.
    According to the Evening Standard, this deal will see him pocket £11m a season before tax in what will be a substantial pay rise for him.
    The report indicates the 32-year-old has already spoken to manager Thomas Tuchel and new owner Todd Boehly about pursuing the move.
    Barca are desperate to land the Spanish defender to provide manager Xavi with some much needed squad depth.
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    This would be in addition the acquisitions of Franck Kessie and former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen, who both joined on free transfers.
    Chelsea have already lost Chistensen and Antonio Rudiger from their back-line, and consequently Tuchel is not keen to allow another defender to leave the club.
    Procuring new defensive assets has thus far proven difficult too.
    A deal for former academy player Nathan Ake is edging closer to completion, while a deal for Matthijs de Ligt will depend on Bayern Munich’s negotiations with Juventus.
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    Azpilicueta joined the Chelsea squad as they jetted off for their pre-season tour to Los Angeles earlier this week.
    New owner Boehly was also pictured arriving for dinner in Barcelona with club president Joan Laporta amid reports he could try to engineer a move to hijack Man United’s transfer for Frenkie de Jong.
    Raheem Sterling is also close to completing a move to Stamford Bridge after agreeing personal terms. More

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    Chelsea step up transfer interest in Koulibaly and have ‘no problem’ meeting Napoli’s £34m asking price for defender

    CHELSEA reportedly have “no problem” meeting Napoli’s £34million asking price for defender Kalidou Koulibaly. The Blues are on the lookout for defensive reinforcements after losing both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen this summer.
    Chelsea are reportedly prepared to match Napoli’s valuation of Kalidou KoulibalyCredit: AFP
    And the Blues are now thought to have stepped up their interest in Napoli defender Koulibaly, 31.
    Chelsea are prepared to stump up the £34m Napoli are asking for to part ways with the defender, according to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport.
    Koulibaly is out of contract with the Serie A side at the end of next season, meaning this summer is Napoli’s last chance to demand a sizeable fee.
    Juventus are also understood to be keen on the Senegalese ace, with Matthijs de Ligt linked with both Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
    But in a boost to the Blues it’s claimed Koulibaly would not play for another Serie A club out of loyalty to Napoli.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BLUES LATEST .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Man City APPROVE £50m Sterling deal, Lewandowski WANTS Blues move
    Although Barcelona are also reported to be keen on his signature.
    Napoli boss Luciano Spaletti is claimed to be so desperate to keep his star man that he will resign if his side cash in on him.
    The centre-back has spent the last eight years in Naples, playing over 300 times for the club.
    Chelsea are rumoured to be in negotiations over a move for Manchester City defender Nathan Ake, as well as keeping tabs on De Ligt.
    They could also go back in for Sevilla ace Jules Kounde, who has been a long-term target.
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    But Koulibaly, who led Senegal to Africa Cup of Nations glory earlier this year, is also on the agenda.
    Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis admitted last month that they cannot force the defender to stay.
    He said: “He is a symbol of Napoli, and if he wants to no longer be a symbol, he must decide.
    “We must decide. We want Koulibaly to stay, but people can’t be forced to stay.
    “Everyone has their own dignity and needs. We respect everyone.” More

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    Romelu Lukaku marks Inter Milan return with 10-0 win as Chelsea flop shows great ball control to get on scoresheet

    CHELSEA flop Romelu Lukaku got his name on the scoresheet as Inter Milan romped to a 10-0 win during pre-season.The on-loan striker returned to Chelsea for £97.5million last summer, but failed to adapt to Thomas Tuchel’s system and repeatedly stated his unhappiness at the club.
    Lukaku looked sharp in the friendly gameCredit: https://youtu.be/MifI3-JLuwY
    Lukaku tucked away a low shot into the bottom cornerCredit: https://youtu.be/MifI3-JLuwY
    Lukaku will want to re-find the form which won Inter the title two years agoCredit: Getty
    Consequently, Lukaku was loaned back to Inter Milan for the upcoming season and looks to have started exactly where he left off.
    The 29-year-old, showed some good ball control and strong link-up with strike partner Lautaro Martinez.
    When Lukaku was last at the club he and Martinez fired the Nerazzurri to their first Serie A title in over a decade.
    However, this season they failed to defend their crown and lost out to AC Milan.
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    Lukaku managed just eight league goals for Chelsea last season, going on an eight month stretch where he scored just twice in the Premier League despite a strong start and finish to the season for him.
    By contrast, he scored 24 league goals during Inter’s 2020/21 title winning campaign.
    Upon his return to Inter, Lukaku said “it’s like coming home” and shared a cryptic post on Instagram in what some fans believe to be a thinly veiled dig at Chelsea.
    There is no clause in the loan deal to make the switch permanent.
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    Chelsea are set to confirm the arrival of Raheem Sterling from Man City in a £45m deal, meaning options up front could be very stacked when he returns to Chelsea next summer.
    A brace from Martinez and goals from a host of youngsters helped to round off the 10-0 win over Italian fifth division side FC Milanese.
    Sterling is set to complete a move to Chelsea imminentlyCredit: AFP More