Chelsea transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Brentford ready to slash Ivan Toney’s asking price by more than £30m with just two clubs left in transfer race

      by

      BRENTFORD are ready to slash their asking price for Ivan Toney to less than £50million due to a lack of interest.Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all made it clear to Brentford that they have no plans to bid for in the England striker.Brentford are prepared to lower their asking price for Ivan ToneyCredit: GettyThat leaves Tottenham and West Ham as his most likely suitors.Brentford had hoped to create an auction for Toney after he returned from an eight-month gambling ban in January and initially invited bids in excess of £80m.But there were no offers Toney during the winter transfer window and the club have been surprised at the lack interest this summer.Arsenal are not prioritising signing a striker this summer, Chelsea think Toney is too old and United have signed £36.5m Holland striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBrentford’s position is complicated by the fact that they have been planning for Toney’s departure for over a year and have already signed his replacement.Brentford broke their transfer record to pay Club Brugge £31m for Brazilian striker Igor Thiago in February, and manager Thomas Frank will struggle to accomodate both players in his first-team plans.Toney is keen to leave Brentford this summer but has repeatedly spoken of his desire to join a “top club that wins trophies.”The 28-year-old could opt to see out the final year of his contract at Brentford in the hope of joining a big club on a free transfer next summer, although such a move may create tension with his employers.Most read in FootballBrentford stood by Toney during his FA ban placing over 200 bets on football, but their relationship is not straightforward.The former Newcastle and Peterborough striker initially denied placing any bets before changing his story and pleading guilty at an FA hearing, a U-turn which caused problems for the club.Watch Ivan Toney score unbelievable volley in England training in ultimate route one goal before Netherlands clashAny Tottenham bid for Toney would depend on them selling Brazilian international Richarlison.But they are also interested in Lille striker Jonathan David, who is available for £25m. West Ham have also inquired about Canada ace David. More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea’s pre-season plans in meltdown as Enzo Fernandez’s offensive video sparks huge dressing room rift

      by

      CHELSEA’S pre-season plans are in total meltdown with a dressing-room rift triggered by Enzo Fernandez’s racist video.The midfielder posted a live stream of himself and some Argentina team-mates singing an offensive song referencing the heritage of France’s players.Enzo Fernandez’s offensive video has brought Chelsea’s pre-season in total meltdownCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezFernandez was filmed singing a derogatory song against French playersCredit: GettyThat didn’t go down well with the Chelsea dressing roomCredit: GettyNew Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has to deal with a dressing room riftCredit: GettyIt sent shockwaves through the Blues’ squad with up to TEN stars either unfollowing or snubbing him on Instagram.The £106million World Cup winner has issued an apology but one insider told SunSport: “It’s not enough”.Fernandez, 23, posted on Instagram: “I want to apologise sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations. The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words.“I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations. That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry.”Read More on ChelseaBlues’ French defender Wesley Fofana branded the extraordinary video clip as “uninhibited racism.”Chelsea have a big French contingent in their squad including Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Malo Gusto, Malang Sarr, Christopher Nkunku, Lesley Ugochukwu and Fofana. Three other non-French players are believed to be equally upset.Fernandez filmed himself and others chanting that many of Les Bleus’ players have French passports but hail from African countries as they toasted Monday’s Copa America final win over Colombia.Chelsea and world football’s governing body Fifa have launched investigations into the controversial post.Most read in FootballStriker Nicolas Jackson’s attempts to act as peacemaker failed after he published an image of Fernandez greeting a young, black Chelsea fan on a pitch, next to a picture of himself holding up his team-mate’s shirt.The post went up before training — but was later deleted. A source close to Jackson said: “Nicolas had no intention to create controversy or disrespect people. It was a kind gesture to support a team-mate and acted in good faith.”Chelseas midfield struggles with Moises Caicedo and Enzo FernandezChelsea jet out to the States on Monday for pre-season friendlies and Fernandez is expected back halfway through the US tour.Insiders at Stamford Bridge say the incident has rocked harmony within the camp and it will take a lot to repair the damage.One told SunSport: “People are saying ‘what the f*** was he thinking?’”The chant also includes derogatory and transphobic references to Kylian Mbappe.A Chelsea statement read: “We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate. The club has instigated an internal disciplinary procedure.” More

    • 163 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Lucy Bronze confirms Chelsea move and return to England’s top-flight after Barcelona exit

      by

      LUCY BRONZE has joined Chelsea on a free transfer after leaving three-time Women’s Champions League winners Barcelona.The England defender’s move to the WSL title holders comes three weeks after her contract with the Catalan giants ended.Lucy Bronze has joined Chelsea after a trophy-laden two-year stint with BarcelonaBronze’s move comes a day after the Lioness helped European champions England automatically qualify for next year’s Women’s EurosCredit: GettyBronze, who has won five Champions League trophies, will hope to do so for a sixth time with ChelseaCredit: GettyHer switch was confirmed by Chelsea a day after she helped England automatic qualify for next year’s Euros in SwitzerlandThe 125-capped right-back, 32, and her team-mates hope to win the tournament for the second time in a row following their 2022 triumph.Bronze’s transfer will see her return to the Women’s Super League for the first time since leaving Man City two years ago to play in Spain.It will also see her link up with her England team-mates Millie Bright, Jess Carter, Niamh Charles, Lauren James and Aggie Beever-Jones.Read More Football StoriesThe defender, who has won three WSL titles, describes her Chelsea move as “surreal”.Bronze said:  “I’m really excited to be back in England.”My family are so excited as well to get to more of my games. “I’m excited to be in London, to see what the capital holds and to be at a club that is renowned for winning so many trophies.Most read in Football”To know I’m a Chelsea player still feels a little bit surreal. “It’s obviously a club I know so much about and have done for such a long time.”Over the course of a 17-year senior playing career which began in Sunderland in 2007 has lifted five Champions League trophies – two with Barcelona and three her former club Lyon.And the full-back has won three WSL titles in 2013, 2014 and 2016 during spells with Liverpool and Man City.  Blues general manager Paul Green added: “Lucy will bring leadership to the group. She is a serial winner and a versatile defender.”She has lots of experience and a winning mentality which we feel will fit well into the squad.”Bronze’s arrival at Chelsea follows a busy month of transfers for the Blues since new boss Sonia Bompastor took charge of the club.The ex-Lyon head coach has bolstered her midfield options with Julia Bartel and Oriane Jean-Francois joining from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Chelsea’s new additions include France forward Sandy BaltimoreCredit: GettyThis follows Melanie Leupolz’s departure for Real Madrid after four years with the Blues. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe club have also strengthened their attacking options by signing of France and former PSG forward Sandy Baltimore following Fran Kirby’s move to WSL rivals Brighton.Next season the team will chase an eighth top-flight title win and as well pushing to win the Champions League for the first time. More

    • 188 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Enzo Fernandez breaks silence after being slammed by Chelsea team-mate Wesley Fofana for ‘uninhibited racism’

      by

      ENZO Fernandez has broken his silence after being slammed by team-mate Wesley Fofana for “uninhibited racism”.Chelsea launched a probe after Fernandez posted a video on Instagram of himself and his Argentina team-mates chanting a sick discriminatory song.Enzo Fernandez has taken to Instagram to issue an apologyCredit: InstagramFrenchman Wesley Fofana called out his Chelsea team-mate after a clip circulated on XCredit: GettyBut the Argentina midfielder has now taken to the same social media platform to issue an apology.He wrote: “I want to apologise sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations.”The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words.”I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.Read more Sports News”That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry.”The 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.The vile chant dates back to the 2022 World Cup when Argentina beat France in the final on penalties.Most read in FootballAppearing on live TV some fans from the South American country sang that France’s players were “all from Angola”.And they also targeted Kylian Mbappe with a transphobic chant amid reports surrounding his dating life.Fans sneak into Copa America final through air vents as Argentina stars forced to leave dressing room to help families 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.The FFF condemned the chant and added: “Faced with the seriousness of these shocking remarks.Argentina have been hit by a racism storm after singing a vile chantChelsea star Enzo recorded team-mates singing the sick song on Instagram Live”Contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the president of the FFF decided to directly challenge his Argentine counterpart.”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.But seconds after the vile chant began he switched the recording off.Football in 2024: uninhibited racism.Wesley FofanaChelsea 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

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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