Chelsea takeover nearing completion, Bellingham links, Boehly spotted on Stamford Bridge pitch, Jorginho to Juvenetus
CHELSEA are reportedly nearing a deal to have the club taken over by American Todd Boehly. The prospective owner stepped foot on the pitch after the win over Watford on Sunday to congratulate the players.
Thomas Tuchel is keen for the takeover to be completed as he has admitted that the Blues’ “hands are tied” in regards to dealing with transfers.
Which is currently preventing the West London outfit from landing a deal for talented Borussia Dortmund youngster Jude Bellingham who Chelsea are reportedly linked to.
Whereas Jorginho could be heading to Juventus but the Italian giants are refusing to ‘spend big’ to land their target.
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Keep up to date with all of the latest gossip from the Stamford Bridge…
Reece rates tough Chelsea season a success
Reece James believes Chelsea coped with a tough season but wants to avoid a repeat, writes ANDY DILLON.
The defender has met incoming new owner Todd Boehly briefly and says the American is as ambitious as the players and boss Thomas Tuchel.
Chelsea lost two cup finals and finished third in the Premier League despite massive upheaval with the enforced sale of the club and James is proud of the achievement – but won’t accept the same again.
He said: “No. We got to two finals and lost on penalties. On another day maybe we win and the season is even better. I don’t know how many competitions we play in but it’s more than two.
“Our aim is to win every competition we play in. We’re good enough, so there’s no reason why we can’t do it.
“It’s been a difficult season. We started very well, we were leading the Premier League, then injuries happened and we found ourselves in a difficult position.
“But we finished the season strongly, qualifying for the Champions League next season. Obviously picking up two trophies at the start of the season and the club World Cup as well.”
Chelsea sale hitch over Roman’s PORTUGUESE passport
Chelsea have been plunged into an 11th-hour sale crisis – because of Roman Abramovich’s PORTUGUESE passport, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
SunSport understands the Government is finally prepared to sign off the proposed £4.25bn deal to the consortium led by Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly.
But Whitehall chiefs are pointing to objections from the European Union that could SCUPPER the entire deal.
And, while it is still expected that an agreement can be reached, there is a genuine risk of Chelsea not being given the EU go-ahead.
SunSport has been told that the Government believes Abramovich has now given sufficient undertakings for the Treasury and DCMS to sign off the takeover.
The Russian billionaire has provided legally binding guarantees over the £1.6bn loan which helped fund the club over the past 19 years and promises that none of it will go to him or his family.
That was seen as the last impediment to a sale, clearing the way for Boehly to take the helm.
But now Government sources claim senior EU officials have yet to accept the terms of the deal.
Abramovoich has also been sanctioned by the EU over his alleged backing for Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Frenzy over Kounde
Speculation over Sevilla defender Jules Kounde being in London today reignited talk of the Sevilla defender joining Chelsea or Arsenal.
Sevilla president Jose Castro admitted this morning the club are ready to sell players to fund new signings after finishing fourth in LaLiga.
And reports in Spain reckon nine-cap Frenchman Kounde is one of the likely departures.
It’s also thought Chelsea came close to landing the 23-year-old last summer.
Brazilian lawyer Pimenta takes Raiola role
Before super agent Mino Raiola passed away last month, he had one request for his long time ally.
The Italian, who boasted football stars including Erling Haaland, Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic as clients, asked Brazilian lawyer Rafaela Pimenta to take over the reins of his business.
It is she who is tasked with advising France World Cup winner Pogba of his next move – with a move away from Man Utd said to be imminent.
Whether he stays at Old Trafford or re-signs for Juventus, who are believed to have offered the playmaker a three year deal worth £6.3million-per-year deal, Pimenta will be at the centre of all negotiations.
In truth, she could become the most powerful woman in football.
For 18 years, Pimenta was Raiola’s right-hand woman – working by his side.
She was entrusted as a vital cog in his affairs, as well as a brain to lean on for advice.
Juve won’t spend big on Jorginho
Chelsea midfielder Jorginho is still a Juventus target but the Serie A giants won’t ‘spend big’ to land the Italy midfielder.
That’s the understanding of Fabrizio Romano for Caught Offside, who believes Juve are prioritising moves for Angel Di Maria and Paul Pogba over the 30-year-old.
Boehly takeover complete ‘this week’
Todd Boehly’s Chelsea takeover could be completed this week.
The Guardian say the Government are now confident Roman Abramovich’s £1.6bn Blues’ loan won’t go to the Russian oligarch or his family.
Delays have been blamed on debt owed by Chelsea’s parent company Fordstam Ltd to Jersey-based Camberley International Investments – a company suspected of links to Abramovich.
But talks intensified after fears Chelsea’s future if a May 31 sale deadline wasn’t met.
Stamford Bridge boss Thomas Tuchel will be delighted if the takeover is sealed within days as he’s admitted the uncertainty has been a huge headache for his planning.
New Neym for the Bridge?
Chelsea are 7/1 favourites in a star-studded field to sign PSG striker Neymar.
Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are thought to be in contention for the Brazil legend, as well as Newcastle and Manchester United.
Talk of Neymar’s future has hit the headlines this week.
French newspaper Le Parisien claim the 30-year-old has been put up for sale after “direct orders” from executives Qatar.
Neymar has scored 100 and provided 60 assists in 144 appearances for PSG since his £200million arrival from Barcelona in 2017.
And signed a contract extension last year which keeps him in Paris until June 2025.
SKY BET ODDS ON NEYMAR’S NEXT CLUB:
Chelsea – 7/1
Barcelona – 10/1
Newcastle – 14/1
Real Madrid – 14/1
Bayern Munich – 16/1
Manchester United – 16/1
Red Devils will Av a transfer spree
Manchester United owner Avram Glazer has hinted that the club could splash the cash in the upcoming transfer window.
The Red Devils are expected to dip into the market under Erik Ten Hag having posted their lowest ever Premier League points tally.
Two central midfielders, plus a striker and a centre-half are top of Ten Hag’s summer wishlist.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is one name on the list, but SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this month United face a battle to sign the former Ajax star.
Glazer though suggested funds will be available in the upcoming window.
When asked by Sky Sports if the club are able to invest before next season, Glazer replied: “We’ve always spent the money necessary to buy new players.”
The 61-year-old, a hugely unpopular figure among the United fanbase, was also asked if he was disappointed with the season just gone.
United posted a measly 58 points, finishing sixth-place in the table.
But Glazer initially said: “I don’t think this is the time to talk about that.”
Tuchel tips FIVE team to contest title next season
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has revealed the five teams he believes will be fighting it out for the Premier League title next season.
The Blues spent the first half of the 2021/22 campaign battling it out with Manchester City and Liverpool for the right to become English champions.
But as the season went on they fell away and finished in third, 19 points off champions Man City and just three ahead of fourth place Tottenham.
Tuchel’s side ended with a 2-1 win over Watford, and the German coach was asked after the game about next season’s title challenge.
And while he believes Manchester United and Spurs will be in the conversation along with City, Liverpool and themselves, he left out Arsenal – who finished fifth.
He said: “It will be a super tough race. Manchester United will be in the race, Tottenham will be in the race with Antonio Conte for sure, and we want to stay in the race.
“And Liverpool and Man City will do everything to even make their squads bigger. They set the standard so, so high and it will take the same to be competitive next season.”
Fans hail forgotten men Kenedy and Barkley
Forgotten wideman Kenedy and floundering Ross Barkley were hailed by Chelsea fans after their surprise key roles in the final-day 2-1 defeat of Watford.
Starting wing-back Kenedy teed up Kai Haverts’z early opener and sub midfielder Barkley headed a stoppage-time winner in his 100th match for the Blues.
Kenedy, in particular, thrilled supporters on social media.
One gushed “The guy is amazing” and another beamed “Kenedy is balling!”
Other comments included: “Where has Kenedy been this whole time? We’ve been hiding the Roberto Carlo regen all along. This guy is playing amazing.”
Another follower noted: “He is very good offensively, I don’t know why Tuchel doesn’t use him.”
And even stronger praise came here: “He is my favourite baller… why doesn’t Tuchel trust him more?”
Barkley, meanwhile, earned plaudits for his late clincher – just his fifth club goal since arriving at Chelsea from Everton in January 2018.
One fan said the ex-England playmaker “deserves more game time”.
Tuchel admits a hol lot of problems
Thomas Tuchel has ruled out a summer holiday – as Chelsea’s ownership situation means he has too much to do.
Asked if he’d take a break, the Blues boss said: “No I can’t go on holiday, no. There is too much to clarify and have an opinion.”
Tuchel hopes to soon meet prospective new owner Todd Boehly and discuss what’s needed to close the chasm between Chelsea and the Prem’s clear top two, Liverpool and champions Manchester City.
Tuchel admitted: “It will not be easy to close the gap because we are forced not to [make signings].
“We need to be fast and smart when we are allowed.”
Could Kenedy have Chelsea future?
With a number of Chelsea first team players set to leave the club this season, some supporters are wondering whether Kenedy can finally make a breakthrough at the Bridge.
The Brazilian was a surprise inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI for yesterday’s home win over Watford.
It was the 26-year-old’s first Premier League start for the Blues since May 2017, a game also against the Hornets.
The gap of 1833 days ago is the second longest between two Premier League starts by a Chelsea player, a record only beaten by Romelu Lukaku (3388 days), who at least had the excuse of three permanent moves in between.
Kenedy required just 11 minutes to make his mark on his return, setting up Kai Havertz for the opener.
Tuchel: Five can win title
The Premier League season only ended yesterday, but already clubs are preparing for the next campaign.
And Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel believes that there will be as many as five sides battling it out for the title in 2022-23.
Speaking after his side’s 2-1 win over Watford on Sunday, the German said: “It will be a super tough race.
“Manchester United will be in the race, and Tottenham will be in the race with Antonio Conte, for sure.
“We want to stay in the race, and Liverpool and Man City will do everything to make their squads bigger, and they set the standard so high. This is the challenge in which we want to compete.”
Juve won’t spend big on Jorginho
Juventus are still interested in signing Chelsea’s Jorginho, but are refusing to ‘spend big’ to land their man.
That’s the understanding of Fabrizio Romano for Caught Offside, who believes the Serie A club are prioritising moves for Angel Di Maria and Paul Pogba.
While the Old Lady also want to add the Italian midfielder to their ranks, the ‘deal has to be right’ for them – and that will depend on what Chelsea wish to do with the 30-year-old.
Long-serving coach to leave
Chelsea said goodbye to a number of star players yesterday following their final day win over Watford.
However, one exit from the club that went under the radar yet may ultimately be felt as much is that of coach Christophe Lollichon.
The senior goalkeeping coach revealed on his Twitter account that was calling time on his 15 years at Stamford Bridge.
Lollichon described his stay with the Blues as ‘an honour’ since arriving from Rennes in 2007.
Credit: @chrislollichon Twitter
Good morning Chelsea fans
Many of Chelsea’s stars will be heading abroad next week as their holidays begin.
However, boss Thomas Tuchel has no plans to go anywhere. He revealed after the Blues beat Chelsea 2-1 on the final day: “No I can’t go on holiday, no. There is too much to clarify and have an opinion.”
He also talked about meeting Todd Boehly and what is needed to progress next season.
“It will not be easy to close the gap because we are forced not to [make signings]. We need to be fast and smart when we are allowed.”
Mason Mount has been crowned as Chelsea’s player of the season again.
It’s the second time in a row the playmaker has won the award. He follows Eden Hazard, who was a previous back-to-back winner.
Meanwhile, Marcos Alonso may have played his last game for Chelsea.
The Spanish defender missed Sunday’s game against Watford through injury. He is reportedly in talks to return to Spain with Barcelona.
Alonso’s last game for Chelsea?
Marcos Alonso may have played his last game for Chelsea.
The Spanish defender missed Sunday’s game against Watford through injury.
Tuchel explained: “Marcos Alonso had a back problem in our first match against West Ham where he needed to go out and then he missed some matches.
“He had more or less the same through the last games and he played with this pain through the match against Leicester.
“Now he felt the muscle contraction goes right through to the hamstrings so it made no sense to take this risk with him.”
However, with reports suggesting Alonso is deep in contract talks with Barcelona, it appears we may not see him in a Chelsea shirt once again.
Chilwell buzzing
Ben Chilwell has spoken about his road to recovery, after injury ended his season.
The England full-back suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Juventus back in November.
However, last month Chilwell has stepped up the recovery process.
And he revealed he wouldn’t have been able to do it without the support of his team mates.
He said: “It’s a very tight group. From day one of my injury I felt the support from the fans, the staff, the players, everyone at Chelsea I’ve felt the support from. It made it a lot easier. I’m buzzing to be back.”
Club departure
Christophe Lollichon has revealed he is leaving Stamford Bridge, after 15 years of working with the club’s goalkeepers.
In a statement, he wrote: “After 15 years at Chelsea FC, it’s time to announce that I am leaving the Blues.
“From 1st team goalkeeper coach to working with the keepers on loan and the recruitment dept, being a part of the club’s success has been an honour.
Thank you to the fans and everyone at the club.”
Real deal
Real Madrid have reportedly opened talks with Monaco star Aurelien Tchouameni in a blow to a string of Premier League sides.
Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are among the teams who had been targeting the highly-rated midfielder.
Madrid will be hunting for high-profile summer signings after being snubbed by Kylian Mbappe on Saturday.
And journalist Santi Aouna reports that the Spanish club has been in contact and ready to make an offer.
What holiday
Many of Chelsea’s stars will be heading abroad next week as their holidays begin.
However, boss Thomas Tuchel has no plans to go anywhere.
He revealed: “No I can’t go on holiday, no. There is too much to clarify and have an opinion.”
He’s also talked about meeting Todd Boehly and what is needed to progress next season.
“It will not be easy to close the gap because we are forced not to [make signings]. We need to be fast and smart when we are allowed.”
Player of the season
Mason Mount has been crowned as Chelsea’s player of the season again.
It’s the second time in a row the playmaker has won the award.
He follows Eden Hazard, who was previous back-to-back winner.
Premier League 2021-22
This is where we finished, and who did what in terms of European qualification.
Title: Manchester City
UCL: Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs
UEL: Arsenal, Manchester United
UECL: West Ham
Relegation: Burnley, Watford, Norwich
Full-time
The Blues have edged out Watford 2-1.
Despite dominating proceedings, it looked like Gosling had equalised to earn the Hornets a draw.
But up popped Ross Barkley in injury time to score a winner.
As things stand
Champions -Man City
Champions League – Liverpool – Chelsea – Tottenham
Europa League – Arsenal- West Ham
Relegated – Burnley
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