Chelsea transfer news

CHELSEA have AGREED terms on the £4.25bn sale of the club to Todd Boehly.The American billionaire is also the owner of the LA Dodgers baseball team, and leads the consortium.
However, the American will reportedly cut transfer spending while retaining the same insatiable demand for trophies as Roman Abramovich had.
But the new owners are reportedly set to have talks with sporting director Marina Granovskaia over her future at the club.
And Chelsea have been dealt a huge blow in their quest for Christopher Nkunku as RB Leipzig have no intention of parting ways with their talisman this summer.
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Chelsea star courts interest
Chelsea’s Jake Clarke-Salter is wanted by top clubs across Europe including Leeds and PSV Eindhoven on a free transfer.
Clarke-Salter is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer but Thomas Tuchel’s side do have the option to extend his deal for another 12 months.
But Chelsea’s ownership issues means the Blues cannot currently activate new deals under the sanctions imposed by the UK government.
That means Clarke-Salter can speak to other clubs with Leeds and Sheffield United already enquiring for his services.
Chelsea transfer suggestions
Chelsea have been urged to make a double swoop for Harry Maguire and Declan Rice this summer.
Both England stars will be welcome additions to the Blues’ squad, insists pundit Richard Keys.
Keys explained: “They need a centre-back. Harry Maguire? What would he cost? £40/50 million? I’m pretty sure he’d jump at the chance of a new start. The obvious one in midfield would be Rice. Kante has all but run himself to a stand still.
“Rice would be a perfect replacement. Would West Ham sell? Of course they will if the money is right. I’d give you £150m for him all day long. If Rice pushes hard it might not take that much.”
Leipzig warn Chelsea off Nkunku
RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff says they have no intention of selling £62million rated forward Christopher Nkunku to Chelsea this summer.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano tweeted a quote from Mintzlaff which says: “We have clearly discussed it internally: we won’t let Nkunku leave this summer, we told him and his agent.”
Sheva’s support for Ukrainian footballers
Andriy Shevchenko has reached out to two Premier League Ukrainian football stars to offer his support in the wake of Russia’s invasion of their country.
Former Chelsea striker and ex-Ukraine national team boss Sheva has contacted West Ham winger Andriy Yarmolenko and Manchester City midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Shevchenko told LADbible: “I know how it’s been difficult for the boys.
“I tried to support and call them and encourage them to not give up, to think about the game.
“Just try to go in the stadium and play for your country, play for your fans who are supporting you, which club you’re playing.
“The boys are representing Ukraine and then we need that visibility in the world, that Ukrainian athletes can do very well.”
Boehly takeover set for approval
Todd Boehly is set to be cleared to complete his Chelsea takeover before the end of the season.
The LA Dodgers co-owner is leading a consortium which has signed a £4.25billion deal to buy Roman Abramovich’s shares in the Blues.
It needs Prem and government sign-off, and with all parties keen to draw the saga to a close it looks like the deal will be ratified before the Blues host Watford in their final game of the season on May 22.
Boehly to ‘invest heavily’
New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is planning ‘heavy investment’ in their squad to turn them into a Prem title force again, according to the Evening Standard.
The American billionaire was confirmed as the successor to Roman Abramovich on Saturday and will kickstart their summer transfer plans once the takeover deal is rubberstamped.
Hayes ‘drained’ by WSL win
Chelsea Women’s boss Emma Hayes says their dramatic final-day WSL title win left her feeling “mentally drained”.
The Blues twice came from behind to beat Manchester United 4-2 to pip Arsenal to the championship.
Hayes told the Blues’ club website: “I’m absolutely mentally drained right now but I will just go home, have a cup of tea as usual and get ready for tomorrow.”
Chelsea will look to complete the double in next Sunday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.
Palmieiri tipped for Chelsea return
Emerson Palmieiri looks set to return to Chelsea next season after his successful loan spell with Lyon.
The Italian left-back, 27, made a temporary switch to the French giants last summer and has impressed in Ligue 1.
Juventus are also said to be keen but the Blues may want to retain him as part of a squad built for the new era of Todd Boehly’s ownership.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Emerson Palmieri will leave OL [Lyon] at the end of current season and will return to Chelsea – he’s definitely not gonna stay at OL next year.”
Elneny’s new Arsenal deal offer
Arsenal hope Mohamed Elneny will sign a new deal with them, according to The Athletic.
The Eygpt midfielder, 29, has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot since joining from Basel in 2016.
But his improved form in a Gunners side bidding for a top-four Prem finish this season has persuaded the club to try and tie him down.
Elneny was recalled for the victory at Chelsea last month and has played every minute since in wins over Manchester United, West Ham and yesterday’s 2-1 triumph against Leeds.
Gunners ‘renew interest in Arthur’
Arsenal have re-ignited their interest in signing Juventus midfielder Arthur, according to Italian outlet Tutto Mercato.
But a sticking point could be that Juve value their Brazil star at £34million, while the Gunners want to do business for about £21m.
United blow in Laimer chase
Manchester Unite face competition from Bayern Munich in their pursuit of Konrad Laimer, according to reports.
The Red Devils have been tracking the RB Leipzig midfielder, 24, who could fill the void if Paul Pogba leaves Old Trafford as expected.
But Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says Bayern are lining up a £15million bid that could extend to £17m, and their boss Julian Nagelsmann is “pushing” for his side to sign Laimer from his old team.
Leicester join £40m Gleison hunt
Chelsea could face a £40million battle with Leicester for Torino centre-back Gleison Bremer.
Foxes’ boss Brendan Rodgers is reportedly considering let the Serie a side keep loan midfielder Dennis Praet in part-exchange for the Brazilian.
SunSport understands Leicester officials met with their Torino counterparts in Italy last week to try to thrash out a deal.
And it’s understood Chelsea have been watching Bremer – as a potential replacement for outgoing Antonio Rudiger.
Marc-elona?
Barcelona’s interest in Marcos Alonso is reportedly hotting up.
The Chelsea left-back is rated a priority recruit for the Spanish giants this summer.
And transfer guru Fabrizio Romano believes Barca are firming up their pursuit of the seven-cap Spain star, 31.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has England ace Ben Chilwell returning to fitness in the same position.
Koul should be hot Chelsea target
Ex-Chelsea striker Demba Ba believes Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly should be a priority target under incoming owner Todd Boehly.
Area Napoli claim Koulibaly’s agent Fali Ramadani has offered the £30million-rated Senegal star to the Blues.
Barcelona are also said to be keen on the 30-year-old, who has previously been linked to Manchester United
Area Napoli suggest Ramadani reckons Chelsea offer Koulibaly the best combination of pay packet and Champions League football.
And asked if Chelsea should step up their Koulibaly hunt, Ba said: “One hundred per cent. One thousand per cent.
“He has that stature. He can support pressure, bear in mind he plays for Senegal and plays for Napoli. 
“He can handle the pressure. He’s good as a football player and a top lad.”
It’s Rudi difficult
Antonio Rudiger’s expected summer exit is ‘affecting’ Chelsea on the pitch, boss Thomas Tuchel claims.
Rudiger and Tuchel himself have all but confirmed the defender will leave when his contract esxpires.
And Tuchel revealed: “It surely affects the team, but I cannot tell you to which degree. The longer the situation goes (on), now it has a huge affect because Toni leaves us in the middle the process where we are sanctioned and could not even fight, could not do another offer, could not be in negotiations.”
“It clearly has an affect, and it makes not so much sense to deny it; we lose now one of our key players.
“This decision has an effect on the dressing room because Toni is not isolating when he’s here at Cobham and does not talk to anyone, so he is a huge part; he is a leader, and, of course, the situation is like that.”
Survival was Tuch and go
Thomas Tuchel could barely look as Chelsea’s Under-23s secured their Premier League 2 safety with a late comeback win against Tottenham, writes JAKE LAMBOURNE.
The Blues went into the last match of the PL2 season at Kingsmeadow knowing only three points would see them avoid relegation.

It was a strong Chelsea line-up, with first-teamers Malang Sarr and Trevor Chalobah adding experience.
After a flat first-half, Spurs took the lead through Kion Etete just before the hour mark.
It proved to be too much for German gaffer Tuchel, who was watching through his hands as the U23s searched for a goal.
And with the likes of Kai Havertz, Timo Werner and Mason Mount watching on, Chelsea finally got back on level terms in the 82nd minute.
Dion Rankine tapped home after getting on the end of a low cross from Lewis Hall. The comeback was complete in the 88th minute after Joe Haigh bundled the ball home to spark wild scenes from the jubilant Blues’ players.
Chelsea’s victory condemned Leeds to be relegated from the PL2 first division, with Derby also dropping down. For the second year in a row, Manchester City have won Premier League 2, with West Ham and Arsenal following behind.
Barca ‘step up Alonso hunt’
Barcelona’s interest in Marcos Alonso is reportedly hotting up.
The Chelsea left-back is rated a priority recruit for the Spanish giants this summer.
And transfer guru Fabrizio Romano believes Barca are firming up their pursuit of the seven-cap Spain star, 31.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has England ace Ben Chilwell returning to fitness in the same position.
Leipzig fight to keep Chelsea target Nkunku
RB Leipzig will fight to keep Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal target Christopher Nkunku.
That’s the claim this evening as AC Milan, Bayern Munich and former club Paris Saint-Germain also eye the France midfielder, 24.
Despite  L’Equipe suggesting last week that Nkunku has privately revealed he is interested in moving on this summer, reports today insist Leipzig believe they can keep him.
Publicly at least, the twice-capped star says he is happy in Germany and could stay for the final two years of his contract.
Nev defends claim Conte shouldn’t boss Utd
Gary Neville has ferociously defended his claim that ex-Chelsea chief Antonio Conte is not right for Manchester United amid criticism from Jamie Carragher.
It comes after Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp revealed he doesn’t like the kind of football Conte’s Tottenham team play following their 1-1 draw at Anfield on Saturday.
The Reds boss said: “I’m sorry I’m the wrong person for that, I don’t like this kind of football. But that’s my personal problem.
“I think they’re world class, and I think they should do more for the game. I think the game against Liverpool they had 36, 38 per cent possession. But it’s my problem. I cannot coach it. So that’s why I cannot do it.
“So yes, world class players block all the balls, really difficult. Atletico Madrid is doing it. Fine, they won whatever.
“Fine, absolutely fine. I just can’t. I respect everything they do, but it’s not me.”
Conte was touted for the Manchester United job last year but the Red Devils opted to stick with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for a few more matches. The Italian then chose to join Tottenham instead, while Man Utd sacked Solskjaer and appointed Ralf Rangnick as interim boss.
Old Trafford legend Neville quote retweeted the comments from Klopp and added: “I respect Conte and his football enormously but this Klopp interview gives the clear reason why he wasn’t the right fit for United.”
Neville’s Sky Sports colleague Carragher then responded with a screenshot of a headline which read: “Gary Neville calls for brutal Diego Simeone to be considered for next Manchester United manager”.
To which Neville replied: “Simone 4-4-2 aggressive style. Proper United that. Conte wing backs ?? No..”
Foxes fight Blues for Bremer
Chelsea could face a £40million battle with Leicester for Torino centre-back Gleison Bremer.
Foxes’ boss Brendan Rodgers is reportedly considering let the Serie a side keep loan midfielder Dennis Praet in part-exchange for the Brazilian.
SunSport understands Leicester officials met with their Torino counterparts in Italy last week to try to thrash out a deal.
And it’s understood Chelsea have been watching Bremer – as a potential replacement for outgoing Antonio Rudiger.
‘Big lump’ Lukaku gave me the hump
Wolves coach Tony Roberts labelled Romelu Lukaku a ‘big lump’ as he questioned how the Chelsea striker won a penalty in a dramatic 2-2 draw.
Goalkeeping trainer Roberts – standing in as manager Bruno Lage had Covid – suggested Lukaku fell too easily for such a powerful player.

Watched by incoming Chelsea owner Todd Boehly, the recalled Belgian tucked in the spot-kick opener himself and soon doubled the Blues’ lead.
But Wolves sub Francisco Trincao netted a spectacular reply and visitors’ skipper Conor Coady headed the leveller seven minutes into stoppage time.
Roberts’ delight over a ‘well deserved’ comeback point was offset, however, by his penalty gripe.
Lukaku was growing into the game when he bustled and muscled past Roman Saiss on 56 minutes.
And the defender brought down the ex-Inter Milan hero with a clumsy challenge. Ref Peter Banks awarded a spot-kick after checking video replays.
Roberts said of Lukaku’s input: “He’s a big lump, isn’t he. So for him to go down, I’m not sure.”
The Welshman added: “We came back to get the point but we’re disappointed we didn’t win it.”
Will Azpilicueta leave this summer?
According to Spanish outlet AS, Barcelona have swooped in to put a huge offer on the table, of which Azpilicueta has agreed to.
The two-year deal will see the defender earn £11million per-season.
It also includes the option of a one-year extension.
Since joining the Blues in 2012, Azpilicueta has become one of the most successful Chelsea players of all time.
Earlier this year, he became the first player to win every trophy possible with the club.
No doubt a legend, whatever happens this summer.
Boehly watches Wolves late equaliser
The LA Dodgers part owner had just been told that his consortium had won the battle to buy Chelsea from sanctioned Roman Abramovich.
But Conor Coady’s 97th minute equaliser left the American billionaire scratching his head in bewilderment as his new team threw away a two-goal lead right at the death.
At least Boehly can say that he has seen Romelu Lukaku score a Premier League goal after the £97million Belgian struck twice in the space of two minutes to end his four-month drought.
Yet it was hardly champagne stuff from Thomas Tuchel’s players just a week before they take on Liverpool in the FA Cup final.

‘Should have been a win’, says Pulisic
The American forward will keep fighting in order for the Blues to cement that Champions League spot…

Player ratings – subs
SAUL NIGUEZ (for Alonso at 45′) – 5/10
Had some good moments down the left after being introduced at the break.
But, not being a natural defender, he didn’t look particularly comfortable once the visitors came to life in the second half.
MALANG SARR (for Azpilicueta at 85′) – N/A
KAI HAVERTZ (for Lukaku at 88′) – NA
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CHELSEA have AGREED terms on the £4.25bn sale of the club to Todd Boehly.The American billionaire is also the owner of the LA Dodgers baseball team, and leads the consortium.
Meanwhile, the Blues have been left frustrated that the sanctions placed on the club have restricted their transfer pursuit of Erling Haaland.
But it reportedly hasn’t stopped Chelsea from setting their sights on Torino defender Gleison Bremer.
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Villas-Boas new job
Ex-Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is a candidate to take over the Morocco job, according to reports.
Viilas-Boas has been out of work since last year, when he was sacked by Marseille.
According to beIN Sports MENA, the Portuguese tactician is the No1 candidate for the role.
Laurent Blanc and Hervé Renard are also said to be in the frame for the African country who have qualified for World Cup 2022.
Ownership focus not blame, says Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel has revealed that all takeover talk of the club wasn’t a distraction, as Chelsea were held 2-2 at home to Wolves.
Speaking after the game, the German coach said: “I don’t think the ownership is a reason for a lack of focus. I don’t think there is a lack of focus. We showed focus during the situation when it began. I wouldn’t consider this as an advantage now for the match against Leeds. It doesn’t change much for us as the sanctions haven’t been lifted and the season goes on.
“It seems like the situation has been resolved but it’s not. We’ve got our own things to address, which we haven’t done as a team so far.
“I heard the news today in the morning when I was in the middle of preparing for the match. There has been no difference to what I do which is the best preparation for the match, no matter what’s happening on the outside. I have my routine and I have enough to do. It doesn’t affect me, but the news is positive and we need it to be resolved.”
Rudiger talks affecting players
Thomas Tuchel believes Antonio Rudiger’s potential exit is affecting Chelsea’s stars.
The German defender looks set to leave Stamford Bridge, with talks over a new deal stalling.
And Tuchel revealed: “It surely affects the team, but I cannot tell you to which degree. The longer the situation goes (on), now it has a huge affect because Toni leaves us in the middle the process where we are sanctioned and could not even fight, could not do another offer, could not be in negotiations.”
“It clearly has an affect, and it makes not so much sense to deny it; we lose now one of our key players. This decision has an effect on the dressing room because Toni is not isolating when he’s here at Cobham and does not talk to anyone, so he is a huge part; he is a leader, and, of course, the situation is like that.”
Tuchel blasts Pulisic’s dad
Thomas Tuchel has insisted he is not concerned if his players’ father don’t love him, as he hit back at the Twitter comments of Christian Pulisic’s dad.
The Chelsea boss fielded questions over the American after his father spoke out over his “sad situation”.
The Blues manager has insisted the critical comments do not affect him as he pulled cold water over the row.
Tuchel said: “I am not concerned if the player’s father says he does not love me [on Twitter].
“It’s a normal thing [for a player to be frustrated]. We have our reasons to go for players in the first XI.
“You will never see happy faces from players who are not selected. With me and Christian, there is zero problem. In some matches he has a huge impact from the bench. I didn’t even know [about his dad’s tweet]. It has nothing to do with it.
“The players are responsible for being in the team and staying in the team. Am I always right? For sure, not. Is it always fair? For sure, not. The reaction from Christian has been the opposite, he’s very strong, very positive in the last weeks.”
Chelsea stat
Chelsea’s draw at home to Wolves, after blowing a two-goal lead was a first in nearly two years.
This is the first time the Blues have failed to win a Premier League game in which they were 2+ goals ahead since October 2020 vs Southampton (3-3), having won 24 consecutive such matches prior to today.
Lukaku’s a ‘big lump’
Wolves assistant coach Tony Roberts called Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku a “big lump” after he won a controversial penalty in their 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Roberts spoke on behalf of manager Bruno Lage, who was absent after testing positive for Covid.
Questioning the decision, Roberts said: ‘He’s a big lump, isn’t he? So, for him to go down, I’m not sure.”
Silva’s son
Thiago Silva may have made his name in football as defender, but son Iago might fancy his chances of playing further up the pitch.
The Chelsea star’s wife Belle, 35, caught the youngster on camera working on his free-kicks in the back garden.
Look at that technique.
Watch Chelsea star Thiago Silva’s son nail Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘siu’ celebration after scoring free-kick in his garden
Leicester to rival Chelsea for Bremer
Brendan Rodgers has stepped up plans to beef up his flimsy Foxes defence with Torino’s £40million-rated Brazilian powerhouse Gleison Bremer.
And he hopes to tempt Torino into parting with their in-demand centre-back by offering them on-loan midfielder Dennis Praet to sweeten the deal.
SunSport understands Leicester officials met with their Torino counterparts while in Italy this week – for their Europa Conference League clash with Roma – in an attempt to thrash out a double-deal which would suit both parties.
Torino want Praet to return on loan next season because they cannot afford Leicester’s £12.85million asking price for the Belgian midfielder, who turns 28 next week.
If their bid is successful, they would have stolen a march on the Blues for his services.
Boehly’s worth against rivals
Chelsea’s new proposed owner Todd Boehly and his consortium are reportedly worth a whopping combined £10.86billion.
That would make the Blues boast the sixth wealthiest owners in world football and third richest in the Premier League.
Chelsea’s proposed consortium will make them the sixth richest football owners in the world
Last 15 minutes
Thomas Tuchel’s side lost two goals in the last 10 minutes against Wolves in the draw on Saturday.
Some have accused the Blues of dropping too deep, but the German boss saw it differently.
“It’s not about dropping too much, it’s about where we were losing the ball and the opponent taking a crazy approach,” he said.
“Big chances that we don’t create, the pass is missing, the dribbling is wrong.”
Tuchel’s concern
Thomas Tuchel has admitted his concern about Chelsea being dragged into the top four race.
The Blues failed to win at home against Wolves – dropping a two goal lead in a 2-2 draw.
Arsenal are four points behind them, with a game in hand, while Spurs trail the West London side by six points with a game in hand.
After the game, Tuchel revealed: “If you don’t win, of course you have to be concerned [being caught for third place].
“But you have to concentrate on your own results and the only focus is on us.”
Tuchel on Boehly
Thomas Tuchel has spoken about news Todd Boehly has become the preferred bidder for Chelsea FC.
The German manager spoke after the Blues were held at home to Wolves:
He said: “We are positive about it but we need the process to finish otherwise it does not change much in our daily routine.”
Heartbreak for Blues
The Blues threw away a 2-0 lead against Wolves to draw 2-2 at Stamford Bridge, in front of buyer Todd Boehly.
Romelu Lukaku broke his scoring duck to net twice, before Francisco Trincao gave Wanderers a lifeline in the 79th minute.
Then, seven minutes into stoppage time Conor Coady broke Chelsea fans’ hearts with a late equaliser.
Azpilicueta’s Barcelona deal
Barcelona have agreed a two-year deal with Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta, according to reports.
The Spaniard, 32, is set to leave for free after a 10 year stint at Stamford Bridge.
His contract expires at the end of the season, and due to the sanctions that the UK Government have placed on Chelsea, the club currently cannot negotiate any new deals.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Barcelona have swooped in to put a huge offer on the table, of which Azpilicueta has agreed to.
The two-year deal will see the defender earn £11million per-season.
It also includes the option of a one-year extension.
Chelsea lead
Two quickfire goals from the Blues have put them 2-0 up at home to Wolves, in front of new owner Todd Boehly.
And it’s Romelu Lukaku who has got them both – scoring from the spot and grabbing a second just two minutes later.
You can follow our live blog on the game.
Boehly baks the Blues
Chelsea buyer Todd Boehly has been pictured at Stamford Bridge to watch the the Blues take on Wolves, writes GIACOMO PISA.
The 46-year-old American heads a consortium buying the club in a deal reportedly worth around £4.25billion.

And he was pictured in the stands as Thomas Tuchel’s side returned to Premier League action.
The LA Dodgers part-owner donned a pair of aviator shades as he took his seat for the match.
He cracked a smile as he sat and watched the 3pm kick off against Bruno Lage’s Wolves.
Midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek had Boehly on his feet applauding on 37 minutes after the Chelsea man bundled home from close range.
But the goal was disallowed for offside after a VAR check to send Boehly slumping back into his seat.
Boelhy and his consortium, which includes billionaires Mark Walter, Hansjorg Wyss and investment firm Clearlake Capital, have signed an agreement to buy the club from Roman Abramovich.
Goal ruled out
Ruben Loftus-Cheek scores from a scrambled corner but it is given offside.
VAR decided Loftus-Cheek was off after a Lukaku touch.
Here come the two teams!
The players emerge from the tunnel on to a pristine Stamford Bridge pitch. Chelsea are in their traditional royal blue, Wolves in their orange and black strip.
Kick-off next!
Follow the game live with our SunSport blog.
A return to home comforts
Despite conceding eight goals here in their last three games, Chelsea’s record at Stamford Bridge against today’s opponent will give fans some real hope, writes JOE ADAMS.
The Blues haven’t lost at home to Wolves since 1979. More importantly, they haven’t conceded on seven of those ten occasions.
Will it be more of the same this afternoon, or can Wolves break the cycle?
Neto and Jiminez start for Wolves
Bruno Lage makes three changes from the team that lost 3-0 to Brighton last time out in the league.
Jonny comes in to replace Semedo at right-wing back after the Portugese limped off against Brighton.
In attack, Lage has opted for Jiminez and Neto, with Silva and Hwang both dropping to the bench.
Wolves XI: Sa, Jonny, Boly, Coady, Saiss, Ait-Nouri, Dendoncker, Neves, Moutinho, Jimenez, Neto.
Chelsea line up vs Wolves
Mason Mount and Kai Havertz are on the bench for today’s 3pm kick-off.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is in and Romelu Lukaku also starts.

Barca chiefs inquire over Lukaku
Barcelona’s transfer committee reportedly recently jetted off to London to discuss a number of deals for Chelsea players – including as shock move for wantaway striker Romelu Lukaku, writes CHISANGA MALATA.
Barca chiefs are said to be planning a major summer revamp of their squad, which is a whopping 15 points behind bitter rivals Real Madrid.
And according to Spanish newspaper Sport, Barca’s director of football and technical secretary – Mateu Alemany and Jordi Cruyff – recently travelled to London to lay the foundations for summer transfers for three Blues stars.

The Catalan giants are said to have made overtures to sign Cesar Azpilcueta – who is out of contract at the end of the season – and fellow defender Marcos Alonso.
Barca have been tracking the pair for some time but have yet to make an official move for the duo.
It’s also claimed Alemany and Cruyff held discussions over a big-money move for Chelsea’s £97.5million flop Lukaku.
The Belgium international has failed to hit the ground running since his spectacular return to Stamford Bridge last summer.
Cash-strapped Barca, however, would be hard-pressed to pay the striker’s astronomical wages.
Big money takeover
Chelsea’s proposed £4.25billion takeover is set to more than DOUBLE the record for the most expensive in sporting history – and it dwarfs the fee paid for rivals Manchester United, writes DAVE FRASER.
Todd Boehly’s consortium have signed a deal to purchase the club after Roman Abramovich decided to sell up.
Chelsea confirmed £2.5bn will be deposited into a frozen UK bank account with the intention to donate it all to charitable causes.
The remaining £1.75bn is for investment into the club including developments of Stamford Bridge and the women’s team.

Boehly was pictured outside the ground on Friday night with fellow members of his group including ex-chancellor George Osborne.
However, the mega-deal is not over the line just yet and needs to go through due processes with the Government and the Premier League but is expected to be completed by May 31.
Wrestle Mania
It was in the art of grappling where Boehly really showed his mettle, writes JON BOON.
He led the school’s wrestling team to back-to-back Interstate Athletic Conference Championships in 1990 and 1991.
And his achievements were so highly thought of at the private college, Landon named their gym the Boehly Family Wrestling Room in his honour.
Boehly returned to the school in 2014 for the grand opening of the wrestling room, where he was joined by his fellow classmates and wrestlers.
Super Boehl
Incoming Chelsea owner Todd Boehly was a college WRESTLING star as a teenager, as his school yearbook photos show, writes JON BOON.
The billionaire businessman, 46, attended the private Landon School in Maryland, where he excelled at sport as a youngster.
Boehly is leading the consortium that has agreed to buy  a consortium Chelsea for around £4.25billion – which would be the biggest sports takeover in history.
Boehly and his team, which includes billionaires Mark Walter, Hansjorg Wyss and investment firm Clearlake Capital, are now set to become the new Chelsea owners by the end of May.

And Boehly was clearly earmarked for big things as in his school yearbook he was named as one of the ‘Future Leaders of the US’.
A teenage Boehly juggled a budding athletics career with his studies – starring in both baseball and American football teams.
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