Chelsea transfer news

CHELSEA’S new owner is set to be revealed, after the deadline passed for potential bidders to put their offers on Roman Abramovich’s table.And three of the four consortiums who are in a bidding have placed offers of around £3 billion in cash and with no debt leveraged against the club.
The Ricketts-Griffin-Gilbert Group have pulled out, revealing they could not get on board with the “unusual dynamics around the sales process.”
Chicago Cubs owner Joe Ricketts was seen as a controversial figure nevertheless, and there were even protests about his links.
Stephen Pagliuca has announced NBA chairman Larry Tanenbaum as co-managing partner in his bid, with John Terry also part of the takeover attempt.
Also on his team are ex-Disney CEO Bob Iger & journalist Willow Bay, Facebook Co-Founder Eduardo Saverin & businesswoman Elaine Saverin; B Capital co-founder Raj Ganguly.
On the transfer front, Antonio Rudiger’s exit is seeming more imminent following the Blues’ disappointing Champions League exit.
Keep up to date with all of the latest updates from the takeover in our live blog…
Three offers in for Chelsea
American bidders Steve Pagliuca and Todd Boehly, plus the Brit consortium of Lord Seb Coe and Martin Broughton, have all lodged their final offers to buy Chelsea.
Yesterday was the deadline for final bids to be submitted, and the Evening Standard claim all three parties did so without any problems.
The consortium led by the controversial Ricketts family pulled out of the running today after disagreements regarding the structure of the deal between those backing the bid.
US merchant bank Raine Group are now set to review the offers.
Swansea keeping tabs on Ampadu
Championship side Swansea are reportedly tracking Chelsea youngster Ethan Ampadu.
The versatile defender is currently on loan at Venezia in Serie A.
And Football League World report the Swans could make a move for the Welshman in the upcoming transfer window.
Boss Russell Martin is said to have identified 22-year-old Ampadu as a perfect fit for his long-term plans at the club.
You’re Alv-ing a laugh?
Former Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has reportedly turned down a move to Arsenal because he is still haunted by his Stamford Bridge nightmare.
According to La Sampa via Tutto Juve, Morata is unwilling to return to London following his nightmare spell at Chelsea.
Morata joined the Blues in 2017 from Los Blancos, but was shipped off to Atletico on an initial loan deal in January 2019.
It has been reported that the player doesn’t have good memories of living in the English capital and has given a potential switch to the Emirates a ‘sharp no’.
Olise and Mitchell possibly injured
Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira will already be without Conor Gallagher for Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea.
And both Michael Olise and Tyrick Mitchell are facing a race to be fit in time to start.
Both players have been suffering from knocks, and have returned to training just days before the clash.
Vieira said: “We have Tyrick and Michael, who have had some training on the field individually yesterday and a little more today.
“Of course then we have to wait until tomorrow to see any reaction but they will only get involved in the game if they are 100 per cent fit.”
Ken Griffin “vocal” in Chelsea exit
According to reports, US billionaire Ken Griffin was “vocal” in his desire to pull out of the running to buy Chelsea.
Griffin had teamed up with the Ricketts family and fellow billionaire and Dan Gilbert in the hope of buying the club.
But the Ricketts family announced earlier they intended not to lodge a final bid to take over the Blues.
And CBS claim it was Griffin who made his intentions clear and wanted to pull out of the running.
SunSport understands the three parties failed to reach an agreement on the structure of any potential deal, which led to its collapse.
Butland fires Chelsea Zaha warning
Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland has warned Chelsea “not many people” can stop Eagles talisman Wilfried Zaha when he’s firing on all cylinders.
Butland said: “Absolutely, he will be up for it, like we all will be. He is going to leave it all out there, which we all are.
“When Wilf does that, there are not many people in the world who can play like him or can stop him.
“I’m sure we will see the Wilf that we are seeing at the minute on Sunday. Wilf, along with the other incredible talents that we have got in the squad at the minute – we are a force to be reckoned with. It is not us playing Chelsea, they have got to play us as well.
“It will be a good occasion, and I am sure we are all going to bring it.”
Vieira dismisses Chelsea fatigue claims
Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira has insisted Chelsea will not feel a knock-on effect from their extra-time clash against Real Madrid when the two sides face off in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final.
The Frenchman said: “You don’t feel the tiredness when you play a semi-final of the FA Cup.
“Those Chelsea players will be ready for it and we have to be ready for the fight and look at how we want to approach the game, our game plan and perform on the day. We can’t count on Chelsea to be tired.
“Football-wise and the game they had I think was really good. They played well. It was a big game and they performed well. They can be unlucky and they were unlucky not to go to the semi-final.
“The physical aspect will not have an impact on Chelsea’s performance. We have to look at ourselves, at what we want to do to give ourselves the best chance.”
Man Utd ‘offer Rudiger contract’
Manchester United have reportedly offered Antonio Rudiger a contract ahead of a potential summer move.
The centre-back’s current Chelsea deal expires at the end of the season.
And sanctions at Stamford Bridge mean he is currently unable to pen a renewal.
Spanish outlet Sport claim United have tabled an offer to the 28-year-old, with the club keen to add defensive steel in the upcoming transfer window.
Sarri ‘desperate for Jorginho reunion’
Maurizio Sarri is reportedly eager to reunite with Jorginho at Lazio.
A number of Serie A clubs have been linked with the 30-year-old, who is out of contract at Chelsea next summer.
90min report Lazio are the latest to show their interest, with Jorginho unlikely to be offered a new deal at Stamford Bridge.
Jorginho played under Sarri at Napoli, before the Italian brought him with him to Chelsea in 2018.
And the Blues could opt to cash in on the midfielder this summer, sanctions permitting, instead of losing him for free in 12 months time.
Tuchel wants “clarity” on takeover
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was quizzed by reporters in a press conference as to whether he had any updates regarding the takeover of the club.
The German denied any knowledge of the latest news in the process, hours before The Ricketts family pulled out of the running to buy the club.
Tuchel called for “clarity” on the matter, with the Blues manager hoping for a resolution in the near future.
When asked if he had heard anything, Tuchel said: “No, to be very honest, no.
“It’s still a process and I heard that talks are still ongoing with the government and I’m still not involved which I’m glad about I have to say as we have a lot to focus on here and that’s where our focus goes to.
“We hope things will be sorted out as soon as possible to have clarity but I can understand that it’s not that easy.”
Who’s left in Chelsea owner race?
The withdrawal of the Ricketts family from the race to buy Chelsea means there are just three contenders left in the running.
They are Americans Steve Pagliuca and Todd Boehly – both up against the combined Brit bid from Lord Seb Coe and Martin Broughton.
But it has been revealed Chelsea icon John Terry will play a key role in Pagliuca’s bid to become the club’s next owner.
And the Boston Celtics basketball boss will now tap into the legendary defender’s expertise to help win the four-way race to take over from Abramovich.
Terry is part of the True Blues group which has now aligned itself to Pagliuca’s proposal to buy the £3billion-rated club.
Ricketts exit not protest related
The decision for the Ricketts family to withdraw their bid to buy Chelsea is understood to not be related to fan-protests against them taking control of the club.
Chicago Cubs owners Tom and Laura Ricketts had partnered with US billionaires Ken Griffin and Dan Gilbert to form a consortium to buy the club.
But the reason for them pulling out of the running is thought to be due to the three parties failing to reach an agreement on the structure of any potential deal.
Ricketts family OUT of running
The Ricketts family backed group who had been exploring the option of buying Chelsea have released a statement confirming they will NOT be submitting a final bid for the club.
A statement read: “The Ricketts-Griffin-Gilbert Group has decided, after careful consideration, not to submit a final bid for Chelsea F.C.
“In the process of finalising their proposal, it became increasingly clear that certain issues could not be addressed given the unusual dynamics around the sales process.
“We have great admiration for Chelsea and its fans, and we wish the new owners well.”
Levi Colwill ‘in Chelsea plans’
Chelsea youngster Levi Colwill will reportedly have a role to play at Stanford Bridge next season.
The 19-year-old defender has impressed on loan at Championship side Huddersfield.
And according to 90min, the Blues believe Colwill has “all the attributes” to fight for a place in Thomas Tuchel’s side next season.
The news comes as a blow to Frank Lampard, with the Everton boss claimed to be keen on bringing Colwill to Goodison Park.
Credit: Getty
He’s not a Kepa
Reports suggest Juventus are eyeing a swoop for backup Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Spaniard has started just four Premier League games this campaign.
According to Fichajes, Juve are keen on bringing the 27-year-old to Serie A.
And after his Carabao Cup final shocker, which saw him subbed on for penalties only to save none and miss his own kick, Chelsea could decide the time is right to part ways with the keeper.
Credit: Getty
Tuchel defends Guehi and Livramento sales
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has stood by the club’s decision to sell defenders Marc Guehi and Tino Livramento last summer.
He revealed: “It’s a decision we took together and we are happy about these decisions
“You cannot go back and reflect, because at the point where we took the decision it was the right thing to do given the circumstances.
“For Tino Livramento, for example, we had a plan and we preferred a loan but he saw his future to go and the situation was then better to agree to a sale.
“For Marc it is a fantastic development and it’s very hard or maybe even impossible to say that if we kept him he would have been better, worse or the same because maybe he needed exactly that.
“Maybe he needed the change of environment, maybe he needed a different club, maybe he needed a bigger role and more minutes to develop his full potential.”
Midfielder move Tchou and go
Real Madrid are reportedly in pole position to sign Aurelien Tchouameni – dealing Chelsea a huge blow in their pursuit of the Monaco midfielder.
Chelsea are claimed to have identified the youngster as the long-term successor to his French compatriot and international team-mate N’Golo Kante.
But according to Spanish outlet AS, Real are determined to secure the signature of the former Bordeaux starlet.
They state that Tchouameni is getting ‘closer and closer’ to linking up with Los Blancos with talks between the two parties advancing in recent weeks.
It has been said that his preference is to join the Bernabeu outfit as Real and Monaco now look to agree on a fee.
Monaco are understood to value their player at around £54million.
Credit: AFP
Tuchel – CL exit feels “bitter”
Thomas Tuchel has revealed the way in which his side went out of the Champions League in midweek “feels a bit bitter”.
The Blues overturned a 3-1 aggregate deficit at Real Madrid to lead 4-3, before being beaten in extra-time at the Bernabeu.
And Tuchel admitted: “We are all a bit in between. Confidence wise, I think it’s a huge boost but it’s a disappointment to go out of the Champions League at the quarter-final.
“Not in a big drama, but it’s still a disappointment because we feel we could’ve been one of the four teams in the semi-final.
“It was a fantastic performance at the Bernabeu and it stays like this. But it feels a bit bitter. Too many mistakes got punished by individual quality.
“We’ve got some training time now before our Sunday match and we will use it to sweat it out and be ready for Sunday.”
Lukaku back in Chelsea training
Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that apart from Ben Chilwell and Callum Hudson-Odoi, he has a full squad to choose from for the FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace.
Romelu Lukaku missed the midweek trip to Real Madrid with an achilles injury, but has since returned to Chelsea training.
Tuchel said: “Yeah [everyone is okay], except for Ben Chilwell and Callum Hudson-Odoi, everyone seems to be okay.
“We still have two more trainings to go, so fingers crossed it will stay like this.
“Romelu was back in training yesterday. Let’s see if he has any reaction or not. So, let’s see if everyone is okay.”
Tuchel in Gallagher apology
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has revealed he “apologised” to Conor Gallagher during a chance encounter at a restaurant, with the Blues loanee unable to play in this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final.
The on-loan Palace man is not allowed to play against his parent club, and Tuchel said:
“I had the chance to talk to Conor, and I could see his frustration.
“We met some weeks ago after the international break by coincidence in a restaurant.
“We had a chat, then the subject came up, and I apologised because I know how competitive he is, and I like him a lot and know his character very well.
He added: “Yeah, it’s the way it is. We play to win the game, and the rules were clear when we made the loan.
“I can totally understand Patrick Vieira and Conor’s disappointment, but these were the rules and we don’t want to suffer from the rules.”
Jorginho in Juve contract demand
Reports in Italy suggest Jorginho could be on his way back to Serie A this summer, with the midfielder already in talks with Juventus.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claim the 30-year-old is demanding around £115,00-a-week to sign for the club.
Jorginho’s current Chelsea deal expires in 2023, but sanctions at Stamford Bridge mean he is unable to sign a new deal.
And the uncertainty at Chelsea as the sale process rumbles on has allowed Juventus the chance to kick off contract discussions.
Credit: Getty
Butland eyeing FA Cup success
Chelsea head into Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace as strong favourites, but Eagles keeper Jack Butland is not shirking the challenge.
Ahead of the London derby at Wenbley, the goalkeeper said on facing Chelsea: “It’s a massive opportunity.
“Given our performances in the league and against top teams this year, we have shown as a club that we’re not afraid to play the big guns and do well against them.
“It is what we are. We are not just happy to be here – we’re looking to win every game. That is something that the manager and we as players are determined to do.”
Rom in “further PSG discussions”
Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku is reportedly set to hold more talks with PSG regarding a potential summer exit.
The £97.5million man is “gutted” with how his return to Stamford Bridge has played out, according to GiveMeSport.
And after reports suggested Lukaku was in talks with the French giants earlier this week, it’s now claimed he’s set to hold further discussions with the club.
PSG are on the lookout for a new striker, with Kylian Mbappe set to depart in the summer.
And Blues flop Lukaku could be the man they turn to.
Silva breaks silence after Madrid KO
Thiago Silva was one of the few Chelsea players not to take to social media immediately after the heartbreaking Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid.
Now though the defender has been able to mull things over, and taken to Twitter and Instagram, admitting the last few days have been “very hard” following the defeat.
He said: “These last two days have been very hard.
“Despite the disappointment, I’m very proud of our team, the ability to overcome obstacles and move forward. Come on @ChelseaFC!!
“We still have a lot of work ahead, always with a lot of courage, determination and respect for this jersey.”
More on Pagliuca’s Chelsea bid
A source close to the Pagliuca bid told SunSport: “John Terry is a Chelsea icon and is revered to this day as Captain, Leader, Legend in the eyes of the fans.
“We were grateful to receive the support of the True Blues Consortium and encouraged they have validated our commitment to a compelling bid to buy this great club.
“We don’t take that support lightly — fans are the lifeblood of the club — and we hope to work with the group, with John, and other fan groups.”
Pagliuca, 67, broke his silence on Tuesday to reveal a grand vision for Chelsea if he gets the nod for a takeover.
He guarantees the club will stay put and redevelop its ground and continue the good work being done by the academy which produced JT in the past.
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THE deadline for any potential owners to place their bids in hope of purchasing Chelsea football club is TODAY.And the four consortiums who are in a bidding have already placed offers of around £3 billion according to reports.
With rumours circulating that three of the bids have been cash-only offers.
Stephen Pagliuca has announced NBA chairman Larry Tanenbaum as co-managing partner in his bid.
Also on his team are ex-Disney CEO Bob Iger & journalist Willow Bay, Facebook Co-Founder Eduardo Saverin & businesswoman Elaine Saverin; B Capital co-founder Raj Ganguly.
On the transfer front, Antonio Rudiger’s exit is seeming more imminent following the Blues’ disappointing Champions League exit.
Keep up to date with all of the latest updates from the takeover in our live blog…
Nou hope for United
Manchester United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of defensive reinforcements after Barcelona’s bid for Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger stalled.
Barca have emerged as the favourites to secure Rudiger in recent weeks, although he has also been linked with Real Madrid, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain.
The centre-back reportedly snubbed a £200,000-a-week contract renewal with the Blues in February, with the 29-year-old apparently seeking a more lucrative deal.
News the Blaugrana’s bid has stalled after “hesitating” over the move could open the door for United to enhance their defensive options
Statement after Abramovich freeze
The Jersey Law Officers’ Department released a statement today that read: “Search warrants were executed by the States of Jersey Police on Tuesday 12 April 2022 at premises in Jersey suspected to be connected to the business activities of Roman Abramovich.
“The Royal Court also imposed a formal freezing order on 12 April, known as a saisie judiciaire, over assets understood to be valued in excess of US$7 billion which are suspected to be connected to Mr Abramovich and which are either located in Jersey or owned by Jersey incorporated entities”
Fresh Abramovich blow
Departing Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has had £5.4billion worth of assets frozen in Jersey.
The UK government sanctioned Abramovich last month after Russia’s unjust invasion of Ukraine, with reports suggesting he has a close relationship with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
That led to the Russian oligarch putting the Blues up for sale as the government handed them a special licence to keep operating.
Now he has been hit by a freezing order in the Channel Islands while local police also searched premises that are “suspected to be connected” to him on Tuesday
Credit: GETTY IMAGES
John Terry statement
The True Blues Consortium, a Chelsea fans’ group aiming to buy 10 per cent of the club in the upcoming sale, released a statement about their endorsement of Stephen Pagliuca’s takeover bid.
Blues legend John Terry is one of the group’s founders.
A statement read: “Having engaged and being well received by all the bidders we were recently able to spend some time with Steve and Larry and getting to know their bid we’re again confident that they are aligned with Chelsea fans, and of course have experience in this area of owning sports teams.
“We feel the club are in a fortunate position with the final bidders and look forward to continuing dialogue with them”
John Terry comes in
Chelsea legend John Terry has thrown his support behind Stephen Pagliuca’s takeover bid.
Terry wants to give fans a say through shares in the club with more than 10,000 already expressing their desire to buy in.
The former centre-back is one of the founders of the True Blues Consortium, a Chelsea fans’ group aiming to buy 10 per cent of the club in the upcoming sale.
The organisation claims to have raised £150million they hope will be put towards the winning bidders’ purchase – regardless of who lands the Blues – in turn giving supporters shares.
Boston Celtics co-owner Pagliuca has been backed by Larry Tanenbaum, the chairman of the NBA, while the consortium also includes ex-Walt Disney chief Bob Iger and Eduardo Saverin, one of the founders of Facebook
After meeting with Pagliuca, Sky News report the True Blues Consortium have decided to publicly endorse that attempt to purchase the West Londoners
Chelsea bid situation
Bids for Chelsea’s takeover have reportedly ‘already reached £3billion’ as today’s deadline approaches.
It’s also claimed three of the four consortiums will make cash-only offers and avoid putting debt on the Blues.
The Times say bids led by Chicago Cubs owners Tom and Laura Ricketts and by Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly, plus the group fronted by Sir Martin Broughton, confirmed they have enough funding to buy the West Londoners outright.
But it’s not known how the other consortium, spearheaded by Boston Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca, plan to pay.
Real result tough for Ruben
Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has revealed that Tuesday’s Champions League elimination by Real Madrid has been hard for the players to take.
The Blues fought back from 3-1 down on aggregate to lead 4-3 with 15 minutes remaining, only to go out 5-4 after extra time.
“We had full belief that we could pull the tie back and I think that showed in our performance because we were excellent for the most part,” said Loftus-Cheek in conversation with the club’s in-house media.
“To bring the game back and have it in our hands only for it to be taken away from us is very disappointing.
“We are proud of our performance but the overriding feeling in the dressing room is definitely one of disappointment because of the start we had.”
However, the 26-year-old insisted that the continuing issues off the pitch that are affecting the club had no impact on their European exit.
“We try not to think about the off-field things too much, to be honest, especially when you have a game of this magnitude to focus on.”

Tuchel to make Wembley changes
Thomas Tuchel admitted that his Chelsea players left everything out on the Bernabeu pitch as they crashed to Champions League heartbreak on Tuesday evening.
And the German coach now has some tough decisions to make with an FA Cup semi-final just three days away.
Tuchel will surely ring the changes after 120 epic minutes in Madrid that would have taken its toll on both the bodies and minds of his beaten Blue heroes.
Edouard Mendy, Reece James, Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger, Alonso, Mason Mount and Kai Havertz played the entire two hours in Spain.
However, while the Chelsea boss has options in most areas of the pitch, he may be forced into going with Marcos Alonso on the left again due to Ben Chilwell’s long-term injury.

Biggest bid not guaranteed to succeed
Raine Group will not automatically green light the biggest bid put forward for Chelsea.
The four consortia in the mix to takeover at Stamford Bridge have until this evening to finalise their financial package.
However, the investment bank overseeing the purchase of the Londoners will decide on the most suitable offer, and their choice will be made with the best interests of the football club at heart.
The New York-based group aim to analyse the four offers by the end of this month, when they will then take their preferred option to the Premier League and the government.
All four bidders are expected to submit offers in excess of £3billion.
Blues continue to scout talent
Despite the current restrictions in place at Stamford Bridge, the Chelsea hierarchy continue to plan for the future.
The Blues are currently unable to make any transactions due to sanctions placed on Roman Abramovich.
However, the club expect a takeover to go through within the next month, and anticipate a busy summer of recruitment.
Chelsea correspondent for Goal, Nizaar Kinsella, has revealed the scouts are still hard at work – and have earmarked Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, West Ham’s Declan Rice and Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni as their top targets.
The article also suggests that the Blues are looking at youth players at other clubs in order to bolster their academy teams, which have struggled this season.
Rudiger Chelsea departure edging nearer
Antonio Rudiger is moving closer to the Stamford Bridge exit door after Chelsea’s Champions League elimination to Real Madrid.
The Blues had hoped to convince their wantaway defender to stay with back-to-back European titles, but their quarter-final exit is now likely to hasten his departure.
The Londoners are currently unable to enter into negotiations with Rudiger, who is out of contract at the end of this season.
Instead, the German has been contacted by representatives of other clubs including Manchester United, Juventus and Bayern Munich.
Chelsea’s remaining hope of Rudiger signing a new deal revolves around the speedy and successful takeover of the club by ambitious owners.
However, sources close to the club, fear that it may all happen too late in order to tempt the 29-year-old to stay.
Gallagher may need to leave
Conor Gallagher may have to leave Chelsea if he is to fulfil his potential, according to a former Blues favourite.
Jody Morris hopes that Thomas Tuchel is able to find a regular place for the midfielder in his team next season, but fears his best option may be a move away from Stamford Bridge.
“I hope [Chelsea] bring him in with the intention of playing him,” admitted Morris, speaking exclusively to Ladbrokes at the launch of their 5-A-Side bet on Chelsea v Crystal Palace.
“Don’t just bring him back and keep hold of him to play him for ten or 15 games; you’ve got to look to the future.
“Chelsea fans won’t like me saying this, but if you’re Conor Gallagher and you’re looking at your future, you’re thinking ‘no one is guaranteed to play week-in, week-out at Chelsea’.
“Conor would want to know that the manager believes in him and is willing to give him an opportunity to showcase his talent in the first team.
“There would be a lot of takers, and I’m talking about serious takers throughout Europe, who’ll be keeping an eye on his situation. He’s certainly put himself in the shop window.”
James impresses Real Madrid scouts
On a night of sensational displays, the performance of Reece James against Real Madrid on Tuesday probably topped the lot.
And the young defender’s showing wasn’t lost on the Spanish club, who are said to have been dazzled by the 22-year-old Englishman.
James’ contribution in the Blues’ 4-3 aggregate defeat to Real led to superb striker Karim Benzema asking for the Chelsea man’s shirt at full time.
And another Madrid star – Brazilian Vinicius Junior – took to social media to congratulate James on a ‘great game’.
Now reports in Spain suggest that the LaLiga giants were ‘really impressed’ by the right-back’s performance – and consider him a star of the future.

Chelsea set for deadline day
For most football supporters, deadline day usually involves endless transfer rumours and being glued to Sky Sports News until 11pm at night.
However, this deadline day is quite different for Chelsea fans.
For weeks, billionaires have been plotting their bids to buy the London football club and the day – finally – has arrived for them to submit their final offers.
A quarter of consortia remain in the running with the Ricketts family, Sir Martin Broughton, Stephen Pagliuca and Todd Boehly at the head of each.
Once the four offers have been received, Raine Group – the New York merchant bank overseeing the sale – will present their preferred option to the Premier League and the UK Government.
Courtois: We were not lucky
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has blasted claims that Real Madrid were lucky to progress from their Champions League quarter-final tie with the Blues.
Los Blancos made it through despite throwing a 3-1 first leg lead away to trail 4-3 on aggregate with 15 minutes remaining.
However, the Spaniards hit back through goals from Rodrygo and Karim Benzema to win after extra-time.
Chelsea were widely praised for their performance in the Bernabeu, but their old stopper Courtois feels suggestions that the Spaniards were fortunate are wide of the mark.
“We weren’t lucky,” claimed the Belgian after the epic contest.
“But it’s true that they were the better team [on the night]. However, we ultimately won the tie.”
Morning, Chelsea fans
Bids for Chelsea have reportedly ‘already reached £3billion’ as today’s deadline approaches.
It’s also claimed three of the four consortiums will make cash-only offers and avoid putting debt on the club.
The Times say bids led by Chicago Cubs owners Tom and Laura Ricketts and by Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly, plus the group fronted by Sir Martin Broughton, confirmed they have enough funding to buy Chelsea outright.
But it’s unknown how the other consortium, spearheaded by Boston Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca, plan to pay.
And in its own way, today’s off-the-field theatre could match Tuesday’s on-the-pitch drama.
Plaudits are still coming in for the awesome, epic yet ultimately agonising display that cost the holders a Champions League semi-final place.
Chelsea’s club record eighth straight away victory felt nothing like such an achievement afterwards as Real Madrid recovered from 3-0 down to lose 3-2, putting the Spaniards through 5-4 on aggregate following extra time.
Antonio Rudiger’s momentous display in central defence has heightened speculation of an exit this summer when his contract runs out.
It’s thought Manchester United, Arsenal, PSG, Barcelona and Juventus are keen.
And Lazio are tipped to pursue Ruben Loftus-Cheek after his revelatory performance in midfield.
‘Chelsea bidding already reaches £3bn’
Four consortiums are bidding for Chelsea as tomorrow’s deadline looms.
And according to agent Jon Smith in his new column for CaughtOffside, offers have already reached “around £3bn” – so could go higher.
Smith writes: “Whichever way you slice it, Chelsea look set to become the most expensive sports team ever sold.
“I was talking to a couple of the potential inbound Chelsea bidders recently and the price discussions are now around the £3bn mark, which is by far the biggest sale of a football club, anywhere, in the world.”
‘3 bidders to make cash-only offers’
Cash-only bids to buy Chelsea will come in from three of the four bidders, it’s claimed.
Ahead of tomorrow’s deadline, The Times say three consortiums are promising not to pus debt onto the Blues.
Offers led by Chicago Cubs owners Tom and Laura Ricketts and by Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly, plus a bid fronted by Sir Martin Broughton, reportedly have enough funding to buy Chelsea outright.
But it’s unknown how the other consortium, spearheaded by Boston Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca, plan to pay.
As good as it gets for Timo
Timo Werner’s neat goal was just the pick of his graft and craft in Chelsea’s epic exit from the Champions League at the Bernabeu last night.
And especially as it immediately followed his drought-ending double at Southampton, many pundits rate this week a turning point in the German’s Stamford Bridge career.
Step forward ex-Blues’ playmaker Joe Cole to champion the rejuvenated striker.
Former England and Liverpool midfielder Cole told BT Sport 2: “It’s a credit to him and his personality that he can come in and do this.
“No Chelsea fan will ever begrudge anything because he works his socks off, so he’s well loved, he’s respected at the club.
“This is as good as I’ve seen him at times in a Chelsea shirt. He was outstanding.”
Queue for Levi
Chelsea may not get to see the best of Levi Colwill.
The talented youngster, 19, has been a revelation on-loan at Huddersfield Town, as The Terriers push for promotion from the Championship.
His form, and current situation with the Blues, has alerted Premier League clubs that he could be available in the summer.
Everton, Leicester City, and Southampton are all keeping tabs on the centre-half, dubbed the ‘next Rio Ferdinand‘.
And it could be that Colwill leaves Stamford Bridge and establishes himself as an England international, just like his pal Marc Guehi has done some eight miles away at Crystal Palace.
Small consolation…
It won’t mean much to Chelsea’s players and fans at the moment – but last night’s 3-2 win at Real Madrid was a club record eighth away victory in a row.
The result was of course eclipsed by Real’s 5-4 Champions League quarter-final aggregate triumph – after the Blues seemed in command at 3-0 up on the evening.
But a brilliant Chelsea display DID deserve some sort of consolation.

Edinson ‘hopes Utd win Nunez race’
With Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea all linked with Darwin Nunez, it’s claimed Edinson Cavani has been pressing for the Red Devils to recruit his Uruguay team-mate since 2021.
Cavani, 35, could well depart Old Trafford in the summer, whilst 22-year-old fellow striker Nunez appears sure to quit Benfica.
And 90Min claim the PSG legend reckons that £68million-rated Nunez would be the perfect young goal-getter that many think United need.
JT backs Pagliuca bid
John Terry has thrown his support behind Stephen Pagliuca’s Chelsea takeover bid, writes JOSHUA JONES.
And the former captain wants to give fans a say through shares in the club with more than 10,000 already expressing their desire to buy in.

Terry is one of the founders of the True Blues Consortium, a Chelsea fans’ group aiming to buy ten per cent of the club in the upcoming sale.
The organisation claims to have raised £150million they hope will be put towards the winning bidders’ purchase – regardless of who lands the club – in turn giving supporters shares.
Boston Celtics co-owner Pagliuca has been backed by Larry Tanenbaum, the chairman of the NBA, while the consortium also includes ex-Walt Disney chief Bob Iger and Eduardo Saverin, one of the founders of Facebook
After meeting with Pagliuca, Sky News report the True Blues Consortium have decided to publicly endorse that attempt to purchase Chelsea.
A statement said: “Having engaged and being well received by all the bidders we were recently able to spend some time with Steve and Larry and getting to know their bid we’re again confident that they are aligned with Chelsea fans, and of course have experience in this area of owning sports teams.
“We feel the club are in a fortunate position with the final bidders and look forward to continuing dialogue with them.”
Chelsea face fight to keep Rudiger
Transfer interest in Antonio Rudiger is set to ramp up this week after Chelsea were knocked out of the Champions League.
Rudiger, 29, scored in the second leg against Real Madrid but Chelsea let their 3-0 lead slip and exited the competition.

Now the Spanish giants could rub salt in the wounds by making an approach for Rudiger in the coming days.
The centre-back is out of contract in the summer and there has been a lot of talk about his future with Chelsea desperate to keep hold of him.
Several foreign clubs are keen on Rudiger and are ready to make a move now Chelsea are out of Europe. According to reports, Rudiger was not prepared to decide his future while the Blues remained in the Champions League.
Barcelona have previously held talks with the German’s representatives about a possible move.
Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are also said to be interested in Rudiger and might believe now is the right time to make a move.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have been monitoring Rudiger’s situation but first the club will likely need to sort out their managerial situation.
Erik ten Hag has reportedly verbally agreed to join the Red Devils on a four-year deal.
Hazard ‘rules out Arsenal move’
Chelsea legend Eden Hazard won’t even talk to Arsenal about a move, reports say.
Hazard has been tipped for at least a loan exit from Real Madrid this summer.
And the Gunners were said to be keen on the Belgium star, 31.
But in the past week Borussia Dortmund have emerged as favourites to recruit him.
Now it seems Arsenal could be totally out of the running.
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CHELSEA bidder Stephen Pagliuca has announced NBA chairman Larry Tanenbaum as co-managing partner in his bid.Also on his team are ex-Disney CEO Bob Iger & journalist Willow Bay, Facebook Co-Founder Eduardo Saverin & businesswoman Elaine Saverin; B Capital co-founder Raj Ganguly.
It’s been reported that the Government are willing to speed through the process with all final offers to be made by TOMORROW.
On the transfer front, Romelu Lukaku is being linked with a move to PSG and Juventus have named their price for ex-Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt.
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Keep up to date with all of the latest updates from the takeover in our live blog…
Man Utd, Real Madrid, PSG & Barca eye Rudiger
Transfer interest in Antonio Rudiger is set to ramp up this week after Chelsea were knocked out of the Champions League.
Rudiger, 29, scored in the second leg against Real Madrid but Chelsea let their 3-0 lead slip and exited the competition.

Now the Spanish giants could rub salt in the wounds by making an approach for Rudiger in the coming days.
The centre-back is out of contract in the summer and there has been a lot of talk about his future with Chelsea desperate to keep hold of him.
Several foreign clubs are keen on Rudiger and are ready to make a move now Chelsea are out of Europe. According to reports, Rudiger was not prepared to decide his future while the Blues remained in the Champions League.
Barcelona have previously held talks with the German’s representatives about a possible move.
Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are also said to be interested in Rudiger and might believe now is the right time to make a move.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have been monitoring Rudiger’s situation but first the club will likely need to sort out their managerial situation.
Erik ten Hag has reportedly verbally agreed to join the Red Devils on a four-year deal.
‘Our Mount and Loftus-Cheek tactics worked’
Chelsea’s star defender Antonio Rudiger revealed the special tactics that so nearly pulled off a mighty Champions League comeback triumph against Real Madrid.
The Blues surged into a 3-0 lead at the Bernabeu before Real lethally struck twice from their limited chances for a 5-4 aggregate win in an outstanding quarter-final.
And Rudiger enjoyed how Chelsea profited for so long from Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek getting in behind Real’s anchorman midfielder Casemiro.
The German told the Blues’ website: “That was the game plan, to find our No10s Ruben and Mason, behind Casemiro always to find the space.
“Mason found it, he got the goal and we controlled it. We didn’t panic or anything like this.
“I think we did it quite well and in the second half we scored goals and did everything we could.
‘I think we found space between the defence and Casemiro. That was the plan and we got in those positions and Timo Werner, Mason Mount and Kai Havertz were very dangerous.”
But Rudiger added: “The Champions League is difficult because you play against the best in Europe and if you make little mistakes they punish you.
“Over the two legs we did too many mistakes, too many individual errors, that made them go through, and of course their quality with Modric and Benzema.
‘There are regrets, especially the first game, because we didn’t have the energy like in Madrid. Obviously over the two legs we made too many mistakes and at this high level of football you get punished.”
Rudiger: We dominated and outplayed Real
Antonio Rudiger believes Chelsea ‘dominated and outplayed’ Real Madrid despite their agonising champions league exit.
The holders overturned their 3-1 first-leg deficit to lead 3-0 at the Bernabeu – before Real netted twice to win 5-4 on aggregate.

The Blues’ second scorer, Rudiger, who was brilliant in central defence, told Chelsea’s website: “The positive is we didn’t give up.
“Not many teams can come here and dominate them as we did. But the big ‘but’ is, over the two legs, we made these type of mistakes. Against Real Madrid you get punished.
“We were close. I think we dominated them and we outplayed them, we outran them, but at the end of the day it’s little details that we missed.
“We scored three goals, I think not many can come here and do that. For me we outplayed them, we outran them and we did a fantastic match, but if you look at both games we need to win these.”
Wenger wants some throws replaced by kick-ins
Arsene Wenger might have been thrown under the bus in Qatar last month – but he managed to avoid injury and is still seeking to remake football in his own image, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
The former Arsenal boss was the frontman for the dumped biennial World Cup plan.

But Wenger, Fifa’s head of global football development, remains keen on changing the Laws of the game to make football more entertaining.
Wenger’s plans to trial a new “daylight” offside law, giving a huge advantage to the attacking team, have been iced pending the potential introduction of “semi-automated offsides” calibrated near-instantly by skeletal “limb-tracking” technology for the World Cup.
The Frenchman, though, still believes allowing kick-ins instead of throw-ins in the defensive half, if they are within five seconds of the ball going out, will speed up play.
Wenger’s mantra is “one thing at a time” but it is still on his agenda.
Romelu tipped as ideal Kane replacement
Darren Bent says his former club Tottenham should be in the market for Chelsea flop Romelu Lukaku.
He told talkSPORT: “As long as Antonio Conte’s there I don’t think Harry Kane would go anywhere.
“But if worse came to worse and Harry Kane did leave and go elsewhere, and if they can get Lukaku, then you’ve seen what Conte can get out of Romelu Lukaku.
“Even down to his nutrition, because that was the best I’ve ever seen him look last season and at the start of this season.
“If there was an opportunity and Kane leaves and Conte can get Lukaku, I’d go out all day to get it – all day.”
Chelsea’s performance praised
Football pundit Gabby Agbonlahor was blown away by Chelsea’s performance against Real Madrid on Tuesday.
He said on talkSPORT: “Wow, how good were Chelsea? Do you know what I liked about the performance the most was that Chelsea played a four at the back,” admitted Agbonlahor.
“I called them boring last week because that five at the back for me is a boring formation.
“Last night, it was like ‘Reece James you go with Vinicius, Loftus-Cheek you stay on the right side and look to help Reece James when needed’; he didn’t even need the help.
“Then the front three of Havertz, Werner and Mount, they were outstanding. The way they switched roles, all had free roles. And Chelsea were very unlucky.”
If you Levi me now
Chelsea may not get to see the best of Levi Colwill.
The talented youngster, 19, has been a revelation on-loan at Huddersfield Town, as The Terriers push for promotion from the Championship.
His form, and current situation with the Blues, has alerted Premier League clubs that he could be available in the summer.
Everton, Leicester City, and Southampton are all keeping tabs on the centre-half, dubbed the ‘next Rio Ferdinand’.
And it could be that Colwill leaves Stamford Bridge and establishes himself as an England international, just like his pal Marc Guehi has done some eight miles away at Crystal Palace.
Piers slams Tuchel
Piers Morgan has slammed “embarrassing” Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel.
Seeing his comments, Morgan took to Twitter to criticise the Blues boss.
The Sun columnist wrote: “Embarrassing by Tuchel.
“They were probably laughing at how badly Chelsea choked after having the game in the bag.”
Loftus-Cheek/Sarri reunion
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is set to be offered a career reboot at Lazio – under his former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri, SUNSPORT’S STEVE GOODMAN WRITES.
Loftus-Cheek has been shipped out on loan twice, to Crystal Palace in 2017 and Fulham last term.
But the Londoner enjoyed his best ever season under Sarri’s management in 2018-19, when he played 40 games and scored ten goals.
The current Lazio coach is braced to lose star midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic this summer.
The £60million-rated Serbian ace has been linked with a host of clubs including Manchester United.
And reports in Italy claim Sarri will seek to bring in Loftus-Cheek as a replacement for the 27-year-old.
Ferdinand defends Rudiger
Rio Ferdinand has defended Antonio Rudiger following Chelsea’s Champions League exit
Rudiger reacted explosively at full-time when Chelsea crashed out against Real Madrid 5-4 on aggregate.
Former Manchester United defender Ferdinand backed the Chelsea defender, referencing his own experience of losing big games.
Ferdinand told BT Sport: “You can’t control it. We’ve all been there after big games, I’ve said and done things that you regret.
“I hit walls, I ended up kicking people at times.
“I got done at Chelsea kicking someone by accident, you don’t mean it you just lose your head, you don’t mean anything by it.”
Tuchel slams ref
Thomas Tuchel has slammed the referee in Chelsea’s loss to Real Madrid for having a laugh with opposition boss Carlo Ancelotti after the game.
Tuchel said: “I was disappointed that the referee had a good time with Carlo.
“I know that Carlo is a gentleman and a nice guy but when I wanted to go and say thank you, I saw him smiling and laughing loud with the opponent’s coach.
“I think this is the very, very wrong time to do this after the final whistle, 126 minutes of a team giving their heart and fighting to the last drop.
“When you go and see a referee smiling and laughing with the other coach, it’s very bad timing. I told him this.”
Lukaku tipped for Conte reunion
Darren Bent says his former club Tottenham should be in the market for Chelsea flop Romelu Lukaku.
He told talkSPORT: “As long as Antonio Conte’s there I don’t think Harry Kane would go anywhere.
“But if worse came to worse and Harry Kane did leave and go elsewhere, and if they can get Lukaku, then you’ve seen what Conte can get out of Romelu Lukaku.
“Even down to his nutrition, because that was the best I’ve ever seen him look last season and at the start of this season.
“If there was an opportunity and Kane leaves and Conte can get Lukaku, I’d go out all day to get it – all day.”
Chelsea player ratings
N’golo Kante and Kai Havertz were in the firing line when the notoriously hard to please L’Equipe’s player ratings were published following Chelsea’s defeat to Real Madrid.
French newspaper L’Equipe’s tough rating analysts gave the pair just a 4/10 for their performances at the Bernabeu – the worst out of the Chelsea squad.
The performances of the pair clearly didn’t satisfy L’Equipe’s master raters.
Although they were still rated higher than Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos, who was only given a lowly 3/10.
Antonio Rudiger was Chelsea’s top performer, with his expert header combined with a dominating display at the back earning him an 8/10.
Elsewhere is it was fives and sixes across the board, while James and Mason Mount both earned a 7/10.
Real Madrid labelled ‘immortal’
Real Madrid stars have been hailed as “immortal” after scraping past Chelsea into the Champions League semi-finals.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side have been roundly praised for their resilience by the Spanish morning papers.
AS labelled them “immortal” for their comeback.
While Marca led with the line: “What a night, what delirium!”
Alaba’s dance moves
Real Madrid star David Alaba showed off some wacky dance moves after helping the Spaniards dump Chelsea out of the Champions League.
There was quite the party in the Bernabeu home dressing room after Karim Benzema’s extra-time header saw Real qualify for the semi-finals.
Goals from Mason Mount, Antonio Rudiger and Timo Werner had initially seen Chelsea overturn a 3-1 deficit to lead 4-3 on aggregate, before the hosts came back to win the tie 5-4.
It sparked joyous scenes in the Real Madrid dressing room after the game, with Alaba the man leading the celebrations.
The 29-year-old was filmed busting out the dance moves by the club’s official Twitter account.
Members of the squad clapped along as Alaba wiggled his body to the beat of the music that was blaring out of the dressing room speakers.

Antonio Rudiger roars
Antonio Rudiger let out a yell of frustration as his side were dumped out of the Champions League by Real Madrid last night.
Upon the final whistle Rudiger sank to the Santiago Bernabeu turf.
Opposition defender David Alaba sportingly picked up his Blues counterpart.
Just as he did so, Rudiger screamed in frustration, turning his back on Alaba.
Around 45 seconds later the German sank to his haunches again, still muttering to himself in anger.
Chelsea transfer options discussed
Glen Johnson has identified who he’d like Chelsea to bring in if they sell Romelu Lukaku for the right price.
He told Bettingodds: “If Chelsea get the money that they need, I’d like them to get Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland.
“They’re both going to be super, super expensive. It just depends on what they can get for Lukaku.
“If he goes, you’re not going to get anywhere near the £97.5m they paid for him from Inter Milan.
“It would be an extremely tough deal to do. If you’re talking about just strikers however, then I’d like Haaland to come in to replace any outgoing forwards.”
Modric praises Blues
Real Madrid ace Luka Modric praised Chelsea after he played a hand in dumping the Blues out of the Champions League.
Modric said of his fallen opponents: “They are a very good side. They are the most complicated rival we could face, for me.
“I watch them a lot because of my friend Mateo [Kovacic]. I watch them a lot so I know how good they are, physical team and they have so many talented players.
“I knew it was going to be complicated and it was not over before first result.”
Rio Ferdinand loses voice
Luka Modric proved age is just a number with another stunning Champions League performance for Real Madrid against Chelsea, capped off by an outrageous assist.
The 36-year-old veteran played a ball so good to set up Rodrygo to score it caused Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand to “lose his voice”.
The pass was so good it left Ferdinand “screaming”, with the former defender telling BT Sport: “This pass from Luka Modric is why I lost my voice today!
“That’s illegal, that. 
“I was screaming, Luka, Muka, whatever his name was. Phenomenal.”
Prem clubs battle for Bremer
Liverpool have reportedly waded into the fray to sign Torino defender Gleison Bremer along with Manchester United and Arsenal.
And the Reds are willing to part with £25milllion to pip their Premier League rivals to the 25-year-old’s signature, according to Tuttojuve.
The Brazilian has made 29 appearances for the Serie A side this season, chipping in with three goals and an assist along the way.
His assured performances have caught the attention of Europe’s biggest clubs including Juventus and Bayern Munich.
But Arsenal, United, Chelsea, and now Liverpool are keen on bringing the defensive stalwart to the Prem this summer.
Blue trouble
Chelsea and Manchester City yobs had to be separated by riot police as they fought in Madrid.
The shocking scenes unfolded in Plaza Mayor square in the Spanish capital on Tuesday.
A total of 8,000 supporters were expected to travel from England to Spain to watch the Champions League quarter-final showdowns.
Chelsea faced Real Madrid in the Bernabeu on Tuesday, 24 hours before City’s second leg at Atletico’s Wanda Metropolitano.
And video footage posted on social media showed rival followers confronting one another, shouting and chanting.
Then things spilt over as punches were thrown and drinks flew before the notoriously heavy-handed Madrid police rushed in with batons and shields to restore order.

Morning, Chelsea fans
Chelsea will be waking up this morning surely more devastated than they’ve ever been by a brilliant victory.
The Champions League holders crashed out of the quarter-finals 5-4 on aggregate despite a 3-2 extra time win in Real Madrid.
Manager Thomas Tuchel has never looked more frustrated or animated than he did last night as the unlucky Blues wasted their superiority and string of decent chances.
Mason Mount’s superb curler, Antonio Rudiger’s thudding header and Timo Werner’s neat finish put the Blues 3-up on the night, 4-3 ahead overall.following their 3-1 first-leg loss
But Real sub Rodrygo earned extra time with a classy volley following  a magical pass from Luka Modric, before  Karim Benzema clinched the Spaniards’ fortunate success.
 As for the Chelsea buy-out situation, bidder Tom Ricketts has recruited Indian beer baron Karan Bilimoria to help his efforts.
Blues’ fan Lord Bilimoria founded Cobra lager from his flat in Fulham 30 years ago.
The deadline for final offers for £3billion-rated Chelsea is tomorrow.
Liverpool could join Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal in a £68million summer hunt for Benfica strike sensation Darwin Nunez.
And Arsenal legend Jack Wilshere has hailed Blues and United target Declan Rice as the world’s BEST defensive midfielder.
Juve want £84m for De Ligt
Chelsea and Manchester United have been linked with Juventus centre-back Matthew de Ligt – but he could cost around £84million.
Calciomercato say the Italian giants are keen to keep the former Ajax superstar.
Chelsea are thought to have monitored the 22-year-old this season.
And United have reportedly trailed him in past campaigns
Cheeky bid for World Cup place?
England’s forgotten man for four years, Ruben Loftus-Cheek might just be timing a late World Cup run to perfection, writes OSCAR PAUL.
And you can bet he’s one of the few buzzing that it’s this winter rather than next summer.

Chances are that he would not make it if it was in July.
Yet what we do know is that Gareth Southgate was a massive fan.
And certainly on tonight’s evidence, it would come as no surprise if the England boss had again started pencilling his name down a couple of lists here and there.
There is plenty more work to do if Loftus-Cheek, 26, is to force his way on to the plane for Qatar.
But with seven months to go, time is on his side — and his form is undoubtedly now heading in the right direction.
FULL VERDICT ON RLC
Sub ratings
Christian Pulisic (for Werner, 83′) – 5
Had two golden chances to win it late on in normal time but twice volleyed over the bar from close range.
Hakim Ziyech (for Kante, 100′) – 4
Booked not long after coming on and did not make the impact Tuchel hoped for when he decided to bring him on.
Jorginho (for Kovacic, 105′) – 6
Saw plenty of the ball but was unable to create anything with Real sitting deep in defence for the second half of extra-time.
Ball fell to him nicely twice in the box but his first effort was blocked and the second he dragged wide.
Saul Niguez (for Loftud-Cheek, 105′) – 4
Like Jorginho he came on at a time of desperation for Chelsea but failed to influence the game in any capacity.
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