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    Chelsea set to ‘shock Arsenal with last-gasp transfer swoop for £50million Brighton and England star Ben White’

    CHELSEA are reportedly ready to upstage Arsenal by making a last-gasp swoop for Ben White.The Transfer Window Podcast claims the Blues have told the Brighton defender they want to sign him this summer.
    Chelsea are ready to move for Arsenal target and Brighton star Ben WhiteCredit: Getty
    Chelsea have a space free for a new central defender following Fikayo Tomori’s AC Milan move.
    And England international White could now be set to play for Thomas Tuchel’s European champions next term.
    Arsenal were thought to be leading the race for White after making several bids.
    SunSport also revealed Everton were interested too following Rafa Benitez’s appointment.
    But £50million-rated White could instead be going to Stamford Bridge.
    And Premier League champions Manchester City are also keeping tabs.
    Duncan Castles said: “We’ve told you there’s been interest and a conversation with Man City.
    “I now understand that Chelsea have notified the player of their interest in signing him.

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    “I think that’s significant competition for Arsenal because Chelsea can obviously offer Champions League football, can offer a club based in London in the same way that Arsenal can.
    “But one that should be immediately competitive for the Premier League title, and one that hasn’t had much hesitation about spending aggressively of Ben White’s profile and age range.
    “I think on previous podcasts we suggested that once serious offers started to come in for White, it is likely that other clubs would get involved in a competitive bidding process.
    “And I think a competitive bidding process is obviously going to be of benefit to Brighton.”
    Ben White shows his skills in football training with Brighton More

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    AC Milan hope to land ‘opportunistic’ transfer swoop and sign Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech on loan

    AC MILAN are hoping to land Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech in an ‘opportunistic’ swoop this summer.The Moroccan midfielder, 28, only joined the Blues in a £36.7million deal from Ajax last summer.
    AC Milan are hoping to sign Hakim Ziyech on loan from Chelsea, according to reportsCredit: AFP
    But after failing to nail down a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s XI, Milan are hoping to bring Ziyech to the San Siro on loan.
    The Serie A giants have lost star man Hakan Calhanoglu on a free this summer to rivals Inter Milan.
    And they are desperately looking to replace the Turkey star with a like-for-like attacking midfielder.
    Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho and Everton ace James Rodriguez are believed to have been offered to Milan.
    But according to Corriere dello Sport, Ziyech is the top target for Rossoneri chiefs.
    Milan bosses are set to wait until the end of the transfer window to make their move for Morocco international in the hope Chelsea will be in a better position to know what Ziyech’s role will be in 2021-22.
    With the likes of Christian Pulisic, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount and Timo Werner all seemingly ahead of Ziyech in the pecking order, his opportunities are likely to be limited.
    The Blues could allow the former Ajax star to spend a season away at another Big Five club to keep his match sharpness and reassess in 2022.

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    Ziyech featured in 33 games in all competitions last season – including just 15 Premier League starts – scoring four goals.
    Chelsea have already confirmed Billy Gilmour has joined recently-promoted Norwich on a season-long loan.
    Gilmour, 20, performed brilliantly for Scotland against England at Euro 2020, having produced impressive cameos for the Blues over the last two seasons.
    And he will now link up with Daniel Farke’s Canaries for pre-season, having recovered from Covid-19.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Chelsea’s forgotten man Victor Moses completes transfer to Spartak Moscow More

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    Inter Milan ‘confident’ Chelsea transfer target Romelu Lukaku WILL STAY after Belgium’s painful Euro 2020 exit

    CHELSEA have been dealt a setback in their pursuit of Romelu Lukaku as the striker is set to stay at Inter Milan, according to reports.Inter Milan were expected to sell players this summer due to financial fair play concerns but the imminent sale of Achraf Hakimi to PSG has reportedly resolved that issue.
    Romelu Lukaku exited Euro 2020 as Belgium lost to Italy on Friday
    And according to Fabrizio Romano, Inter do not need to sell another big name.
    He told his Twitch stream: “Lukaku is so happy with Inter. I think he is staying. The feeling at Inter is that Lukaku’s staying.
    “After selling Hakimi I don’t see Inter selling another star this summer, unless there is a crazy bid.”
    Lukaku has previously committed his future to the Serie A champions, at least verbally.
    He responded he was “happy at Inter” when Trevor Sinclair asked if he fancied a move to Manchester City in June.
    And after Simone Inzaghi was appointed as Antonio Conte’s replacement Lukaku said: “I am staying at Inter. I’ve already had contact with new manager Inzaghi.
    “Maybe I shouldn’t say that yet… but it was a very positive conversation. There’s also the challenge of doing it again [winning the league].”

    Chelsea are believed to be keen on signing a striker this summer and have also targeted Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland.
    And the Norwegian is said to be expecting a move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
    But first Thomas Tuchel could make former Crystal Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey his first signing as Blues boss.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    A young Mason Mount shows off his skills with stunning free kick in training More

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    Chelsea set to make shock Wayne Hennessey contract offer to be back-up keeper after 34-year-old left Crystal Palace

    CHELSEA are reportedly interested in signing Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey after he left Crystal Palace.The Eagles released Hennessey, 34, upon the expiration of his contract this summer.
    Wayne Hennessey recently left Crystal Palace after eight years at the clubCredit: Reuters
    Thomas Tuchel is yet to make a signing at ChelseaCredit: PA
    He spent eight years at the club and made 110 appearances in the Premier League but lost his place in the side to Vicente Guaita.
    And now Chelsea are set to make a shock move for the veteran, according to the Express.
    Willy Cabellero left Stamford Bridge last month and Thomas Tuchel is keen to add experience to his goalkeeping options.
    The Blues boss has Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga at his disposal and it is believed Hennessey would act as the third-choice keeper.
    He would fulfil a similar role to the one Rob Green performed when he was at Chelsea for the 2018/19 season.
    And Hennessey could become Tuchel’s first signing as Chelsea boss.
    The 47-year-old is chasing other options however, and will have been alert to the fact Declan Rice recently rejected two West Ham contract offers.

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    Also, Erling Haaland reportedly expects a move to Chelsea this summer, while Sergio Ramos is another high profile name linked to the club.
    It is possible Hennessey will be the first of many to arrive at Stamford Bridge this summer.
    And such arrivals could help the club get over the disappointment of missing out on targets such as Achraf Hakimi and Romelu Lukaku.

    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
    Billy Gilmour joins Norwich on season-long loan from Chelsea More

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    Arsenal and Chelsea defenders William Saliba and Malang Sarr withdrawn from France’s Tokyo Olympics squad

    ARSENAL and Chelsea players William Saliba and Malang Sarr have both withdrawn from France’s Olympics squad.Saliba, 20, and Sarr, 22, were initially named in the party for the Tokyo Games.
    Arsenal’s William Saliba has withdrawn from France’s Olympic squadCredit: Rex
    The tournament at the Olympics is due to start on July 22.
    The final will take place on August 7, which would mean those involved would miss the majority of pre-season.
    Now the duo are amongst several names to pull-out of the final squad prior to kick off in the Far East.
    Saliba will now report back to the Gunners for their pre-season training under Mikel Arteta.
    Chelsea’s Sarr, who spent last season on loan at Porto, is another along with Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, 18, to withdraw.
    Saliba will now be trying to persuade Arteta that he has the talents to warrant a regular spot in his side.
    The defender still has not played in a senior game for Arsenal since his £27million transfer move from Saint-Etienne in 2019.
    He featured in their pre-season campaign a year ago.

    But he was overlooked by Arteta once the season got underway and was sent back to France.
    He left the North London outfit in January to spend the next six months on loan at Nice.
    Meanwhile Sarr is wanted by Fenerbahce.
    Sarr signed for Chelsea last summer, before joining Porto on loan.
    And he could depart on a temporary basis once again, with Turkish newspaper Takvim reporting Fenerbahce’s interest.
    Chelsea ace Malang Sarr has also pulled out of the squadCredit: Getty
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Arteta says Saliba has made massive improvements but will play when there is space More

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    Emma Hayes extends Chelsea reign with Women’s Super League champions confirming new contract for Blues boss

    CHELSEA confirmed Emma Hayes’ tenure as their women’s team manager will continue with the Kingsmeadow gaffer signing a new two-year contract. The deal will see Hayes extend her stint to 11 years in charge of the WSL juggernauts who notched up a fourth double trophy win last term.
    Emma Hayes has agreed to extend her nine-year spell at Chelsea for an extra two yearsCredit: Getty
    Hayes led Chelsea to their first ever Women’s Champions League final last termCredit: Reuters
    The announcement comes almost two months after the London club reached their first ever Women’s Champions League final, where they were beaten by Barcelona.
    And it will be welcome news for Chelsea fans who have witnessed their club become the most successful WSL side since the division was established ten years ago. 
    Hayes, who took up the reins at Kingsmeadow in 2012, has led the Blues to 10 major trophy wins.
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    These include four WSL titles, two Women’s FA Cups and two Continental trophies, including this year’s league cup. 
    On her new contract, the Camden-born gaffer said: “Everyone knows what this club means to me. 
    “The work we’ve done together over the last nine years has been hugely rewarding, full of growth of the women’s game, accompanied with winning, which is one of the club’s key values. 
    “I really look forward to keep building on the successes we’ve already achieved and I’m delighted to have extended further.
    “It’s been a year and a half without fans, so I can’t wait to welcome them back to our home and share with them the wonderful team we’ve built together.” 
    Blues director Marina Granovskaia added: “We are delighted Emma has committed to stay at Chelsea.
    “History speaks for itself, and we are really proud of what she has achieved in the past nine years, not just at the club, but also for the growth of the women’s game. 
    “It is phenomenal and a real credit to Emma for her continued passion, hard work and dedication to the sport.”
    Hayes, who grew up in North London, started her football management journey in 2001 at US women’s club Long Island Lady Riders.
    The Blues chief went on to work as head coach of university side Iona College from 2003 to 2006. 
    And this was followed by a trophy-laden two-year spell at Arsenal Ladies as an assistant and academy director during the reign of legendary boss Vic Akers. 
    Hayes would join Chelsea in 2012 following another two-year stint in US women’s football managing Chicago Redstars. 
    Chelsea have won four back-to-back titles in six years under HayesCredit: Getty

    And she would lead the side to their first Women’s FA Cup and league title win in 2015 and four back-to-back WSL crowns in six seasons. 
    Chelsea, who embarked on the Women’s Super League’s longest unbeaten run – going 33 games undefeated – are targeting their first major trophy win in Europe next term. 
    The Blues will be competing in the Champions League alongside domestic rivals Man City and Arsenal. 
    Billy Gilmour joins Norwich on season-long loan from Chelsea More

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    Chelsea wonderkid Billy Gilmour to join Norwich on season-long loan transfer with deal complete when self-isolation ends

    NORWICH have landed Chelsea whizkid Billy Gilmour on a season-long loan.The 20-year-old midfielder will sign for the Norfolk outfit when he completes his ten-day isolation period after testing positive for coronavirus at the Euros.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog
    Scotland international Billy Gilmour is set to join Norwich on a season-long loan deal from ChelseaCredit: Reuters
    Norwich boss Daniel Farke has leaned on his good friend, and Blues manager, Thomas Tuchel to swing the deal in the Canaries’ favour after they worked together at Borussia Dortmund.
    And with N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic all ahead of the youngster at Stamford Bridge, Tuchel has given the green light for Gilmour to earn some first team experience.
    Wolves had been linked with a loan move for Gilmour after the youngster played just five Premier League games during the 2020-21 season.
    Norwich have also managed to tie down Ben Gibson and Dimitris Giannoulis on permanent deals after successful loan spells.
    The club’s promotion to the Premier League triggered both players’ obligation to buy clauses and the Canaries have confirmed the duo have signed three-year deals.
    Gibson, 28, signed on loan from Burnley in September and made 27 Championship appearances before injury ended his campaign in March.
    Giannoulis joined on-loan from Greek side PAOK in January and played 16 times.
    And Farke said: “We’re very happy that both Dimitris and Ben are now permanent members of our squad.

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    Blues starlet Gilmour has made just 11 Premier League appearances in the last two seasonsCredit: Getty

    “Ben has been great from the moment he walked through the door.
    “His class and personality very much helped us stabilise our defensive behaviour.
    “With Dimitris, we were always fully convinced with his potential. He’s in a great age and already has a lot of experience.”
    Roy Keane jokes he doesn’t even speak to his WIFE for five minutes as he questions Mount and Chilwell over Gilmour chat More

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    Declan Rice REJECTS two West Ham contract offers as he holds out on Man Utd or Chelsea transfer

    DECLAN RICE has rejected two contract offers from West Ham.And that has sparked summer transfer interest from admirers Chelsea and Manchester United.
    Declan Rice has turned down two new contract offers from West Ham and could leave this summerCredit: Getty
    Rice, 22, is tied down at the London Stadium until 2024 with the option of an extra year.
    But the Hammers understandably want to tie down the £100million-rated midfielder to a longer, improved deal.
    And according to The Telegraph, they will table more offers for Rice to try and convince him to commit his future to the club he joined aged 14.
    However, the England international wants to hear what options he has away from East London this summer.
    Further reports add the money on offer would still see Rice paid less than Andriy Yarmolenko and what Javier Hernandez was on while he could earn significantly more elsewhere.
    Although Champions League football and silverware are more driving factors than money, West Ham must pay Rice as much as his talent and influence deserves or risk losing him.
    Chelsea, who released Rice immediately before he joined the West Ham academy in 2014, are keen to make a swoop.
    Frank Lampard wanted to bring him in a year ago but the club spent big money on the likes of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz instead.
    The information about Rice is true. This is because the contract offers have been below what Yarmolenko is currently on, what Hernandez was on and other well paid players. For the player to stay at the club and turn down big moves the pay needs to reflect his ability— ExWHUemployee (@ExWHUemployee) July 1, 2021

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    Declan Rice was outstanding for England against Germany

    The midfielder has been in impressive form for England at Euro 2020Credit: Getty
    Thomas Tuchel also likes the midfielder and a deal would see the former Blues youngster reunited with best-mate Mason Mount at Stamford Bridge.
    United, meanwhile, would rival Chelsea for his signature as they try and bolster their midfield department.
    Rice gets on well with skipper Harry Maguire and Jesse Lingard, who shone on loan at West Ham last season, could be used as a makeweight in any potential deal.
    United have been linked with a £60m transfer in the past but West Ham would likely demand more than that.
    Rice, though, wants to be told of any formal offers and hopes the club who paid nothing for him would be willing to let him go.
    The Hammers vice-captain is currently on international duty at Euro 2020.
    He has formed a strong partnership with Leeds star Kalvin Phillips with a series of impressive displays, especially on Tuesday as England beat Germany to book their spot in the quarter-finals.
    Rice gets on well with Manchester United captain Harry MaguireCredit: Getty

    Declan Rice hilariously taunts Jesse Lingard in bath after taking West Ham’s first penalty of the season More