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      Chelsea ‘in equation’ for shock Lionel Messi transfer swoop if he quits Barcelona amid Man City interest

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      CHELSEA are ‘in the equation’ for a shock Lionel Messi transfer, according to stunning reports.
      The Barcelona captain, 33, is expected to leave the Nou Camp at the end of the season when his current deal expires.

      Lionel Messi could be a transfer target for Chelsea if he decides to quit BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Messi tried to quit Barca last summer before a dramatic U-turn to honour the final year of his deal.
      But with the Argentine seemingly not settled again this season and the club needing to slash the wage bill, his future looks to lie elsewhere.
      And according to Spanish football expect Guillem Balague, Chelsea could be among the clubs to chase Messi’s signature.
      Speaking on his YouTube channel, Balague said: “Chelsea are definitely in the equation if Messi becomes available. That is true.

      “Chelsea will insist they want to hear everything that is going on.
      “If they have the money they will want to be involved too. Remember, there is no transfer fee.”
      Chelsea have tended to opt for younger signings as part of their long-term approach under Frank Lampard.
      The Blues spent almost £230million over the last transfer window to sign Kai Havertz, Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Edouard Mendy.

      Chelsea spent big money to bring in the likes of Ben Chilwell, left, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, rightCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Messi could be reunited with Pep Guardiola at Manchester CityCredit: AFP – Getty

      So bringing in Messi – who turns 34 in June – on his mammoth £500,000-per-week wages may seem unlikely.
      As revealed by SunSport, Manchester City are plotting to go back in for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner in January.
      And the fact that his old boss, Pep Guardiola, has signed a new deal at the Etihad could help convince Messi to move to Manchester.
      There will also no doubt be interest from some of the world’s other biggest and richest clubs.
      Balague added: “Messi rang Guardiola in the summer, they spoke for four hours about what it would mean for Messi to join City.
      “In those conversations I’m sure they talked about how he would play in the team.
      “Will City try again? Yes they will. They will pay the £25million net minimum requirement.
      “PSG were in contact with Messi’s dad, you’ve got Inter Milan, Juventus want to put Messi and Ronaldo together.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Pep Guardiola admits Lionel Messi’s future is up in the air as Man City plan transfer bid for unsettled Barcelona star More

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      Chelsea to ‘start talks with David Alaba’ over free transfer in January with defender set to quit Bayern Munich

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      CHELSEA are reportedly to open talks with Bayern Munich star David Alaba in the New Year.
      The Bundesliga giants have taken the offer of a new contract off the table ahead of his deal expiring in the summer.

      David Alaba remains a first-choice pick for Bayern Munich amid his contract sagaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Alaba, 28, can negotiate a pre-agreement with any club in January, setting up a free transfer at the end of his Bayern stay.
      Chelsea are set to be at the front of the queue in negotiating a deal, according to Bild.
      The involvement of agent Pini Zahavi, who has helped Roman Abramovich’s club seal many transfers in the past, is said to help the Blues’ case.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Several rivals have been linked with the Austrian, including Liverpool and Manchester City.
      This report highlights Paris Saint-Germain’s interest but Alaba is thought to not fancy a move to France.
      Real Madrid and Barcelona have also been mentioned in reports yet the LaLiga duo are described as unable to afford the defender.
      Alaba fell out with Bayern after the lack of movement in contract talks was confirmed by the club.

      Club president Herbert Hainer said earlier this month that an offer was ‘no longer’ on the table after a ‘very good’ figure was deemed ‘unsatisfactory’ by the player’s camp.

      Reports have suggested Zahavi wants an £18million fee for cutting a deal, leading to a furious response by one former Bayern chief.
      Ex-president Uli Hoeness declared: “[Alaba] has a greedy piranha for an agent. His father, whom I like a lot, is letting himself be influenced by him very much.”
      Alaba has denied the sort of figures being quoted in talks and continues to be a first-choice pick for coach Hansi Flick.
      He stated: “I cannot say how it will continue from this point. I am glad to be playing for Bayern and to be a part of the team.

      “But what the future will look like after yesterday evening I just cannot say, as no one has talked to me officially.
      “I can completely understand the fans [being hurt]. I wish internal stuff would stay internal.
      “The numbers out there do not correspond to reality and I am a bit disappointed and sad that the club never officially came out to say they are wrong.
      “I have not made any thoughts about my future because Bayern was always the first point of contact. I had no contact with other clubs for that reason.” More

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      Chelsea outcast Olivier Giroud ‘wanted by rivals Tottenham and West Ham in January transfer’ with striker eyeing move

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      TOTTENHAM and West Ham are among the teams reportedly tracking Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud.
      The French forward scored the late winner in Tuesday’s beating of Rennes as he continues to be used off the bench.

      Olivier Giroud netted his second goal of the season at Rennes in midweekCredit: AFP or licensors

      Frank Lampard heaped praise on Giroud, 34, after the victory but speculation continues to mount over his future.
      According to CalcioMercato, Spurs and West Ham are joined by Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and Inter Miami in tracking the striker.
      Giroud was tipped to leave Chelsea in the summer but hit form late on last season, earning a new 12-month contract.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Once again, he is reportedly keen on making a January move to ensure his spot in France’s Euro 2020 squad.
      Lampard has spoken of his hopes of keeping the player, accepting before the midweek win that he will ‘cross the January bridge when he comes to it’.
      After the match, he said: “The things behind the scenes, everybody kind of feels from the outside to be fair what a great professional he is and how highly regarded he is by his team-mates and myself.
      “So for him to get a goal, you saw the reaction of his team-mates, he’s so professional in how he trains and looks after himself that age isn’t even a factor for him.

      “He’s getting better with age if anything in terms of how he looks after himself.
      “So he offers a lot for us and I keep saying it but the big schedule coming up and the way we play means I will rely on players.

      “So thankfully for me he’s a player that always keeps the right attitude if he’s not playing regularly, and I know when I call upon him that he comes in as he did today.”
      Tottenham signed Gareth Bale and Carlos Vinicius on loan in the summer to provide competition for Harry Kane.
      Meanwhile, West Ham welcomed Sebastian Haller back to the scoring charts with a stunning winner at Sheffield United last time out.
      And Inter have been linked with Chelsea star N’Golo Kante with former boss Antonio Conte keen to continue his raid on Premier League stars.

      Frank Lampard insists Olivier Giroud is in his plans despite Chelsea striker admitting he is ready for January transfer More

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      Chelsea in talks with Thiago Silva over extending contract until 2022 after 36-year-old’s stunning start to season

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      CHELSEA are in talks with Thiago Silva over extending the veteran defender’s contract until 2022 after his fine start to the season. The Blues landed Silva, 36, on a free transfer in the summer after his release from Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season. He initially put pen to paper on a one-year […] More

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      Chelsea outcast Kepa Arrizabalaga will accept loan transfer and huge pay cut to end Stamford Bridge hell

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      KEPA ARRIZABALAGA will take a pay cut to end his Chelsea nightmare.
      The £71.6million keeper has slipped to third choice for Spain.

      Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has fell out of favour under Frank Lampard

      Spain international Kepa is willing to leave on loan to boost his chances of making Euro 2020

      Kepa, 26, is now behind David De Gea and Unai Simon, leaving him in the wilderness for both club and country.
      He has not started for Chelsea since October 17 — and the team has flourished in his absence.
      And that convinced Kepa his time is up at Stamford Bridge and to get out in January.
      He will accept a loan and a reduction to his £150,000-a-week wages to try to revive his fortunes.

      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge
      Kepa acknowledges he must be playing first-team football to stand any hope of making Euro 2020.
      It is his dream to play in Spain’s group game against Slovakia at the home of former club Athletic Bilbao in June.
      Spain boss Luis Enrique has told Kepa he will not play if he is languishing on the Chelsea bench.

      Until this international break, the player had clung to the belief he could still be chosen for his country’s squad despite his club struggles.

      Kepa has lost his No1 spot at Chelsea to summer signing Edouard Mendy

      But being frozen out by Enrique has proved a tipping point.
      In the summer, Kepa received reassurances from Chelsea performance director Petr Cech that he still had a future at Stamford Bridge.
      But the £24m signing of Edouard Mendy from Rennes, and Kepa being dropped, proved the start of a slippery slope that has ended with him also in a painful international exile.

      Kepa does superb triple save during Chelsea training More

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      Adebayor reveals he persuaded Thomas Partey to make Arsenal transfer ahead of Man Utd and Chelsea

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      THOMAS PARTEY was advised by Emmanuel Adebayor to reject Manchester United and Chelsea to sign for Arsenal, the striker has claimed.
      The Gunners paid £45.5million to sign the Ghana international in a deadline day switch from Atletico Madrid.

      Thomas Partey has shown his potential in just a few short weeks at ArsenalCredit: Guardian News & Media

      Emmanuel Adebayor has revealed the advice he regularly gives the midfielderCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      But they were not alone in tracking Partey, according to Adebayor, who even believes Arsenal can WIN the Premier League having signed the midfielder.
      The 36-year-old told reporters in Ghana: “About six months to a year ago, he was telling me about contacts he had had from England.
      “He mentioned Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea.
      “And I told him, ‘Listen, if I have a chance to play in England, a chance to play for Arsenal, the place you to have go to is Arsenal’.

      “Because he is young, he is still learning and Arsenal are a family club, and I’m very happy and impressed with his first steps in the team.
      “Unfortunately we all saw what happened against Aston Villa at home but he is a great player, a great personality.

      “He is like a younger brother to me who is always looking for advice and we get along very well.”
      Adebayor says he has helped Partey, 27, settle in London and wishes he had a similarly experienced pro to guide him when signing for Arsenal from Monaco in 2006.

      He continued: “When I went to Arsenal, I didn’t have anybody to tell me what to do or where to go.
      “I even told him the area where to stay, where he can find a beautiful and calm house. Because you need to be calm to play better on the pitch.”

      If Leicester won the league four years ago, I think Arsenal with Aubameyang, Lacazette, now Thomas Partey – they have a big chance.
      Emmanuel Adebayor

      A stop-start season has seen Mikel Arteta’s side lose as many league games as they have won, with Aston Villa claiming a 3-0 win at Emirates Stadium a week ago.
      Yet, given the unpredictable nature of the Premier League, Adebayor believes the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette can lead the club to a shock title win.
      The striker, who is currently a free agent, added: “If Leicester won the league four years ago, I think Arsenal with Aubameyang, Lacazette, now Thomas Partey – they have a big chance.
      “It is going to be difficult, if you see the way Liverpool are playing now, it is going to be very difficult.

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      “But, as a footballer, we went to the World Cup in 2006 with Togo and were supposed to play France with [Zinedine] Zidane, Thierry Henry, [David] Trezeguet.
      “But we wanted to win because, when you are on the battlefield, you will have chances on your side. Unfortunately it didn’t happen.
      “But I think, going to Arsenal, in his mind, [Partey] will think he can win the league.”

      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

      Adebayor karate kicks opponent in head and gets sent off as goal drought at new club Olimpia goes on More

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      Deschamps sparks Giroud transfer talk by saying situation at Chelsea cannot last if he wants to play for France again

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      DIDIER DESCHAMPS suggested Olivier Giroud will need a transfer in order to keep his place in the France squad.
      The Chelsea striker, 34, has featured for just 33 minutes in the Premier League so far this season.

      Olivier Giroud may need to leave Chelsea in January or risk his future in the France national teamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And the French national team boss warned a lack of game time will make it impossible to select Giroud over sharper front men.
      Deschamps picked Anthony Martial to start in the 1-0 win over Portugal on Saturday as N’Golo Kante scored his second international goal.
      The Manchester United forward squandered several chances before being subbed off for Giroud in the 78th minute.
      But Deschamps said: “I make the choices that seem best to me for the France team.

      “With Anthony who is a good player, it allows us to have a little more depth.
      “Compared to Olivier, he has to be impacted, first of all with the situation he has at his club, knowing that he has a large frame and that he needs rhythm, it’s hard.
      “That’s not why I want to lose him, it’s complicated, we’ll talk, but obviously he has every interest in it not lasting, for him, to remain competitive, but we must not forget what he did with us and what he is still able to do.
      “Anthony has a different profile but one that gives options. Anthony, today, is more fulfilled and in better physical and psychological conditions, obviously.”

      Chelsea’s Premier League squad

      Full squad, in number order…

      Kepa ArrizabalagaAntonio RudigerMarcos AlonsoAndreas Christensen – homegrownJorginhoThiago SilvaN’Golo KanteTammy Abraham – homegrownChristian PulisicTimo WernerWilly CaballeroFikayo Tomori – homegrownKurt ZoumaEdouard MendyMateo KovacicOlivier GiroudMason Mount – under-21Callum Hudson-Odoi – under-21Ben Chilwell – homegrownHakim ZiyechBilly Gilmour – under-21Reece James – under-21Cesar AzpilicuetaKai Havertz – under-21Emerson PalmieriPetr Cech

      Giroud was behind Tammy Abraham in the pecking order last season and the arrival of Timo Werner has only made the situation worse for the ex-Arsenal man.
      He came close to signing for Tottenham this year and remains a target for Inter Milan.
      So with the rearranged European Championships taking place next summer, the comments from Deschamps may force Giroud to find a new club in the January transfer window – or he risks being left out of the squad for the tournament.
      He has been in every matchday squad for Frank Lampard so far this term but with one start and five substitute appearances, his total time on the pitch totals 154 minutes.
      Three of his four goals in 2020-21 have come for France – the goal for Chelsea was in the 6-0 thrashing of Barnsley – including two against Ukraine on his 100th cap.
      The first – an absolute stunner – drew him level with Michel Platini on 41 international goals before he added another to move second on France’s all-time goalscoring charts behind Thierry Henry.
      ⚠️ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Deschamps understandably wants his players to be getting game time for their clubsCredit: AFP or licensors

      Giroud and Anthony Martial are battling it out to be the No9 for France before next summer’s EurosCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Olivier Giroud scores screamer as he becomes France’s SECOND highest scorer ever on 100th cap More

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      Chelsea set for £16m transfer boost after ‘agreeing deal in principle’ to sell Tiemoue Bakayoko to Napoli

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      NAPOLI have reportedly reached a gentleman’s agreement to sign Tiemoue Bakayoko on a permanent deal from Chelsea.
      The midfielder joined the Serie A club on loan in October and has quickly become an integral part of their title push.

      ⚠️ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Tiemoue Bakayoko has impressed since signing for Napoli on loanCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Gennaro Gattuso’s side sit third ahead of a clash with leaders AC Milan.
      Having first played under the Italian at the San Siro, Bakayoko looks set to extend his time under Gattuso.
      According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli did not agree a fee for the 26-year-old when signing from Chelsea.

      But the two clubs are said to have now reached an agreement in principle over a £16million move in the summer.
      The Neapolitans reportedly want to renew coach Gattuso’s contract to 2023 before they complete the Bakayoko deal.
      And the Frenchman is thought to be loving his time in Naples, living by the sea with a similar lifestyle to the one he enjoyed at Monaco earlier in his career.

      Gattuso has played Bakayoko in all four of the Serie A matches since his deadline day move, with two outings in the Europa League.

      After an impressive debut against Atalanta, the ex-midfielder said: “Bakayoko has this technique that is all his own, because he has this first touch and long legs that make him break away from you in the midfield and he’s tough to catch.”
      Chelsea will not make a profit on the player, having signed him for £36m in 2017.
      A single season under Antonio Conte earned poor reviews before loan stays at Milan and Monaco.

      But the Blues will be able to pocket the cash and look towards the transfer market.
      Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng is reportedly a target for a free transfer in the summer.
      Further outgoings are likely to be the order of the day with Antonio Rudiger, Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri touted for moves.

      Chelsea star Thiago Silva shows off his skills in the training ground More