Chelsea transfer news

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      How Chelsea can spend £230m and splash out huge wages but NOT break any Financial Fair Play rules due to Covid-19

      by

      THE dire warnings of a financial crisis seem a million miles away from the Premier League reality.
      When Chelsea are spending in a manner reminiscent of the early days of Roman Abramovich and Manchester City were ready to pay Lionel Messi whatever he wanted, talk of doom, gloom and a game on the verge of the abyss seems contradictory.

      2

      Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech were the first through the door of Chelsea’s summer spreeCredit: AFP or licensors

      2

      Kai Havertz landed after an initial £62million bid was accepted by Bayer LeverkusenCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But Juventus president Andrea Agnelli, chairman of the influential European Club Association, does not see a disconnect between his words and the landscape across the continent.
      Indeed, from Agnelli’s perspective, it is simple – the exceptions PROVE the rule.
      The Italian is measured, calm and compelling. You have to be when you inherit the legacy of The Old Lady.

      So for Agnelli, the Prem big spenders represent an expected but small proportion of the greater European market.
      A market which does face the biggest belt-tightening exercise in football history as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.
      But which, by its very nature, is in a state of flux that allows the likes of Chelsea to take advantage from a position of strength magnified by the global repercussions of the pandemic.
      Agnelli, in his opening address to the ECA general assembly on Tuesday, outlined the financial forces facing football.

      He explained that, as a result of Covid-19, even Europe’s biggest clubs have to deal with “zero” gate receipts, broadcasters demanding rebates, a certain decline in sponsorship values, massive reduction in merchandising sales AND a “20 to 30 per cent” fall in the value of the summer transfer market.

      It might have been even worse. The ECA has calculated that the £3.6billion cost of the pandemic would have almost doubled, to £6.4bn, if the majority of European leagues had not been able to play out to a behind closed doors conclusion this summer.
      Agnelli warned: “I have the fear that some of the big clubs will probably suffer losses that are bigger than entire federations or confederations across the world.”
      But the Juventus chief explained that there would always be exceptions – and that is why he is not engaged in special pleading for the global elite.
      One factor is financial accounting. As a result of the crisis, Uefa and the major leagues will play their Financial Fair Play calculations for 2019-20 on hold.

      If I compare it to the housing market, if I have a prime location in a crisis, that will not lose much value but it will have a restricted number of buyers.
      Andrea Agnelli

      Instead, figures for last season and this one will be “rolled up” together. That gives leeway.
      And, as Agnelli pointed out with Chelsea, a combination of the huge fee they received for Eden Hazard and last season’s transfer ban (although it was voluntarily extended into the January window, despite the club winning its appeal to have the original penalty halved) leave the Blues in a stronger situation than most.
      Agnelli said: “It is not obvious to explain to every single fan of every club that takes an individual picture of the situation.
      “In England there was one buyer who wasn’t allowed to spend much money in the past couple of windows and who have been active this summer. 
      “But we are talking about an overall 20-30 per cent deduction which will hit medium and small clubs.
      “Our job is to look at overall value and we can expect a contraction of the transfer system in the range of 20-30 per cent. 

      “Most of that money will not be circulating to medium and small clubs. 
      “If I compare it to the housing market, if I have a prime location in a crisis, that will not lose much value but it will have a restricted number of buyers. 
      “It is the locations in the outskirts that will lose most of the value.
      “And it is the same with football, although I will allow you to say who are the prime location players and who lives in the suburbs.”

      Go behind the scenes as Kai Havertz becomes Chelsea’s sixth signing of the summer More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea star Fikayo Tomori ‘nearing Everton transfer on season-long loan’… and could it mean Declan Rice signing?

      by

      CHELSEA defender Fikayo Tomori is nearing a season-long loan move to Everton, reports say.
      The 22-year-old centre-back enjoyed a breakthrough season under Frank Lampard, making 22 appearances.

      1

      Fikayo Tomori is nearing a season long loan move to Everton
      But with Thiago Silva, 35, arriving on a free transfer this summer, it has created less space in Chelsea’s backline.
      Lampard is also plotting a move for West Ham’s £80million rated midfielder Declan Rice – who the manager is believed to want as a centre-back.
      To ensure Tomori has regular football in the upcoming campaign, Lampard is exploring the possibility of him spending a season out on loan.
      According to ESPN, Everton are frontrunners to sign the defender with a deal almost in place.

      Rennes and Newcastle have also registered an interest.
      Tomori has had two consecutive seasons under Lampard, having been loaned out to Derby two years ago.
      The Blues boss is a big fan of the England international, who signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea in December.
      Lampard wants the centre-half to receive more Premier League football and feels a loan move is the club’s best option.

      He was close to joining Everton last summer, until David Luiz left for Arsenal, meaning Tomori was needed in the Chelsea squad.
      Michy Batshuayi is also close to sealing a loan move away, joining Crystal Palace for the season.
      The Belgian has also signed a new one-year extension a Stamford Bridge, meaning they will not lose him for nothing next summer.
      Chelsea hope a successful loan spell could clubs to make a permanent move for Batshuayi.

      Embarrassed Frank Lampard admits he ‘regrets’ Klopp ‘f*** off’ row at Liverpool and Chelsea boss plans to apologise More

    • 200 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea struggling to offload flop Tiemoue Bakayoko with Blues’ £31.7m transfer valuation putting off AC Milan

      by

      CHELSEA’S attempts to bring in cash to offset their summer spending spree are being hampered by AC Milan refusing to meet their asking price for Tiemoue Bakayoko.
      The Blues have splashed out in excess of £230million on signings ahead of the new season and are looking to recoup some cash by offloading their unwanted stars.

      1

      Tiemoue Bakayoko enjoyed a season-long loan spell at the San Siro for the 2018/19 campaignCredit: AFP or licensors
      Bakayoko, 26, is one they are desperate to flog with Milan willing buyers – but the club are stalling over meeting their £31.6m valuation.
      Chelsea want a £4.5m loan fee to cover this season with an option to buy next summer inserted for a further £27m.
      But Milan are working to a tight budget following the Covid-19 pandemic and say they will only go to £22.6m as the option price, bringing the total value of the deal just over £27m.
      French club Lyon had been interested but it is believed Bakayoko prefers a return to Milan, where he spent the 2018/19 season on loan.

      Chelsea believe they can reach an agreement with Milan over the coming weeks but the deadlock is delaying their plans to start bringing in money with player sales.
      Having wrapped up the signings of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell and Kai Havertz, Frank Lampard still has his eyes on two more players before the window closes.
      The club is close to reaching an agreement with Rennes for the £18m capture of Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
      That would see him rival Kepa Arrizabalaga for the position as first choice with the Blues so far unable to find anyone prepared to pay up to £50m for the Spanish stopper.

      West Ham midfielder Declan Rice is another in Lampard’s sights but Chelsea may need to sell more stars to finance a deal with their London rivals valuing the England star at £80m.

      Carlton Cole reveals what it was like at Chelsea at the beginning of the Abramovic era More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea star Ethan Ampadu closing in on season-long loan transfer to Sheffield United to get more first-team action

      by

      CHELSEA star Ethan Ampadu is set to join Sheffield United on a season-long loan as he desperately searches for more game time.
      Boss Chris Wilder looks to have pulled off a coup by landing the versatile Welsh prospect, who will join his squad and give them top class competition.

      1

      Chelsea ace Ampadu is set to complete a loan move to Sheffield UnitedCredit: Rex Features
      Ampadu can play midfield or at the back and will get the chance of regular games after a frustrating spell with Red Bull Leipzig.
      Chelsea want to see Ampadu tested and the player also needs to be involved at a senior level to fulfil his potential.
      The former Exeter City star has been playing more for Wales than any club side and was a class act in their win over Finland.
      Dragons boss Ryan Giggs recently said he thinks Ampadu can learn from new Blues signing Thiago Silva.

      Giggs said: “He’s been a quality centre-back for the last 15 years.
      “When you see a player like that in training and games, you can only learn from it.
      “Ethan definitely will, along with the other talented players at Chelsea.”
      Although it seems that will have to be done from afar with Ampadu primed to join United.

      Sign up to play Dream Team 20/21 now

      It’s completely free to play
      Play the tradtional Season game as well as Draft
      There’s a hefty jackpot up for grabs across 2020/21
      SIGN UP TO PLAY HERE

      The Blades are also signing Derby County pair Jayden Bogle and Max Lowe in a bargain double deal.
      Right back Bogle will cost around £3million rising to £4.5m on bonuses while Lowe is a similar figure.
      Swindon will receive a windfall from the Bogle deal of around £500,000 and that will help them after being badly hit by the Covid 19 crisis.

      Go behind the scenes as Kai Havertz becomes Chelsea’s sixth signing of the summer More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ruled out Kai Havertz transfer as they refused to meet Leverkusen’s asking price and focused attention on Sancho

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED refused to match the asking price for Kai Havertz and focused on Jadon Sancho instead.
      The Red Devils were interested in Chelsea’s new signing but viewed Havertz as an alternative to Sancho not an additional signing, according to MEN Sport.

      3

      Chelsea new boy Kai Havertz also caught the eye of Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      3

      Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho has been Manchester United’s No1 targetCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And the club were put off by Bayer Leverkusen’s hefty £90million price tag.
      The Blues ultimately snared Havertz, 21, on a five-year deal for a cut-price £70m.
      The deal was Frank Lampard’s SEVENTH summer signing.
      Fellow German Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Thiago Silva, Xavier Mbuyama, Malang Sarr and Ben Chilwell have all put pen to paper at Stamford Bridge.

      Meanwhile, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s quest to sign Sancho, 20, has floundered with crunch talks failing to pick up the pace on a potential deal.
      Dortmund are asking for a bumper fee in the region of £108m for Sancho to move to Old Trafford.
      The Red Devils have even been warned by Jamie Carragher that they could lose out on the England star to rivals Liverpool.
      Ed Woodward and Co have secured some transfer business in the last few days.

      3

      United confirmed the signing of midfielder Donny van de Beek from Ajax for £39m on Wednesday.
      The talented 23-year-old will wear the No34 shirt in a touching tribute to tragic pal Abdelhak Nouri.
      The Dutchman dodged the ‘cursed’ United No7 shirt vacated by flop Alexis Sanchez’s permanent move to Inter Milan.

      Go behind the scenes as Kai Havertz becomes Chelsea’s sixth signing of the summer More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd boss Solskjaer ‘held talks with Timo Werner in Berlin’ before striker snubbed him to make Chelsea transfer

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer held talks with Timo Werner – before the striker joined Chelsea.
      Werner, 24, was subject to interest from a host of Premier League clubs – including champions Liverpool – who wanted to meet his £47.5million release clause.

      3

      Timo Werner signed for Chelsea in June

      3

      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer travelled to Berlin to try and convince Werner to join Man Utd
      According to Bild, United boss Solskjaer travelled to Berlin to try and convince the forward to join Old Trafford.
      City manager Pep Guardiola is also said to have contacted Werner personally in an attempt to prize him over to the blue half of Manchester.
      Ultimately Werner signed for Chelsea in June after Liverpool opted against making a move for the German.
      The player admitted Chelsea boss Frank Lampard played a major role in his choice to pen a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge.

      Werner said: “He [Lampard] was the main point.
      “We talked a lot about things like the system, how he wants to play and sees me playing, and how the system fits me.
      “He is a really nice guy who not only told me what he wants from me as a player because he wants to help me as a guy.
      “He knows me now a little bit better and it fits very well between us and now I am happy to be here.”

      3

      Frank Lampard convinced Werner to join Chelsea Credit: Rex Features

      Werner has now been joined by international team-mate Kai Havertz, who joined in a £70m deal.
      The 21-year-old too revealed Lampard convinced him to join Chelsea.
      Havertz said: “Of course he had a big impact on my decision because I loved him as a player and watched him very often, and I think I can learn from him now he is a manager as well.
      “I think he is a very humble person and a great guy and I can’t wait to play with him and learn from him.
      “He was very offensive like me and he loves to score goals, and I love to score goals as well so I think he will help me a lot in my position.
      “Also maybe on the things that I can improve and I can’t wait to work with him.”

      Carlton Cole reveals what it was like at Chelsea at the beginning of the Abramovic era More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea will offer Michy Batshuayi new deal before loan transfer with Palace, West Brom and Newcastle keen

      by

      CHELSEA will give Michy Batshuayi a pay hike and then find him a shop window with a loan deal.
      The Belgian striker, 26, is to be offered an extension to avoid him walking away for nothing next summer.

      1

      Chelsea will give Michy Batshuayi a new deal before sending him out on loan next seasonCredit: Alamy Live News
      No clubs who can afford Batshuayi have shown an interest in this window, so Chelsea hope by giving him a further year he can go out and increase his value.
      The terms could see Batshuayi get a £15,000 rise to £100k-a-week — a lot of money for a player down the pecking order under manager Frank Lampard.
      However, any club taking him on loan would be asked to pick up the tab and pay most of that salary for a season.
      The news has put Crystal Palace, West Brom and Newcastle on alert.

      They could not afford to buy him but now they could loan him.
      Batshuayi has been at Palace on loan before and they have a strong chance of getting him.
      But they are also in for team-mate Conor Gallagher and Prem rules mean they cannot take both on temporary deals.

      That could open the door for Leeds, who are pushing to take England Under-21 midfielder Gallagher who is likely to go out for games once he signs a new contract.

      Elland Road transfer dealer Victor Orta is keen on him and there may be a better chance of a start at Leeds than at Palace.
      But chief Marcelo Bielsa has taken players in the past and left them out.

      Go behind the scenes as Kai Havertz becomes Chelsea’s sixth signing of the summer More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea and Arsenal transfer boost as West Ham refuse to meet £20m valuation for Brentford’s Said Benrahma

      by

      CHELSEA and Arsenal received a transfer boost after West Ham reportedly refused to meet Brentford’s £20million valuation of Said Benrahma.
      David Moyes have been chasing the Bees attacker all summer as they look to bolster their options going forward.

      1

      West Ham are refusing to match the £20m asking price Brentford have placed on Said BenrahmaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But according to The Telegraph, the Hammers are unwilling to match Brentford’s asking price.
      That is despite the Championship side dropping their demand from £30m to £20m and the East Londoners selling Grady Diangana for £18m.
      West Ham fans – and captain Mark Noble – were fuming on Friday night when the club confirmed the exciting young prospect had gone.

      The report adds that West Ham are hoping to raise funds from selling the likes of Felipe Anderson and Manuel Lanzini.

      To make matters worse, they are still paying off part of the club-record £45m spent on Sebastien Haller.
      And West Ham’s reluctance to stump up the cash for Benrahma could spell good news for two other London clubs.
      Both Chelsea and Arsenal are tracking the Algerian winger, whose stock rose considerably last season.
      He scored 17 and assisted ten in 46 appearances as Brentford narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League.

      Mikel Arteta and Frank Lampard will know he is comfortable on both wings and could provide a fine alternative out wide in the upcoming season.
      Leicester and Newcastle have also been linked with Benrahma, as have promoted Leeds, while Aston Villa have cooled their interest to pursue his team-mate Ollie Watkins.

      Said Benrahma proves he has the right moves in Brentford training More