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    Roma confirm free transfer signing of Pedro as ex-Chelsea star pens three-year deal with Serie A giants

    PEDRO has signed for Roma on a three-year deal after leaving Chelsea.
    The Spanish winger, 33, was released at the end of last season when his contract expired.

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    Pedro joined Roma on a three-year deal following his release from ChelseaCredit: AS Roma
    So he was available to the Italian giants on a free transfer, just like former team-mate Willian who joined Arsenal.
    Pedro said: “I am delighted to be here at Roma.
    “I’m excited for this challenge and to compete to achieve our targets over the coming seasons.
    “I want to thank the fans for the welcome they’ve given me. I hope to make them happy.”

    The serial winner has won 25 major trophies in his career to date – including the World Cup, Euros and Champions League.
    And Roma CEO Guido Fienga wants him to add to his stunning collection at the Stadio Olimpico.
    He said: “It’s a privilege for us to be able to welcome a player of Pedro’s quality to the Roma family.
    “The hope we have, for both him and for us, is that he can continue to add to his extraordinary list of achievements with AS Roma.”

    Roma unveiled their first summer signing on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon.
    And, as they always do with new arrivals, took the opportunity to raise awareness of various missing people – from the UK to Italy to the United States to Kenya.
    With a wide social media following, they are determined to use it to benefit society and so have teamed up with a number of charities across the world such as Missing Kids and ICMEC.
    It means videos of new signings are half the player joining and half pictures and information of missing individual with contact details.
    Pedro confirmed his departure from Chelsea earlier this month after five years at Stamford Bridge, winning three major honours.

    The last of his 206 appearances ended in disappointment as the Spaniard dislocated his shoulder and was stretchered off in the closing minutes of the FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal.
    He underwent surgery but was not fit for Chelsea’s final game of the season, the 4-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
    Pedro had already agreed a two-year deal with Roma for next season but, as revealed by SunSport, will miss the beginning of the new Serie A campaign as a result of the injury.

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    The Spanish winger’s five-year spell with Chelsea ended in disappointment as he dislocated his shoulder in the FA Cup final defeat to ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Pedro combines with Chelsea teammates to score a cracker of a goal in training More

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    Chelsea complete signing of Barcelona wonderkid Xavier Mbuyamba, compared to Virgil Van Dijk, on three-year deal 

    CHELSEA have completed the signing of high-touted centre-back Xavier Mbuyamba.
    The Blues have agreed a three-year deal with the 18-year-old – who left Barcelona after just a year due to a lack of game time.

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    Chelsea have completed the signing of highly-rated centre-back Xavier Mbuyamba
    He penned a professional contract with Chelsea earlier this week and will now join the development squad ahead of the new season.
    Mbuyama – likened to Virgil van Dijk – had a trial with Chelsea in the 2018/19 season but was unable to sign at the time due to the their transfer ban. 
    He instead spent the majority of his youth career with Dutch side MVV Maastricht.
    But Mbuyamba then joined Barcelona last summer and played for their Under-19 side, making three Uefa Youth League appearances.

    SunSport reported in May how Chelsea were in pole position to land Mbuyamba.
    Commenting on his future earlier this year, Mbuyamba’s agent Carlos Barros told VI how the Blues are desperate to land his client.
    He said: “Chelsea have the best credentials. Of course, we discussed this extensively last year.
    “They gave a fantastic presentation. There is a unique football atmosphere there.

    “During lunch you are immediately with the first-team players and the club has outlined a very ambitious plan for Xavier.”

    “They really think that in one to two years, he can be a starter in the first team.
    “Frank Lampard has of course already proven that he is not afraid to start young players.
    “Being in the starting line-up at Chelsea at the age of 20 would of course be great.”

    Chelsea and Everton chasing shock move for Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster, 37, after Hornets relegated More

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    Chelsea blow as PSG icon Thiago Silva, 35, ‘agrees £70k-a-week Fiorentina transfer and begins house hunting in Florence’

    CHELSEA have been dealt a transfer blow with Thiago Silva agreeing a £70,000-a-week deal at Fiorentina, according to reports.
    The Blues were linked with a move for the veteran Brazilian defender.

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    Thiago Silva has been linked with a move to Fiorentina with his PSG contract expiring after the Champions League finalCredit: AFP or licensors
    With his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expiring after the Champions League final, he could have provided some much-needed experience to Frank Lampard’s defence.
    Chelsea were reportedly offered Silva and were planning to open talks over a two-year deal.
    Arsenal, who are set to sign Gabriel Magalhaes, and Everton, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, were also linked.
    But according to Corriere dello Sport, Silva, 35, is on his way to Fiorentina.

    He is on course to take a major pay cut, too.
    The PSG legend, who has broken records galore during his eight years at the Ligue 1 giants, is set to slash his weekly cheque from £325,000 to £70,000.
    On top of that, the reports suggest he has even started house hunting in Florence to help smooth the transition if he does complete the switch.
    Silva lived in Italy during his time with AC Milan between 2009 and 2012.

    It is thought Franck Ribery has been key in trying to lure Silva to Fiorentina, who have one of the youngest squads in Europe’s top-five leagues.
    So the Brazilian would again add plenty of trophy-winning quality and know-how as he looks to end his career where he has enjoyed so much success.

    Speaking earlier this week, the Brazilian said: “I have already said a lot of times before I wanted to, that I want to finish here in Europe.
    “A decision was taken, now things are calm in my head.
    “It will be in another club, but my heart will stay here.”

    Thiago Silva trains hard with fellow players at PSG workout More

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    Chelsea ‘unlikely’ to fail in Kai Havertz transfer but risk losing him to Real Madrid or Bayern if they don’t move now

    CHELSEA are ‘unlikely to fail’ in their transfer bid for Kai Havertz from Bayern Leverkusen – but must move quickly.
    That’s according to respected German newspaper Bild, who believe the Blues are in pole position ahead of the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

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    Chelsea are the favourites to sign Kai Havertz this summerCredit: EPA
    The German giants will demand a transfer of around £90million for him with sporting director Rudi Voller insisting there will be no ‘cornavirus discount’.
    But Chelsea are believed to be ready to match the valuation, with Bayern and Real Madrid struggling to raise the funds.
    But if Chelsea don’t get the deal over the line this summer, the other two European giants could come back in for him next year.
    Voller has even confirmed an agreement is in place for Havertz to leave.

    Havertz would join a forward line including new signings Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, which is sure to excite the Stamford Bridge faithful.
    And after the 7-1 Champions League thrashing by Bayern Munich over two legs, Frank Lampard still has plenty of work to do to bring silverware back to the club.
    But the immediate priority is trying to get the Havertz deal over the line.
    The 21-year-old has proved his potential this season with 17 goals and nine assists.

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    Havertz is believed to be keen on the move to Stamford Bridge and has reportedly told Leverkusen he wants to move on in his career.
    The German club’s CEO Fernando Carro said: “Kai has voiced his desire to make the next step.”
    But he has an agreement with the Bundesliga side that he will only be allowed to move if their valuation is met and an acceptable offer arrives.

    Kai Havertz set to become Chelsea’s fifth highest earner on £140k a week BEFORE bonuses if they clinch transfer More

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    Chelsea chasing transfer for 15-year-old defender Paul Ibahadon after move to Aston Villa collapsed earlier this year

    CHELSEA are reportedly hoping to complete the signing of 15-year-old wonderkid Paul Ibahadon.
    With Blues boss Frank Lampard determined to give youth a chance at the club, the young centre-back fits the bill.

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    Frank Lampard could be about add another top young talent to the ranksCredit: PA:Press Association
    And he won’t cost a penny in transfer fees as he is currently a free agent.
    The Birmingham Mail reports that Ibahadon was due to sign for Aston Villa earlier this season, but that fell through.
    All Nigeria Soccer claim that international clearance issues prevented it happening then.
    But now Chelsea are set to show their hand, and have reportedly invited him to the academy for a trial.

    Ibahadon was born in Italy and was part of the Atalanta academy before a family move to the UK.
    He is described as “ball-playing central defender who is composed, strong and quick, Ibahadon can also be utilized as a holding midfielder”.
    While the main transfer aim this summer for Chelsea appears to be Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz, another player is now being linked.
    SunSport exclusively revealed that the Londoners are closing on a £40million swoop for Brighton defender Lewis Dunk.

    Watford’s veteran goalkeeper Ben Foster, 37, is also a target.
    Dunk is a lifelong Chelsea fan and believes he is on his way to Stamford Bridge.

    Blues boss Lampard needs to stiffen up a defence that conceded 54 goals in the Premier League last season — more than any other team in the top ten.
    Chelsea have also considered  a move for former Blues academy starlet Declan Rice — but West Ham value the England ace at a massive £80m.
    And Dunk, a consistent performer in Brighton’s three seasons back in the top flight, is now emerging as the leading candidate.

    Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu ‘close’ to joining Fulham on loan despite transfer interest from Norwich More

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    Chelsea and Everton chasing shock transfer for Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster, 37, after Hornets’ relegation

    VETERAN goalkeeper Ben Foster is a shock emergency target for BOTH Chelsea and Everton.
    Watford’s former England stopper is still one of the most wanted men around despite his age and the Hornets being relegated to the Championship.

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    Watford keeper Ben Foster is a shock target for Chelsea and EvertonCredit: Getty – Contributor

    Blues boss Frank Lampard is looking at a surprise swoop for the 37-year-old as he searches for a solution to his goalkeeping problems.
    Chelsea are struggling to find a new No 1 without paying fortunes and Foster is being discussed at Stamford Bridge.
    Lampard wants Kepa Arrizabalaga gone and Chelsea would loan him back to Spain if the deal was right.
    Signing Foster to fight with fellow ‘oldie’ Willy Caballero, 38, could be the answer — but other clubs are keen on the Watford man too.

    Lampard has even looked into taking his old pal Joe Hart, who played with him at Manchester City.
    He could fit in as second or even third choice if interested. Hart is looking for first-team action and hoping for offers at home and abroad.
    But a season helping out at Stamford Bridge would not be a bad prospect.

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    Foster is also shortlisted at Everton by Carlo Ancelotti who wants some competition for Jordan Pickford.

    Manchester United’s Sergio Romero also fits the bill as they are keen on an experienced head to keep Pickford on his toes.
    But in-demand Foster is the man highest on their list.

    Ben Foster rallies behind initiative calling for footballers to take a knee before matches in support of anti-racism campaigning More

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    Chelsea join Arsenal in Joelson Fernandes transfer race after Gunners have £29m bid ‘rejected by Sporting Lisbon’

    CHELSEA and Manchester City have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Portuguese prodigy Joelson Fernandes, according to reports.
    The Sporting Lisbon starlet, 17, has been dubbed the next Cristiano Ronaldo due to his phenomenal wing-wizardry.

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    Chelsea and Manchester City have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Sporting Lisbon’s Joelson Fernandes
    Under-17 international Joelson made his Primeira Liga debut for Sporting in June and has a £41million release clause in his contract.
    Arsenal have just had a second offer of £29m turned down by Sporting officials after failing with an £18m opening bid.
    The Gunners are expected to test the Lisbon club’s resolve with an improved offer later this week, with boss Mikel Arteta eager to land the teenager.
    But reports in Portugal claim both Chelsea and City have contacted Joelson’s advisor Kia Joorabchian to discuss potential deals.

    Meetings are understood to be planned with both the free-spending Premier League clubs in the next few days.
    And either Blues chief Frank Lampard or Etihad boss Pep Guardiola could yet pip Arteta to Joelson’s signature – with Sporting insisting they want the full £41million for him.

    Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig have also shown interest in the youngster.
    Guinea-Bissau-born Joelson is the latest in a line of wing wonders produced by Sporting, following in the footsteps of Ronaldo, Luis Figo and Nani.

    He has 16 Portugal youth caps from Under-15 upwards, scoring four goals.

    Dani Ceballos pictured wearing Real Betis shirt as he considers rejoining them instead of Arsenal in transfer window More

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    Havertz ‘wants Chelsea transfer more than Sancho wants Man Utd move’ with deal ‘set to be done after Europa League’

    KAI HAVERTZ is said to be pushing for a move to the Premier League more than Jadon Sancho.
    The Bundesliga stars are both linked with a move to the English top flight.

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    Kai Havertz is pushing for a move to Chelsea Credit: AFP or licensors

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    Jadon Sancho has started pre-season training with Dortmund Credit: Getty Images – Getty
    Havertz, valued at £90million, is subject to heavy interest from Chelsea while United are at loggerheads with Borussia Dortmund, who price 20-year-old Sancho at £108m.
    According to Sky Sports, of the pair it is Havertz, 21, who “is the one who is most keen to move as soon as possible”. 
    It is understood Chelsea have already agreed personal terms with the playmaker after Petr Cech flew to Germany for talks.
    But Bayer Leverkusen publicly insisted if their valuation is not met, Havertz will not leave.

    The player is reportedly keen to wrap up a move as soon as Leverkusen’s Europa League campaign is over.
    They play Inter Milan in the quarter finals tonight.

    United on the other hand face a battle to get their transfer for Sancho over the line.

    Like Leverkusen, Dortmund stand firm they are in no rush to sell unless their price tag is met.
    But United have made it clear they have no intention of paying £108m up front for the England forward.
    The Germans told Old Trafford bosses they wanted an agreement in place by August 10.
    But it appears no deal has been met with the winger boarding Dortmund’s flight to Switzerland to start their preparations for next season.
    United are currently in Germany to complete their Europa League campaign.
    And they are understood to see the Dortmund’s deadline as meaningless with the transfer window open until October 5.

    On Saturday SunSport reported meeting the price tag for Sancho might lead to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side potentially blowing their entire transfer funds on one player. 
    It also emerged Sancho will be offered a new £173,000-a-week deal at Dortmund if he stays.
    Although it would make him one of German football’s highest earners, it is still dwarfed by the £350k-a-week he is likely to get at Old Trafford.
    Sancho attended a house party in the UK with rap stars Krept and Konan at the weekend. 
    But Dortmund posted a statement confirming they were happy for the 20-year-old to be in England.
    Communications chief Sascha Fligge said: “It’s common and fine for players to go home before a training camp if they’re not risky. 

    “The same goes for Jadon.
    “From our point of view, the pictures that have been shown to us so far do not violate.”
    It is claimed former City starlet Sancho wishes to return to Manchester, but could be involved in a nervy summer saga.

    Man Utd transfer target Sancho spotted at UK house party More