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      Chelsea fans beg board to complete sensational summer transfer and claim they’d have beaten Man City 5-1 in FA Cup semi

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      CHELSEA fans begged their big-spending board to complete a stunning summer transfer after a frustrating FA Cup defeat.And they even reckon they could have beaten Manchester City 5-1 had the deal already been done. Nicolas Jackson struggled in front of goal against Manchester CityCredit: GettyHe failed to get a shot away from this glorious chanceCredit: X @BBCMOTDBernardo Silva grabbed the only goal of the game six minutes from time.He made amends for his woeful penalty in the shootout defeat to Real Madrid by firing home at Wembley to send City into back-to-back finals. But the scoreline may well have looked very different if Nicolas Jackson put his shooting boots on in the dressing room.The Senegal striker, 22, wasted at least four very good chances.READ MORE ON FA CUPThat included Stefan Ortega denying him from a one-on-one and close-range header within ten seconds.Jackson also decided against taking on a shot on his left foot in the first half, instead turning in and failing to pick out a team-mate with a pass.And his goal-shy performance prompted a wave of comments from Chelsea supporters on social media demanding more spending from the new owners on an out-and-out goalscorer.The one man on everyone’s digital lips was Napoli ace Victor Osimhen.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe 25-year-old Nigerian will leave the Serie A champions at the end of the season. Chelsea are among the front-runners for Osimhen’s signature – but face strong competition from the likes of rivals Manchester United and Arsenal.Inside Victor Osimhen’s life as a footballerOne said: “We need to get Osimhen this summer no excuses.”Another wrote: “The faster we sign Osimhen and let Jackson play as a winger, the better for us.”A third added: “Imagine Osimhen as your main striker in that match.”A fourth commented: “Sell Jackson and bring @victorosimhen9 if not we will never win.”A fifth replied: “Please find another strike like Victor Osimhen.”And a final user typed: “If Chelsea had Watkins, Isak, Osimhen, Lattè Lath or any other world-class speedy striker up top today it would have been 5-1.”Chelsea fans are desperate to see Victor Osimhen sign for the clubCredit: GettyStefan Ortega denied Jackson from a one-on-one chanceCredit: AP More

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      ‘Each game matters so much’, says Kadeisha Buchanan ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League battle with Barcelona

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      LIFTING a Women’s Champions League trophy in Chelsea’s famous blue shirt would be Kadeisha Buchanan’s “all moment”.The Canada centre-back, 28, has had plenty of experience of winning the top club prize for Europe’s elite women’s football sides.Kadeisha Buchanan and Chelsea will take on Barcelona away in the first leg of their Champions League semi-finalCredit: GettyThe WSL leaders hope to reach the contest’s final for a second time under manager Emma HayesCredit: EPABuchanan hopes to go all the way in the Champions League with Chelsea just as she did with former club LyonCredit: GettyWith French giants Lyon, whom she left two years ago in June for the Blues, Buchanan has triumphed in the competition on five separate occasions.Her old side currently hold the record for the most trophy wins in the tournament’s 23-year history, having won it eight times previously.The highly coveted prize remains the only major honour to elude Chelsea who, under boss Emma Hayes, have won more WSL titles than any English side.Buchanan, who netted in the Blues’ 3-0 Wednesday night defeat of Aston Villa, said: “That’s what I came here for. Read More Football Stories”To win a Champions League in the blue shirt. That would be my ‘all’ moment.”It’s exciting but you have to take it one game at a time.”I think we’re doing a great job doing that, just focusing on each game and each game being like a championship because at the end of the day it is.”Each game matters so much and you just focus on one step at a time.Most read in FootballWith an FA Cup semis loss to Manchester United ending Chelsea dreams of a silverware triple this term, hopes of a double rest with their Champions League and WSL title hunt.Today Buchanan and her team-mates will begin the formidable task of attempting to knock out two-time winners Barcelona over two legs in this year’s semis.The Catalan juggernauts – unbeaten in Spain’s top tier with 22 wins in 23 games and 102 goals – have been a nemesis for the English league leaders in recent years.The team defeated Hayes’s side 4-0 in their first Champions League final foray three years ago.However, their last four knockout of Chelsea last April was a much tighter affair scoreline-wise.A 2-1 win on aggregate sealed their progress to a June final where they battled from 2-0 down to beat Wolfsburg 3-2.The second half of this season, and Hayes’s last before her reign as USA Women’s boss starts, has seen Chelsea battle for silverware with some key players absent.Long-term injuries have sidelined strikers Sam Kerr and Mia Fischel with both recovering from anterior cruciate ligament ruptures.But  team have been given a fitness boost with Hayes confirming Lauren James and centre-back and skipper Millie Bright as available for selection. Forward James, currently second highest goal scorer in the WSL this term, missed her team’s win against Villa on Wednesday due to injury. And Bright returned to training following a five-month absence with a knee concern. Buchanan believes the depth and calibre of Chelsea’s squad will be key to their push for trophies, including a seventh WSL title, in the final weeks of the season.The defender, who has made 14 WSL and European appearances this term, added: “We always have that confidence and belief that whoever is out on the field is well capable of getting the job done.Chelsea have been boosted by captain Millie Bright’s return to training ahead of their clash with BarcelonaCredit: Getty”Even if they didn’t play three, four games or even if they didn’t start five or 10 games, when they’re out on the field, you trust them to get the job done.”I feel that as for myself as well, if you don’t always start, that doesn’t matter. READ MORE SUN STORIES”You can still just go play football and get the job done just like any other player.”Barcelona vs Chelsea will be streamed live on DAZN’s Women’s Champions League channel on YouTube at 12:30pm More

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      Pep Guardiola reveals why he sold Cole Palmer with Chelsea star topping Premier League scoring charts amid amazing year

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      PEP GUARDIOLA admits Cole Palmer has been the “decisive player of the season” after being forced to sell him to Chelsea.But the Manchester City boss insists the England midfielder, 21, asked to leave the Etihad for TWO YEARS before he finally got his £40million move to Stamford Bridge last summer.Pep Guardiola has revealed that Cole Palmer wanted to leave Man City for two yearsCredit: AFPThe midfielder has been a hit since joining ChelseaCredit: GettyMauricio Pochettino has sympathised with GuardiolaCredit: GettyPalmer bids to boot his old club out of the FA Cup in Saturday’s Wembley semi-final after scoring 20 Prem goals already this season — including FOUR in Monday’s 6-0 thrashing of Everton.And Guardiola confessed: “He said he wanted to leave. What could we do? He was asking for two seasons to leave and I said, ‘No, stay’.“I also said in pre-season he should stay because Riyad Mahrez had gone, but he said, ‘No, I want to leave’.“So after two seasons what could I say?READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Playing at his current level is exceptional. He is an incredible threat. Everyone knows it.“We’ve seen how strong Chelsea are, the weapons they have up front, and Cole is the decisive player of the season.”Palmer is level with City striker Erling Haaland in the race for this season’s Golden Boot and is even being tipped as a potential Footballer of the Year.And Guardiola conceded: “I didn’t give him the minutes that he deserved. He wanted minutes that now he has at Chelsea. I understand completely.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“I am happy for him because he’s a lovely guy and an exceptional player.”Chelsea chief Mauricio Pochettino sympathised with Guardiola’s dilemma.reveals reason behind Chelsea penalty bust-up and insists team-mates were ‘laughing and joking about it’The Argentine said: “I understand perfectly when a young player wants to play more and you don’t have the possibility to provide this time.“If you have players like Phil Foden, Jack Grealish or Bernardo Silva, yes, you have to have patience. If you are not able to live with it, you have to move.“He found here a good place to play consistently. It is true, he is performing in a good way for us, maybe over expectations.”Meanwhile, Guardiola says he will sniff out any players who are not ready to play again after a gruelling Champions League spot-kick exit to Real Madrid in midweek.Haaland is only 50-50 to play at Wembley after feeling a muscle problem at the end of 90 minutes.But Kevin De Bruyne and Manuel Akanji — who also asked to be subbed against the Spaniards — are ready to play.Guardiola said: “We’ll try to smell who feels better and who recovers better from the game against Madrid.“They’ll say, ‘I’m fine, Pep’ when you talk with them, but you never know who is fine, some recover better than others.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But Friday the feeling was better than Thursday.“Everyone is ready to do this battle again.” More

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      Ex-Chelsea owner Abramovich’s £2.5BILLION for Ukraine tied up in red tape… Government must shame those responsible

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      TWO years after former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich promised £2.5BILLION to help Ukraine victims, shamefully not a penny has left the UK.Blocked by red-tape, this huge sum from the sale of the club — seven times more than this country has provided — is idle and waiting for the Government to act.The huge sum promised by Roman Abramovich for Ukrainian victims of Russia’s invasion has yet to be dished outCredit: GettyKarren Brady says delays in help must end nowCredit: News Group Newspapers LimitedI’m told that a disagreement has formed between the Trustees running the fund and the Government about how it should be spent.Responsibility has passed from department to department while Ukrainians are slaughtered and buildings are reduced to rubble.Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron stated recently that Russia was “going to have to pay reparations for its illegal invasion, so why not spend some of the money now, rather than wait till the war is over and have all the legal wrangling.” Quite right too.Redress, a charity seeking justice for survivors, are demanding action from the Government in setting up structures here and in Ukraine to compensate victims.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe figures are mortifying — more than 125,000 war crimes including sexual abuse and torture have been reported, ten million people displaced and about 14 million in need of psychological aid.Many need help now. It’s a national disgrace that a charity which could do so much good in a country fighting a vicious, evil enemy is being stood up by Trustees who are the very ones who are meant to distribute the money.If I was the Government I would name and shame each one of these “Trustees” who have yet to apply for a License so the Government can release the money.Then I’d hold them to account by inviting them to a Select Committee to answer this question. Where is the money and why haven’t you released it to Ukraine?Most read in FootballFrank Lampard reveals brutal Roman Abramovich blast after ex-Chelsea owner threatened to axe first team stars More

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      Ian Maatsen ‘tells Chelsea he wants permanent transfer’ as bargain release clause in left-back’s contract emerges

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      CHELSEA loaneee Ian Maatsen has told the club he wants to make a permanent move to Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season.Maatsen, 22, was shipped out on loan to Dortmund in January and he has since become a regular under manager Edin Terzic with the club desperate to hold on to him.Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen has informed the club he wants to leaveCredit: GettyMaatsen wants to join Borussia Dortmund amid a successful loan stint from ChelseaCredit: GettyThe full-back helped BVB punch their ticket to the Champions League semi-finals with a goal during Tuesday’s 4-2 victory over Atletico Madrid. According to reports in Germany, the Netherlands international now wants to sign a permanent deal with the Bundesliga giants and has informed the Blues about it.However, Chelsea will command a release clause in the range of €35-40million (£30-£34m).Maatsen said after the Atletico match that he was determined to become a regular at Stamford Bridge before his loan move to Dortmund.Read More on ChelseaBut now the defender is “very comfortable” at the Signal Iduna Park and could help push a deal with Terzic’s side.Chelsea fans, though, pleaded with the club not to sell the Dutchman after his Champions League heroics amid a woeful season for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.Maatsen also stood out during his most recent loan stint at Burnley last season.The left-back helped the Clarets win the Championship and return to the Premier League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Chelsea academy graduate’s impressive performances also landed him a place in the Championship’s Team of the Season.Maatsen said earlier this week: “I always believed [I could] play for Chelsea but unfortunately for some reason it didn’t work out how it should’ve.BREAKING: Ian Maatsen signs for Borussia Dortmund”Now I’m here I’m very grateful for the opportunity. I can say I’m very proud of myself.”I kept believing in myself and came here to experience playing my game at the highest level, playing my game. Today I think I showed a very good performance. I’m very happy.”Maatsen feels ‘very comfortable’ during his loan stint at Dortmund More

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      Rafa Benitez ‘in talks over new job thousands of miles away with club who denied ex-Liverpool boss, 64, major trophy’

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      RAFA BENITEZ is the top candidate to take over as manager at Sao Paulo.Former Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton boss Benitez, 64, has been out of a job for a month after being sacked by Celta Vigo.Rafa Benitez is the top candidate to become manager at Sao PauloCredit: GettyBenitez has history with Sao Paulo as they cost him the Club World Cup while at LiverpoolCredit: APAccording to Arquibancada Tricolor, however, the Spanish tactician is the “strongest name” linked with the top job at Sao Paulo.Talks started on Sunday and appear advanced as both parties are confident there will be a “positive outcome”.Negotiations have been brokered by super agent Giuliano Bertolucci, who represents some of the best Brazilian players like Bruno Guimaraes, Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos.If Benitez signs with the Brazilian giants then he will be linking up with the same team that denied him the Club World Cup in 2005.Read More on FootballLiverpool took on Sao Paulo in the final in Yokohama just seven months after the Miracle of Istanbul.The Reds became European champions after beating AC Milan in a dramatic penalty shootout following an unforgettable 3-3 draw in the Champions League final.The Merseysiders were then looking to become world champions when they took on the then Copa Libertadores winners.However, Paulo Autuori’s men prevailed in Japan with a 1-0 victory thanks to Mineiro’s winner.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBenitez, though, did win the UEFA Super Cup with Liverpool the same year.Steven Gerrard and co defeated then UEFA Cup winners CSKA Moscow 3-1 at Stade Louis II in Monaco.11 forgotten stars who define Liverpool vs Man Utd rivalryDaniel Carvalho opened the scoring for Valery Gazzaev’s men but Djibril Cisse equalised for Liverpool to force extra-time.The Reds sealed the trophy as Cisse completed his brace before Luis Garcia scored the third. More

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      Real Madrid legend Raul’s agent reveals world record offer from Premier League giants – but he ‘didn’t consider’ it

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      REAL MADRID legend Raul once received a world record offer to join Chelsea – but “didn’t consider it” as he opted to stay in Spain.Raul, 46, is a Bernabeu legend after spending 16 years leading Real’s attack.Chelsea tried and failed to sign Raul from Real Madrid for a then-record £70m in 2003Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdRaul opted to remain at Real, going on to become their all-time appearance makerCredit: GettyHe won six LaLiga titles and three Champions Leagues during a glittering career in the Spanish capital.Raul is Real’s third top scorer of all time with 323 goals.And he still holds the record for most appearances with 741 games.However, things could have panned out differently for Raul had he jumped ship.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSeven years before his 2010 departure for Schalke, Chelsea are claimed to have made an offer for Raul.In 2003, Roman Abramovich had just purchased club and was looking to make some statement signings.Chelsea spent huge fees on stars like Hernan Crespo, Damien Duff and Juan Sebastian Veron.And they even managed to lure superstar midfielder Claude Makelele from the Bernabeu too.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHowever, Chelsea also tried to sign Real team-mate Raul at the same time.According to his agent, the Blues offered a then-world record £70m for the striker.7 times Arsenal vs Chelsea games EXPLODEDChelea did end up signing Raul’s team-mate Claude Makelele in the same windowCredit: GettyBut Raul, who joined Real’s academy in 1992 and is now boss of their reserves, had no interest in discussing a Stamford Bridge switch.Gines Carvajal said in 2010: “Many English clubs asked in the past for Raul, but the only formal proposal was the one of Chelsea.“(Then Chelsea manager Claudio) Ranieri wanted Makelele and Raul. So the same people of Chelsea who negotiated for Makelele made contact with me and Madrid.“They offered €100million (then a world record £70m), but Raul didn’t consider the offer because he just didn’t think of leaving Madrid.“I believe that generally clubs know that Raul is the captain of Madrid and, as it happens with players as (Ryan) Giggs, they know that there are not many options for them to change clubs.”Raul’s career statsThose numbers in full:

      Real Madrid, 1994-2010: 741 games, 323 goals

      Schalke, 2010-2012: 98 games, 40 goals

      Al Sadd, 2012-2014: 61 games, 16 goals

      New York Cosmos, 2015: 32 games, 9 goals

      Spain, 1996-2006: 102 games, 44 goals

      Trophies: LaLiga x6, Spanish Super Cup x4, Champions League x3, Uefa Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup x2 (Real Madrid); German Cup, German Super Cup (Schalke); Qatar Stars League, Emir of Qatar Cup (Al Sadd); North American Soccer League, North American Supporters’ Trophy, Soccer Bowl (New York Cosmos) More

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      Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea in major Victor Osimhen transfer boost as Napoli move for replacement

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      CHELSEA, MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal have been given a boost in their battle to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.The Italian club are reported to have lined up a replacement for the Nigerian centre forward, paving the way for him to make a big-money move to the Premier League this summer.Victor Osimhen could be set to leave Napoli this summerCredit: AlamyLille frontman Jonathan David, himself a target for a number of Premier League clubs, is the man Napoli want to fill Osimhen’s boots.According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Canada international David is ready to join the Italian club even if they fail to qualify for European football next season.Napoli and Lille are said to be haggling over David’s transfer fee, with the Italians said to be offering £30m plus bonus payments while the Ligue 1 side want £42.7m up front.But the negotiations appear to signal that Napoli are resigned to losing Osimhen, the striker who fired them to the Serie A title last season, this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOsimhen’s release clause is believed to be up to £110m, putting him within the reach of only a small number of clubs.Long-term suitors Chelsea and United would have to raise money through sales to be able to afford the 25 year old. Inside Victor Osimhen’s life as a footballerArsenal would also have to think hard about breaking the club transfer record they set when Declan Rice arrived from West Ham for £105m.The Premier League trio are also likely to face stiff competition from Champions League semi-finalists Paris Saint-Germain.Most read in FootballThe French side regard Osimhen as the best candidate to replace star striker Kylian Mbappe, with the Frenchman all but certain to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer.Napoli are prepared to triple David’s wages at Lille to nearly £60,000 per week and to give the 24 year old a five-year deal.New York-born David helped Lille win a shock French title in his first season at the club  in 2020/1 and has continued to bang in the goals.The former Gent striker has found the net 81 times in 175 appearances for Lille.Lille hotshot Jonathan David has been linked with a Premier League move but is now set to join NapoliCredit: Alamy More