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      Chelsea slam ‘unacceptable’ homophobic comments aimed at Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis after pregnancy news

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      CHELSEA have hit out at “homophobic” remarks directed at Sam Kerr and her partner Kristie Mewis after the couple announced they are expecting a baby. On Monday, the Blues star took to Instagram to reveal that West Ham midfielder Mewis is pregnant, with their child expected in 2025. Sam Kerr is working her way back to fitness from an anterior cruciate ligament injury she sustained in JanuaryCredit: GettyKerr announced she and her partner Kristie Mewis are expecting a baby togetherCredit: Instagram / samanthakerr20Kerr and Mewis are expecting their first child together with their baby due to be born next yearCredit: PAThe post featured black and white photos of the couple with Kerr seen pointing towards her fiancee’s stomach.An accompanying message which read “Mewis-Kerr baby incoming”.The duo, who got engaged last year, were also pictured holding up an ultrasound image. While several WSL players and coaches, including West Ham boss Rehanne Skinner, took to X and Instagram to congratulate the couple, other social media accounts posted vile remarks.Read More Football StoriesAnd Kerr, who is working her way back to fitness from a knee ligament tear sustained in January, was forced to block comments on her post soon after the announcement was published. And WSL leaders Chelsea have now hit out at the “hateful homophobic” remarks.In a statement shared today, they said: “Chelsea Football Club is aware of recent unacceptable and hateful homophobic comments published across various social media platforms.”There is no place in society for any form of discrimination and we will not accept any abuse directed towards our players, staff or supporters.Most read in Football”We are extremely proud to be a diverse, inclusive club that celebrates and welcomes people from all cultures, communities and identities.”A supporters group for Blues fans in the LGBTQ community described the comments directed at Kerr as “heart-breaking and infuriating”. In a post shared via their account on X, Chelsea Pride wrote: “Homophobia has no place in football, at Chelsea, or in our society. “It’s heartbreaking and infuriating to see social media flooded with hateful comments when we should be celebrating love, pride and unity. “Over the weekend, our club was forced to shut down comments and even delete posts. England boss Sarina Wiegman says the homophobic abuse aimed Kerr and Mewis is “disappointing”Credit: Alamy”Posts that should have been shining moments of joy, from the powerful symbolism of Rainbow Laces, to the incredible news that Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis will welcome a child in 2025. “We refuse to stand by in silence. “We fight for a football world where every player, fan and family can live openly and be celebrated, without fear or prejudice.” More

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      Spanish newspaper’s XI of best U18 starlets in 2016 goes viral with forgotten English prodigy and ‘9 of them top tier’

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      A 2016 best XI of wonderkids has gone viral on social media – and nine of them have hit the heights.But one English-born ace has fallen off the radar and now plies his trade with an unfashionable German outfit.Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was among the most promising talents at the timeCredit: GettyArsenal’s Kieran Tierney was also part of the list during his success at CelticCredit: GettyMarca predicted Europe’s best Under-18 talents in 2016Spanish newspaper Marca put together the best XI of Under-18 talents in Europe back eight years ago.Among them was an unknown Monaco kid called Kylian Mbappe, who is now considered by many as the best in the world.In the 2016 version, the now-Real Madrid superstar was joined by Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal.Donnarumma had just taken football by storm with AC Milan before moving to PSG – where he played with Mbappe – in 2021.Read More on FootballRomanian Cristian Manea was at right-back with Arsenal ace Kieran Tierney on the other side, with Liverpool’s Joe Gomez and forgotten England prospect Reece Oxford at centre-back.Rapid Bucharest’s Manea was playing for Belgian outfit Mouscron, on loan from Apollon Limassol, but got lost in the shuffle as did Oxford, who was a revelation at West Ham before joining Augsburg.Gomez is a utility defender for the Reds, while Tierney’s success at Celtic has yet to be replicated at the Emirates due to a raft of injury set-backs.Renato Sanches, Youri Tielemans and Ruben Neves formed the midfield.Most read in FootballSanches was considered the next big thing during his successful stint at Benfica but failed to live up to expectations and even endured a painful loan stint at Swansea.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe midfielder is currently on PSG’s books but returned to Benfica on loan in his bid to rediscover his old form.Tielemans played for Anderlecht at the time and went on to enjoy success with Leicester – where he won the FA Cup – and current club Aston Villa, who are standing out in the Champions League.Meet Ayden Heaven: Arsenal’s next William SalibaNeves burst onto the scene with Porto and became a star at Wolves but has dropped from the spotlight after moving to Saudi Arabia for Al-Hilal.Mbappe was joined by Martin Odegaard and Dominic Solanke up-front.Odegaard was struggling for minutes at Real after his major move from Norwegian outfit Stromsgodset, where he emerged as one of the world’s most promising wonderkids.But the playmaker found his groove at Arsenal and quickly earned the captain’s armband.Solanke played for Vitesse at the time on loan from Chelsea, where he failed to earn a permanent spot and endured a disappointing stint at Liverpool.But the striker showed exactly why there was so much hype around his name with a stunning spell at Bournemouth, which led to a big move to Tottenham last summer.Mixed fan reactionMbappe dominated at Monaco and earned a big move to PSG where he quickly developed into one of the world’s biggest stars and ultimately completed a highly-anticipated move to Real.Fans were left in awe by that nostalgic post, which received some mixed reaction.One fan posted: “Pretty good tbf.”Another commented: “I miss Kieran Tierney.”A third wrote: “As a West Ham fan, Reece Oxford not fulfilling his potential was so sad.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis fan wrote: “9 out of the 11 are top tier.”And that one stated: “Not a bad return to be fair.” More

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      Meet Ayden Heaven, 18, Arsenal defender and fan who is built like Patrick Vieira and idolises surprise ex-Gunners duo

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      IN Ayden Heaven, it seems Arsenal have got one hell of a player.The 18-year-old centre-back made his competitive senior debut in the Gunners’ 3-0 win at Preston in the Carabao Cup fourth round – from the bench in the 80th minute.Ayden Heaven is greeted by Mikel Arteta after his debut against PrestonCredit: ReutersThe defender (right) made his Gunners bow in the Carabao Cup at DeepdaleCredit: ReutersHeaven (second left) with other Arsenal academy stars after beating Bolton in the Carabao CupCredit: GettyHeaven has represented England at Under-18 levelBefore that, he was one of several academy stars to feature on the club’s pre-season summer tour of the States with boss Mikel Arteta starting him against Manchester United.Heaven – standing at 6ft 3in and a left-footer – was at fault for United’s opener, outmuscled and outpaced by Rasmus Hojlund, but he recovered well as Arsenal won the game 2-1.He has gone from strength to strength since then, looking good on living up to his potential and the lofty expectations Arsenal have of him to succeed.HOW DO THEY PLAY AND WHO DO THEY REMIND YOU OF?The first thing you notice about Heaven is his size and physicality, the body of a young, raw Patrick Vieira who is not afraid to get stuck in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAs shown against Hojlund in the summer, Heaven still needs time to bulk up and prove he can mix it with the biggest and most intimidating strikers in the Prem.But Arteta is happy to remain calm in that department, mainly because of Heaven’s technique and calmness on the ball.Avid watchers of Arsenal’s academy sides know Heaven very rarely loses his cool, appears unflappable in possession and has the ability to ping cross-field balls like a prime Steven Gerrard.Arteta will be hoping Arsenal have another William Saliba-style defender in the making – one who is big, quick and able to start attacks from deep.Most read in FootballTELL US ABOUT THEIR RISE?Heaven is extremely highly thought of at Arsenal, having also made the bench for Arsenal’s last 16 first Champions League clash at Porto back in February.He is now a trusted member of the senior squad, expected to step up when called upon, especially after Arsenal’s injury woes at the start of this campaign.Arsenal teenager Jacker Porter made his Gunners debut against Bolton and became a record breakerAfter featuring against Preston, Heaven said: “I’ve waited a long time. Today the day finally came, I’m just happy. I thank my team-mates, my family and everyone that’s got me here.“I feel like Mikel has trust in me. I feel that’s a big part in it and yeah, I just feel like there’s trust when it comes to making your competitive debut.”Heaven signed for the Gunners in 2019 after being released by West Ham as a 12-year-old, having also had trials at Chelsea and Fulham – turning down the latter because training was too far from his north London home in Edmonton.Before being picked up by Arsenal, he played for Sunday League outfit Levels – a grassroots club who give players opportunities to compete against elite football academies.But Arsenal were always going to be his first pick given he was a boyhood fan – his idols being Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott.Heaven explained: “Arsenal were knocking on the door and that made more sense given that, firstly I’m a fan, but also the location was much more convenient.“Hale End was only a 15-minute drive, so everything fell into place perfectly. Signing for the club I’ve supported and my mum was so happy for me – she even cried!“My family are so important, they’re my motivation, I’ve got two younger siblings and an older sister that mean the world to me.”Heaven flourished under former Arsenal U18s coach Jack Wilshere, helping him get chances in the first team and training under Arteta at London Colney.The teenager added: “The intensity is crazy! You get dizzy sometimes because it’s at such a quick tempo. The difference between under-18s, under-21s and the first team is unbelievable.”I don’t know how many players are able to do that on a stage like this at his ageARTETA AFTER PRE-SEASON GAME AGAINST MAN UTDWHAT ARE THE EXPERTS SAYING?Arteta is not one for over-hyping a young player too quickly, but the Spaniard had some nice words to say about Heaven after the pre-season victory over United.He said post-match: “At 17, I don’t know how many players are able to do that on a stage like this.“He’s lost a duel against one of the strongest and fastest players in the world, it can happen.“But the reaction afterwards, the composure, the quality, the body language that he had were all remarkable. I’m really happy with him.”WHAT DOES THE NEXT 12 MONTHS HOLD?Heaven’s future at Arsenal is not set in stone. After signing scholarship terms with the club last summer, he is yet to begin serious talks over a new deal.READ MORE SUN STORIESHis contract expires in June 2025. There is confidence an agreement can be made for such a young talent in the coming months. If not, there are big European clubs sniffing around, including Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, who famously developed young English stars like Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham and Jamie Gittens.BOY WONDERSHERE is more from our Boy Wonders series More

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      Man City wonderkid James McAtee ‘lined up for January transfer’ after playing ONE Premier League minute all season

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      MANCHESTER CITY ace James McAtee is being targeted by West Ham and Fulham ahead of the January transfer window.McAtee, 22, enjoyed an impressive loan stint with Sheffield United the last two years as he scored 14 goals and bagged eight assists in 75 appearances.Manchester City ace James McAtee is being targeted by Fulham and West HamCredit: GettyMan City could be open to selling McAtee in the January transfer windowCredit: GettyThe playmaker has found opportunities to be limited at the Etihad this season despite a string of injuries in the squad and has only played ONE MINUTE in the Premier League.According to The Guardian, that has led interest from both the Hammers and the Cottagers who are tracking the City academy product.He was reportedly targeted by Chelsea last summer.McAtee has played six times across all competitions, with his most impressive performance taking place last month in the Champions League at Slovan Bratislava where he scored a goal.Read More on FootballThe attacking midfielder could command a fee of at least £20million and the Cityzens would be open to a deal.The versatile midfielder is still highly regarded by the club, who could offer him a new contract with his current deal set to run out in 2026.However, the reigning Premier League champions have proven to be open to selling homegrown players as it helps their position with the English top flight’s profit and sustainability rules.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWest Ham have struggled in midfield this season with star player Lucas Paqueta being unable to replicate last term’s success.Most read in FootballPaqueta has also been charged with a breach of the Football Association’s betting regulations – the Brazil international denies the allegations.City wonderkid James McAtee scores impressive goal in trainingFulham are likely to rekindle their interest in McAtee after failing to land him in the summer.His former England Under-21 international team-mate Emile Smith Rowe has been rejuvenated under Marco Silva at Craven Cottage after he left Arsenal.Fellow Man City academy graduate Cole Palmer has also proven the grass can be greener away from Pep Guardiola’s side as he left the club last year and went on to become Chelsea’s biggest star. More

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      Chelsea line up £35m transfer raid for Liverpool star Caoimhin Kelleher despite already having TEN goalkeepers

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      CHELSEA are plotting a summer raid on Liverpool for their goalie Caoimhin Kelleher, SunSport understand.The Irishman is set to leave Anfield at the end of the season when the Reds welcome new shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili.Chelsea are plotting a summer raid for Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin KelleherCredit: AlamyChelsea manager Enzo Maresca might end up with ELEVEN goalkeepersCredit: AlamyThat signing is likely to see Kelleher, who has been superb between the sticks for Liverpool following the injury to Alisson, fall down to THIRD in the pecking order.That’s despite him starring in the team in recent weeks.Kelleher has no interest in sitting on the bench in the future, and the Republic of Ireland international almost left over the summer with Nottingham Forest among the clubs who reportedly lead the way for his services.Now Chelsea, who are in the market for a top keeper, are tracking the player.Read More on FootballSources told SunSport that one sticking point is the fact that Liverpool aren’t keen to sell such a good player to a potential title rival.But if Chelsea match the £35million valuation the club have placed on the player they might be left with little choice.Chelsea’s pursuit of the player is set to be matched by two Italian giants.Juventus and Napoli are both monitoring Kelleher but he is believed to prefer the option of staying in the Premier League if a deal can be done.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat would see Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca ending up with a staggering ELEVEN goalkeepers.Those would include Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Marcus Bettinelli, Djordje Petrovic, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mike Penders, Gabriel Slonina, Luke Campbell, Ted Curd and Teddy Sharman-Lowe.Mikel Arteta ‘disappointed’ by Chelsea draw as Arsenal lose ground in title race The West Londoners also have Lucas Bergstrom and Eddie Beach, who are out of contract in June.Our story comes after Kelleher was given the seal of approval by former Republic of Ireland international Shay Given.“Caoimhin played 26 games last season and in that time he showed that he has the talent to be a No1 in the Premier League,” Given said.“But he turns 26 later this month and, if I am brutally honest, he needs to get away from Liverpool if he wants that to happen.“Kelleher would have been disappointed to hear [manager Arne] Slot state publicly that Alisson will always be his first-choice keeper because everyone wants to go into training every day with the belief that they are fighting for a place in the team. “Every professional footballer has to have that hope that if they get a place in the team and perform well then they will keep the jersey.“Caoimhin hasn’t got that. It has been made clear to him that he will always be behind Alisson – and let’s be honest he is up against a guy who is one of the best in the world.“Caoimhin turns 26 later this month. He’s done his time at Liverpool. That’s no disrespect to a brilliant club but they are now starting to think that they can’t hold Kelleher back for much longer because he is a quality player.“Maybe Caoimhin has been too nice about it up to now because sometimes you do have to force the issue. That isn’t a nice situation. He has been very loyal to Liverpool and he won’t want to upset the fans.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But at the same time, you only have one career, one life and one opportunity to make the most of what you’ve got. Ten years down the road he could be 36 and people are talking about him as being over the hill.”Given added: “I look at him and think this guy’s the real deal. He proved last season over a long period of time that he is top quality. I’m sure there’s a number of Premier League clubs who are looking at him. He is ripe, fully cooked, and ready to flourish.” More

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      Chelsea injury blow to key midfielder as his international boss details ‘hamstring injury’ that is ‘bothering him’

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      CHELSEA have suffered a major injury blow as Romeo Lavia’s injury problems resurfaced on Nations League duty. Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco has confirmed that Lavia was unable to train with his Belgium team-mates this week.Chelsea have suffered a fresh injury below to Romeo LaviaCredit: GettyLavia has suffered a knock in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with ArsenalCredit: RexTedesco told RTL Sports: “I think Romeo Lavia has a hamstring problem.”It was bothering him this morning and we didn’t want to risk him.”The midfielder was forced off in the closing stages of Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal but still reported for international duty with Belgium.But despite insisting he “should be fine”, Lavia was not selected to feature in the Red Devils’ 1-0 defeat to Italy.READ MORE ON CHELSEAAnd he will not be involved against Israel on Sunday either.Lavia’s lack of action has left Chelsea fans and Enzo Maresca sweating on his fitness. The 20-year-old missed the entire 2023-24 campaign following his £50m arrival at Stamford Bridge last summer.He was also unavailable for four games in August and September with a thigh issue.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the former Southampton star has enjoyed a superb Premier League campaign in Maresca’s new-look midfield. Lavia has formed a formidable partnership with Moises Caicedo since being introduced to the starting XI.Chelsea fans lose their minds as club legend RETURNS in Lavia announcement video and beg him to ‘sign one-year deal’The £165m pairing have even pushed Argentina World Cup star Enzo Fernandez out of the starting line-up.Fernandez’ benching amounts to a huge midfield conundrum as the 23-year-old Argentine was brought in on a £107m price tag.Maresca admitted only last month that he was “afraid” of Lavia potentially getting injured.Chelsea will hope Lavia will be fit when they return to action against Leicester City on 23 November.Meanwhile, those in West London stand on tender hooks to see how Cole Palmer is too.The 22-year-old Prem star was spotted limping after the Arsenal game and withdrew from England’s Nations League duty.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Palmer wore a disguise as he rocked up to watch Stockport County beat Wrexham 1-0 in League One on Saturday. More

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      Chelsea flop Benoit Badiashile offered way out of Stamford Bridge nightmare with shock transfer to European giants

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      CHELSEA star Benoit Badiashile could be set for a January exit, according to reports.The Frenchman, 23, has struggled for game time this season under Enzo Maresca.Benoit Badiashile has been linked with a Chelsea exitCredit: RexBadiashile has been a regular in the cups, starting every Europa Conference League and Carabao Cup tie thus far.But in the Premier League he has been limited to just one 37-minute cameo.According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Badiashile has attracted interest from Serie A giants Juventus.Thiago Motta’s side are eager to strengthen their back-line in January, following long-term injuries suffered by Gleison Bremer and Juan Cabal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s claimed that Juve would be interested in a permanent or loan switch in order to bring Badiashile in.The centre-back cost the Blues £35million when he signed from Monaco nearly two years ago.He has since played 41 times for Chelsea in all competitions, having suffered with groin and hamstring injuries.This season boss Maresca has preferred Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana as his centre-back pairing.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile he also has Tosin Adarabioyo and Axel Disasi to call upon.The Blues have so far defied pre-season expectations and sit third in the Premier League.How Cucurella trapped Saka AGAIN with simple trick but Chelsea have critical Palmer problemLast time out they drew 1-1 with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.Following the international break they return to action next Saturday, when they travel to Maresca’s former club Leicester. More

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      Cole Palmer amazes fans as Chelsea star reveals what he did with his medals from Man City’s Treble winning season

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      CHELSEA star Cole Palmer revealed he has parked all his Manchester City medals at his mum’s place in order to “restock”.Palmer, 22, has already won every major honour available despite his young age thanks to his brief three-year stint at City where he was part of the Treble-winning team in 2023.Chelsea star Cole Palmer has parked his Treble-winning medals with Manchester City at his mum’sCredit: GettyPalmer wants to ‘restock’ and is focused on winning more medals with ChelseaCredit: GettyMany in his place would hang their medals in full view at their home as a constant reminder of their stunning achievements, but the playmaker feels differently.Instead, the England international decided to hand them over to his mother in order to remain motivated to win more honours with Chelsea, where he moved shortly after winning the Treble with City.Palmer told GQ Magazine: “I give them to my mum. I wanted to restock.”Clear them out so I can stock up again. The feeling you get when you win… You just want it again. Read More on Football”You don’t want to stop and never get that feeling again.”Chelsea fans loved what Palmer said as they stormed social media to praise his mentality.One supporter tweeted: “Mentality.”Another commented: “Wow!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third wrote: “I love this kind of mentality.”This fan said: “He wanted to build a legacy in Chelsea so he need to clear Man City stuff off.”Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca lauds Cole Palmer as the type of player supporters ‘pay to see’ And that one stated: “The past is gone…. More trophies ahead.”Palmer left City because he knew opportunities would be limited under Pep Guardiola despite being fully aware there would be more honours on the horizon.The forward has now reached stardom at Chelsea where he already counts a staggering total of 32 goals and 20 assists in 58 appearances with the Blues. More