ROMAN ABRAMOVICH is conducting an auction for the sale of Chelsea after announcing he is parting company with the club.And Turkish billionaire Muhsin Bayrak says he is in talks to buy the club, adding: “The Turkish flag will fly over London!”
American billionaire Todd Boehly is also said to be in the running, as he sizes up a joint bid with Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss.
But Abramovich is said to have rejected a £2.5bn offer for the West Londoners.
And there are concerns that Wyss has little interest in football, only wants to buy the club to spite Abramovich and will not splash out on transfers the way the Russian has.
Follow ALL of the latest updates and transfer gossip from Stamford Bridge right here…
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EXCLUSIVE: ‘Rats’ stole Oli’s £500k watch collection
Sheffield United striker Oli McBurnie is offering a £20,000 reward after “rats” took his watches.
The Scotland player said the £500,000 collection was taken in a burglary a few months ago.
Oli, 25, shared pics of eight timepieces including a gold Rolex.
He wrote: “£20k cash if anyone lets me know anything that leads to the recovery of the watches or the rats that done it.”
Rival footie fans trolled him.
One tweeted: “This lad’s had more watches than goals.”
Another posted: “I’ll watch out for them.”
EXCLUSIVE: Jesse’s victim of £100k robbery
Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard was targeted by “Away Day” robbers who stole more than £100,000 of clothes and jewellery from his home.
The Sun can reveal he became their latest victim on January 15 as the Red Devils went to Aston Villa. The gang escaped with the haul before security was alerted at his £3million mansion.
In May 2020 Lingard gave an MTV crew a tour of his five-bedroom home for its Cribs show. He showed off his walk-in wardrobe featuring a huge designer trainer collection and his 32 England caps.
Since the burglary, Lingard, 27, has put the property in Hale, Gtr Manchester, up for sale and accepted an offer. It boasts a swimming pool, gym and cinema room.
A source said of Jesse, who has a young daughter: “He was really upset to find out he had been targeted.
“The items which were stolen are replaceable, but it’s very invasive for him to have someone break into his home, especially as he is a father.
“He has stepped up security since the robbery and is reviewing how his home is protected when he is away from it.”
Conte: Spurs have been like this 20 years
Antonio Conte says no manager in the world could provide a quick fix for Tottenham’s issues — because they date back 20 years.
The Italian, who was appointed Spurs boss in November, has admitted the task of turning the success-starved North Londoners into winners is tougher than he expected.
After Saturday’s 4-0 league win at Leeds, they lost 1-0 at Championship Middlesbrough in the FA Cup on Tuesday to extend a 14-year trophy drought.
Speaking ahead of their home clash with Everton on Monday, Conte said: “I always said this from my first day. Tottenham’s story is this — many ups and downs.
“But to be competitive, to try to win something, fight for something important and become a strong team, the first thing that has to happen is to be stable and avoid these ups and downs.
“To do this and to change this situation that has been happening for many, many years in Tottenham, it’s not simple.
“In a short time it’s impossible to do this, not only for me but I think for any manager or coach to come in and change the story in one second.
“Especially when this club, for 20 years, has this type of situation.”
Abramovich departure ‘not good’ for fans
Spurs chief Antonio Conte says Roman Abramovich selling Chelsea is ‘not good news’ for their fans.
Conte won the Premier League in 2016-17, followed by cup glory in 17-18, but he was sacked due to a fifth place league finish.
The Italian’s axing cost Roman £26million in compensation and legal fees, as Conte sued the club in a lengthy legal battle.
In a press conference today he spoke out and said: “It is not good news for Chelsea fans.”
He seemed complimentary of the work Roman had done with the Blues.
Chelsea have beaten Conte’s Tottenham twice in 2022 already, and have not conceded a goal to the Lilywhites since August 2021.
Mu’s in for Blues
Turkish billionaire Muhsin Bayrak claims he is in talks to buy £3billion rated Chelsea off Russian owner Roman Abramovich.
The European champions were put up for sale by Abramovich amid Russia’s invasion of neighbouring country Ukraine.
Abramovich was a topic of conversation in the UK parliament with some MPs questioning why the Chelsea owner wasn’t sanctioned due to his ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
As a result, Abramovich is looking to offload all of his London assets, including Chelsea.
And Turkish billionaire Bayrak says he’s in talks to buy the west London club.
He told Turkish outlet Yeni Safak: “We are negotiating the terms of the purchase of Chelsea with Roman Abramovich’s lawyers.
“We are in the negotiation phase for the signatures. We will fly the Turkish flag in London soon.
“We made our offer. Because of the war with Russia and Ukraine in the world. Because they find Turkey safe, they want to get most of the after-sales money in Turkey. We are planning to sign soon.”
Toon and Gunners ‘eye Youssef’
Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri is reportedly on Arsenal and Newcastle’s radar.
Fichajes say the Moroccan’s injury-hit season has not deterred Premier League admirers.
The 24-year-old was also linked with an exit in the last transfer window.
And interest is expected to rise again in the summer.
Credit: Rex
‘Utd stars question Maguire starting place’
Harry Maguire’s Manchester United starting place has been privately questioned by team-mates, it’s claimed.
The Old Trafford skipper has already denied a dressing-room power struggle with Cristiano Ronaldo.
And now the Times suggest the England centre’s recent form has sparked debate in the squad.
They say ‘some of his team-mates have aired their grievances among themselves at the club’s Carrington training ground’.
Credit: Getty
Red Star fans back Russia
Red Star Belgrade fans chanted their support of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine during Thursday’s 3-0 win over Vozvodac.
The Serbian giants warmed up for their Europa League last-16 tie against Rangers with a comfortable victory.
And in footage shared by Serbian paper Sportski Zurnal, Red Star supporters can be heard chanting ‘Russia, Russia, Russia’ during the clash.
Red Star Belgrade fans chant in support of Russian invasion of Ukraine as they prepare for Rangers clash
The links between Serbia and Russia are strong – stretching back to the first world war.
And Red Star’s support of the country comes as the club have stood by their shirt sponsorship with Russian energy firm Gazprom.
Uefa ditched the oil giant’s sponsorship of the Champions League – while Schalke instantly dropped them as kit sponsors.
But Red Star’s general secretary insisted they will keep their main backers after lashing out at “anti-Russian hysteria”.
Red Star played bitter rivals Partizan at the weekend, with Russian flags spotted in the opposition end.
I never want to leave Arsenal
Gabriel Martinelli has revealed he wants to stay at Arsenal for his ‘whole life’ and help fire the club back into the Champions League.
The 20-year-old is a fan favourite at the Emirates and has started to show consistency this season.
Martinelli has played 23 times for Arsenal this season, predominately operating out wide on the left-hand side.
And his direct style of play has helped contribute getting Arsenal back fighting for a Champions League spot.
The Gunners are currently sat sixth, two points off fourth place Manchester United with THREE games in hand.
He told ESPN Brasil: “We always want more. Of course, Arsenal are a giant team. If I can, I’ll stay here my whole life. I want to conquer things, I already said, I want to stay here and win titles, with this wonderful crowd, my teammates.
“We have a young group, we have a lot of time ahead of us, players with a lot of quality, I think we will achieve great things.
“Our focus [today] is the Champions League. Fighting for that top four. A club like Arsenal has to be in the Champions League. It’s our total focus.”
Ralf has ‘no idea’ on next Utd boss
Interim chief Ralf Rangnick claims he is in the dark over who’ll get the permanent Manchester United job.
Ahead of Sunday’s Prem trip to neighbours City, he said of the managerial situation: “I have no idea.
“I am here until the end of the season and it is important to develop the players.
“We have had one or two meetings with the head of scouting. We have not spoken about the new manager too much”.
Eagles linked to Sanson
FA Cup quarter-finalists Crystal Palace are tipped to join a summer fight for Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Sanson.
Lille and Rennes are also reportedly interested in a loan swoop as the Frenchman has struggled since arriving from Marseille.
Declan aims for the top
Declan Rice says his dreams to play in the Champions League are ‘urgent’ in a major transfer warning to West Ham.
The Hammers midfielder, 23, has been valued at £120million by boss David Moyes with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea showing an interest.
Rice’s current deal with the club runs out in June 2024 – with no talks so far to extend.
Credit: Rex
And the England international has hinted yet again his future may lie away from the club after admitting he sees himself as one of the best players in the world.
Asked about his desire to win trophies and play in the Champions League, Rice said: “It is as urgent as possible. I feel like, not only for me, that’s for every young player as well.
“I see friends that are close to me, big players winning big trophies. You want to be a part of that. You want to be remembered in this career for what you’ve won.
“I feel like I am one of the established top players around the world. I am only 23. But in terms of my playing ability and the way I’ve performed consistently, I see myself as an established player now who’s got good experience and can play at any level if required.
“We are really close with West Ham at the minute and last season it was gutting to lose out on it but we are pushing.”
‘Business as usual’
Emma Hayes insists it is ‘business as usual’ for Chelsea as they prep for a Conti Cup final in the midst of Roman Abramovich selling the club.
The Blues owner put the football juggernauts up for sale this week with the government facing pressure to impose sanctions on him.
The Russian billionaire, 55, is an advocate of Chelsea’s WSL side who have evolved into one of the women’s game’s dominant forces following Hayes’ 2012 arrival.
However, Abramovich is set to cut ties with the club- whose women’s team have won 12 major trophies – following questions over alleged links to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has seen Putin come under fire from leaders across globe.
And the country has been suspended from competing in a number of sports events including this year’s World Cup.
Hayes, 45, who last Saturday was named as one of six custodians of the Blues said: “Look, it’s business as usual and I stand by this.
“Chelsea have amazing people, across the club, leading in all sections, from Neil Bath to Thomas Tuchel, to the work we’re doing here (with the women’s team).
“We will be successful going forward, nothing has changed. We’ve got a cup final, and everyone is looking forward to that.”
Utd ‘contact Ten Hag’
Manchester United have contacted Ajax chief Erik ten Hag as they narrow their managerial options for next season, reports say.
Ten Hag is favourite to land the Old Trafford permanent job this summer, with interim boss Ralf Rangnick tipped to move upstairs.
PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino is rated next on the list of options.
And it’s now claimed Carlo Ancelotti could be a contender if Real Madrid sack him.
Other names mentioned include Graham Potter, Roberto Mancini and Luis Enrique.
Roman exit ‘not good’ for fans
Spurs chief Antonio Conte says Roman Abramovich selling Chelsea is ‘not good news’ for their fans.
Conte won the Premier League in 2016-17, followed by cup glory in 17-18, but he was sacked due to a fifth place league finish.
The Italian’s axing cost Roman £26million in compensation and legal fees, as Conte sued the club in a lengthy legal battle.
In a press conference today he spoke out and said: “It is not good news for Chelsea fans.”
He seemed complimentary of the work Roman had done with the blues.
Chelsea have beaten Conte’s Tottenham twice in 2022 already, and have not conceded a goal to the Lilywhites since August 2021.
Blues’ Bay watch
Turkish billionaire Muhsin Bayrak claims he is in talks to buy £3billion rated Chelsea off Russian owner Roman Abramovich.
The European champions were put up for sale by Abramovich amid Russia’s invasion of neighbouring country Ukraine.
Abramovich was a topic of conversation in the UK parliament with some MPs questioning why the Chelsea owner wasn’t sanctioned due to his ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
As a result, Abramovich is looking to offload all of his London assets, including Chelsea.
And Turkish billionaire Bayrak says he’s in talks to buy the west London club.
He told Turkish outlet Yeni Safak: “We are negotiating the terms of the purchase of Chelsea with Roman Abramovich’s lawyers.
“We are in the negotiation phase for the signatures. We will fly the Turkish flag in London soon.
“We made our offer. Because of the war with Russia and Ukraine in the world. Because they find Turkey safe, they want to get most of the after-sales money in Turkey. We are planning to sign soon.”
Lukaku set for recall
Chelsea return to Premier League football following a double dose up of cup action which included heartache and a fightback.
The Blues were beaten by Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final after a lengthy penalty shootout.
And the hangover looked to continue as they found themselves 2-1 down to Luton before fighting back to win 3-2.
Kepa Arrizabalaga – who missed Chelsea’s deciding spot kick at Wembley – started against Luton but is expected to be replaced by Edouard Mendy.
Trevoh Chalobah and Thiago Silva – both ruled out against Luton – could come back into the line up.
Both were seemingly rested for the midweek trip to Luton and available to return.
Boss Thomas Tuchel said: “Those who weren’t at Luton due to minor injuries like Trevoh and Thiago were back in training yesterday so all fine.”
Pep ‘joy’ at watching Ronaldo
Pep Guardiola says Manchester City need to find a way to halt the ‘unstoppable goalscoring machine’ that is Cristiano Ronaldo on Sunday.
The Portuguese legend has endured a difficult start to 2022, scoring just once in the calendar year so far.
But City weighed up the possibility of signing the veteran from Juventus before he returned to Old Trafford in August.
And Guardiola has admitted he is a big admirer, saying: “As a finisher he’s exceptional, I’m not going to disguise it was a joy to watch him these years.
“We have to explode our game, our strength to avoid Cristiano close to the box, because there he is almost unstoppable.
“When you are one of the greatest that he was in terms of being a goalscoring machine, you will always be there.
“He is so strong mentally. He handled pressure without a problem because he lived with expectation through his career and always responded in a positive way.”
Kante joins an exclusive club
After winning the Club World Cup last month, Chelsea midfield workhorse N’golo Kante joined a very limited club of exceptional players.
Only four players have ever won the World Cup, Champions League, Premier League and Club World Cup.
Gerard Pique (Barcelona)
Pedro (Lazio)
Thierry Henry (Retired)
N’golo Kante (Chelsea)
It is without doubt that he is one of the greats at Chelsea and in football in general. He revolutionised what it means to be a midfielder.
Perhaps he will only truly be appreciated after his retirement. Master.
N’golo Kante celebrates UCL glory.Credit: AFP
Who are the goal scorers?
Chelsea’s goal scoring list this season is as follows (In all comps):
Romelu Lukaku – 11 Goals.
Jorginho – 9 Goals.
Mason Mount, Timo Werner, Kai Havertz – 7 Goals.
Hakim Ziyech – 6 Goals.
Reece James – 5 Goals.
It must be said, it is concerning for blues fans that Reece James is so high up the list considering their array of attacking talent, and his significant injury this season.
Chelsea’s goal scoring troubled season
Chelsea have been defensively sound this season, and early on there were even questions surrounding whether the current crop could beat the record of 15 goals conceded in a campaign.
However, they have struggled defensively somewhat in comparison to the start of the season, perhaps because of injuries to Ben Chilwell and Reece James.
Their goal scoring however, seems to be a more permanent issue, with record signing Romelu Lukaku failing to hit the heights he hit last season with Inter Milan and Belgium.
Across all competitions, Lukaku has hit the target 11 times and got 0 assists, in 30 games, an average of 0.47 goals per 90mins.
Thankfully for CFC, the blues have had goals from a range of positions this season, as we look into their top goal scorers this season…
Chelsea ‘reject £2.5bn takeover bid’
Roman Abramovich will ‘not rush’ into selling Chelsea after reportedly rejecting an offer worth £2.5BILLION, writes GIACOMO PISA.
The Russian is looking for £3bn after deciding to cut his ties with the club following questions over his links to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
And the 55-year-old is seemingly adamant he will not compromise over his valuation, despite the risk of asset sanctions from the UK government.
A reported offer of £2.5bn from an unnamed bidder has been rejected by the oligarch, according to Reuters.
Joe Ravitch, co-founder of investment bank Raine Group LLC, is the man in charge of seeking out the next owners.
And he said the club are eager to source a buyer who who is the ‘best steward’ for Chelsea going forward, while also securing a fair price.
He went on to tell Reuters: “We are not going to rush anything. It is very important that Chelsea have the right owner to guide the club forward.”
Egyptian billionaire Lotfy Mansour has already pulled out of the race to purchase the club.
Chelsea’s London Football Awards Winners
The London Football Awards celebrate the best the sport has to offer in the capital, as only clubs and players based in London are eligible.
Chelsea had four winners last night, they were:
Samantha Kerr – FA Women’s Super League Player of the Year award.
Edouard Mendy – Goalkeeper of the Year award.
Conor Gallagher – Men’s Young Player of Year.
Emma Hayes – Outstanding Contribution to London Football award.
Chelsea academy product and potential summer signing – Declan Rice – picked up the Premier League Player award, which will maybe just add a few more pennies to his summer transfer fee.
‘He cares about the club’
Thomas Tuchel praised Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich in his earlier press conference, after he has come under a lot of fire regarding the sale of CFC.
Tuchel had this to say regarding Abramovich’s tenure at the club:
“He was and he is a very very passionate owner, who cares actually about the team, about the club, about the performance…Which is very rare”
He went on to say how pleased he was that he could win the Club World Cup for Roman, which meant that the owner has won every trophy available to him in football at least once.
Tuchel evidently felt that Roman was entirely deserving of this honour, due to his “passion” and “commitment” to the club.
Roman Abramovich celebrates with the Club World Cup trophy.Credit: Getty
Chelsea trio out of Tuch?
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is concerned Chelsea’s out-of-contract stars could leave the club in the summer.
Roman Abramovich putting The Blues up for sale has generated a lot of uncertainty around Stamford Bridge.
Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss and American Todd Boehler are said to be interested but they could restrict spending if they complete a takeover.
And that could mean Chelsea lose defensive trio Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen who are all out of contract in the summer.
Tuchel said: “The bottom line is maybe we can’t help it – it is what it is. You never know maybe it has a positive effect on the negotiations or maybe it has a negative effect.
“We cannot predict and I would like not to predict on scenarios because you just lose focus, but everyone has a different situation and feels different about it (the sale).
“I hope for the best outcome still, I think we have something to offer still. Chelsea are a strong club and will stay a strong club. Our owner decided to sell the club but he sells a strong, solid, organised club at the highest level.”
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