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      Chelsea files: Why Cole Palmer will get SMALLER bonus than Blues team-mates for Conference League win

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      MONEY TALKS and Chelsea is no different to any other Premier League club.The players will receive a bonus if they beat Real Betis next Wednesday and win the Conference League for the first time.Enzo Maresca leads his men into the Conference League final next weekCredit: ReutersCole Palmer will be available after sitting out the first portion of the tournamentCredit: PAThe payments have been set out on a sliding scale depending on appearances which means some of the top stars won’t be paid as much although they’ll hardly go hungry as a result.And as if we needed reminding of Chelsea’s priorities, if Champions League qualification is achieved at Nottingham Forest this Sunday then the players’ pay packets will be considerably more full.Cole Palmer was deliberately kept out of Chelsea’s Conference League squad for the first half of the campaign and so has made just five appearances in the competition this season.Keeper Filip Jorgensen, who has been confirmed as a starter in the final next week, has played 13 times in the tournament.DESPITE harbouring bigger ambitions than the Conference League, Chelsea fans are flocking to Poland in their thousands to lap up the final.The club’s official allocation of 12,300 tickets has been gobbled up.Blues supporters were understandably confident that their billion quid squad would reach the June 28 date in Wroclaw, so many booked hotels and flights weeks, sometimes months in advance.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt’s common practice in the travel industry and can mean saving a decent whack of money by getting in early.But as is the case in this horrible old world, some of those loyal punters who took a punt on Chelsea going all the way, are now coming unstuck. Chelsea star Cole Palmer admits he threw up in the pool on holiday and got his hand stuck in a Pringles tubeWe have heard numerous worrying reports that a number of fans are receiving emails from hotels in the city, claiming there has been a ‘technical’ or ‘admin’ error with their initial reservation.And yes, you guessed it, those issues mean the prices of their accommodation has increased – sometimes tripling the original room rate.Fans are reluctant to name the hotels but some are fighting back. One supporter, who booked eight rooms in a 3* hotel has been told the cost is now three times what it was.But the person involved has since found a 5* place that is cheaper! He is keeping the first hotel hanging on and will cancel last minute in the hope they end up losing out altogether.Unfortunately, there is little the club can do to help frustrated fans.Todd Boehly is a director on ticket resale site Vivid SeatsCredit: AlamyAND right on time, Uefa has chosen this week to publish its latest call for fans to avoid ‘unofficial’ ticket agencies as next week’s final draws closer.The directive reads: “UEFA warns fans not to purchase tickets on the secondary market, from unauthorised third parties, websites, agencies or from touts. “Such tickets may be cancelled by UEFA at any time and fans are likely to be refused entry or be ejected from the stadium. In addition, fans may not receive the tickets which they have purchased from these unauthorised third parties.”UEFA reminds fans that ticket sales to the general public and fans of the teams who have reached the UEFA club competition finals are carried out exclusively via UEFA.com.”All well and good but as we know, Chelsea’s own chairman Todd Boehly has his fingers buried deep in this pie with his stake in US ticket resale site Vivid Seats.Supporters are already on the club’s case over how so many fans of Swedish side Djurgarden were able to buy seats in the home end of Stamford Bridge for the Conference League semi-final second leg. Awkward.REECE James’ position at Chelsea was called into question last week, with Romeo Lavia back fit, Chelsea’s abundance of midfield options, and Moises Caicedo seeming to take up his spot in Enzo Maresca’s favourite starting XI.But the Blues’ captain showed that he’s not going anywhere vs Man Utd, back in the side at right-back and stealing the show with an incredible spin and cross to set up fellow full-back Marc Cucurella.Enzo Maresca said previously that he sees Reece as a midfielder, as he was used on loan at Wigan Athletic, rather than a marauding right-back as he has always been at Chelsea.Questions over James have never been over his ability, but his fitness, and against Manchester United he completed 90 minutes in the Premier League for only the second time since November 2024.What’s more, this season he’s played a part in 21 games since January, a consistent run for his side and is proving that he has a key part to play in this side.If he can keep this up, he can surely establish himself as one of the best in the world in his position once more and work his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England setup.His versatility in Maresca’s system could make him a key cog in this Chelsea machine, with his ability to be a danger out wide and in the middle allowing the Italian gaffer to remain unpredictable and adapt to different game states at different times.Reece is deserving of a start away to Nottingham Forest, a fixture in which he got the match-winning assist on the final day of last season.Chelsea ratings v Man UtdMOISES CAICEDO was named Chelsea’s player of the season last week, and wonderkid Kendry Paez is touted to be a star player for the Blues in seasons to come. Ecuadorian greatness could become a common theme at Stamford Bridge.Caicedo and Paez were both academy graduates of Independiente Del Valle in Ecuador, and this could be somewhere BlueCo continues to shop in the coming transfer windows.Independiente have also produced PSG star defender Willian Pacho, and invincible Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Piero Hincapie, both of whom have previously been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.Moises Caicedo bagged the Blues’ player of the season awardCredit: PAEcuador was perhaps for too long a nation with heaps of untapped potential, with Brighton reaping the rewards of building a link with the South American nation, signing talents such as Pervis Estupinian, Caicedo and Jeremy Sarmiento.With Chelsea appointing Brighton’s transfer guru Sam Jewell last year, don’t be surprised to see The Blues do more summer shopping in Sangolquí in the upcoming window.WITH two games to go in Ligue 1, and having just beaten Paris St. Germain, BlueCo-owned Strasbourg looked destined for European football, with a dream of playing in the Champions League very much alive.However, Chelsea’s sister club went and bottled it.After the PSG match, they took on Angers and Le Havre, the teams who finished just outside of the relegation zone in 14th and 15th place, and lost both…That means the French side finished 7th place in Ligue 1, outside of any European spot, including the Conference League, which Chelsea may be about to win.And it hasn’t gone unnoticed by sceptical Blues fans amid all sorts of conspiracy theories.Were Strasbourg to end up in the same competition as Chelsea then it could massively affect this summer’s transfer market with trading between the two BlueCo stablemates banned.Strasbourg’s Liam Rosenior was left stunned as his side lost crucial back-to-back gamesCredit: AFPGiven Chelsea could virtually fill Stamford Bridge with the amount of young players they have sent to Strasbourg on loan that would be a bit of an issue.Of course, it’s all just cynical, light-hearted and nobody really thinks it’s an intra-club carve up.And Liam Rosenior’s men DO still have a chance to play in Europe next campaign.If PSG can get the better of Reims in the Coupe De France final on Saturday, then Lyon (who finished in 6th will be upgraded from a Conference League play-off spot and into the Europa League, meaning Strasbourg will take their place in the play-offs.Last time the two sides met, they shared a point each, but with PSG on the cusp of a potential treble they will surely not take this game lightly.REAL BETIS against Chelsea is a reunion of sorts.The two clubs met in the last eight of the now-defunct Cup Winners Cup in 1998.Chelsea won 3-1 with Blues legend Gianfranco Zola having the last word. The team sheet is a historian’s dream: Ed de Goey in goal, Dennis Wise in midfield along with Roberto di Matteo – he would later achieve the ultimate and win Chelsea’s first Champions League trophy as manager in 2012 – and was sacked the following November. More

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      Man Utd files: Seven strikers targeted across two transfer wishlists in case United miss out on Champions League

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S summer striker search will be shaped by Bilbao on Wednesday night.Beating Tottenham to lift the Europa League will make a £100million-plus difference to United’s finances – as well as bringing silverware and a ticket back to the Champions League elite.Viktor Gyokeres is a target for Manchester UnitedCredit: Shutterstock EditorialSo too is RB Leipzig striker Benjamin SeskoCredit: Shutterstock EditorialLiam Delap is set to leave Ipswich after the club’s relegation from the Prem and is at the top of United’s wishlistCredit: AlamyUnited scouts have scoured the market over the past six months, desperate to give Ruben Amorim the attacking weaponry he needs to take the Old Trafford club back into Premier League title contention.Yet if Ange Postecoglou and his Spurs players are parading around San Mames in joy after the final whistle, the knock-on effects for United’s recruitment drive will be huge.United’s talent-spotters have kept tabs on Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, Moise Kean, Liam Delap, Mateo Retegui and Jean-Philippe Mateta as well as Udinese’s “Tower of Pisa” Lorenzo Lucca.Both Gyokeres, 26, and Sesko, 21, are also targets for Arsenal, who have reportedly made the Sporting Lisbon striker No1 on their shortlist.Swede sensation Gyokeres is one of Europe’s hottest properties after netting 53 goals so far this term, with Portuguese champions Sporting willing to let him go for around £60m.Amorim knows his former star well but he is unlikely to come to Old Trafford without top-level European football.Likewise, RB Leipzig star Sesko’s reported £64m release clause would be out of United’s price range, too, given their PSR concerns – unless Amorim can shift out a swathe of his current players.Delap, 22, would cost just £30m thanks to a relegation clause in his Ipswich contract and is believed to be the Red Devils’ top target.The former Manchester City striker has impressed in an often lonely and forlorn role, scoring 12 Prem goals and showing power and intelligence.But there are questions, too, over whether he would join United without European football, especially if fellow admirers Chelsea qualify for the Champions League.How Europa League final will be decided – four key Man Utd vs Tottenham tactical battlesSunSport understands the Blues – managed by Delap’s former City academy coach, Enzo Maresca – are confident of landing the England Under-21 international.Should United miss out on Champions League football, it would mean shopping in a different market – less Harrods, more Waitrose.Ex-Everton forward Kean, Atalanta’s Retegui and Lucca are among the fallback options.Italy star Retegui, 26, has 23 goals in 31 games for Atalanta this term, with Liverpool reportedly also interested.Kean, 25, flopped in the Premier League with the Toffees but has revived his career with 17 league goals in 30 games for Fiorentina this season, while 6ft 7in Lucca has netted 11 Serie A goals for mid-table Udinese.Amorim’s scouting team have also identified Crystal Palace’s Mateta, 27, following his 14-goal breakout season.The Frenchman, who showed his value once more in Palace’s FA Cup triumph at Wembley on Saturday,  would cost around £30m, with the Eagles already resigned to losing him in the summer.United are also big fans of Marcus Thuram at Inter Milan but a deal could be tricky as his agent does not get on with Red Devils CEO Omar Berrada.Lorenzo Lucca is Udinese’s ‘Tower of Pisa’ up frontCredit: GettyEverton flop Moise Kean, now at Fiorentina, is a surprise target for UnitedCredit: GettyMateo Retegui of Atalanta is also on their listCredit: GettyJean-Philippe Mateta – another target – celebrates Crystal Palace’s FA Cup winCredit: GettyWIL POWER UNITED hope technical director Jason Wilcox could be their trump card in the battle with Chelsea for Delap.Ruben Amorim has identified the England Under-21 striker as one of the men who could solve their chronic goal-scoring problems next season.And Wilcox knows him well through his work at the City Football Academy while Delap was coming through the ranks.He was the head of the youth set up at the Etihad when Delap joined from Derby in 2019. That personal relationship might give United an advantage.Man Utd technical director Jason WilcoxCredit: GettyTURKISH DELIGHT TURKISH champions Galatasaray could give United a way out of their increasingly troublesome Jadon Sancho predicament.United believed they had seen the last of the former England winger when he was sent on loan to Chelsea with a £25m obligation to buy him at the end of this season.But Chelsea are understood to be ready to send Sancho, 25, back to Old Trafford for a £5m “penalty” repayment, leaving Amorim with another player he knows the club do not want.With Sancho having a year of his contract remaining, United need to raise just under £15m for him this summer to avoid a PSR “loss” on any move.Galatasaray, who clinched the Turkish crown this weekend, are gearing up for their Champions League return and are ready to come in with a bid.Sancho, though, who broke through at Borussia Dortmund after leaving Manchester City when he was just 17, might be more tempted by a return to the Bundesliga, especially with Bayer Leverkusen expected to undergo a major rebuild following the departure of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.Jadon Sancho is wanted by Turkish champions GalatasarayCredit: GettyFRIENDLY FIRE HARRY MAGUIRE and Amad Diallo were among a handful of players on media duty when United held their Europa League open day – and all seemed to be harmonious between the pair.That might not be the case on Saturday though – as two of their former clubs go head to head at Wembley in the Championship play-off final.Maguire took time out from his busy season to watch Sheffield United complete their demolition of Bristol City last Monday night.And 24 hours later, Amad sent a good luck message to his old team-mates at the Stadium of Light – which maybe helped inspire their dramatic late winner against Coventry.Neither player is likely to be at Wembley for the final as Man United play Aston Villa in their last Prem game of the season the following day.Harry Maguire watched Sheffield United’s play-off semi-finalCredit: GettyFAN FRIENDLY THOUSANDS of United supporters are heading to Bilbao – many of them with tickets for the game and some without.But all will be encouraged to visit the designated fan zone at Etxebarria Park – which is described as ‘one of the largest green zones in the city’.It is surrounded by green hills and offers magnificent views of Bilbao – according to the local tourist board – so supporters should be quite happy there.Local police are not anticipating too much trouble but the Spurs faithful will be directed towards the Amezola area of the city for their fan zone.Man Utd’s designated fan zone at Etxebarria ParkCredit: AlamyPICTURE THATDAVID DE GEA netted a whopping £22.8 in image rights while at United.The Spanish star – set for a return to Old Trafford in a pre-season friendly with Fiorentina – built up a fortune of £22,755,059 in Bedamarse Ltd, the company he used to handle his off-field pay. The keeper’s fortune shot up £3.5m in his last season at Old Trafford, the equivalent of £67,300 a week, according to accounts.The mega pay came on top of De Gea’s £375,000 a week wages.As well as image rights payments, De Gea signed a number of lucrative sponsorship deals with the likes of Adidas, Pepsi and EA Sports.David de Gea netted a whopping £22.8m in image rights while at Manchester United.Credit: PALEAVING A MARC MARCUS RASHFORD paid himself a huge £12.2m dividend last year.The forward paid himself the huge sum from his investment company, MUCS Enterprises.Rashford also took out an interest free loan from the business worth £6.6m.The company made a profit of £6.2m in 2024.And despite pocketing the huge sums, his firm still has assets worth £5.6m.The on-loan Villa striker has also hit the jackpot with his investment properties.The total value of his rental properties jumped by almost £700,000 last year – from £7.1m in 2023 to £7.8m, according to latest paperwork for his rental firm, MUCS Properties Limited.Marcus Rashford paid himself a huge £12.2m dividend last yearCredit: RexGETTING SHIRTY MANCHESTER UNITED and Liverpool may be miles apart in the Premier League, but the fierce rivals both banked £123m in kit sales last season.The pair received the whopping sum from kit and merchandise sales, according to a fresh Uefa report.Only Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich pocketed more than the Premiership giants.Jude Bellingham helped Real Madrid top the charts with club sales worth £165m last season.The England man’s shirt is the most popular in the club’s official stores.Bruno Fernandes jerseys are the biggest sellers at Old Trafford, while Mo Salah’s shirt is among the most popular for champions Liverpool.Man Utd banked £123million in kit sales last seasonCredit: GettyWAYNE TO GOWAYNE ROONEY has won a £200,000 windfall after defeating HMRC in a long-running dispute.The United legend, 39, has landed the huge sum after closing down the firm he used for his lucrative sponsorship deals and image rights as a player.He has been waiting for three years for the payment after placing his company, called Stoneygate 48 Limited, into voluntary liquidation.Company liquidators said: “We have continued to be in contact with HMRC over a substantial tax refund which was due. This has resulted in a substantial but, in our opinion, partial repayment. We are seeking clarification of whether anything else is due.”The Manchester United legend received £22.2m after closing down the firm, including £11.9m in cash and more than £9mfrom the sale of properties.Wayne Rooney has won a £200,000 windfall after defeating HMRC in a long-running disputeCredit: GettyFROM THE GROUND UP UNITED’s new stadium bill could reach £4BILLION, according to industry experts.A number of experts have warned in private that the Red Devils’ ambitious plans for a 100,000-seater arena could spiral out of control.The new stadium will replace Old Trafford, which has been the Red Devils’ home since 1910.Ineos chief and club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe put an ambitious five-year target on the build.It would see United move into their new ground for the 2030-31 campaign.But industry insiders believe that United’s plans could cost double the club’s £2bn budget.A concept of Man Utd’s new stadiumCredit: PA More

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      Arsenal files: How Gunners snubbed Khvicha Kvaratskhelia transfer as emergency William Saliba replacement is prepared

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      ARSENAL passed up the opportunity to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia four years ago because of doubts about how good he would become.According to a former Gunners scout, the Georgian superstar’s ceiling was something that divided opinion at the club.Khvicha Kvaratskhelia caused Arsenal problems throughout their Champions League tie with PSG – but he could have been playing for the GunnersCredit: GettyKvaratskhelia was playing for Rubin Kazan at the time and was beginning to attract the interest of top European clubs.Napoli took a risk by paying £10m for the winger in 2022 — a fortnight after Arsenal shelled out £3.5million for Marquinhos.The Brazilian never made the grade at Emirates Stadium while Kvaratskhelia made a stunning impact in Naples.He helped to end the Serie A club’s 33-year title drought in his first season, landing the league’s MVP award as well as being named UEFA’s Champions League Young Player of the Season.And in the week that the Georgian played a major role in destroying the Gunners’ Champions League dreams, it has emerged that Arsenal were aware of him well before Napoli or PSG.Tomasz Pasieczny, who scouted for Arsenal in Eastern Europe for seven years until 2021, initially spotted Kvaratskhelia by chance.He told weszlo.com: “Georgia’s youth team visited Poland, there was a qualifying tournament.“My job was to pay attention to other teams, but when you saw them — Khvicha and Zuriko Davitashvili — we had long discussions with other scouts about who was better.“Then I watched both of them in Russia, so I followed their development for a long time.“I was at the old stadium in Kazan for a match with Dynamo Moscow, Khvicha came off the bench, made two completely unsuccessful dribbles and the fans reacted very negatively.“At that stage he couldn’t cope with it. Every next move was bad, from start to finish. He got lost, the ball bounced off him, you could see that he had lost his confidence.“He overcame it, but if it had continued, it would have been a problem. Being affected by a few thousand people in Kazan doesn’t lead to a good rating…”Everyone knew he would be mega good, but they wondered how good. Whether he would be the absolute top or a bit lower”Few had any doubts that he wouldn’t be anything at all. However, at that stage I had to write how it is, draw conclusions, write where the problems are.”Pasieczny takes pride in the fact that as many as eight of the Arsenal side that overcame Real Madrid in the quarter-finals were signed under his watch, although he did reveal he was totally convinced by only seven.He added: “Leandro Trossard — I thought he was not a player for Arsenal, but after his time at Brighton it turned out very well.“I simply thought he was a player for a good English club, but not a top one. Something was missing, a bit of quality. Trossard was versatile, but he was a bit short of the top level.“Nevertheless, I will give credit to the fact that he has proved to be very useful. “Of course, it is difficult to judge now whether he reached this level thanks to Brighton, or whether I was wrong and he was ready then.”SECOND CHANCEJAKUB KIWIOR seemed certain to be heading out of the exit door at the Emirates this summer.But the Polish defender has impressed manager Mikel Arteta so much that he could still have a future at Arsenal.Kiwior, 25, has not exactly been a blazing success since his £21million move from Italian side Spezia in January 2023.Although he has made just 25 Premier League appearances, he has improved recently and impressed when filling in for the injured Gabriel Magalhaes.While there could be several arrivals and departures at Arsenal this summer, Arteta might consider that Kiwior is a useful squad player.Although the centre-half has been looking at leaving, he could now be persuaded to stay.Asked about Kiwior by a Polish journalist at his pre-match press conference before the Champions League second leg tie at PSG.Arteta said: “He deserves a lot of credit because he hasn’t played too much for many months and sadly, he’s been thrown into the difficult situations at the highest level, playing against the best opponents.“That is tough when you haven’t had the physical rhythm or the confidence to do it so he’s been exceptional.”Jakub Kiwior has fought his way back into Mikel Arteta’s plansCredit: GettyTOUGH SALKIWIOR’s resurgence could prove timely, with Real Madrid preparing a summer move to prise William Saliba out of Arsenal.The Spanish giants, set to be under new management with Xabi Alonso lined up to replace Carlo Ancelotti, are ready to jettison former Chelsea ace Antonio Rudiger after his latest disciplinary flare-up brought a six-match ban for throwing ice at a referee from the bench.France star Saliba is their prime target, despite the fact that the defender has two years left on his Gunners deal.Arsenal are keen to open talks on a contract extension for Saliba, 24, in a bid to tie him to the club long-term.But Madrid’s appeal to any world star has not abated, proven by the recent captures of Saliba’s France team-mate Kylian Mbappe and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.Expect to read suggestions that he is “keen on a move” from Spain any time soon. The softening up process is about to begin.Real Madrid are desperate to lure William Saliba to the clubCredit: GettyFAN-NING THE FLAMESARSENAL had 2000 supporters inside the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night and each of them were handed a free red and white scarf by the club.Sadly, they did not have too much to cheer about during the game.The away supporters were then kept at their seats for an hour after the final whistle and after being told they could leave, were then held in a separate area for a further 15 minutes.Meanwhile, while the Londoners headed back to their hotels or for a quiet drink, it was all going off along the Champs-Elysees.While PSG fans flocked to the famous street in their thousands, there was a car-ramming incident with three people injured as the celebrations got out of hand. The Parisian supporters were so angry that they set the car on fire.Arsenal fans were kept inside the Parc des Princes for more than an hour after the match had finishedCredit: AlamyCUP A LOAD OF THATARSENAL look like a team desperate for the campaign to end, and desperate for a summer break with their silverware dreams crushed.Thoughts turn immediately to transfers. Owners Stan and Josh Kroenke are set to provide a hefty kitty — around £200m — to Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta to bring in several world class players in an attempt to end 19 years of league title hurt.And the Club World Cup could turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the Gunners – forcing them to take action in the market sooner rather than later and giving them a better chance of landing their top targets.Because of Gianni Infantino’s new ludicrous, US-based champions of champions competition – from June 14 to July 13 – the transfer window is going to be split in two this summer.It will open between June 1 and June 10, then close for five days before running again from June 16 until September 1.That first 10-day period should see plenty of teams – including Prem Club World Cup attendees Manchester City and Chelsea and other European sides – attempt to cash in quickly so they can take their new purchases to the States.This will no doubt encourage Arsenal to do the same, to get ahead of their rivals and get some early business done before the ‘second’ window.SunSport understands that Arteta is keen to get deals done earlier than usual this summer, especially after the January debacle that saw them spend too long on long-shot targets that they were not able to get over the line.Talks with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in mid-January came to nothing and then a late £40m bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins went the same way.It left Arsenal dangerously short up top, and has ultimately cost them both domestically and in Europe.It is understood that the first 10 days of the summer window should see £51m midfield signing Martin Zubimendi join from Real Sociedad.And significant ground work will also be made in getting an elite No.9 nailed down.Especially as Sesko, Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak are in high demand by Manchester United, Liverpool and Barcelona.Arteta is also known to prefer having all his new signings through the door and fully acclimatised BEFORE their pre-season tour, which this summer is in Singapore and Hong Kong from July 19 to July 31.So, do not be surprised if Arsenal decide to avoid a long, drawn-out bidding war for Isak and go straight for the slightly cheaper options of Sesko or Gyokeres, or even Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.There is hope that while City and Chelsea battle it out across the pond in a gruelling competition, Arsenal can welcome a few new faces to London Colney and get to work straight away.Martin Zubimendi could join Arsenal within weeksCredit: GettyIN GOOD MIKNOT only has Mikel Merino been a saviour of sorts on the pitch – filling in as a striker these past few months – but he has also pleased the club with his willingness to engage in media activities, even after defeats.Following Arsenal’s first leg 1-0 semi-final defeat to PSG at the Emirates, the Spaniard faced reporters in the mixed zone, and he did the same minutes after their 2-1 second leg loss in Paris.He spoke of the need to learn from the mistakes, and insisted that this group would be ready to go again and win major trophies next year.SunSport understands that Merino has become a reliable and trusted voice to sum up the emotions of the dressing room and to give positive, reassuring messages to journalists post-match, especially when results have not gone to plan.It may sound like a small thing, but Merino’s commitment to this has not only left a good mark on reporters, but has also taken the weight off his teammates in these moments.Arteta knew Merino would be a valuable squad member, and he is proving just that in more ways than one.Mikel Merino is proving his worth off the pitch as well as on itCredit: Getty More

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      Scott McTominay’s net worth revealed as Napoli star’s Manchester United millions take a hit after botched investment

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      HE’s the man on the moment in Naples.Scotland star Scott McTominay is leading the charge towards the Scudetto for Napoli – but how is his net worth looking as he stands on the cusp of history in his first season in Italy?Scott McTominay is fast-approaching cult hero status with NapoliCredit: GettyAlready fans have dedicated a shrine to him in the city of NaplesCredit: EPAThe 28-year-old made a £25.5million switch from Manchester United to the Serie A club last summer.That transfer has since been derided by several former United stars, who believe those at Old Trafford must now regret the decision to sell him.McTominay has established himself as a fans’ favourite with the Partonopei faithful – fans have gotten tattoos of him, a pizza has been named in his honour and there’s even a SHRINE dedicated to the Scot in the city he now calls him.The midfielder has scored 12 goals for Napoli so far this season (11 in the league), with many coming in vital moments.His form has been so impressive it’s led to a tactical shift by boss Antonio Conte and it’s helped put Gli Azzuri on the verge of a fourth Serie A title.McTominay earned a pay rise when he moved from the Premier League to Serie A.He was on around £60,000 a week at Man Utd, raking in about £2.5million per year.But he now makes just over £91,000 a week at Napoli with an annual salary of £4,779,287. That figure would put him below 15 United stars in terms of yearly earnings.His wages aren’t all that make up his net worth, of course.He has a company set up for off-the-field investments, Scott McTominay Ltd, and back in February we revealed it had funds of £4,745,160.’How can you sell him?’ Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blasts Man Utd for Scott McTominay’s transfer to NapoliThat would put his net worth riches north of £8million – not including sponsorship and endorsement deals.However, his business’ accounts took a hit this week after a botched investment in which he loaned cash to a collapsed firm run by his Wag, Cam Reading.McTominay loaned £1million in cash plus £1.32million from his own investment company to Ashley Reading and Wag Cameron’s Fortress Capital Partners.Scott McTominay’s careerBorn in Lancaster on December 8, 1996Joined the Manchester United youth system aged five and signed his first professional contract in 2013Made his Premier League debut against Arsenal in May 2017McTominay went on to win Carabao Cup and FA Cup with Man UtdMade 255 appearances and scored 29 goals for the Red DevilsMcTominay joined Napoli in August for £25.7millionBorn in England, he qualified for Scotland through his dad who’s from HelensburghMcTominay was called-up by Scotland in March 2018 and has gone on to become a huge Hampden favouriteHe was part of the squad at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024He won his 50th cap while playing against Germany at Euro 2024McTominay has scored some huge goals for Scotland, including an injury-time winner against Israel and his famous double in the 2-0 win over Spain in GlasgowCam and her dad are facing fraud allegations and Cam has been told to hand over hundreds of thousands of pounds from sales of two pads in Dubai and a Spanish villa.McTominay himself is among creditors owed around £20million by Fortress after it went bust.But it’s understood investors stand to get just 3p back for every £1 — meaning McTominay would receive just £66,000.With all that accounted for, McTominay’s net worth can be estimated at around £5.8million to £6million.McTominay and Wag Cam ReadingAnd with Ashley ReadingKeep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      Chelsea files: Blues face having to rip up transfer strategy after Strasbourg success as co-owner issues stadium update

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      CHELSEA are facing a major rethink in their transfer strategy for next season – due to the unexpected success of French sister club Strasbourg.Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos and Serbian keeper Djordje Petrovic have starred on loan at the Ligue 1 surprise package, while another hot teenage prospect, Ecuadorian Kendry Paes, is training under the tutelage of boss Liam Rosenior.Andrey Santos has excelled on loan at StrasbourgCredit: GettyStrasbourg could leap into second spot behind runaway champions PSG with just a game to go if they win at struggling Angers on Saturday.Uefa regulations mean Chelsea owners BlueCo had to park their shares in the French side in a blind trust last week.But if the two teams qualify for the same competition, Chelsea will not be allowed to do ANY transfer deals with Strasbourg this summer, meaning they cannot use the French side as a hot house nursery for their emerging talents next summer.This means that neither Santos or Petrovic would be able to extend their loan stays.CLUBBING TOGETHERCHELSEA are set to finally discover their opening Club World Cup opponents.The Blues were due to kick off their campaign against Mexican side Leon in Atlanta on June 16.But Fifa booted the Central American team out because they are part of the same multi club ownership group as fellow countrymen Pachuca, who have also qualified.Leon appealed to the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport, but have been unsuccessful.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFifa decided Leon’s place should be taken by the winners of a play off between Mexico’s Club America and former Chelsea and Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud’s MLS team LAFC, part-owned by the comedian Will Ferrell.But CAS judges will also hear an appeal against Fifa by Costa Rica’s Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, who claim they should be handed Leon’s place by virtue of their coefficient ranking.”WILL POWERENZO MARESCA and Levi Colwill are fully paid up members of the Mutual Appreciation Society.Boss Maresca loves Levi and Levi loves Enzo in return, recently describing his manager as ‘light years ahead’ of his peers.The discussion around the England centre back one day becoming Chelsea captain is gathering momentum and the player is desperate for the responsibility.Colwill is 22 but has been associated with his club since under-nine level.Speaking to a source at Stamford Bridge this week, we were told: “Levi has been at Chelsea for years. He has the DNA of Chelsea in his blood. And he has that winner’s mentality.”“He would LOVE to be captain. His natural character is to lead. He tries his best to push his mentality.”The only problem facing Colwill is the backlog of captains already at the club and the youth-first policy being followed by the powers-that-be.Current captain Reece James is only 25, his vice-captain Enzo Fernandez is 24. Unless Chelsea sell the pair of them, that armband isn’t going anywhere soon.But good luck to Colwill in his mission.Levi Colwill is keen to show off his leadership skillsCredit: RexA TOUCHING TRIBUTEBIG PREMIER League clubs like Chelsea enjoy a pack of ‘regular’ journalists who follow the club around the circuit.Those hacks become like a mini-family over time and everyone was so sad to hear of the sudden death of Paul Lagan last week.Paul was a passionate Chelsea supporter which made for that love-hate relationship all fans have with their favourite team.He also ran a successful agency and was always keen to give young reporters a start. He was only 66 and it was a touching gesture by the club to ‘retire’ Paul’s seat for Sunday’s 3-1 win over Liverpool and place a wreath upon it.Words were said in the press room before the game and Paul’s face, alongside his hero the late Gianluca Vialli, was displayed on the big screen at Stamford Bridge at half time.The pair of them may now be ‘up there’ reuniting and talking Chelsea for eternity.HOLDING COURTCHELSEA co-owner Hansjorg Wyss says leaving Stamford Bridge for Earl’s Court is “the best option” for the club’s future.But the Swiss billionaire pointed to boardroom divisions that have currently left all long-term calls in limbo.Wyss, 89, who joined forces with Todd Boehly to buy out the shares Roman Abramovich was forced to sell in 2022, was collared by a Chelsea Fan YouTube channel after Sunday’s win over Liverpool, when he gave a ringing endorsement of the dressing room “spirit” under Enzo Maresca.Asked about the prospect of leaving the Bridge, Wyss revealed: “Earl’s Court will be the best option we can think of.“But if it’s going to  happen, I don’t know.“There’s a lot of obstacles and right now we don’t have one person who drives the project.“That’s what we need, in the meetings, the directors’ meetings.“Until we have one project, where someone says ‘I’m going to make it happen’, it’s not going to happen.”Hansjorg Wyss joined forces with Todd Boehly in 2022Credit: AlamyROMEO CONCERNSROMEO LAVIA’S long-term injuries have been pin-pointed by Enzo Maresca as a major factor in Chelsea’s wobbles.The Belgian midfielder was outstanding in the win over Liverpool, after another fine display against Everton the previous week,But in both games, fitness worries were clear.Maresca told Reece James to warm up intensively before half-time against the Toffees when it looked as though the £45m recruit from Southampton was struggling.And even in the Liverpool game, Lavia signalled to the bench that he felt his race was run in the second half.Maresca said: “We are a better team with Romeo. He showed again how important he is for the team and how good he is. Unfortunately he has been injured for most of the season.”Finding a way to keep Lavia on the pitch for more than three games in a row might prove the key for next term.Romeo Lavia’s fitness is a key issue for the BluesCredit: GettyMEANS TO AN ENZENZO MARESCA believes his experience of a nail-biting promotion battle with Leicester last season could help him get Chelsea over the Champions League line.Maresca’s Foxes were in danger of blowing a 12 point lead at the top of the Championship as they lurched into a run of just three wins and six defeats in 10 games.But a vital victory over West Brom turned the tide.Chelsea face Newcastle, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest in their final three matches as they sit bang in the middle of a mini-table with only four points separating third placed Manchester City and Villa in seventh.Maresca, though, feels that going through the wringer 12 months ago will be a factor in his favour now.He said: “For sure the experience I had last year has been great in the sense that I learned from that.“When you don’t win games and struggle with results, you always have to analyse the matches.“We didn’t win some games where we weren’t good enough. But we also didn’t win some where we deserved to win.“So it’s about going game by game, analysing each game and seeing how we can improve.”Enzo Maresca won the Championship title with Leicester last yearCredit: GettyChelsea head coach Enzo Maresca says it is up to fans to decide whether to back the teamVIP TREATMENTENGLISH journalists were pleasantly surprised to find themselves being ‘high-fived’ by home supporters after last Thursday’s 4-1 trouncing of Djurgarden by Chelsea.A ‘sterile’ corridor complete with VIP barriers was erected on the touchline to help working reporters reach the Mixed Zone at the 3Arena.So some Swedish fans clearly confused the passing press pack with people of genuine importance. Either that or not much happens in the Stockholm suburbs. Think I know the answer.Chelsea travelled to Sweden last weekCredit: RexVIVID DESCRIPTIONANOTHER clarion call in the past week proudly announcing Chelsea are going digital with their ticketing from next season.The club claims on the all rounder email to members that it is part of their proactive policy to fend off the ticket touts who snap up seats then flog them on at inflated prices.Although it’s eerily quiet on what they are doing to combat unauthorised websites such as ‘Vivid Seats’ which boasts Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly as a shareholder. Funny that.Todd Boehly is an investor in Vivid SeatsCredit: Reuters More

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      in Boxing

      I woke in hospital in Qatar with a drip in my arm after nearly dying on a flight… I feared the worst, says Frank Bruno

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      FRANK Bruno has told how he thought he was dying after falling seriously ill on a long-haul flight — admitting: “I feared the worst.”The British boxing legend, 63, recalled feeling feverish before blacking out.Frank Bruno has told how he thought he was dying after falling seriously ill on a long-haul flightCredit: Louis WoodFrank’s PA took a snap of the star as they prepared to take off on the ill-fated flightCredit: FacebookBritish boxing legend Frank in his heydayCredit: GettyHe woke in hospital in Qatar with a drip in his arm and worried PA Paul Hunter at his bedside.Unknown to Frank, he had been taken off the plane in a wheelchair after it landed, stretchered to a medical centre and then rushed off by an emergency ambulance.Talking for the first time about his mid-air health drama, the former world heavyweight champion said: “I did fear the worst because I have never been like that in my life.“If Paul hadn’t been there, I don’t think I would have been sitting here doing this interview with you.”Frank and Paul were on a Qatar Airways flight from Heathrow to Doha on March 3.As they prepared for take-off, Paul took a snap of Frank, which the star then shared online.They were due to take a connecting flight from Doha to Thailand, where four meet-and-greet speaking events had been lined up.But Frank became feverish and disorientated 2½ hours after take-off.Worried Paul, 59, alerted crew who found the now-delirious dad of four’s temperature was rising and his oxygen levels dropping.They alerted medics at Hamad International Airport.Frank Bruno in mid-air emergency after falling ‘seriously ill’ on flight prompting docs to take drastic actionSoon after being taken off the plane, Frank was heading to Al-Wakra Hospital, ten miles away — with Paul fearing it was “touch and go”.Frank was treated there for two weeks for a mystery virus.He was allowed to return home only after a doctor jetted out from London, passed him fit to fly and accompanied him back.Frank told The Sun: “I was excited to be going to Thailand. “I felt really good.“But on the plane, I was just agitated and couldn’t chill out. “I got up to go to the toilet and all of a sudden I forgot what was happening to me.’I just blacked out’“I had a fever but don’t really remember what happened at all. “It was crazy. “I’ve never had a problem on a flight in my life.“I just blacked out because next thing I knew, I woke up and I was in bed in hospital with a drip in my arm. “Paul was by my side and I just didn’t know what was going on.“I was wondering, ‘What the hell am I doing here? I’m supposed to be in Thailand’, you know what I mean? “I was surrounded by nurses and couldn’t understand a word of what they were saying.”Fan favourite Frank with his PA Paul HunterCredit: Louis WoodFrank was speaking at the Frank Bruno Foundation — his Northampton-based charity that offers those suffering mental health problems an eight-week programme including exercise to boost their well-being.He has made full recovery since his ordeal and looked in great shape due to his improved exercise regime at his home gym and a nearby fitness centre where he has a new personal trainer.During the chat, the much-loved fighter, known for his booming laugh, cracked jokes and did impressions.But he confessed he had struggled with having to stay in a hospital bed for two weeks.’My life was on the line’He had scans on his body and brain, and a lumbar puncture procedure which ruled out meningitis.He said: “I had a lot of energy and I was getting out and walking around.“I just wanted to move, and the doctors were b*****king me for getting out of bed.” As he had not cleared passport control, Frank had no belongings and could not discharge himself to leave the country.He said: “I realised I had to stay there for my health — because my life was on the line.“As for (contacting) family and friends, Paul was doing all the work, you know what I mean? I wasn’t allowed a phone.“And I felt bad because there’s a lot of British people in Thailand who had bought tickets and a lot of people involved who were disappointed. “I’ve been to Thailand before and I have a laugh over there.I feel very good about the tour. I am going to look after myself, I promise you that — and keep ducking and diving.Frank Bruno“I bought a load of suits last time I was over there so I was planning to buy some more — some brightly coloured suits, but it never happened.“Hopefully I will get over there to see my fans soon.”PA Paul spoke to their insurers Zurich, which arranged for the UK-based doctor to fly out and return with them in business class.Frank was given VIP treatment to whisk him through airport controls.He said: “I was OK but just felt a little bit weak.”He spent another two weeks in a private hospital in London. Frank went on: “I was at least able to eat, go to the gym, watch TV and go for walks around Hyde Park. “I came out feeling very strong again.”He was buoyed by the public support after we revealed the drama on March 21. He said: “It was very nice to get cards, calls and messages.”He is now set for some of the British dates that had to be rescheduled. And he reassured fans: “I feel good, very, very good — I was up at 5.30 this morning training.”Frank added: “I feel very good about the tour. “I am going to look after myself, I promise you that — and keep ducking and diving.” More

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      in Soccer

      Four stars Chelsea could sign in transfer from sister club Strasbourg – including PSG Champions League hero’s brother

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      CHELSEA owners Todd Boehly and his BlueCo consortium are no stranger to a loophole in the world of football, and their acquisition of RC Strasbourg might be one of their smartest business moves yet.The Ligue 1 side are having a campaign to remember as they sit seventh, just four points short of SECOND place and still battling in the hunt for Champions League football next season.Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos is thriving on loan for StrasbourgCredit: GettyKeeper Djordje Petrovic is also shining in his stint at the Ligue 1 sideCredit: AFPA matter of weeks ago I travelled to Eastern France to watch the team in person in their 2-2 draw vs INEOS-owned OGC Nice, and I was pretty blown away by the quality of some of their players, not least those on loan from Chelsea, Andrey Santos and Djordje Petrovic.Their fans are rightly concerned that any major talent they produce or buy will be sniffed around by the Stamford Bridge outfit and lured into the heart of South West London in a transaction similar to when I move money from my current account to my savings.It’s no secret that Chelsea have spent obscene amounts of money in recent windows, but many fans will tell you that there are still problem positions in Enzo Maresca’s side.Nicolas Jackson is good, but there are concerns over his ability to be a Premier League winning number nine. READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSWesley Fofana is a (sometimes) walking injury concern, and it remains to be seen if Reece James can keep his recurring injuries away for good this time.So, which players from Strasbourg will the BlueCo ownership no doubt be keeping an eye on, who could be moving to London sooner than you think?1) Emanuel EmeghaAged 22, Striker. Market Value: £17mEmanuel Emegha has great stats and the all-round game to matchCredit: AFPBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHe dons the number 10 shirt as a striker, but this guy is a serious number nine.Most read in FootballThe Dutch forward joined RCSA in 2023 in a four-year deal worth slightly over £11m, and has scored 21 goals in 52 games since his arrival.How Enzo Maresca can transform Chelsea to challenge for Premier League titleThat said, this campaign he’s got 14 goals and 3 assists in 26 league matches, and impressed me with his all-round play in their game vs Nice.One of the criticisms of Jackson this season has been his threat inside the box, the Senegalese striker is great in build up and has shown technical ability on the ball, but doesn’t pose a huge threat inside the box or in the air.Emegha provides exactly that.At 6’5 feet tall, he is a danger in the air and has been clinical when he gets the chance to shoot too, I sat and watched on as he shrugged off Nice’s Moises Bombito before calmly dispatching the ball at the near post into the back of the net.He may not be the superstar name of Viktor Gyokeres or be Premier League proven like Liam Delap, but he is certainly one to keep an eye on.Expect plenty of people to be talking about him for a big move soon, especially if Strasbourg do end up playing in Europe next year.2) Guela DoueAged 22, Right back/Centre Back. Market Value: £10.1mWhen speaking to Strasbourg fans, Guela Doue was one name that kept cropping up over and over again.His brother is one of the most exciting talents in world football right now, lighting up the Champions League and Ligue 1 this season with PSG – Desire Doue if you haven’t yet put 2+2 together.Guela is the older of the two, and is far less flashy on the pitch, rather establishing himself as one of the French top flight’s best full-backs this season.Guela Doue is a steady performer who slots in perfectlyCredit: GettyAs previously mentioned, Reece James fitness concerns have had Chelsea fans at times calling for a new right-back.However, what makes Doue such a good fit is the style of how he plays for Strasbourg.Against Nice he was very solid defensively, playing as a right sided centre back and allowing the left-sided defender to push much further up the pitch, which for Liam Rosenior’s side is familiar face Diego Moreira, but in Chelsea’s case would be Marc Cucurella.When James is fit, there is no doubt he is Chelsea’s starting right-back, but Guela Doue would be a more than capable deputy for him and would allow Reece to be rested somewhat with the Blues hoping to be competing on all fronts next season.The stumbling block for this move however, could be Josh Acheampong.Chelsea’s Cobham academy has almost certainly produced another gem in him, and most fans will hope that he can go onto be James’ deputy himself.3) Dilane BakwaAged 22, Right wing, Market Value £15.2mI know what you’re thinking, Chelsea aren’t short of right-wingers.Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto have both joined the club in recent seasons, and they have a supposed generational talent joining in the summer in the form of Willian Estevao.Dilane Bakwa has similarities to Noni Madueke but needs time to developCredit: AFPSo I’m not saying the Blues need to sign him immediately, I’m just saying he is one to keep an eye on.Ligue 1 has served as something of a proving ground for tricky and exciting wingers this season such as Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele, Rayan Cherki and this man, Dilane Bakwa.Outside of Santos and Petrovic, the French forward has been the club’s best player for me this campaign, and has potential to be lighting up the Champions League sooner than you may expect.He is relatively similar stylistically to Madueke, with his stop-start dribbling causing chaos for defenders and his ability to create chances and shots reminiscent of Chelsea’s current number 11.With five goals and eight assists in 27 games so far this season he has shown that he possesses the talent to be one of the best wide players in the division, but may just need a bit more time to really compound those numbers next year.He has also played on the left and at times centrally for Strasbourg, which is something Maresca will like, but he may need to refine his end product before making a move away from France.4) Valentin BarcoAged 20, Left back/Central midfield, Market Value £6mBrighton thought they had hit the jackpot once again with their ridiculously good scouting methods when they picked up Valentin Barco from Boca Juniors.He joined the Seagulls in 2024, but was quickly loaned out to Sevilla in a move that didn’t really work out for him, before being loaned to Strasbourg, who have an obligation to buy him after his spell in France.Valentin Barco plays a role like that of Chelsea’s Marc CucurellaCredit: GettyHe plays primarily as a left back, but this season under Rosenior has been inverting into midfield in a similar mould to how Cucurella does at Chelsea – and he has been sensational at doing so.He’s got two assists in 11 games so far, but lately had his gaffer raving about him after a stunning performance vs Lyon in which he was rewarded with three days off having become a father for the first time ahead of the match.With Cucurella being one of the best left-backs in Europe as it stands, it is unlikely that Barco would come in and displace him, but Chelsea have no real back-up for the curly headed Spaniard either – something that could become a problem should the Blues be competing on all fronts in the next few seasons.Read More on The SunIn his absence this season, we’ve seen the likes of Levi Colwill, Reece James and Malo Gusto fill in there – all experiments that haven’t exactly been ideal.  For now, it doesn’t make sense to take Valentin out of an environment where he is doing so well, but if Cucurella’s form drops or he faces an injury lay-off, don’t be surprised to hear Barco’s name branded about Stamford Bridge before long.  More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea files: Blues caught in furious ‘s***ty pitch’ row as Maresca’s seven-goalkeeper dilemma sees him target Trafford

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      CHELSEA head to Sweden this week and straight into a bizarre ‘s****y’ pitch battle involving European opponents Djurgarden.Their hosts for the Conference League semi-final first leg are furious with the state of their OWN surface as they prepare for their biggest game in years. Chelsea take on Swedish side Djurgardens in the Conference League semi-finalCredit: EPADjurgardens striker August Priske admitted their pitch is ‘s****y’Credit: GettyThe pitch is an artificial one and the Djurgardens players and coaches are not happy with it. Usually it is the visiting opposition that kick up a fuss when they arrive and find it uncomfortable on an alien surface. Djurgardens overcame Austrians Rapid Vienna in the previous round but they lost the home leg and then came back in the away game to secure a dream date with Chelsea on Thursday. Striker August Priske said: “I don’t want to blame the pitch of course, but it’s a s****y pitch.”Djurgardens play at the multi-use 3Arena in Stockholm and share the multi-use stadium with rivals Hammerby.The Rolling Stones, Harry Styles and Celine Dion have all played there.Djurgardens’ coach Jani Honkavaara says: “Our training pitch is so different to the one at the stadium, it’s like night and day. The stadium pitches feel different from day to day.“It’s really tough for both us and our opponents. We get nothing extra from it.“The pitch is horrible. I have thought of letting us train more on the stadium pitch to get used to it.”Modern pitches often contain part man-made materials combined with grass. But there are fears that certain artificial surfaces can raise the risk of injuries to players.The stadium is owned by the authorities in the Swedish capital and it’s believed cost issues prevent the surface being changed.Cole Palmer spotted running away from Stamford Bridge as baffled Chelsea fans ask ‘where is he going’Win a trip to the UEFA Conference League Final in Wroclaw with HankookChelsea are fifth in the Premier League as they prepare for Thursday’s game and boss Enzo Maresca needs everyone fit for the run to have their best shot at qualifying for next season’s Champions League.Winger Tokmak Nguen said: “The ball just slides away from your foot all the time. In deciding situations when you have decided what to do suddenly the ball has moved for no reason. We have told the club that something has to be done.”Better late than neverLATE KICK-OFFS have always been part of football – but never like this.Chelsea’s Conference League clash with Djurgardens is the first meeting between the two sides and has finally arrived 70 years late.In 1955 The Blues were celebrating winning the old First Division and as such were invited to compete in the newly formed European Champions’ Clubs Cup.They were drawn against Djurgardens and then Chelsea manager Ted Drake was hugely interested.However, in order to play, competing teams needed the permission of their respective national associations and at the time, Football League assistant secretary Alan Hardaker allegedly asked Chelsea to ‘reconsider’ because of the crowded domestic season.How times have changed – European football now rules the roost and the domestic calendar is taking a battering to make way for it.Chelsea are playing in the semi-finals of a competition in only its fourth year of existence as Uefa’s third-tier competition behind the 36-team Champions League and Europa League.KEEPING UP APPEARANCESCHELSEA’S goalkeeper dilemma shows no sign of slowing.The Blues have asked about Burnley keeper James Trafford, who is expected to leave Turf Moor this summer – despite their promotion back to the Premier League.Newcastle look likely to beat the west Londoners to his signing, having failed in a move for the England Under-21 international last summer.But Chelsea have asked the question in the hope they may be able to pull something off.Maresca is in a bind over what to do between the posts, with EIGHT stoppers on the club’s books.Borussia Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel is also being eyed.Swiss star Kobel, 27, has established himself as first choice over his four years since arriving from Stuttgart in a £13m move.But Kobel, who has just one year left on his Dortmund contract, is ready for a change of scenery.Dortmund are steeling themselves for his departure, having already signed Diant Ramaj, currently on loan at Copenhagen from Ajax, on a four-year deal that starts this summer.That indicates Dortmund, who took midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka on loan from Chelsea in January, will be willing to do a £15m-plus deal.Robert Sanchez has spent most of this season as first choice at the Bridge and pulled off two vital stops in the weekend win over Everton.The former Brighton man has still to convince the Blues faithful, who are equally uncertain about Filip Jorgensen, who has made six Prem starts.Former Spain keeper Kepa is due to return from his loan spell at Bournemouth, Marcus Bettinelli has been the unused third choice this term.Another loanee due back is Djordje Petrovic, who has impressed at Strasbourg, while the Blues also have Lucas Bergstrom and Eddie Beach and have signed Genk teenager Mike Penders for next season.Chelsea want to sign Burnley goalkeeper James TraffordRobert Sanchez is still yet to win over the Blues faithfulTHE U-turn over Trevoh Chalobah has been completed – without even a flush of embarrassment.Central defender Chalobah was told he was surplus to requirements in August after being put in the Blues’ “bomb squad”.The home-grown 25-year-old had his preferred No 14 shirt stripped and handed to Portuguese flop Joao Felix before he was snapped up on loan by Crystal Palace.An injury crisis at the Bridge saw Maresca exercise a break clause in the deal to bring the defender back to SW6 in January, handing him the No 23 shirt.But Chalobah has now made himself first choice alongside Levi Colwill, despite the return to fitness of Benoit Badiashile.Maresca said: “Since Trev came back to us in January he’s done very, very well.“He’s playing games and helping us, defending when he needs to defend and also building from the back when we need him.“We’re very happy with Trev. Honestly, he hasn’t played a bigger role than I expected.“I knew he could help us. We never had any doubts about that.”Trevoh Chalobah has impressed Enzo Maresca since returning from loanCredit: GettyTROPHY HUNTERChelsea face the toughest run-in of the top five contenders, with clashes against champions Liverpool, Newcastle, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest.Maresca, whose decision to field a strong side for the home second leg of the Conference League quarter-final with Legia Warsaw backfired with a dreadful display in the 2-1 defeat, put Reece James on the bench against Everton.But some feel the Blues boss, aware of Mauricio Pochettino’s fate last summer, may value winning a trophy over qualifying for Europe’s main competition to secure his own managerial reputation.That could see him prioritising the two semi-final games against Djurgarden and then the potential final against Fiorentina or Real Betis in Wroclaw three days after the Prem finale.Moving the goalpostsChelsea fans may have to steel themselves for a FIVE-YEAR absence from Stamford Bridge if the club’s alternative stadium options fall through.Their neighbours in nearby Twickenham are on the front foot trying to lure the Premier League club to the newly renamed Allianz Stadium HQ of England’s rugby union team.RFU boss Bill Sweeney declared: “If Chelsea came, it would be a big financial number.”The 82,000 capacity is almost double that of Stamford Bridge currently and geographically is a much better fit than Wembley.The national stadium in North West London is regarded as an atmospheric graveyard for club games – as Tottenham found to their cost when they occupied the place for almost three years on a part-time and permanent basis while their new ground was built.There has been no update on the potential move to Earls Court with local Hammersmith and Fulham Council chiefs due to rule soon on a stadium-free mixed use plan by developers that could effectively determine the site’s future.If so, then a rebuild of Chelsea’s home since 1905 – which would likely be the fans’ preferred choice – might be left as the only option to expand the current 44,000 capacity.But complications caused by the Tube line running beside the ground and the nearby Brompton Cemetery mean club insiders fear a stand-by-stand rebuild is unlikely to be feasible.That would leave the Blues looking for a short-term let for between four and five seasons while the club’s new home was constructed.Twickenham’s restrictive Covenant agreement on staging events suggests the home of English rugby would be a non-runner even though the RFU seem interested in an arrangement, while Craven Cottage, Loftus Road and Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium would all be too small.That appears to leave Wembley as the best, if probably unpopular option, as the gate attendances would help make up a financial shortfall from the limits on other stadium income.Chelsea could play at Twickenham if Stamford Bridge is rebuiltCredit: AlamyO Romeo O RomeoCHELSEA fans were delighted to see Romeo Lavia back in action at the weekend.But the Belgian midfielder’s return left Maresca pondering what might have been.Lavia, 21, has made just NINE Prem starts, all this season, since his £58m move from Southampton in 2023, after a seemingly endless series of ankle, thigh and hamstring problems.When Lavia looked to be limping towards the end of the first half of the win over Everton, there were fears of another issue, although he was able to play until mid-way through the second period before being rested.Maresca said: “You could see the difference he made, particularly playing through the lines.“I spent one entire season with Romeo at City, actually, so I know him very well.“Like with James, he is a top player. The only shame for us is that unfortunately we need to manage and protect them.“There’s no doubt that with Reece and Romeo, Chelsea are a better team. He is a unique player.“When he is fit he’s one of the best midfielders around because he can defend very well and attack as well and his passes between the lines are unbelievable.”Injury-hit Romeo Lavia returned against EvertonCredit: Getty More