More stories

  • in

    I’m a former Chelsea star – Victor Osimhen will be kicking himself if he joins Blues in January transfer

    FORMER Chelsea star Glen Johnson has shared his thoughts on the Blues’ top transfer target Victor Osimhen.According to the ex-right-back the Napoli star “will be kicking himself” if he made a move to Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window.
    Glen Johnson shared his thoughts on Chelsea’s transfer top pick Victor OsimhenCredit: Getty
    Johnson thinks Osimhen ‘will be kicking himself’ if he moved to Chelsea in JanuaryCredit: Alamy
    Blues chief Todd Boehly is itching to strengthen his frontline and Napoli’s Osimhen is reportedly at the top of his transfer wishlist.
    The 24-year-old is said to be available in the January transfer window.
    But ex-Blues star Johnson believes Europe’s most sought-after striker might not want to move to West London just yet.
    In an interview with GGRecon he said: “Regardless of what’s happening at Napoli, I believe Victor would want to join Chelsea anyway.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “However, Victor will be kicking himself that this move could happen when Chelsea are currently in transition.
    “Of course they’re a big team and they’re going to bounce back eventually.
    “But as long as Victor is willing to wait 18 months or so for that to happen, then I’m sure he’d still want to sign for them in January.”
    Mauricio Pochettino’s squad’s struggles go on as they faced a 4-1 defeat against Newcastle on Saturday.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BT BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    They currently sit 10th in the Premier League table, 14 points adrift of top spot.
    And the former Liverpool defender thinks a move to Chelsea could hinder Osimhen’s terrific form.
    The Nigeria international scored 31 goals across all competitions last season and has already scored six goals in 11 appearances this term.
    Johnson continued: “It’s tough for strikers to move to struggling sides and start banging in the goals straight away; that’s difficult for anyone to do.
    “For example, if Erling Haaland joined Chelsea in January, he wouldn’t score the same amount of goals he’s scoring now.
    “It’s hard to assume that Victor’s going to start banging in goals from day one, if the move happens.
    “But I think he will score goals in the Premier League and the league will suit him.”
    And the Serie A champions will likely demand £120million for him.
    Chelsea has already spent £1billion since Boehly took over in May 2022.
    Should Chelsea complete a deal to sign Osimhen, he will become the most expensive player in the Premier League.
    Johnson added: “I think Chelsea needs to sign a new striker, but not one that’s going to make them break the bank.
    Read More on The Sun
    “We haven’t seen Nkunku play yet and that’s obviously because he’s had a big injury.
    “So as long as that doesn’t present any repercussions for him, then hopefully he can be the player that they signed him to be.” More

  • in

    Arsenal and Liverpool ‘exploring’ stunning Kylian Mbappe transfer with PSG star available for free in summer

    ARSENAL and Liverpool are both exploring the possibility of signing Kylian Mbappe, according to reports.The 24-year-old’s current contract with Paris Saint-Germain is set to expire in June, meaning he will become a free agent if he decides against renewing.
    Arsenal and Liverpool are considering the possibility of signing Kylian MbappeCredit: Getty
    Mbappe can start negotiating terms with other clubs from January 1, with several European sides already understood to be interested.
    And according to the Daily Record, Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool are among his potential suitors.
    Both clubs are said to be “exploring the financial and sporting parameters involved” in signing the Frenchman.
    Mikel Arteta is eager to bring a new striker to the Emirates Stadium as he looks to guide Arsenal to their first league title in 20 years.
    Read More on Football
    The Gunners have already been linked with a move for Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen ahead of the January transfer window.
    Meanwhile, Liverpool are long-term admirers of Mbappe, with Jurgen Klopp a known fan.
    Real Madrid have also held an interest in him for several years.
    Los Blancos came close to signing him in the summer of 2022, but he shocked the world by penning a two-year extension with PSG instead.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BT BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    Mbappe has scored 14 goals in 12 Ligue 1 games so far this season
    The forward turned down a world-record offer from Al-Hilal this summer after the Saudi Pro League side had a £259million bid accepted.
    Mbappe was subsequently sent to train with PSG’s “undesirables” – a group of senior players that were transfer listed by the club prior to deadline day.
    However, he made a quick return to the first team and has since scored 17 goals in 17 appearances across all competitions this season. More

  • in

    Chelsea transfer target Victor Osimhen’s agent fly out to Madrid while Napoli star takes in Bernabeu on his own

    VICTOR OSIMHEN was joined by his agent in Madrid for Napoli’s Champions League clash. The striker’s future in Italy remains in doubt amid a row with the club but he travelled to Spain for tomorrow’s group stage match.
    Victor Osimhen at Real Madrid’s Bernabeu
    He wondered the pitch on his own
    Osimhen, 24, was captured taking in the Bernabeu stadium all on his own, joined by none of his team-mates.
    And Spanish reports suggest the Nigerian’s agent, Roberto Calenda, has jetted in too for transfer talks with Los Blancos after the game.
    And that would come a huge blow to suitors Chelsea.
    Osimhen scored 26 goals in 32 matches last season to help Napoli to the Serie A title.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    But his relationship with the Italian champion has soured in the last few months – including with manager Rudi Garcia.
    Then the club mocking him on social media just added to the uncertainty over his future.
    Still Osimhen has six goals in 11 matches this season but he nine games with a hamstring injury.
    He returned in Napoli’s 2-1 win over Atalanta but did so strongly linked with a move to Chelsea in the winter window.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    Osimhen is believed to be the Blues’ top target as they struggle for goals.
    Liverpool and Arsenal are also among those linked but Chelsea could be preparing for a bid when the market opens in January.
    But Osimhen could demand as much as £120m for the attacker, which would be a Premier League record fee.
    Chelsea have already spent £1billion since Boehly took over in May 2022.
    Osimhen is linked with a transfer to ChelseaCredit: Alamy More

  • in

    Premier League clubs on transfer alert as PSG set to sell forgotten wonderkid wanted by multiple teams

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN are ready to sell forward Hugo Ekitike in January – putting Premier League clubs on red alert.Newcastle came close to signing the young Frenchman before he went to PSG from Reims 18 months ago and have been linked with a fresh approach this month.
    Hugo Ekitike joined PSG as a highly rated youngster from ReimsCredit: Getty
    West Ham were keen in August – while Crystal Palace have also shown previous interest.
    Ekitike was signed by PSG for just over £30million in July 2022 but struggled for game-time last term behind the superstar trio of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi.
    The latter two galacticos moved in the summer yet Ekitike has become the forgotten man at the Parc de Princes this season.
    The 21-year-old has played just nine minutes in the current campaign, which came as a late sub in August’s 0-0 draw at home to Lorient.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    Indeed he has only been on the bench two other times – which also came three months ago – despite not being injured and is unlikely to be involved against Newcastle in the Champions League tonight.
    PSG would prefer to sell Ekitike, who also has interest from a few clubs outside of the Premier League, but may be open to a loan with an option to buy.
    Eikitike came close to leaving PSG in the summer, with the club keen to include him in their deal to sign Randal Kolo Muani from Frankfurt.
    While Frankfurt were open to the prospect, Ekitike opted against moving to the Bundesliga club.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    The Frenchman’s place in the PSG pecking order only fell further last week after the club confirmed they had activated a clause to make Goncalo Ramos’ loan from Benfica permanent.
    Ramos, who shone for Portugal during last year’s World Cup, has signed a contract until 2028 and Benfica will receive up to £69.3m for the forward.
    Ramos immediately repaid the club’s faith in him after a difficult start to the season when he opened the scoring during PSG’s 5-2 victory over Monaco on Friday. More

  • in

    Tottenham ‘battling Liverpool and Man Utd’ for January transfer of ex-Barcelona star as Postecoglou seeks new signings

    TOTTENHAM have reportedly joined Manchester United and Liverpool in the race for Jean-Clair Todibo.Ange Postecoglou is desperate for new signings after seeing his side’s incredible start to the season fall away.
    Spurs have joined the hunt for Nice and France defender Jean-Clair TodiboCredit: Getty
    The Londoners were top of the table and unbeaten in their first 10 matches before facing rivals Chelsea at the start of the month.
    But Spurs ended up with nine men on the field as they lost 4-1 at home.
    The heartbreaking loss also saw them lose star players James Maddison and Mickey van de Ven to long-term injuries.
    And with Tottenham going on to lose their next two games against Wolves and Aston Villa as well, Postecoglou is demanding reinforcements.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    It’s reckoned the Aussie would love to boost his midfield and attacking options.
    But he is also prioritising a new defender amid doubts over Eric Dier’s future.
    And the Standard claims ‘Big Ange’ has identified Nice centre-back Todibo as his top target.
    The 23-year-old, once of Barcelona, has helped his side to second place in Ligue 1 with some fine performances.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    He has also become a regular at the back for Didier Deschamps’ France.
    And Nice are believed to only be holding out for a bargain £39million fee.
    Spurs also have interest in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly.
    But Todibo’s price tag and performances makes him the top choice right now.
    However, the Frenchman is wanted by Liverpool and Man United, who will not make things easy for Spurs.
    Todibo would also want guarantees of a regular starting spot, meaning one of Van de Ven or Romero would have to drop out of the XI.
    And he’s said to be comfortable at Nice until the summer as they mount a surprise title bid. More

  • in

    Steve Cooper ‘wanted by two Premier League rivals’ if under-pressure Nottingham Forest boss leaves

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST manager Steve Cooper is being eyed by two Premier League clubs.Cooper has overseen a disappointing run with Forest who have only won one out of their last nine Premier League matches, of which they have lost four.
    Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper has overseen a poor run of resultsCredit: Alamy
    West Ham and Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on Forest boss CooperCredit: Alamy
    There are no indications pointing at a potential dismissal but results will have to improve and thus two Prem sides are keeping tabs on the Welsh tactician’s status at the Tricky Trees.
    According to talkSPORT, West Ham and Crystal Palace are both weighing a potential bid for the 43-year-old if he becomes available.
    Palace owner Steve Parish is a long-term admirer of Cooper and would seriously consider him as replacement for Roy Hodgson.
    Hodgson has been doing a good job at Selhurst Park this season with the Eagles 10 points away from the relegation zone but the ex-England boss’ contract runs out in June.
    Read More on Football
    The same goes for West Ham manager David Moyes, and thus the Hammers may have to look for a replacement just in case the ex-Manchester United head coach doesn’t extend.
    Both teams are very keen on Cooper, who took over at Nottingham in 2021 when the team was bottom of the Championship.
    However, the ex-England Under-17 manager turned things around almost immediately as he led Forest to the play-offs.
    That in turn saw Nottingham returning to the Premier League after a 23-year absence during Cooper’s first season in charge.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    The team struggled at the beginning of last season and there were rumours club owner Evangelos Marinakis was considering sacking the Welshman.
    But instead Marinakis maintained the faith and awarded the ex-Swansea boss with a new contract until 2025.
    Cooper returned the favour by avoiding relegation on Forest’s first season back in the Premier League.
    Nottingham haven’t been able to set the world alight this term either but are currently eight points away from the drop zone and are less likely to undergo another relegation scrap. More

  • in

    Chelsea striker ‘lined up for shock transfer to London rival as Blues get go-ahead for Osimhen deal’

    FULHAM are eyeing a surprise move for Chelsea’s Armando Broja, as the Blues receive a go-ahead for a deal for Victor Osimhen, a report claims.After losing Aleksandar Mitrovic in the summer to Al-Hilal The Cottagers are desperate to replace the forward.
    Armando Broja is lined up for a shock transfer to West London rivals FulhamCredit: Getty
    Victor Osimhen is at the top of Chelsea’s transfer wishlistCredit: Rex
    Fulham have had a stuttering start this season with only four wins in their 13 league games.
    After securing a vital 3-2 victory over Wolves at Craven Cottage on Monday night Marco Silva is still keen to add more firepower to his squad.
    According to the Daily Mail, Broja is fit again after returning from a serious knee injury but Chelsea are still on the hunt for another striker.
    Chelsea’s West London rivals are interested in the 22-year-old, who could leave the Blues on loan in January, the report claims.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Although he scored against Silva’s side last month in the Blues 2-0 win, the Albanian international has still impressed his West London rivals.
    As a kid, Broja had trials at the Cottagers but was turned away before signing with Tottenham in their youth selection.
    But he might fall short of signing for them again as Fulham are also interested in Stuggart’s goal menace Serhou Guirassy who has netted 16 goals in ten Bundesliga matches.
    The 27-year-old will face plenty of competition meaning Fulham are keeping their options open with Wolfsburg’s Jonas Wind also on their radar.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BT BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino’s squad perpetual struggles go on as they faced a 4-1 defeat against Newcastle on Saturday.
    They currently sit 10th in the Premier League table, 14 points adrift of the top spot.
    Blues chief Todd Boehly is itching to strengthen his frontline and Napoli’s Osimhen is at the top of his transfer wishlist.
    The 24-year-old is said to be made available in the January transfer window.
    However, the Serie A champions will likely demand £120million for him.
    Should Chelsea complete a deal to sign Osimhen, he will become the most expensive player in the Premier League.
    The Blues are among several clubs that have expressed an interest in signing the Napoli striker.
    Arsenal and Manchester United have also been linked with him. More

  • in

    Five stars who could leave Chelsea in January transfer window as Pochettino is ‘handed one-in one-out policy’

    CHELSEA could see five stars leave in the January transfer window after Mauricio Pochettino was reportedly handed a one-in, one-out policy.The Blues are in the market for more signings after a poor start to the new campaign.
    Chelsea could see five players leave in January as Mauricio Pochettino aims for new signingsCredit: Reuters
    Despite spending £1billion since Todd Boehly’s takeover in 2022, Chelsea sit tenth in the table with just four wins from 13 games.
    Pochettino’s new-look squad has also been hit by numerous injuries to key players.
    And the Argentinian boss is eager to reinforce with some fresh faces in January.
    Boehly and Co are also ready to dive back into the market, having smashed Chelsea’s transfer record several times already.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    But the American does not want Pochettino to be dealing with a bloated squad like predecessor Graham Potter.
    And Chelsea have told their manager they will only sign players if current aces are axed in return.
    The Telegraph claims five stars are now sweating over their futures after struggling for minutes this season.
    Defender Trevoh Chalobah has not made a single appearance after suffering yet another injury problem.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    Trevoh Chalobah has been injured this seasonCredit: Getty
    Malang Sarr is out of the loop at ChelseaCredit: Getty
    Fellow centre-back Malang Sarr is also out of the picture and will be allowed to find a new home this winter.
    Meanwhile, academy product Ian Maatsen is edging towards an exit despite being hailed as a potentially important player by Pochettino over the summer.
    The left-back, whose nine appearances have mainly come from the bench and in a variety of different positions, is out of contract in 2025 and has so far refused to pen an extension.
    Finally, Chelsea’s attack could be streamlined amid reports Pochettino wants a new No9.
    That will see Armando Broja sweat over his future, with the Albanian already behind Nicolas Jackson and wanted by West Ham.
    Winger Noni Madueke is also down the pecking order after failing to impress Pochettino.
    And despite only joining Chelsea at the start of the year, he too could be on his way this Christmas.
    Ian Maatsen’s contract is winding downCredit: Alamy
    Armando Broja is wanted by West HamCredit: Getty
    Noni Madueke has slipped down the pecking orderCredit: Alamy More