More stories

  • in

    Fans say ‘pray for Man Utd and Chelsea’ as West Ham agree deal for Todibo in latest incredible summer transfer

    WEST HAM are set to sign Jean-Clair Todibo – after Manchester United were BLOCKED from signing the Nice star. Todibo was linked with a move to United earlier in the window but it was ruled out by Uefa due to Ineos’ control over both teams.West Ham are set to sign Jean-Clair TodiboCredit: AFPSir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos are the majority owners of the French club, but have now also taken control of United’s football operation.Uefa had to run the rule on the clubs after both qualified for the Europa League, with fears over a potential breach of multi-club rules.So United looked elsewhere in the market and signed Leny Yoro from Lille for £52million. Meanwhile, West Ham and Juventus battled it out for Todibo. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd according to The Athletic, the Hammers won the race after agreeing a season-long loan with the option to buy. Personal terms have also been struck with a medical now set. Todibo emerged as a prime target for West Ham with the futures of Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma uncertain.Zouma is now close to completing a move to Shabab Al-Ahli.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTodibo first joined Nice on loan from Barcelona in January 2021 and made the move permanent later that year. He has since made 119 appearances, scoring one goal while emerging as a top defensive talent in Europe.Todibo will be West Ham’s sixth signing of the summer. Niclas Fullkrug, Max Kilman, Crysencio Summerville and Luis Guilherme have all come in for big money – leaving fans in awe. One said: “West Ham are moving mad, pray for Chelsea and Manchester United.”Another added: “West Ham are having a ridiculously good summer.”Jean-Clair Todibo shows his talents at Nice More

  • in

    Former Chelsea star ‘speechless’ at ‘huge problem’ Enzo Maresca has inherited days before new Premier League season

    WILLIAM GALLAS has highlighted the “huge problem” Enzo Maresca has inherited ahead of the new Premier League season. Maresca replaced Mauricio Pochettino when the Argentine left the club after just a single season. Enzo Maresca during Chelsea’s pre-season tourCredit: GettyWilliam Gallas is shocked by Chelsea’s transfer businessCredit: GettyThe West Londoners have added seven signings to their squad this summer for just under £100million. But of those, only defender Tosin Adarabioyo and midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are above 22. Chelsea are also closing in on adding 20-year-old striker Samu Omorodion in a £34.5million deal from Atletico Madrid. Boyhood Blue Conor Gallagher is set to go the other way in a separate £34m move – leaving ex-Chelsea star Gallas stunned. READ MORE ON CHELSEAHe told Lord Ping: “The players are too young and it’s a huge problem, but the problem isn’t down to the players, the problem is whoever is bringing them in.”It’s the owner who is putting his hand into his pocket but others are giving him the information, they’ve spent too much on the wrong players and now they are looking at goalkeepers.”It’s a huge mess at Chelsea, a huge mess.” Chelsea have also agreed a deal to sign goalkeeper Mike Penders, 19, from Genk after bringing in Filip Jorgensen, 22, earlier in the window.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThat adds to Robert Sanchez, Djordje Petrovic and Kepa Arrizabalaga in the goalkeeping department – again to Gallas’ bemusement. The centre-back, who won two Premier League titles with Chelsea, said: “I’m speechless.”What can I say about Chelsea signing another goalkeeper, why are they doing it? What for? Why do they think they need another goalkeeper?”Enzo Maresca’s tactical overhaul at Chelsea More

  • in

    Jamie Carragher fears Chelsea’s £40m star signing could backfire this season as he backs Enzo Maresca for axe

    CHELSEA may not have the same Cole Palmer from last season under new manager Enzo Maresca, according to Jamie Carragher.Palmer, 22, dragged the Blues to sixth place and a European spot almost single-handedly last term following his £42.5million switch from Manchester City in 2023.Jamie Carragher warned Chelsea they may struggle this coming seasonCredit: RexCarragher worries Chelsea star Cole Palmer won’t perform the same way he did last seasonCredit: PACarragher worries Palmer will struggle under new Chelsea boss Enzo MarescaCredit: GettyThe playmaker amassed a staggering total of 25 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances during his maiden campaign at Stamford Bridge under former manager Mauricio Pochettino.However, Carragher fears Pochettino’s shock dismissal may have a negative effect on the England international’s performances this coming season.The Liverpool legend criticised the Chelsea hierarchy for the handling of the club ever since their arrival two years ago as they turned the team from Premier League challengers to serious strugglers.The Sky Sports pundit isn’t convinced Maresca is the right man for the dugout after witnessing a turbulent pre-season campaign and believes he will struggle to get the best out of Palmer.Read More on ChelseaIn fact, the ex-England international doesn’t expect the Italian tactician to last a full season at Chelsea.Carragher told The Overlap: “What people forget in this era of Pep [Guardiola] and [Jurgen] Klopp is that Chelsea were so close to breaking in. “They beat Man City in a Champions League final and then lost to finals on penalties to Liverpool.”Thomas Tuchel could take on Klopp and Pep in one-off games. Then this new ownership comes in and it’s just been a disaster in terms of where they find themselves now.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”They’ve brought in all these new players but it’s only Cole Palmer who looks a tasty player. “My worry for Chelsea is that Pochettino deserves a lot of credit for how Palmer performed last season.Cole Palmer hits gym less than 48 hours after Euro 2024 final heartache as Chelsea star gets straight back to work”No one expected that, not even Pep, otherwise he wouldn’t have sold him. “So they might not have that Cole Palmer this season. I’m sure they will because I think he’s fantastic but a new manager has come in so it’s different.”The way Chelsea’s pre-season has gone… They’ve got Man City first game of the season… I’ll be surprised if Maresca is still the manager come the end of the season, very surprised.”Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi. More

  • in

    Arsenal breakthrough star closing in on LaLiga transfer after move to EFL club hijacked at last-minute

    ARSENAL keeper Karl Hein is on the verge of joining La Liga side Real Valladolid on loan.The Spanish club have swooped in late to nab the Gunners No3 after League One Charlton had shown an interest.Karl Hein is set for a loan move to Real ValladolidCredit: GettyHein, 22, started all three of Arsenal’s pre-season games in the States with David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale enjoying an extended break after their Euros antics.But having signed a new deal in June, it was always the plan for Hein to go out on loan this season for some much-needed first-team experience.Valladolid are owned by former Brazil striker, Ronaldo, who knows Arsenal’s sporting director Edu from their playing days.The Estonia international was particularly impressive against Bournemouth in LA last month, saving two penalties in a spot-kick victory over the Cherries after a 1-1 draw.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis will be the second loan spell of Hein’s time at Arsenal after spending six months with Reading during the 2021-22 season.Questions remain over No2 Ramsdale, who is also looking for more first-team football after being axed as No1 last season in place of Spaniard Raya.Ramsdale has been linked with moves to Chelsea, Newcastle and Southampton in the past.But he looks likely to be involved in the Emirates Cup this week as Arsenal host Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday and Lyon on Sunday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMikel Arteta’s men kick off their Premier League campaign at home to Wolves on August 17.They follow that up with a trip to Aston Villa, before games against Brighton, Tottenham and Manchester City.Arsenal legend Thierry Henry’s wild dancing after guiding France to Olympics 2024 finalArsenal have a tricky start to the season More

  • in

    Chelsea ‘in pole position’ for Atletico Madrid striker transfer and could sign Victor Osimhen in stunning double deal

    CHELSEA are in pole position to sign Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid after Conor Gallagher agreed to move to the Spanish club.The Blues have also not ruled out signing Napoli star Victor Osimhen to Enzo Maresca’s squad this summer.Chelsea are in pole position to sign Samu Omorodion from Atletico MadridCredit: GettyConor Gallagher has agreed to move to the Spanish clubCredit: GettyThe Blues have also not ruled out signing Napoli star Victor OsimhenCredit: AlamyAtletico could let Omorodion leave for a deal of around £40million if they can sign Julian Alvarez this summer.If the transfer is made then Chelsea are the frontrunner to sign the Spaniard.The Blues have already had a £27.4m offer rejected for the 20-year-old but are still keen on the star.He spent last season on loan at Deportivo Alaves scoring nine goals and providing one assist to help them to a 10th-place finish in LaLiga.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the ongoing pursuit of Omorodion has not turned Chelsea’s heads away from Osimhen as the Blues aim to sign both stars – should Napoli allow the striker to join them on an initial loan.Napoli want to sign Romelu Lukaku if they lose Osimhen in the opposite direction.And signing both Omorodion and Osimhen could solve Chelsea’s issue of not having a right-footed winger.Meanwhile, on Monday the Blues were closing in on Conor Gallagher’s £33.7 million switch to Atletico.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGallagher had verbally agreed to fly to Madrid to complete the move with Chelsea including matching rights in the deal should Atletico agree to sell Gallagher in the future.That means Chelsea could match any bid Atletico accepted on Gallagher before the Spanish club could sell him.SunSport’s Latest Transfer Headlines More

  • in

    Chelsea ‘reach agreement’ with Gremio to sign Gabriel Mec – but Brazilian wonderkid can’t join for TWO YEARS

    CHELSEA have reached an agreement to sign Gabriel Mec, according to reports.The Blues sent chiefs to Brazil for talks with the Gremio youngster last week.Gabriel Mec is ready to join ChelseaCredit: Instagram @gabriel_mec__And they have been able to strike a deal for a rumoured fee of £20.5million.Mec, 16, is set to undergo a medical in his homeland in the next few days, claim outlet Globo.And he will then put pen to paper on a five-year deal.However, the wonderkid will have to stay at Gremio until April 2026 as youngsters are banned from securing a transfer away from Brazil until they turn 18-years-old.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMec, who is an attacking midfielder, is yet to make an appearance in senior football.But he has been highly-rated for a number of years, with Gremio wanting to add a £136.8m release clause to his contract.However, they were unable to do so and the club were reportedly worried about losing him for free.Instead, he did agree to an image licensing and exploitation deal – similar to one that Neymar was given at Santos as a youngster.Most read in FootballMec is one of several South American wonderkids to commit their future to Chelsea.The club have already confirmed the £50m signing of Estevao Willian from Palmeiras.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsAnd last summer, Chelsea signed Kendry Paez for £17m from Independiente del Valle.Both 17-year-olds will move to Stamford Bridge next year. More

  • in

    Conor Gallagher AGREES record £34m Atletico Madrid transfer after he is banished from Chelsea

    CONOR GALLAGHER has agreed a transfer to Atletico Madrid, according to reports.The midfielder’s future has been up in the air this summer as he has just one year remaining on his Chelsea contract.Conor Gallagher has agreed a move to Atletico MadridCredit: EPAHe rejected new terms last week amid interest from Atletico, with Gallagher unhappy at the length of the deal he was offered.Atletico had a £34million bid accepted by Chelsea and gave Gallagher a Sunday deadline to decide his future.And according to Fabrizio Romano the midfielder has now agreed personal terms with the La Liga giants.Gallagher, 24, is set to fly to Spain today to hold further talks and finalise his transfer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat is a blow for the likes of Tottenham and West Ham, who were linked with a move for the England star this summer.But for Chelsea selling Gallagher will help balance the books and his fee will be pure profit for the club as he is an academy product.However fans will likely oppose the move after criticising the club’s decision to ban Gallagher from the first-team.Last week Gallagher was told he will not be allowed in the first-team building when he returned to the club from his summer break.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat meant he would have been unable to train with Enzo Maresca’s squad this week – because he rejected a new deal.Gallagher could have left earlier this summer after Chelsea accepted a bid from Aston Villa but he turned down the move.England hero Cole Palmer relaxes with mystery woman in IbizaFans have been furious with Chelsea’s handling of the situation.One said: “Whether you rate him or not the reports of him being exiled are embarrassing. Our academy products should be treated with more respect.”Another added: “What a disgrace.”A third reacted: “Absolutely insane, what a joke of a club.” More

  • in

    Chelsea join £20m transfer hunt for Celtic star Matt O’Riley but midfield ace has reservations over Blues move

    CHELSEA have joined the race to Celtic star Matt O’Riley.The midfielder has attracted plenty of suitors with his impressive performances for the Hoops.Chelsea have joined the race to sign Matt O’RileyCredit: GettySeveral Premier League outfits are lining up a move for the Dane, with Chelsea identifying him as a potential replacement for Conor Gallagher.The Blues offered Gallagher a new contract but he turned it down amid interest from Atletico Madrid.Gallagher could leave for around £34million and the funds could be used to sign O’Riley.Celtic have already snubbed offers for their talisman including a £14million bid from recently promoted Southampton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCrystal Palace and Brighton are also long-term admirers of the midfielder.O’Riley has also been chased by Italian side Atalanta all summer, but Premier League football may appeal more.The Danish international is understood to be unlikely to settle for being a squad man at any new club and will want guarantees of first-team appearances.Chelsea may have to offer more than £20m plus extras to persuade Celtic to sell with boss Brendan Rodgers adamant he will be going nowhere until his asking price is met.Most read in FootballThe West London side have had a busy transfer window and finalised the £20.7m signing of goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal this week.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile Ben Chilwell could leave the club with Manchester United targeting the left-back.There are concerns the left-back may not fit into Enzo Maresca’s set-up, as the Italian likes to use inverted full-backs who drop into midfield. More