Transfer News

LEWIS HAMILTON and Serena Williams have pledged £20million to contribute to Sir Martin Broughton’s consortium who are bidding to buy Chelsea.Broughton is a former Liverpool chairman and was also a British Airways chief.
The Blues lost their big Premier League clash with Arsenal 4-2 last night as the tame end to their’ season continues.
And Thomas Tuchel was not happy with the pitch, blaming it on Andreas Christensen’s error which led to Eddie Nketiah’s first goal.
“To say that the pitch is difficult to play here is maybe sounds like an excuse but it is a very, very difficult pitch that we have here,” Tuchel said.
“It is not to our favour. The ball bounces very, very awkwardly in front of Andreas [Christensen] when he wants to play this ball.”
Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta also got into a heated argument with a fan after the game, just minutes after the Spaniard gave away a penalty which Bukayo Saka scored to seal three points for the Gunners.
Keep up to date with all of the latest updates from the takeover in our live blog…
Arsenal’s Morata issue
Arsenal have hit a stumbling block in their pursuit of Alvaro Morata.
The Atletico Madrid striker had a rough spell with Chelsea.
And according to Mundo Deportivo, his nightmare at Stamford Bridge is making him reluctant towards a Premier League return – albeit with Arsenal.
But the Gunners are still in with a shout of signing the striker as Atleti would prefer selling him to the North Londoners.
Conte on top-four race
Antonio Conte reckons Chelsea won’t get dragged into the battle for the last top-four spot despite losing to Arsenal because they’re too good.
Conte said: “I don’t think Chelsea is in this race. They are in this moment on a different level.
“They are there because they missed some games but they don’t stay in this race.£
Smith-Rowe’s playground
Stamford Bridge has been renamed ‘Emile Smith-Rowe’s playground’ after the Gunners star’s contribution for Arsenal against Chelsea.
Smith-Rowe got himself on the score-sheet in Arsenal’s 4-0 win over the Blues on their home turf.
And the Gooners gave the midfielder ownership over the West London ground on Twitter.
One fan wrote to Smith-Rowe: “Stamford Bridge is your playground.
While another concurred: “‘Stamford Bridge is Smith Rowe’s playground’.”
The Blues 10th biggest spenders in Europe
JOSHUA MBU reveals that Chelsea have been Europe’s tenth biggest spenders since the 2012/13 season.
The Blues have spent a £344m, which is LESS than fellow Prem rivals Man Utd, Man City, Arsenal, Everton and Villa.
They won every competition possible under Roman Abramovich’s reign.

Chelsea stars held dressing room inquest, says Christensen
Christensen, reportedly joining Barcelona on a free transfer this summer, also insists he can perform much better as an individual.
The centre-back said: “Since Thomas arrived at the club, we’ve always been strong defensively.
“That’s been our base to work from and then knowing that our quality up front guarantees goals. 
“Being solid at the back has always been a priority and recently, it’s been kind of the opposite.
Credit: Reuters
“We spoke about it in the dressing room, because we’ve now conceded 11 goals in our last three home games and that’s nowhere near good enough.
“I take 100 per cent responsibility on my shoulders for the first goal, it was my mistake, but luckily for me we got back into the game quite quickly through Timo’s goal. 
“We kept making mistakes though and it’s hard to keep bouncing back.
“I think we have to take a look at ourselves in the mirror because that performance wasn’t good enough and we know we can play a lot better than that. We can only blame ourselves for this result.
“We know we are better than this and for me personally, I know I can perform so much better than I what I showed. We need to pick our heads up and go again now.”
Blues calamity defending
Andreas Christensen admits Chelsea stars held a dressing room inquest after their 4-2 defeat to Arsenal last night, writes ANTHONY CHAPMAN.
The Blues were second-best at Stamford Bridge once again as they shipped more goals this month.
Chelsea also conceded four at home to Brentford at the start of April.
And they then allowed Real Madrid to score 3 in their Champions League defeat.
It means the Blues have conceded an incredible ELEVEN goals in their last three home matches – resulting in three defeats.
Captain Cesar Azpilicueta was involved in an angry confrontation with a fan at the final whistle.
But it was Christensen’s howler that opened the floodgates for Arsenal, with the Dane then subbed off at half-time.
Thomas Tuchel refused to blame the defender afterwards, instead criticising Chelsea’s PITCH.
However, Christensen believes the Blues need to regroup and evaluate their situation after heated dressing room talks last night.
Arsenal fan ‘Agent Hamilton’ in potential Chelsea takeover
Arsenal supporters have produced a mixed reaction following the news F1 legend Sir Lewis Hamilton is investing in Chelsea, writes GARY STONEHOUSE.
The Brit and US tennis star Serena Williams have joined a bid to buy the Blues – even though the Formula One star is Gooner.
The two sporting greats are each investing around £10million into the bid spearheaded by Sir Martin Broughton.
Broughton’s group are one of three parties left in the running to buy Chelsea from sanctioned Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich.

Seven-time Formula One champion Hamilton – who is an ARSENAL fan – has pledged £10m towards the bid.
Following the shock news, supporters of the Gunners quickly took to Twitter to react to the news.
And there were some hilarious comments as they digested the information.
One fan wrote: “Agent Hamilton, destroying Chelsea from within.”
Another wrote: “Arsenal fan Lewis Hamilton wants to buy Chelsea. Cheat mode activated.”
While another said: “Arsenal fan Sir Lewis Hamilton buying Chelsea in order to make sure they never compete for major honours again.”
Sir Lewis Hamilton and Serena Williams join Sir Martin Broughton’s bid to buy Chelsea
Lewis Hamilton and Serena Williams have added their names to the hat for a shocking Chelsea takeover.
Sky Sports report that the bid for the Blues spearheaded by Sir Martin Broughton, includes investments from two sporting superstars.

They have an estimated £10m each in the offer.
Sir Lewis and Williams have been in talks with Broughton’s group for several weeks.
Hamilton is an Arsenal fan, which adds an element of surprise to this breaking news.
The five-time champion will be competing in the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Italy this weekend.
Hasselbaink blames centre-backs and slams Lukaku’s ‘desire’
Hasselbaink slated the Lukaku, who made his first start since February, as well as Malang Sarr and Andreas Christensen.
He said: “Sarr and Christensen can’t make those sorts of mistakes in these kind of matches.”
The duo were given starts as Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger missed out.
Both were part of a Chelsea defence that was mistake ridden and punished by a ruthless Arsenal.

After the game match Hasselbaink, 50, continued his dismantling of Chelsea’s £97.5 million striker who has just five league goals to his name this season.
He said: “Lukaku, you’ve not had the best games show that you are the man and really want it.
“Go and show that desire I didn’t see it. That desire, I didn’t see it.”
“They were well under par but Lukaku, Christensen, Sarr and Alonso were just not good enough for a Chelsea team who should be challenging for the Champions League or Premier League.”
This isn’t the first time Lukaku has been on the receiving end of criticism since he returned to Stamford Bridge.
Earlier this campaign he was slammed by Graeme Souness after the striker said in an interview that he was unhappy at Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel’s style of play.
Hasselbaink rages about Lukaku: ‘Try and show that you’re bothered’ 
Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has criticised the performance of three players including Romelu Lukaku after their 4-2 defeat to Arsenal, writes ALEX SMITH.
Credit: Action Images – Reuters
He said on Sky Sports: “For Chelsea today it was a really bad performance.
“Lukaku, he doesn’t do enough. If you want to be the man you’ve got to run around.
“You need to try and show that you’re bothered. You need to want to suffer.
‘He doesn’t run around, he doesn’t go into gaps, he doesn’t demand the ball off his players. 
“At least show some passion. There was no passion from Lukaku.”
Tuchel blames Chelsea PITCH for Christensen’s howler
Thomas Tuchel blamed the Stamford Bridge PITCH for Chelsea’s horror 4-2 loss to Arsenal, writes KEALAN HUGHES.
It is Chelsea’s third consecutive home defeat having been beaten by Brentford and Real Madrid previously.
But rather than criticise his team or Andreas Christensen’s costly mistake, Tuchel blamed the pitch.

The German boss claimed the ball bobbled awkwardly when Christensen attempted to pass the ball back to Edouard Mendy – only for Eddie Nketiah to pinch the ball and score to put Arsenal 1-0 up.
Tuchel suggested a similar problem with the pitch caused Mendy’s mistake against Real, with Karim Benzema taking advantage on that occasion.
In his post-match press conference the Chelsea manager said: “It is a very difficult pitch we have here. It’s not to our favour.
“The ball bounces very awkwardly in front of Andreas when he wants to play this ball.
“We had the same mistake against Real Madrid in the Champions League that cost us the next round and it cost us again here.”
Chelsea ratings – subs
THIAGO SILVA – 6/10
Looked a lot more assured than Christensen but still couldn’t provide Chelsea with the focus and shape to keep a clean sheet in the second half.
KAI HAVERTZ – 6/10
Offered more than Lukaku as he dropped into midfield to link the play, but still didn’t have much more joy in the final third.
HAKIM ZIYECH – 6/10
Had very little impact when he came on as Chelsea chased an equaliser.
Chelsea ratings – attack
MASON MOUNT – 7/10
Provided a delicious cross for Azpilicueta’s equaliser and constantly panicked the Arsenal shape with his movement in between the lines.
His passing range really is something to behold but he did fade as the match wore on.
ROMELU LUKAKU – 5/10
Was definitely the quietest member of the Chelsea attack.
Linked up well with Werner and Mount on a couple of occasions but still seems to be lacking the sharpness and confidence that he signed with.
Was hooked for Kai Havertz in the second half after another difficult evening.
TIMO WERNER – 8/10
The so often frustrated German finally enjoyed some luck in front of goal as his deflected shot crawled in beyond the despairing dive of Ramsdale.
Looked a constant threat all evening with his pace and directness on the left-hand side. Also gave Arsenal nightmares with his energy through the middle. A huge fan favourite among the Blues faithful and you can see why.
The goals and assists are now beginning to add to his already impressive all-round displays.
Chelsea ratings – midfield and wing-backs
CESAR AZPILICUETA – 5/10
Was given a lot of trouble when Nuno Tavares, Smith Rowe and Nketiah smothered him on the left.
Got his goal at the other end and is clearly a valuable leader to a somewhat inexperienced back three, but failed to really provide the quality you expect to see from such a consummate professional.
Then gave a stupid penalty away in the dying seconds before an ugly confrontation with a fan at full-time.
RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK – 7/10
Won the ball back smartly moments before Werner’s equaliser.
Seems to have a good understanding with Kante about when to stay and when to go. Impressed as much as a central midfielder of his ilk could do in a frantic game with very little structure or rhythm.
N’GOLO KANTE – 5/10
Looked at his sharpest and most energetic best in the early stages as he recovered possession several times when the Gunners attempted to break.
But then seemed to lose his way in the match somewhat. Odegaard found the space around him and was able to dictate Arsenal’s attacks as Kante played catch-up.
Was criminally caught ball watching when Nketiah burst in to score.
MARCOS ALONSO – 5/10
Much better going forward than going back the other way.
Saka had him beat all ends up on numerous occasions and Sarr was forced to cover the space Alonso was leaving for the England international to run into.
Not his finest evening, but still offered his usual attacking threat.
Chelsea ratings – back three
REECE JAMES – 6/10
Despite being a wing-back by trade, James looked the most comfortable of Chelsea’s three centre-backs.
Proving to be the most versatile player in Tuchel’s squad, although is still probably most effective on the flank.
ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN – 3/10
Produced an absolute howler to gift Arsenal the lead inside a quarter of an hour, failing to get enough on his pass back to Mendy as Eddie Nketiah raced through to score.
Was hooked for Thiago Silva at half-time after a torrid 45 minutes. May well be the last we seen of him in a Chelsea shirt as his contract expires in the summer and he is reportedly joining Barcelona.
MALANG SARR – 4/10
Was a guilty of rashly running out to meet Martin Odegaard and allowing space in behind.
Had a shocking moment for Arsenal’s third goal as he was caught napping with Kante before Nketiah nipped in to score his second.
Chelsea ratings from last night’s loss
Timo Werner continued his fine run of form with another sensational display for Chelsea despite their 4-2 defeat to Arsenal, writes DYLAN TERRY.
But he was one of the only players in Blue to come out of the game with any credit as Thomas Tuchel’s hapless side endured an error-prone evening.
Andreas Christensen had an absolute shocker and was hauled off after 45 minutes in what could turn out to be his final game in a Chelsea shirt.
Here is how SunSport’s Terry saw the Chelsea team perform.
EDOUARD MENDY – 6/10
Made a smart stop with his feet to deny Gabriel in the first few minutes of the game.
The Emile Smith Rowe goal looked at first glance as though it was a soft one to concede, but the replays showed it was difficult for Mendy to get across.
Good morning Chelsea fans
Chelsea came crashing down from their FA Cup semi-final win over Crystal Palace last weekend with a 4-2 defeat to Arsenal in Wednesday night’s Prem clash.
The Gunners went 1-0 up through Eddie Nketiah before Timo Werner equalised for Chelsea. Emile Smith Rowe put them in front again but Cesar Azpilicueta pulled the Blues level for a second time.
But Nketiah secured his brace in the second half and Bukayo Saka added a late penalty to produce a vital win for Mikel Arteta’s side in West London.
The Blues’ home advantage was hampered after Stamford Bridge had 10,000 fewer Blues fans than normal as sanctions against Russian owner Roman Abramovich prevented Chelsea from selling home tickets.
Arsenal fans decided to poke fun on the home end’s empty seats claiming they are going back to the hapless times before outgoing owner Roman Abramovich took over.
They chanted: “There’s nobody here, just like the old days, there’s nobody here.”
But Chelsea supporters had some fun of their own as they reminded their London rivals they have never won a Champions League.
They chanted: “Champions of Europe, you’ll never sing that.”
And Arsenal responded with: “‘Where’s your money gone?”
However, Chelsea imploded after the game when Blues captain Cesar Azpilicueta angrily confronted a club fan in the stands.
Azpilicueta appeared to take exception to something the fan shouted after the referee blew for full-time.
He put his arms out in confusion as the fan gestured towards him from the stand, seeming to imply Chelsea needed to show more fight.
Azpilicueta was clearly taken aback by that so pointed at the fan and began gesturing towards him.
The defender then walked over to the stand to settle the dispute, appearing to criticise the fan for clapping sarcastically.
The supporter began to argue his case before holding his hands up to the Spaniard to apologise, before giving him a thumbs up.
Other Chelsea fans in the area seemed to be offering support to Azpilicueta – telling him to ignore the fan who likely voiced criticism of the result.
Meanwhile, A man has been arrested after Chelsea star Reece James’ safe was stolen during a burglary at his home.
Police have confirmed that a 31-year-old man from Hampshire has been detained and remains under investigation.
Last year the England star revealed shocking CCTV of the moment “cowardly” thugs broke into his home and stole his football medals.
James, 21, said a group of robbers broke into his house in September and snatched a safe containing his Champions League, Super Cup, and Euro 2020 medals.
Elsewhere, The three consortiums bidding to buy Chelsea have reportedly been asked to submit further details about their business plan and how they intend to fund the club.
Raine, the bank overseeing the sale, are seeking greater detail from the bids fronted by Todd Boehly, Sir Martin Broughton and Stephen Pagliuca.
The trio submitted their binding improved offers last week but have now been asked to provide forecasts and answer questions put to them by Raine, report The Telegraph.
It is not clear whether this step to intake further information will delay the bidding process – deadlines have been flexible and occasionally put back to accommodate the interested parties.
It is believed a decision on the preferred buyer could still be made this week but Chelsea are keen to complete due diligence on the three consortiums.
And finally, Former England defender Glen Johnson has advised Conor Gallagher to make the right decision in terms of what club he plays for next season.
When speaking to Bettingods.com, he said: “Gallagher’s been doing well, impressing pretty much everyone. You just hope that he doesn’t go back to Chelsea and not get game time and that will slow his progress down.
“That’s going to be a tough one. For me he just needs to play. This is when they get some nice form and learn their trade a bit more.”
Twitter blast Lukaku
Twitter blasted Romelu Lukaku’s “hall of shame performance” as the Chelsea striker endured another terrible night in blue.
The £97million man got the nod for the 4-2 London derby defeat against Arsenal.
But he was totally anonymous throughout his 60 minutes on the pitch.
And fans on social media were quick to criticise the under-firing flop, who is still stuck on just five Premier League goals this term.
One said: “Lukaku worst signing of the season? Gotta be.”
Another wrote: “Lukaku is so poor.”
Azpilicueta confronts Chelsea fans
Still smarting from his ridiculous decision to foul Bukayo Saka late on.
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta appeared to approach some of his side’s own fans at the final whistle.
An unleashed a furious tirade in their direction.

Chelsea crash to Arsenal
Chelsea have lost to 4-2 to Arsenal in Wednesday night’s Prem clash.
It was 2-2 between the two sides after an epic first-half period.
But Nkietah restored Arsenal’s lead before Bukayo Saka put the game to bed with a assured penalty following some calamitous defending by Cesar Azpilicueta in the final stages of the game.
Xhaka’s moment of brilliance
Arsenal’s second goal against Chelsea started with a moment of brilliance by Granit Xhaka in his own box.
Xhaka picked up the ball in Gunners goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale’s area and decided to move the ball forward himself.
First, the midfielder dribbled past Romelu Lukaku before leaving the crowd in awe with a stunning nutmeg past Macos Alonso.
The Switzerland international then switched with Martin Odegaard, who found Bukayo Saka down his right.
Saka drove the ball forward and passed to Odegaard back on the edge of the box.
Chelsea fall behind again
Chelsea have fallen behind Arsenal once again in this thrilling London derby.
Arsenal ace Eddie Nkietah has given the Gunners the lead once more after opening the scoring in the game.
A misplaced pass by Cesar Azpilicueta sets Nuno Tavares racing down the left, and his centre is controlled by Nketiah, who spins smartly away from the flummoxed Thiago Silva in one movement.
It sparks a spell of pinball as the ball cannons off Andreas Christensen, Malang Sarr and N’Golo Kante, before dropping kindly for the Arsenal striker to prod home.
London rivals level at half-time
Chelsea and Arsenal are drawing 2-2 after an epic first half.
Eddie Nkietah gave Arsenal the lead after Christensen’s mistake.
But Timo Werner quickly equalised for the Blues after he cut in from the left and saw his effort deflect past Aaron Ramsdale.
However, Arsenal then restored their lead after a well-worked counter-attack was finished off by Smith Rowe.
But, the game was again levelled when Chelsea skipper Cesar Azpilicueta converted from a cross to make it 2-2 just after the half hour mark.
Christensen howler gave Arsenal lead
Arsenal were given the lead at Chelsea following a howler by Andreas Christensen.
The defender, set to join Barcelona on a free this summer, made a mess of what should have been a routine clearance.
But his weak back pass fell well short of keeper Edouard Mendy and put striker Eddie Nketiah through on goal.
The forward did the rest as he finished past Mendy to give Arsenal an early advantage.
It was shades of Jorginho’s gaffe last year which gave Emile Smith Rowe a tap in.
Empty Stamford Bridge
Empty seats were on show all around Stamford Bridge during the London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal as the Blues felt the pinch of the sanctions on them.
Stamford Bridge had 10,000 fewer Blues fans than normal as sanctions against Russian owner Roman Abramovich prevented Chelsea from selling home tickets.

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