CRYSTAL PALACE are set to make a shock move to sign Ruben Loftus-Cheek for a second time on loan, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
Elsewhere, the Blues have reportedly agreed personal terms with Leicester defender Wesley Fofana, but a fee has yet to be agreed with the Foxes.
And Chelsea could also be set to poach Frenkie de Jong from under the noses of Man Utd.
The Red Devils have agreed a deal with Barcelona for the Dutchman, but the midfielder would reportedly rather move to the Blues or Bayern Munich.
And that has led Barcelona to consider offering De Jong out on loan, as they will not be able to register Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha unless they can convince him to leave the club or reduce his wages.
- IN: Raheem Sterling (Man City), Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli), Omari Hutchinson (Arsenal)
- OUT: Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Andreas Christensen (Barcelona), Romelu Lukaku (loan to Inter), Danny Drinkwater (released), Charly Musonda (released), Jake Clarke-Salter (released), Lucas Bergstrom (Peterborough, loan), Sam McClelland (Barrow, loan)
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- Alex Cole
Chelsea linked to Cesare
Inter Milan are fighting to keep teen midfielder Cesare Casadei amid links to Chelsea.
But Inter Sporting Director Piero Ausilio would reluctantly consider loaning out the 19-year-old – or selling him IF a buy-out clause is inserted.
The Azzurri Under-19 star is also thought to be interesting Torino.
- Alex Cole
Gilmour, Kenedy and Ampadu future uncertain
The number could be up for Chelsea trio Billy Gilmour, Kenedy and Ethan Ampadu.
That’s the suspicion this weekend after manager Thomas Tuchel didn’t give them squad numbers.
Scotland midfielder Gilmour has already been linked with Everton.
Brazilian winger Kenedy and versatile Wales ace Ampadu also face uncertain futures.
And it’s claimed up to seven Blues could depart this summer.
- Joshua Jones
Mixed fortunes for Blues stars
It was very much a case of chalk and cheese from Chelsea against Udinese yesterday.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek scored a sumptuous chip, dinking the ball delightfully over the goalkeeper.
But Armando Broja was less fortunate.
He missed an absolute sitter from just three yards out, then was hauled off at half-time.
Whoops.
- Joshua Jones
Good morning Chelsea fans
Thomas Tuchel still reckons Chelsea "aren't ready" for next weekend's Prem kick-off.
But HALF the £200million summer transfer funds offered by new club owner Todd Boehly remain.
And boss Tuchel was "happy" with his two major buys in a 3-1 friendly win over Udinese.
He said of centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly: “He is a very, very good signing. A strong personality, a strong player.
“I am happy that he could play 70 minutes now. He’s getting fitter and fitter which is very important for us for the start of the season.”
And he was also content with ex-Manchester City striker Raheem Sterling’s busy role.
Tuchel's verdict was: “He had chances, very heavily involved in other chances, it was a good performance.”
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed manager Xavi is a big fan of Chelsea full-backs Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso.
Barca have already signed Blues’ defender Andreas Christensen and beaten them to Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde.
Chelsea hitman Timo Werner would reportedly accept a 50 per cent pay cuty to rejoin RB Leipzig.
The Germany ace has also been linked with Newcastle and even Arsenal.
Crystal Palace are tipped to make a shock move to re-sign Blues' midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek on loan.
And second-choice keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is set for Napoli on loan – but with Chelsea forking out 75 per cent of the Spaniard's wages.
- Ian Tuckey
Gilmour, Kenedy and Ampadu future uncertain
The number could be up for Chelsea trio Billy Gilmour, Kenedy and Ethan Ampadu.
That’s the suspicion this weekend after manager Thomas Tuchel didn’t give them squad numbers.
Scotland midfielder Gilmour has already been linked with Everton.
Brazilian winger Kenedy and versatile Wales ace Ampadu also face uncertain futures.
And it’s claimed up to seven Blues could depart this summer.
- Ian Tuckey
Kalidou 'getting fitter and fitter'
Thomas Tuchel insists he was “happy” with new boys Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling in Chelsea’s 3-1 friendly win over Udinese.
Boss Tuchel has suggested his Blues “aren’t yet ready” for next week’s Premier League kick-off.
And only half of the reported £200million made available for transfers by new club owner Todd Boehly has been spent.
But Tuchel said of centre-back Koulibaly: “He is a very, very good signing. A strong personality, a strong player.
“I am happy that he could play 70 minutes now. He’s getting fitter and fitter which is very important for us for the start of the season,”
And he was content with Sterling’s busy role.
Tuchel said of the ex-Manchester City frontman: “He had chances, very heavily involved in other chances, it was a good performance.”
- Ian Tuckey
Put your Kep on him moving
Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is reportedly closing in on a loan switch to Napoli.
But it has been claimed that the Blues will still have to pay 75 per cent of the Spaniard's weekly wages.
The 27-year-old will be allowed to depart Stamford Bridge this summer with Edouard Mendy Thomas Tuchel's No1 choice.
It was stated earlier in the week how Napoli were eyeing up a loan swoop with the option to turn the deal permanent.
And according to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Serie A side are close to finding an agreement with Chelsea for the ex-Athletic Bilbao ace.
The transfer guru has declared that the West London outfit will demand Luciano Spalletti's side pay a £1.25million loan fee.
- Ian Tuckey
Palace 'back in for Ruben'
Crystal Palace are to make a shock move to re-sign Ruben Loftus-Cheek on loan.
The Chelsea midfielder had a hugely successful spell with the Eagles in the 2017-18 season that shot him into the England squad.
He followed that up with a less successful move to Fulham, who he played 32 times for in 2020-21.
But last season, despite making 24 appearances for the Blues, he struggled to hold down a first team spot.Palace have switched to Loftus-Cheek, 26, while they grow impatient with Wolves on their move for Morgan Gibbs-White.
The attacking midfielder has been their first choice and they would pay about £20million.
- Ian Tuckey
Are the Blues ready?
Chelsea’s first five games
Among their opening games, Chelsea face the three teams that finished directly above the relegation places last season in Leeds, Southampton and Everton.
And there’s also a home fixture with a Leicester outfit that are seemingly in chaos.
Completing the set is a London derby with Tottenham, that looks by far the most tricky fixture in August.
August 14 will be a good test for both London sides.
- Ian Tuckey
Laporta admits Cesar & Alonso interest
Barcelona president Joan Laporta admits manager Xavi is a big fan of Chelsea wing-backs Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso.
Barca have already signed Blues' centre-back Andreas Christensen and beaten Chelsea to Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
And it was an open secret that Spaniards Azpilicueta and Alonso are admired by Laporta.
Now it seems even more likely that Barcelona will make a firm move for at least one of them.
- Ian Tuckey
Gilmour, Kenedy and Ampadu future uncertain
The number could be up forChelsea trio Billy Gilmour, Kenedy and Ethan Ampadu.
That's the suspicion this weekend after manager Thomas Tuchel didn't give them squad numbers.
Scotland midfielder Gilmour has already been linked with Everton.
Brazilian winger Kenedy and versatile Wales ace Ampadu also face uncertain futures.
And it's claimed up to seven Blues could depart this summer.
- Ian Tuckey
'Toon only outsiders to sign Werner'
Timo Werner would prefer old club RB Leipzig or Arsenal over Newcastle if he leaves Chelsea, reports say.
Sky Germany suggest the striker is more interested in winning honours than earning big bucks.
And they claim that means Newcastle are only "outsiders" – should Chelsea decide to loan him out or sell.
- Ian Tuckey
Tuchel hails form of new boys Sterling and Kalidou
Thomas Tuchel insists he was "happy" with new boys Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling in Chelsea's 3-1 friendly win over Udinese.
Boss Tuchel has suggested his Blues "aren't yet ready" for next week's Premier League kick-off.
And only half of the reported £200million made available for transfers by new club owner Todd Boehly has been spent.
But Tuchel said of centre-back Koulibaly: "He is a very, very good signing. A strong personality, a strong player.
"I am happy that he could play 70 minutes now. He’s getting fitter and fitter which is very important for us for the start of the season,"
And he was content with Sterling's busy role.
Tuchel said of the ex-Manchester City frontman: "He had chances, very heavily involved in other chances, it was a good performance."
- Ian Tuckey
Chelsea linked to Cesare
Inter Milan are fighting to keep teen midfielder Cesare Casadei amid links to Chelsea.
But Inter Sporting Director Piero Ausilio would reluctantly consider loaning out the 19-year-old – or selling him IF a buy-out clause is inserted.
The Azzurri Under-19 star is also thought to be interesting Torino.
- Ian Tuckey
Laporta reveals why stars snub Chelsea for Barca
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed players have rejected Chelsea in favour of the Nou Camp due to their project and boss Xavi.
The Blaugrana have pipped the Blues to a number of their main targets this summer – much to new owner Todd Boehly’s frustration.
Chelsea had agreed a deal with Leeds for winger Raphinha, only for the Brazilian to snub a switch to Stamford Bridge for the Catalan club.
And it was the same case with centre-back Jules Kounde, who held out for a move to Barca instead of Chelsea.
The West London outfit were even interested in Robert Lewandowski, but the Bayern Munch legend only had eyes for the Spanish side.
French forward Ousmane Dembele also looked set to link up with Chelsea on a free transfer, only to extend his stay at Barcelona.
And things could be even worse for Chelsea with Barcelona looking to prise Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso away from England.
- Ian Tuckey
Werner would 'halve pay to rejoin Leipzig'
The latest speculation over Chelsea's frustrated frontman Timo Werner is that he'd halve his pay to rejoin RB Leipzig.
Newcastle have also been linked with the Germany star.
And Werner could be unsettled more if he fails to regain a regular start once the Premier League kicks off next week.
- Ian Tuckey
Emerson set for another loan
Chelsea are reportedly set to loan out Emerson Palmieri for another season.
The left-back has only just returned from a spell at Lyon.
But Calciomercato claims Emerson is heading to Lazio for a reunion with Maurizio Sarri.
It could also mean Marcos Alonso is not granted his dream Barcelona move.
- Ian Tuckey
Chelsea’s first five games
Among their opening games, Chelsea face the three teams that finished directly above the relegation places last season in Leeds, Southampton and Everton.
And there’s also a home fixture with a Leicester outfit that are seemingly in chaos.
Completing the set is a London derby with Tottenham, that looks by far the most tricky fixture in August.
August 14 will be a good test for both London sides.
- Ian Tuckey
Everton and Villa linked to Barkley
Aston Villa have reportedly joined Everton in chasing forgotten Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley.
The 33-cap Englishman, 28, launched his career with the Toffees, then tried to revive his Stamford Bridge career with a loan spell at Villa two seasons ago.
The Daily Mail suggest Villa chief Steven Gerrard is considering making an offer for Barkley.
But there are also claims Everton's interest is waning.
It's thought Chelsea would be delighted to offload Barkley after four unhappy years at Stamford Bridge.
- Ian Tuckey
'Long' moan for Thomas
Despite beating Napoli, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel moaned: “It was a pretty long pre-season.
“Tiring and exhausting to be in the US for so long, and having to travel again today under the circumstances is not so easy, pretty demanding.
“After this weekend we prepare for nothing else other than Everton. The season is right in front of the door. There is a lot of positive stuff but we need to improve.
“We are not ready yet. We don’t have to be ready yet. We have another week and then it is time to be on the best level. It is always nice when the season arrives.
“We will have this week There is still some way to go.”
- Ian Tuckey
Tuchel again claims Chelsea aren't ready
Thomas Tuchel has AGAIN admitted Chelsea are not yet ready for the start of the season, writes JORDAN DAVIES.
And the Blues boss continued to lament their “tiring” and “exhausting” two-week USA pre-season tour with less than a week to go until their Premier League opener away at Everton.
Goals from N’Golo Kante, Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount saw Chelsea win 3-1 away at Udinese on Friday night.
Sterling’s strike was his first for the club since his £50m move from Manchester City, while another new signing in Kalidou Koulibaly made his maiden start.
Despite these positives, German coach Tuchel suggested there is still a long way to go before his side are Prem-ready to compete against the Toffees at Goodison on Saturday.
Tuchel produced a blistering attack on his own squad after their 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal in Orlando last weekend, accusing them of not being committed mentally or physically.
It was a tour that also saw them narrowly beat Club America in Las Vegas before losing on penalties to MLS newbies Charlotte FC.
- Ian Tuckey
Transfer watch: Zaha to Chelsea?
Reports emerged this week that Thomas Tuchel was interested in bringing Wilfried Zaha to Stamford Bridge.
It seems unlikely that Crystal Palace would consider doing business with a London rival, despite only a year remaining on their talisman’s contract.
But Todd Boehly does have the resources to tempt the Eagles to cash in.
- Ian Tuckey
Napoli seek 'urgent Kepa deal'
Napoli are keen on signing Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan as soon as possible.
Ex-Arsenal stopper David Ospina's departure to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr leaves the Serie A giants needing a quick replacement.
And Gianluca Di Marzio claim Napoli have agreed to borrow Kepa by paying 25% of his salary, compared to Chelsea forking out 75%.
The stumbling block is thought to be add-ons, with the Londoners reportedly wanting more than £1million.
Napoli's current keeper Alex Meret is thought to have agreed a five-year contract extension, but he is waiting to see if he will be first-choice.
- Ian Tuckey
'Barca project appeals to Blues' targets'
Joan Laporta explained Barca's transfer magnetism – as they beat Chelsea to targets.
He told CBS Sports: "We have a good relationship and we respect our opponents. Chelsea's [minority] owner Todd Boehly is an extraordinary person.
"We have had this necessity to be active in the transfer market in order to improve our squad.
"And it just so happens that some of the players they wanted, we did also.
"Those players wanted to come to Barcelona because they believe in our project, our history, our style of playing and our coach. Xavi is important."
But he rejected speculation of Frenkie de Jong joining the Blues.
Asked whether Chelsea were offered the chance to sign De Jong, Laporta said: "No, no, no. We had a very nice dinner in Barcelona and we talked in general about football."
- Ian Tuckey
Laporta reveals why stars snub Chelsea for Barca
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed players have rejected Chelsea in favour of the Nou Camp due to their project and boss Xavi.
The Blaugrana have pipped the Blues to a number of their main targets this summer – much to new owner Todd Boehly's frustration.
Chelsea had agreed a deal with Leeds for winger Raphinha, only for the Brazilian to snub a switch to Stamford Bridge for the Catalan club.
And it was the same case with centre-back Jules Kounde, who held out for a move to Barca instead of Chelsea.
The West London outfit were even interested in Robert Lewandowski, but the Bayern Munch legend only had eyes for the Spanish side.
French forward Ousmane Dembele also looked set to link up with Chelsea on a free transfer, only to extend his stay at Barcelona.
And things could be even worse for Chelsea with Barcelona looking to prise Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso away from England.
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