CHELSEA have reportedly held positive talks with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with the parties comfortably reaching a landing zone in contract negotiations.
There is said to be an increasing optimism at Chelsea and Barcelona that a deal can be done, but the Blues are not ready to reach Barcelona's £25m asking price.
Aubameyang is said to be regarded as a stopgap until next summer, when Chelsea will reportedly look to sign top target Christopher Nkunku of RB Leipzig.
Meanwhile Chelsea are set to announce the signing of Inter's Cesare Casadei, after pictures were leaked of him signing a contract with the Blues.
It is also reported that Chelsea have agreed terms with Wesley Fofana, though are yet to reach an agreement with Leicester.
Fofana is now said to be keen to force the issue and has reportedly asked to be left out of the Leicester squad.
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- Kostas Lianos
No pain no Kane
Tottenham star Harry Kane has named Chelsea legend John Terry and ex-Juventus star Giorgio Chiellini as the two toughest opponents he has ever faced.
Kane said during an Instagram Q&A: "There are a few who have been the toughest I have faced in my career.
"Early on facing John Terry, [he was] just a really smart defender, knew where to put his body, knew how to stop my runs, so that was a great learning curve.
"And then Chiellini. I obviously played against him against Italy and against Juventus. Again, really smart, strong, and physical"
- Kostas Lianos
Gun and forgotten
Chelsea target Frenkie de Jong revealed he planned to join Arsenal as a stepping stone before making his dream move to Barcelona.
De Jong called it the “Marc Overmars route” as that is exactly what the Gunners’ legend did.
The midfielder told Voetbal International: “In my mind, I have had the following list for a long time: Ajax-Arsenal-Barcelona, call it the Marc Overmars route.
“But then again, if you can go directly to Barcelona, then you are right where you want to be. Faster than you ever dared to dream”
- Kostas Lianos
Juan that got away
Arsenal missed out on signing ex-Chelsea and Manchester United ace Juan Mata from Valencia in 2011, according to the club’s former transfer negotiator Dick Law.
Mata had agreed personal terms with the Gunners about making the switch to North London, but the club dithered over the price tag set by the Spanish outfit.
Law told The Athletic: “Then we waited. Juan definitely wanted to come to Arsenal, there was no question about that.”
When asked if Arsenal ever considered paying above their valuation of a player, he declared that it was never discussed.
Law added: “I don’t think that calculation ever entered our equation. We didn’t have the money to say, ‘We’ll spend a bit more'”
- Kostas Lianos
Not Sou sure
Graeme Souness labelled Chelsea's £50million pursuit of Everton ace Anthony Gordon as a "gamble".
Souness told talkSPORT: "It is a hell of a lot of money for a 21-year-old who’s played 50+ games. I think the young man is promising.
"But to spend £40m on someone who might not be a player is a big gamble.
"I think Chelsea's needs are in another area. Chelsea need a goalscorer through the middle to put them away for fun"
Credit: Getty - Kostas Lianos
The Wright choice
Barcelona star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would be a great signing for Chelsea, according to Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Wright-Phillips told SunSport's Jake Lambourne: "Do you know what, I didn't think so at the start.
"But after watching them play at the [Spurs] game and the way Tuchel wants his team to play and after having conversations with [Gianfranco] Zola and [Glenn] Hoddle, it became clearer the reasons why [Thomas] Tuchel wants him.
"Aubameyang could definitely suit them, especially if he joins and scores goals. His mobility, the way he stays out on the left, never dropping too deep could suit Chelsea and can be someone they need.
"But I’m strong believer if you have a young talent there, why not put them in and give them a run of games. But I doubt that will happen until the transfer window shuts and they don't get anyone in"
- Kostas Lianos
That’s what’s Wright
Ex-Chelsea ace Shaun Wright-Phillips believes it will be “hard to stop” Arsenal following their explosive start to the season.
Wright-Phillips told SunSport’s Jake Lambourne: “I think they’ve been fantastic.
“The new addition with Saliba is phenomenal. Players are scared to run at him as they know how quick he is. Going forwards, especially in the final third with [Gabriel] Martinelli, [Gabriel] Jesus, [Bukayo] Saka, it’s frightening.
“Adding in key players like [Martin] Odegaard in behind, they’re always going to be finding players in and around the box.
“They’re going to be hard to stop and they’re scoring a lot of goals, which in the Premier League is key to success.
“They were unlucky conceding with the own goal [against Leicester], but apart from that they’re going to be a hard task for anybody”
- Kostas Lianos
Ready for Lis
Sporting Lisbon have stepped up their interest in re-signing Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo has made it clear his desire to leave Old Trafford this summer as he wants to play in the Champions League.
But the forward has struggled to find a suitor who would take him – with Chelsea and Bayern Munich both ruling out a bid.
However, one option which seems to still be on the table is a loan or permanent comeback to his former club Sporting .
According to Foot Mercato, the Portuguese outfit’s sporting director Hugo Viana is working hard to convince the Real Madrid great to return to the club.
Sporting can offer the five-time Ballon d’Or winner Champions League football – something United are unable to provide this season
- Kostas Lianos
Up to old tricks
Chelsea legend John Terry shows off the catch of the day on a fishing trip — after it was netted by his teen son.
Terry — famed for gatecrashing teammates’ celebrations — watched Georgie land a whopper on holiday.
And the legendary defender showed he’d lost none of his scene-stealing skills as he joked the success was all his.
Terry captioned the snap on Instagram: “Georgie catching the only fish of the morning. But I’m taking all the credit”
- Kostas Lianos
Trev it up
Inter Milan want Chelsea youngster Trevoh Chalobah on loan.
The Blues have agreed personal terms with Leicester star Wesley Fofana but cannot settle on a fee with the Foxes.
Chalobah, 23, is prepared to leave on loan and get more playing time if he faces more competition.
Inter have approached the Blues to seek a deal for the centre-back with manager Simone Inzaghi wanting him as part of a back three at the San Siro
- Kostas Lianos
Jan the man
Everton are ready to make a move for Adnan Januzaj if Chelsea complete the signing of Anthony Gordon.
Gordon has been the subject of bids from Chelsea who are willing to pay a reported £50million to sign the winger.
The Toffees are already lining up their replacement claims reporter Sacha Tavolieri and the club have identified Januzaj.
The Belgian is currently a free agent after leaving Real Sociedad on a free transfer at the end of last term.
Rumours suggest that the 21-year-old would be interested in a move to Everton after so far rejecting other proposals from European clubs.
He is believed to be keen on a Premier League comeback, the division his career began in when he burst onto the scene as a Manchester United youngsters back in 2013
- Kostas Lianos
'Right I stay'
Tottenham manager Antonio Conte is hoping to avoid a touchline ban for Saturday's hosting of Wolves following his FA rap for clashing with Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.
Conte and Tuchel were charged with improper behaviour after their bust-up at the end of Sunday’s dramatic 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Asked if he expected to be in the dugout against Wanderers, the Italian tactician replied: “I hope so. I think that it's right, it's right to stay in my place.
“After this type of situation you can learn a lot but at the same time I think that for many situations I was really good to keep calm and didn’t have an excessive reaction in the situation”
Credit: Rex - Kostas Lianos
Not Auba yet
Chelsea want to sign Barcelona star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as a short-term option until RB Leipzig ace Christopher Nkunku is available.
The Blues met with Aubameyang's agents to negotiate a move on Thursday.
According to The Telegraph, even though the West Londoners have stepped up their interest in the Barca striker, their long-term hopes lie elsewhere.
Top target Nkunku is not available right now, due to agreeing to a contract extension with Leipzig.
However, the playmaker's new deal contains a clause that allows him to leave for £51m next summer
- Kostas Lianos
Chelsea consider Gordon swap
Chelsea are willing to offer Everton Billy Gilmour and Michy Batshuayi along with cash for Anthony Gordon.
The Blues have had two offers for Gordon rejected so far by the Toffees.
However, they're hoping the Merseysiders will be lured into selling Gordon by adding the out-of-favour duo into the proposal, according to Football Insider.
Gilmour and Batshuayi don't make Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel's plans
- Kostas Lianos
Fofana terms agreed
Leicester star Wesley Fofana has pleaded with the Foxes to let him join Chelsea.
Personal terms are set so it's all ready to go if the Blues can splash to cash and meet Leicester's terms.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano tweeted: "Fofana has agreed personal terms with Chelsea, so the contract would be ready in case the two clubs find an agreement."
Leicester have turned down two bids from the Blues so far in the summer transfer window.
Fofana fears the West Londoners could be priced out for a move for him
- Kostas Lianos
Chelsea make Aubameyang offer
Chelsea have made an opening bid of £23million for Barcelona star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
That is according to Barca insider Gerard Romero, who confirmed the Blues are going for Aubameyang ahead of transfer deadline day.
The Blaugrana are looking for around £25m – meaning the bid is likely to fall under serious consideration.
Fabrizio Romano adds that the ex-Arsenal star only wants to join the Blues instead of Manchester United.
Romano tweeted: "No negotiations between Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Man United as things stand.
"It was ruled out days ago, Pierre is focused on Chelsea bid as he wants UCL football.
"New direct contacts on Thursday to discuss personal terms conditions"
Credit: Getty
- Chisanga Malata
Good morning Chelsea fans
Chelsea might force Manchester United to pay £58million if they want Christian Pulisic.
The Blues reportedly want the the full fee they paid Borussia Dortmund for the USA star, now 23, four years ago.
Elsewhere, Chelsea ace Callum Hudson-Odoi is set for a loan exit this month with Newcastle interested.
But the Blues will block any chances of the deal being made permanent next summer.
According to the Standard, new owner Todd Boehly has “pleaded” with Hudson-Odoi not to push for a permanent exit.
Meanwhile, Wesley Fofana has not told Leicester City he wants to leave the club.
The Blues have reportedly hashed out personal terms with Fofana.
But Foxes boss Rodgers claims Fofana hasn’t declared he wants to leave.
He said, via Fabrizio Romano: “Wesley Fofana has not submitted a transfer request.”
In other news, Chelsea are reportedly willing to offer Everton Billy Gilmour and Michy Batshuayi along with cash for Anthony Gordon.
The Blues have had two offers for Gordon rejected by Everton.
However, they’re hoping the Toffees will be lured into selling Gordon by adding the out-of-favour duo into the proposal, according to Football Insider.
Finally, Chelsea are reportedly open to letting Trevor Chalobah leave on loan this summer.
The Blues have made a number of defensive signings in this transfer window.
Leaving Chalobah’s chances of first-team football looking slim next season.
A slew of clubs are interested in the youngster, but the Blues won’t let him leave on a permanent basis, according to The Athletic.
- Justin Lawrence
Chalobah loan move explored
Chelsea are reportedly open to letting Trevor Chalobah leave on loan this summer.
The Blues have made a number of defensive signings in this transfer window.
Leaving Chalobah's chances of first-team football looking slim next season.
A slew of clubs are interested in the youngster, but the Blues won't let him leave on a permanent basis, according to The Athletic.
- Justin Lawrence
Chelsea open to Gordon double swap
Chelsea are reportedly willing to offer Everton Billy Gilmour and Michy Batshuayi along with cash for Anthony Gordon.
The Blues have had two offers for Gordon rejected by Everton.
However, they're hoping the Toffees will be lured into selling Gordon by adding the out-of-favour duo into the proposal, according to Football Insider.
- Justin Lawrence
Pulisic urged to join rivals
Chelsea star Christian Pulisic has been urged to join Man United by Steve Nicol.
He said to ESPN: "It makes sense for Pulisic. It can only get better for you at Manchester United.
“He’s the type of player they need right now; somebody who will come in and give a bit of energy and a bit of excitement.
“If there is one thing Pulisic does, he gives energy. He looks like he wants to do well.
“I think absolutely this would give him a lift, and it would certainly help Manchester United out.”
- Justin Lawrence
Ref admits Cucurella error
Mike Dean has admitted he was WRONG not to urge referee Anthony Taylor to go to the pitchside monitor after Cristian Romero's hair pull on Marc Cucurella.
Harry Kane's stoppage-time equaliser handed Tottenham a 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
But in the lead-up to the dramatic late goal, Spurs centre-back Romero could be seen yanking back Cucurella's frizzy hair – an action which the rules deem to be a red card offence.
Yet Dean, who hung up the whistle last season but remains an experienced pair of eyes in the VAR room, did not deem it to be violent conduct after reviewing the incident.
He told ref Taylor to play on and Kane subsequently headed in to salvage a point for the visitors.
And Dean has now conceded that it was his error which saw Romero go unpunished.
- Justin Lawrence
Souness questions Gordon value
Graeme Souness has questioned the exorbitant amount Chelsea plan to spend on Everton star Anthony Gordon.
He told talkSPORT: "It is a hell of a lot of money for a 21-year-old who’s played 50+ games.
"I think the young man is promising.
"But to spend £40m on someone who might not be a player is a big gamble.
"I think Chelsea's needs are in another area.
"Chelsea need a goalscorer through the middle to put them away for fun."
- Justin Lawrence
Aubameyang negotiations heat up
Chelsea's pursuit of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is gaining traction.
The Blues have been chasing the striker over the past few weeks.
And it seems talks are "heating up" between the club and player, according to football reporter Victor Navarro.
- Justin Lawrence
Pulisic plans Chelsea stay
Christian Pulisic will fight his way into Thomas Tuchel's starting XI despite concerns over game time, according to his USA boss.
Gregg Berhalter, the USA manager, has backed the American winger to force his way into Tuchel's side before the World Cup in November.
Speaking at an MLS event, Berhalter said: "He's a fighter, you're gonna see he's gonna get on the field.
"He may not be a starter, every year you hear that and every year he ends up on the field because of his contribution.
"He's a goalscorer. He's a winner.
"What I've seen from him in the last couple of years is his mentality has completely shifted and he embraces stuff like this.
"He's not scared of challenges like this and I'm excited to see how he performs this year."
- Justin Lawrence
Fofana hasn't asked to leave
Wesley Fofana has not told Leicester City he wants to leave the club.
The Blues have reportedly hashed out personal terms with Fofana.
But Foxes boss Rodgers claims Fofana hasn't declared he wants to leave.
He said, via Fabrizio Romano: "Wesley Fofana has not submitted a transfer request."
- Justin Lawrence
Chelsea review alleged racism storm
Chelsea are investigating alleged racist abuse aimed at Son Heung-min during Sunday's London derby at Stamford Bridge.
The incident in question occurred when the South Korean went over to take a corner in the second half.
And the Spurs star received abuse from the Shed End as he took the set-piece.
Footage has emerged which appears to show a racist gesture aimed at the player.
On the incident, Chelsea released a statement vowing to take strong action against the individual in question.
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