CHELSEA are finally closing in on the signing of Jules Kounde, according to reports.
The Blues reportedly looked at Nathan Ake before settling on the Sevilla star amid reports that Man City refused to sell.
Meanwhile a move for AC Milan's Rafael Leao is said to be being lined up, with Chelsea keen on the Portuguese star to replace Hakim Ziyech.
But on the outgoing front, reports from Spain claim Blues captain Cesar Azpilicueta will join Barcelona this week.
- 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)
Stay up to date with all the latest from Stamford Bridge in our live blog…
- Ian Tuckey
Chelsea blow as De Ligt agent confirms Bayern move
Matthijs de Ligt will complete his move to Bayern Munich in a major blow to Chelsea, his agent has confirmed.
The 22-year-old Juventus centre-back was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge after talks over a new deal with the Italian giants broke down.
However, Bayern always appeared to be the frontrunners in their pursuit of the Dutch defender – with Juventus keen to receive around £68m.
And now De Ligt's representative Rafaela Pimenta – who also handles new Juve midfielder Paul Pogba – has revealed that a move to Bayern is imminent.
As reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, he said: "De Ligt deal will be completed soon with Bayern. We’ve to say thanks to Juve as they’ve been great with Matthijs and Pogba."
Chelsea are keen to bring in new centre-backs following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Thomas Tuchel has already secured Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly for £34million. But they will be keen to add another high-level name to the heart of their back line. And as they prepare to miss out on De Ligt, attention may turn to Sevilla man Jules Kounde.
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils duel Blues for Brazilian schoolboy
Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly set to enter a transfer battle for 15-year-old Brazilian wonderkid Endrick.
Jorge Nicola claims the duo are ready to make bids when the forward turns 16 on Thursday.
The occasion will see Endrick sign his first-ever contract with club Palmeiras.
And the Samba giants are ready to part ways with their wonderkid if his new £34million release clause is met.
United and Chelsea are preparing to swoop sooner rather than later as that figure will rise to £43m next year – and £50m in 2024.
Endrick is yet to make a single senior appearance for Palmeiras despite being rated as South America’s top prospect.
- Ian Tuckey
Hammers close on Broja and Lingard
West Ham are closing on Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard, Chelsea striker Armando Broja and Monaco anchorman Amadou Onana.
The Hammers could pay around £7.5million for former loan sensation Lingard.
Albania ace Broja is tipped for the London Stadium in at least a loan deal.
But the Hammers are still said to fancy a permanent move.
And the Standard say West Ham chief David Moyes is ready to make a third bid for Onana that could be worth £30m with add-ons.
- Ian Tuckey
Barkley 'offered to two Prem clubs'
CHELSEA have offered Ross Barkley to TWO Premier League rivals as new owner Todd Boehly looks to trim the fat in his squad, according to reports.
The former England international, 28, earns over £100,000-a-week at Stamford Bridge.
And Boehly is keen to get that sky-high pay packet off his books.
The Mirror report the Blues are so keen to get rid of the outcast midfielder they have even offered him to two of his former clubs – Aston Villa and Everton.
Barkley only managed six Prem appearances last season under Thomas Tuchel.
And he was close to returning to his boyhood club Everton in January on a loan deal.
- Ian Tuckey
Chelsea favourites to sign Rice
Chelsea continue to lead the race for West Ham's in demand midfielder Declan Rice.
The England international is priced at 15/8 with Betfair to make the move across London this summer.
Rice still has two years left on his contract, with the option of a further year so the Hammers aren't in a position where they need to sell.
The club have also offered him two new contracts, both of which the England star has rejected.
LATEST BETFAIR ODDS
Chelsea – 15/8
Manchester United – 4/1
Manchester City – 14/1
Liverpool – 22/1
Newcastle – 25/1It had previously been reported that a 'gentleman's agreement' had been made between club and player for the 23-year-old to leave this time next year, with Chelsea the probable destination.
The Blues have long been linked with the midfielder who they released as a 14-year-old. Jorginho and N'Golo Kante both only have one year left on their current deal so the Blues could be looking at alternatives for them should a new contract not be agreed between the parties.
However, there's plenty of competition for the England international. Reports claim Manchester City and Manchester United are also targeting the talented 23-year-old this summer.
And Betfair think Liverpool and Newcastle are also possible destinations.
- Ian Tuckey
Jules could be snatched from the Bridge
PSG could try to snatch Sevilla defender Jules Kounde from under the nose of Chelsea.
Thomas Tuchel wants two more two centre-backs following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers.
The German may also need a third depending on whether club captain Cesar Azpilicueta departs the club for his homeland.
Barcelona are said to be keen on the 32-year-old.
And Chelsea are pursuing Sevilla's Kounde AND PSG's Presnel Kimpembe as potential defensive reinforcements.
PSG could sell academy product Kimpembe for £42million.
However, according to Corriere dello Sport, PSG are now tracking Frenchman Kounde, who could replace Kimpembe should the Parisians sanction the departure.
PSG had hoped to land Inter Milan's Milan Skriniar, with the budget for a centre-back set at £51m.
But Inter are hoping to collect closer to £59m for the 27-year-old.
Kounde, 22, is available for £51m which fits within PSG's desired budget for a defender.
- Ian Tuckey
Rice a big hit with Blues' fans after video 'hint'
Fans are all saying the same thing after Declan Rice featured in a video of Chelsea’s squad tour of LA Dodgers’ stadium.
The Blues paid a flying visit to the home of the American baseball team, also owned by new chief Todd Boehly, last week.
Fans are all saying the same thing as Declan Rice features in video of Chelsea squad’s tour of LA Dodgers stadium
And the Dodgers posted a video to YouTube showing Chelsea’s players enjoying their time at the arena.
But baseball giants managed to throw a curveball at supporters by bizarrely including clips of West Ham captain and long-term Blues target Rice.
That’s after the England star visited the Dodgers with best pal and Chelsea star Mason Mount several weeks earlier.
The Dodgers even gave Rice a name-plate on the video, introducing him as a West Ham player – despite the YouTube video being titled “Chelsea FC Visits Dodger Stadium.”
And many supporters took Rice’s inclusion to suggest that a potential deal could be close.
One wrote: “Rice doing pre-season tour with us. Get this guy in ASAP.”
Another declared: “Declan Rice to Chelsea confirmed.” One noted: “Declan Rice to Chelsea here we go.” Another added: “Chelsea Chelsea Chelsea, what’s Declan doing there…”
- Ian Tuckey
Juve eye Gabriel after Bayern win De Ligt race
Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes and Villarreal star Pau Torres are reportedly on Juventus’ four-man shortlist to replace Bayern Munich-bound Matthijs de Ligt.
German champs Bayern sealed a £68m deal for Holland hero De Ligt despite earlier interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.
Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri is looking to bring in a replacement quickly, after also losing Giorgio Chiellini join LAFC on a free transfer.
The Serie A giants are known to be interested in Brazilian Gabriel.
And now Mundo Deportivo has stated that the ex-Lille man is one of four players on Juve’s radar.
Along with Gabriel, it has been said that Spain international Torres is a possible option.
- Ian Tuckey
Kalibou in, 3 more defenders to follow?
Boss Thomas Tuchel has told Chelsea he wants to sign three central defenders and one wing-back this summer, reports Nizaar Kinsella in the Evening Standard.
The Blues boss has been planning a defensive overhaul following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta are expected to join Christensen in departing Stamford Bridge for Barcelona, leaving the Londoners short of numbers at the back.
Centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly has already arrived from Napoli in a £33m deal, but Tuchel is not yet satisfied.
Chelsea are keen on Paris Saint-Germain’s Presnel Kimpembe, and are set to revive their interest in Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.
Meanwhile, Lens’ Jonathan Clauss has been linked with a move to the Premier League club.
- Sam Dymond
Blues open to Barkley offers
Chelsea are hoping to move on Ross Barkley before the beginning of the season, and bring an end to his disappointing four-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge.
Barkley joined the Blues in January 2018 for £15m but has failed to make his mark in London.
In that time, he has appeared 99 times for the Londoners, but only 57 of those have come in the Premier League.
The midfielder was loaned to Aston Villa for the duration of the 2020-21 season, but the West Midlands club opted against making the move permanent.
The 28-year-old still has a year remaining on his current Chelsea contract, and is said to be earning £100k-per-week.
- Sam Dymond
Lampard reunion first up for Blues
Chelsea's Premier League campaign is due to get underway in just 19 days time, and they will find it's a familiar face that awaits them on the opening day.
The Blues take on Everton at Goodison Park in their first game with the hosts managed by their record goalscorer Frank Lampard.
Chelsea will then take on another of their former favourites in Antonio Conte when they take on Tottenham in the season's first match at Stamford Bridge.
- Sam Dymond
More on Broja departure
Armando Broja appears to be moving closer to the Stamford Bridge exit door – despite Chelsea's desire to keep hold of the striker.
The Athletic report that the Blues have been reluctant to allow the striker to talk to West Ham, but are unable to provide him with the guarantee of regular first team football that he craves.
The Albanian is understood to have agreed wage demands with the Hammers, but the length of contract is still to be determined.
Broja made 38 appearances on loan at Southampton last season, scoring nine goals in the process.
- Sam Dymond
Transfer watch: Kimpembe to Chelsea?
The Blues are said to have submitted an opening offer of £40m to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Ligue 1 champions are keen to keep the defender and consider him part of their plans, but are also open should a lucrative bid come in.
Rumour rating: ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️
- Sam Dymond
Blues still in Kounde hunt
Chelsea still believe they can strike a deal for Sevilla's Jules Kounde – despite the defender being desperate to join Barcelona.
The French international has made his desire clear to Barca manager Xavi but, unless the Nou Camp club can raise money through the sale of players, a deal is impossible.
And while the LaLiga giants are unable to progress with the transfer, there remains hope for the Blues.
Thomas Tuchel's team have been tracking the defender for over a year, but the move had previously broken down due to Chelsea's reluctance to meet a £68m release clause.
However, Stamford Bridge officials are now hopeful that a bid in the region of £50m will be enough to tempt Sevilla into accepting.
- Sam Dymond
Breaking: Glick appointment mean Business
Chelsea have officially announced Tom Glick as the club's new President of Business.
The former Manchester City executive takes over at Stamford Bridge following the departures of Guy Laurence and Marina Granovskaia.
The Blues' official website states: "Glick will assume responsibility for day-to-day operations at Chelsea FC, including managing its global commercial strategy, driving revenue growth, enhancing fan engagement, and creating exceptional experiences for the club’s fans."
- Sam Dymond
Gunners beat off Blues for Jesus
Arsenal saw off a last-ditch bid from Chelsea to seal the signing of Gabriel Jesus, according to the player’s agent.
Marcelo Pettinati has admitted that the Blues came in with an eleventh hour offer for the Brazilian forward.
However, the 25-year-old has already bought into Mikel Arteta long-term vision, and had his heart set on a move to the Emirates.
“Chelsea were one of the teams that tried to hijack the Arsenal move,” revealed Pettinati.
“They tried very hard in the final days to get him. By that point, we’d already chosen our new project.”
Following the transfer, Thomas Tuchel’s team turned their attention to another Manchester City forward, Raheem Sterling.
- Sam Dymond
Blues still want defensive additions
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has told the club that he wants to sign three central defenders and one wing-back this summer, reports Nizaar Kinsella in the Evening Standard.
The Blues boss has been planning a defensive overhaul following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta are expected to join Christensen in departing Stamford Bridge for Barcelona, leaving the Londoners short of numbers at the back.
Centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly has already arrived from Napoli in a £33m deal, but Tuchel is not yet satisfied.
Chelsea are keen on Paris Saint-Germain's Presnel Kimpembe, and are set to revive their interest in Sevilla's Jules Kounde.
Meanwhile, Lens' Jonathan Clauss has been linked with a move to the Premier League club.
- Sam Dymond
Broja back for Hammers talks
Armando Broja has left Chelsea's training camp in the United States in order to fly back to England to discuss terms with West Ham.
Adam Newson of football.london reports that the striker has returned from Los Angeles with his Blues future up in the air.
Fabrizio Romano adds that the Hammers are incredibly close to agreeing a contract with the Albanian international, although talks continue between the clubs regarding a transfer fee.
But the East Londoners will have to move fast.
Many sides are said to be interested in Broja, and Chelsea believe they can use the demand to bump the price up.
- Gary Stonehouse
Morning, Chelsea fans
Jules Kounde and Presnel Kimpembe could follow fellow centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly into Stamford Bridge.
But Barcelona are expected to soon bid £51million for Sevilla's Kounde.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reckons Chelsea are in talks with PSG over a £43m deal for France star Kimpembe.
And Manchester City's Nathan Ake is still in the picture for the Blues.
On the playing front, boss Thomas Tuchel was relieved Mexican side Club America didn't hurt his players during Chelsea's feisty 2-1 'friendly' win on their USA tour.
Timo Werner and Mason Mount netted either side of Reece James' embarrassing own goal.
Tuchel said: “It was a tough match. They showed a physical game that we had to adapt to, and I’m happy nobody got injured.
“It was sometimes on the edge for a friendly game in pre-season, especially for us in our first match. But we accepted it and did not get frustrated.”
Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku claims he made a 'mistake' by returning to Chelsea – as he settles back happily with Inter Milan on loan.
And Napoli reportedly want second-choice Blues' keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Finally, forgotten midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko finally seems set for a permanent departure – to Marseille.
- Ian Tuckey
Sterling 'snubs signing City shirt'
Raheem Sterling has been videoed apparently refusing to sign a Manchester City shirt – sparking cheers from Chelsea fans who were thronging for his autograph.
The striker gave the unlucky Etihad supporter the brush-off while on his new club’s USA tour – just days after his £50million switch.
- Ian Tuckey
‘Race for Broja could weaken Blues’ bid to nab Declan’
Chelsea’s long-term hopes of signing Declan Rice could be dented if West Ham fail to sign Armando Broja.
That’s the claim from football.london tonight, although the Hammers remain favourites to land Blues’ striker Broja – ON LOAN.
Chelsea and Manchester United are the frontrunners to eventually lure West Ham’s England midfielder Rice.
And the feeling from some is that the Blues could have extra ‘leverage’ if London Stadium chief David Moyes’ ends up buying Albania star Broja.
- Ian Tuckey
Blues 'in Presnel talks'
Chelsea have already opened talks with PSG over signing £43million-rated France centre-back Presnel Kimpembe.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano says the Blues have stepped up their interest in the 26-year-old.
- Ian Tuckey
Barca fight to stop Jules reaching the Bridge
Chelsea are reportedly closing in on Jules Kounde but face competition from Barcelona who have made the Sevilla defender their “number one target”.
The Catalan giants are looking to build on an encouraging week in the transfer market after they closed in on some major signings.
They are now turning their attention to long-term Chelsea target Kounde, 23, and reportedly are set to make a £51m bid.
Marca report that he is now the “big goal” for the La Liga club after their failure to secure other targets earlier in the window.
While Barca did manage to sign Andreas Christensen earlier in the window they are believed to be keen on another centre-back.
Kounde is yet to join up with Sevilla’s first team who are touring in South Korea due to a pelvic operation he had last month.
- Ian Tuckey
Take a Bow at the Bridge
Ex-Chelsea defender Jason Cundy would like to see the Blues replace Timo Werner with Jarrod Bowen.
“He’s been brilliant at West Ham,” Jason Cundy said on talkSPORT.
“He’s also got a left foot which gives you another little dimension. His finishing is superb. He’s gone from strength to strength.
“I’m surprised there’s not been a bit more interest in him actually. I think he’s better than Werner, he’s in that similar kind of mould.
“Yeah I would [take Bowen] actually, I would have him. I don’t think they’re going to let him go for less than £50/60million, I think that’s probably where he’s at.”
- Ian Tuckey
Lampard 'in for Conor'
Everton are ready to rev up their interest in Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.
Blues' boss Thomas Tuchel has told the ex-Crystal Palace loanee he has a chance of regular first-team football this season.
But Toffees' chief Frank Lampard hopes to lure the four-cap England ace by building his side around the 23-year-old.
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