CHELSEA have confirmed they have reached an agreement with Brighton for full-back Marc Cucurella – and he could play tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the Blues have finally got one over Barcelona in this transfer window as captain Cesar Azpilicueta has spurned their advances to sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge.
At the same time, the Blues are reportedly closing in on a number of Barca players.
They are already said to be in direct talks with Man Utd target Frenkie de Jong.
And they've reportedly held discussions with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's entourage as they consider a move for the former Arsenal captain.
Barca have also offered former Man Utd winger Memphis Depay as part of a package deal with Aubameyang and De Jong.
Get all the latest transfer news from around the world.
- 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)
PLAY DREAM TEAM NOW FOR FREE WITH £100k IN PRIZE MONEY
Stay up to date with all the latest from Stamford Bridge in our live blog…
- Sam Dymond
Breaking: Blues sign Marc Cucurella
Chelsea have confirmed the signing of defender Marc Cucurella from Brighton on a six-year deal.
And in a cheeky club announcement, the Blues have taken a dig at the Seagulls.
During negotiations earlier this week, the south coast club tweeted an official statement denying that there had been any agreement for Cucurella, dismissing many media reports.
Credit: @officialBHAFC Twitter But now the Blues have sealed the transfer, and in doing so have confirmed the news in incredibly similar fashion, mimicking the style and wording of Brighton's denial.
The fee for the Spaniard is understood to be £55m that could rise to £62m with add-ons.
Credit: @chelseafc Twitter - Sam Dymond
Tuchel: Cucu can help Chilwell
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel believes the imminent arrival of Marc Cucurella will help ease the pressure on the returning Ben Chilwell.
England international Chilwell is only just back after a long-term injury, and the Blues boss hopes that their incoming left-back can support his teammate rather than pressure him.
Tuchel told the assembled press: "[The signing of Marc Cucurella] helps Ben [Chilwell] to escape the pressure of having to deliver and being needed right now.
"We have Marcos Alonso, Kenedy and Emerson, but when [the deal] hopefully go through, Marc is the option for both this position and to play in the back three. His profile is that regards is similar to Cesar Azpilicueta."
- Sam Dymond
Seagulls swoop for Colwill loan
Levi Colwill will join Brighton on a season-loan as part of the deal that takes Marc Cucurella to Chelsea.
The highly-rated Blues defender will move temporarily to the south-coast club for the 2022-23 campaign, but there will be no option for the Seagulls to buy the youngster next summer.
It’s a break from the norm for Brighton, who have made it their philosophy not to develop other clubs’ players since reaching the Premier League.
However, Colwill’s arrival will help to fill the gap in centre-back cover left by Cucurella’s exit – especially with Shane Duffy poised to join Fulham.
- Sam Dymond
Xavi dismisses Blues Auba bid
Barcelona boss Xavi has reportedly shut down talk of Chelsea target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leaving this summer.
The former Arsenal captain has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge just eight months after arriving at the Nou Camp.
It comes as Thomas Tuchel searches for a replacement for Romelu Lukaku – who returned to Inter Milan on loan after a difficult 12 months with the Blues.
However, Xavi now appears to have poured cold water on an Aubameyang-Chelsea link-up.
According to Sport, the club have no intention of selling him in the current window.
Despite the arrival of Robert Lewandowski, Xavi believes the attacking pair can co-exist within the squad and even link-up together in certain matches.
- Sam Dymond
World record fee for Wes?
Chelsea are willing to meet Leicester’s £85m asking price for Wesley Fofana.
The centre-back is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, but it will cost the Blues a world record fee for a defender to force the Foxes’ hand.
The Londoners had a £60m offer for the 21-year-old rejected earlier this week, but are prepared to return with the eye-watering offer.
Brendan Rodgers does not want to sell the centre-back, but would reluctantly consider a bid eclipsing the world-record £80m that Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire in 2019.
- Sam Dymond
Sesko will soon make decision
Red Bull Salzburg hot-shot Benjamin Sesko will make a decision on his future 'next week', according to reports in Slovenia.
The 19-year-old striker has been at the centre of another transfer battle between Manchester United and Chelsea.
The Red Devils are understood to be leading the race for Sesko, but may have to pay as much as £50m for the highly-rated teenager.
Both Erik ten Hag and Thomas Tuchel are keen to bolster their options in attack.
- Sam Dymond
Chelsea closing in on Cucurella
Marc Cucurella is hours away from being confirmed as a Chelsea player – and could feature for his new club this weekend.
Fabrizio Romano understands that the Spaniard will soon be unveiled by the Blues after they worked tirelessly through the night with Brighton in order to complete the necessary paperwork.
The defender's medical is also said to have progressed without a hitch, signalling a clean bill of health for the 24-year-old.
The fee has been confirmed as £55m plus the potential for another £7m in add-ons.
Cucurella signed for the Seagulls from Getafe 11 months ago for just £15m.
- Sam Dymond
Azpi U-turn after Boehly block
Chelsea club captain Cesar Azpilicueta has thanked Todd Boehly – despite the new owner blocking his move to Barcelona.
The Spaniard had been expected to join Barca this summer, but yesterday surprised many by agreeing to a new two-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
The deal was penned after it was reported that Boehly would block any moves to the Nou Camp following a summer of bad blood between the clubs.
Despite being cash-strapped, Barca managed to beat the Blues to the signings of Raphinha and Jules Kounde.
Azpilicueta told the club's official website: "I am really happy to extend my stay at Chelsea, my home.
"It is almost ten years since I first arrived and joined the club so I really feel the love and I am really excited for the new project we have in our hands.
"I would like to say thank you to Mr Todd and Mr Behdad for giving me the opportunity to keep my journey at this amazing club and I am really looking forward to continuing our adventure.
"I am a really proud captain and I hope we can share many good memories together."
Credit: @chelseafc.com - Kealan Hughes
Good morning Chelsea fans
Cesar Azpilicueta performed a shock transfer U-turn by snubbing Barcelona and signing a new two-year deal.
The Spaniard was entering the final year on his current deal which was only extended at the end of last season.
And Azpilicueta has spent the transfer window linked with a move back to Spain with Barcelona.
And although it was previously claimed the defender favoured a move away he has committed his future to Chelsea.
But Barcelona have reportedly shut down talk of Chelsea target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leaving this summer.
The former Arsenal captain, 33, has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge just eight months after arriving at the Nou Camp.
It comes as Thomas Tuchel searches for a replacement for Romelu Lukaku – who returned to Inter Milan on loan after a difficult 12 months with the Blues.
However, Xavi now appears to have poured cold water on an Aubameyang-Chelsea link-up.
Elsewhere, Inter Milan could be set to lose the best talent coming through their academy as Arsenal and Chelsea are locked in a battle for 19-year-old starlet Cesare Casadei.
The Blues thought they had stolen a march on their London rivals by bidding £7million for the Casadei, but that offer was swiftly rejected.
Now, the Gunners are believed to be considering hijacking the deal that’s closer to Inter’s valuation of the midfielder.
The Nerazzurri are said to be hoping for as much as £17m for the Italian – despite him having never played in the first team yet.
- Jack Figg
Auba speculation
Xavi has reportedly shut down talk of Chelsea target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leaving this summer.
The former Arsenal captain, 33, has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge just eight months after arriving at the Nou Camp.
It comes as Thomas Tuchel searches for a replacement for Romelu Lukaku – who returned to Inter Milan on loan after a difficult 12 months with the Blues.
However, Xavi now appears to have poured cold water on an Aubameyang-Chelsea link-up.
According to Sport, the club have no intention of selling him in the current window.
Despite the arrival of Robert Lewandowski, Xavi believes the pair can co-exist within the squad and even link-up together in certain matches.
- Jack Figg
'ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE'
England’s sold out Wembley in less than 24 hours for their clash with world champions the USA as the "incredible" aftermath of Euro 2022 glory gathers pace.
The FA website crashed several times and fans reported spending up to EIGHT hours online battling for tickets for the friendly on October 7.
Sunday's 2-1 final victory over Germany was watched by 87,192 at Wembley, with a peak audience of 17.4million TV viewers.
And the glorious glow of success has sparked record interest in the Women's Super League, with Chelsea selling all their season tickets.
Excited fans are hungry to see Sarina Wiegman’s England heroines take on the US after landing their first major silverware.
The Lionesses announced every ticket had been sold by 2pm on Wednesday, except for hospitality spaces.
The team's own Twitter account posted "ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!"
- Jack Figg
Casadei transfer war
Inter Milan could be set to lose the best talent coming through their academy as Arsenal and Chelsea are locked in a battle for 19-year-old starlet Cesare Casadei.
The Blues thought they had stolen a march on their London rivals by bidding £7million for the Casadei, but that offer was swiftly rejected.
Now, the Gunners are believed to be considering hijacking the deal that’s closer to Inter’s valuation of the midfielder.
The Nerazzurri are said to be hoping for as much as £17m for the Italian – despite him having never played in the first team yet.
- Jack Figg
Deal close
Marc Cucurella is reportedly one step away from joining Chelsea.
Fabrizio Romano claims the Brighton star is in London tonight.
And Cucurella is undergoing a medical ahead of a £52.5million move to Stamford Bridge.
Various paperworks will then be signed, allowing Chelsea to finally confirm the deal after Brighton refuted an agreement last night.
The Seagulls also banned Cucurella from training earlier today.
But he is now on the verge of becoming Chelsea's latest big-money signing.
- Jack Figg
Ten Hag wants Chelsea’s Ziyech
Erik ten Hag has expressed his interest in bringing Hakim Ziyech to Old Trafford, according to France Football.
The new Manchester United boss wants to reunite with the Moroccan international, who played under him at Ajax.
Nicknamed ‘The Wizard’ during his time at the Amsterdam club, Ziyech is understood to want out of Chelsea.
However, while Ten Hag is keen for a deal to be made, it is understood that not everyone at United is as keen on the idea.
AC Milan have been heavily linked with the 29-year-old this summer, but an official offer has yet to be tabled to Blues officials.
Credit: Getty - Jack Figg
Best Free transfer available revealed
There are some big names still available on free transfers this summer including THREE former Manchester United stars and a Real Madrid legend.
Ex-Reds winger Adnan Januzaj, 27, spent the last six years playing for Real Sociedad where he scored 23 goals in 166 appearances.
But he is yet to find a club this summer despite links to Everton and West Ham, where he could reunite with former boss David Moyes.
Another former Red Devil Sergio Romero, 35, can also be snapped up on a free transfer with the Argentine keen on a shock return to Old Trafford.
Juan Mata, who was released by United this summer, is another player currently unattached.
here Sunsport has compiled a starting XI of the best players available on a free transfer.
- Jack Figg
All fo it
Chelsea are willing to meet Leicester City's £85million valuation of Wesley Fofana – but may test the Foxes' resolve first.
Fofana is keen to make the move to Stamford Bridge but the Blues must up their initial bid to force Leicester's hand.
The west Londoners submitted a £60million offer for the central defender but the Midlands side are demanding a world record fee for a centre-back.
Brendan Rodgers does not want to sell the France U21 international but would consider an offer in the region of £85million, £5million more than the record set when they sold Harry Maguire to Manchester United in 2019.
It is thought Chelsea would be willing to pay that fee but, given Leicester's need to raise funds, hope they can secure the defender for less.
Thomas Tuchel needs to add numbers at the back having seen Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger depart on free transfers following last season.
- Jack Figg
Wolves want Bats out of Chel
Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in signing Michy Batshuayi on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
Sky Sports report that Wolves are keen on taking the 28-year-old Belgian to Molineux to bolster their attacking options.
Batshuayi is still – remarkably – on the Blues’ books despite not making a first team appearance since early 2020.
The forward arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2016 with plenty of potential, but has been sent out on loan on five occasions.
Credit: Reuters - Jake Lambourne
Cucurella left back home
Brighton have reportedly BANNED Marc Cucurella from training ahead of their Premier League opener amid Chelsea transfer interest.
The Seagulls were forced to deny that they had reached an agreement with the Blues for left-back Cucurella.
But even so, according to The Athletic, Brighton have kept Cucurella away from first-team training.
Fabrizio Romano, claimed Cucurella was set to be in London this morning together with his agents to discuss a move.
It was also claimed Chelsea already booked medical tests ahead of signing a contract until June 2028.
But Brighton responded: "Contrary to inaccurate reports from numerous media outlets this evening, no agreement has been reached with any club to sell Marc Cucurella."
- Jake Lambourne
Conte backed to shine after Chelsea success
Brad Friedel believes Tottenham could shine under Antobio Conte this season after praising his two-year spell at Chelsea.
Speaking to BoyleSports Odds Betting, he said: "Antonio Conte is a winner. Just look at what he did at Chelsea.
"He's done great business on the transfer window but it'll be tough. Arsenal and Manchester United have both improved, however, you can't take Tottenham out of the question when you have a winner like Conte.
"He's been at the club a while now and spent some quality time with his players so they could be a dark horse for the Premier League title because he doesn't settle for second best.
"I can see Spurs making the top four over Arsenal."
- Jake Lambourne
Aubameyang to Chelsea off?
Barcelona manager Xavi has reportedly shut down talk of Chelsea target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leaving this summer.
The former Arsenal captain, 33, has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge just eight months after arriving at the Nou Camp.
It comes as Thomas Tuchel searches for a replacement for Romelu Lukaku – who returned to Inter Milan on loan after a difficult 12 months with the Blues.
However, Xavi now appears to have poured cold water on an Aubameyang-Chelsea link-up.
According to Sport, the club have no intention of selling him in the current window.
Despite the arrival of Robert Lewandowski, Xavi believes the pair can co-exist within the squad and even link-up together in certain matches.
The report also states that Aubameyang does not want to leave as he fought hard to secure the move to Barcelona and wishes to fight for his place.
- Jake Lambourne
Who has spent most money?
Arsenal are leading the way in the Premier League in terms of summer spending after also topping last year’s chart having splashed £150m.
And this window, they’re nearing that figure again having spent £119m on the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
North London rivals Tottenham are a close second, having spent £99m.
Manchester City and Leeds then follow, with Liverpool behind.
Chelsea have forked out £85m on Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly, which is more than what West Ham and newly-promoted Nottingham Forest have spent.
Man Utd follow in ninth just in front of Newcastle, having splashed £65m on Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia.
- Jake Lambourne
Azpilicueta to stay at Chelsea
Cesar Azpilicueta has reportedly penned a new two-year deal at Chelsea to end speculation of a move to Barcelona.
According to The Athletic, the versatile right-back will remain at Stamford Bridge until 2024.
They state that Todd Boehly was desperate to keep hold of him despite Barca being in talks to sign him.
But no agreement could be reached, leading the Spain international to extend his stay in West London.
An official announcement is expected soon on his contract renewal.
- Jake Lambourne
Neville slams Boehly's transfer strategy
Man Utd legend Gary Neville has accused Chelsea owner Todd Boehly of treating the club like he is playing Football Manager and compared the American to Ed Woodward.
The pundit accused Chelsea's transfer strategy of lacking direction and he feels the pressure is getting to the new owner.
Appearing on Sky Bet's The Overlap, Neville said: "The American guy [Todd] Boehly, looks like he wants to play Football Manager.
"He's wandering around a little bit and they're a bit panicky now. They're almost like bouncing around because it feels like he has to do something.
"You're wondering "oh they're coming in for [Frenkie] de Jong this morning" because he feels like he has to do something, that pressure is on him.
"He wouldn't have had that pressure if he'd have kept the people that have been there before and just let them operate for a year or two, but it'll be an interesting season for Chelsea."
- Jake Lambourne
Boehly blocking Azpilicueta's Barcelona move
Todd Boehly has reportedly asked Cesar Azpilicueta to remain at Chelsea as captain after BLOCKING a transfer to Barcelona.
Azpilicueta has been linked with a move to Barcelona for some time now.
But with a lack of defensive reinforcements this summer Boehly has prevented Azpilicueta from leaving Stamford Bridge.
Instead, he wants the veteran to stay at Chelsea as he does not want to lose "his experience and leadership."
According to The Times however, Azpilicueta remains optimistic a deal can be struck between the two clubs.
It is understood the Spaniard has his heart set on a move to the Nou Camp.
- Jake Lambourne
Chelsea offered Barcelona trio
Chelsea have been offered an astonishing triple transfer deal by Barcelona including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay, according to reports.
The Blues are looking to add to Thomas Tuchel's defence, midfield and attack.
And according to the Evening Standard, they could add to their midfield and attack after being offered THREE players by Barca.
Former Arsenal striker Aubameyang, 33, who only joined the club in January, is one of the players being presented to Chelsea.
Long-term Manchester United target De Jong, 25, is a player Chelsea have been keeping an eye on.
Chelsea could lure De Jong to West London with Champions League football on the table – something Man Utd can't offer.
And former United ace Depay, 28, has also been offered to Chelsea with the Blues being kept informed on his situation.
Source: Read Full Article
