CHELSEA are wasting no time in getting back on the front foot in the transfer window after losing out on Jules Kounde to Barcelona.
The Blues are reportedly lining up a move for £70m-rated Leicester defender Wesley Fofana, in order to strengthen their back line.
Wilfried Zaha has also been linked with a move from Crystal Palace.
And there are even reports that they are keen to tempt England captain Harry Kane to make a surprise move across London from rivals Tottenham.
And there's been a rare bit of good news for Chelsea involving Barcelona.
The Dutchman will reportedly only consider joining the Blues if he is to leave Man Utd.
- 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
Blues 'close to an offer' for Zaha
Chelsea are "very interested" in Wilfried Zaha .
Thomas Tuchel added Zaha to his shortlist and the Ivorian is even one of the top priorities before the season starts.
According to Media Foot Marseille, palace will not let him leave for free when his contract expires at the end of next season.
- Alex Cole
Reports of Werner to leave on loan
Chelsea are reportedly considering allowing Timo Werner to leave on loan with Juventus allegedly ahead of Newcastle in the transfer chase.
Newcastle have been linked with the forward for months and SunSport reported yesterday how they are keen to get a deal done this summer.
However, reports now also claim that Juventus have approached the Blues over signing him on loan.
Werner has divided opinion since arriving at Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2020.
The 26-year-old, who earns a salary of £272,000 per week, has netted 23 times and provided 21 assists in 89 appearances for the Blues – and played 37 games last season.
But his prowess in front of goal remains somewhat questionable and the arrival of Raheem Sterling has pushed him down the pecking order.
- Alex Cole
Ziyech 'wants' Milan move but will need pay cut
Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech wants to move to AC Milan but will have to take a pay cut, according to the Daily Mail.
The Blues are willing to let the Moroccan international leave for £8.4m but his near-£100k-a-week a year wages are a stumbling block for the Italian champions.
- Alex Cole
Keane backs 'top quality' Tuchel
Manchester United legend Roy Keane has no doubts that Thomas Tuchel is the right man for the Chelsea job.
The Blues have endured a difficult pre-season and were humiliated when suffering a 4-0 thumping to Arsenal on their US tour.
But the Irishman is confident that Tuchel, who has won the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup with the Blues, is the ideal manager for the West London side.
Keane told Sky Bet: “There has obviously been loads of uncertainty over the club the last few months, that has been sorted out now obviously with the new ownership coming in.
“I'm pretty sure again he will be able to bring some players in.
“He is a top quality manager, he has dealt with a lot of issues over the last few months."
- Alex Cole
Blues season kicks-off in 10 days!
Chelsea face old manager Frank Lampard in their opening game in what could be a tricky start to the season.
Thomas Tuchel's side travel to Everton on August 6 to kick-off their Premier League campaign.
It proved an unhappy hunting ground for the Blues last season after losing 1-0 to the Merseysiders in May.
- Alex Cole
Chelsea lining up Fofana transfer
Chelsea are reportedly plotting a swoop for Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana after missing out on Jules Kounde.
The Blues have suffered a major transfer blow with the news that Barcelona look set to snatch the Sevilla star from under their noses.
Now he is looking to bring in Leicester’s French U21 international Fofana, according to the Daily Mail.
The 21-year-old recently signed a bumper new contract with the Foxes until 2027.
He moved to the King Power from Saint-Etienne and has shone at the back for Brendan Rodgers’ side – helping them to FA Cup success in 2021 .
- Alex Cole
Blues ‘offered Kehrer’
PSG defender Thilo Kehrer has been ‘offered to Chelsea’.
That’s the claim from Bild journalist Christian Falk tonight – with Germany star Kehrer able to play in central defence or at full-back.
But it’s understood Chelsea chief Thomas Tuchel has “no interest” in reuniting with a player he managed at PSG.
- Alex Cole
ICYMI – Chelsea keen on Kane
Chelsea are interested in signing Harry Kane from Tottenham, according to reports.
Yes, you read that right.
The Blues would love to bring their rivals' talisman to Stamford Bridge.
Although according to Bild, Chelsea recognise that Spurs would rather sell to Bayern Munich, if Kane was to make to it clear that he won't pen a new deal.
But Football London report that Kane is settled at Tottenham and that it is just a "matter of time" until the North Londoners open contract talks.
- Alex Cole
Blues wont let both Alonso and Azpilicueta leave
Chelsea will prevent both Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta joining Barcelona, it’s claimed.
Alonso has one year left on his contract while fellow Spanish wing-back Azpilicueta has triggered an option to extend his stay until next summer.
Stamford Bridge chief Thomas Tuchel has lost centre-backs Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
And although Kalidou Koulibaly has arrived from Napoli, Tuchel still wants at least one more defender.
Transfer insider Dean Jones claims the Blues are confident of keeping Alonso, 31, or 32-year-old Azpilicueta.
- Alex Cole
Werner trains ahead of season
Timo Werner has been spotted at training amid transfer speculation.
The West London club are reportedly considering allowing the German to leave on loan.
Juventus and Newcastle are in the transfer chase.
Credit: Getty - Alex Cole
Victor to snub Prem
Victor Osimhen has revealed he will stay at Napoli after claims that the former ‘Arsenal target’ has told Chelsea and Tottenham he fancies a Prem move.
Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Newcastle have also been linked with the Nigeria striker, 23
But Osimhen told Corriere Dello Sport: “I’m in Napoli. And I have great respect for my club.
“They are just rumours of the market. I’m fine here and I’ve never had such close relationships with everyone as at this moment.
“I spoke to the president, he is the one who decides, and he reassured me by explaining the club’s plans.
“I am happy with what he told me and the purchases are of quality: words were followed by deeds. I am very happy to play with Napoli and we will see in the future.”
- Alex Cole
More on Werner
Now various reports have claimed that he wants to depart in order to secure his place in Germany’s squad for the World Cup in November.
But the star’s salary could prove a major stumbling block – which makes a loan move much more feasible.
However, as we reported previously, Chelsea allegedly want to use Werner as bait as they try to hijack Nordi Mukiele’s move to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Blues have suffered a major transfer blow with the news that Barcelona look set to snatch Sevilla defender Jules Kounde from under their noses.
- Alex Cole
Werner to leave on loan?
Chelsea are reportedly considering allowing Timo Werner to leave on loan with Juventus allegedly ahead of Newcastle in the transfer chase.
Newcastle have been linked with the forward for months and SunSport reported yesterday how they are keen to get a deal done this summer.
However, reports now also claim that Juventus have approached the Blues over signing him on loan.
Werner has divided opinion since arriving at Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2020.
The 26-year-old, who earns a salary of £272,000 per week, has netted 23 times and provided 21 assists in 89 appearances for the Blues – and played 37 games last season.
But his prowess in front of goal remains somewhat questionable and the arrival of Raheem Sterling has pushed him down the pecking order.
- Alex Cole
More on Fifa loan change and how it affects the Blues
Last summer, Chelsea had at least 33 players out on loan.
In 2019, this figure was believed to have been 41 who were temporarily at other clubs.
Chelsea journalist Nizaar Kinsella reports that Xavier Mbuyamba is set to leave, despite being well-rated at the club.
Kinsella tweeted: "Chelsea have agreed to sell Xavier Mbuyamba (among other overseas loanees) as FIFA loan limits are placed on overseas loans."
- Alex Cole
Blues should have 'bitten City's arm off' for Jesus, says Johnson
Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson reckons his old club should have signed striker Gabriel Jesus when they had the chance.
The 37-year-old told GGRecon that he finds it "bizarre" the Brazilian joined Arsenal.
He said: "With Gabriel Jesus, I think Chelsea should have bit Manchester City’s arm off to try and get him to be honest.
"Actually I’m surprised that City even let him go. And I’m certainly surprised that he’s ended up at Arsenal.
"No offence to Arsenal, but I’m pretty certain that, if Chelsea had wanted him, he would have gone to Chelsea.
"It’s bizarre how he left and it’s bizarre where he’s landed. For me, Jesus is a top player and, though he’s still young, he’s already done it for a top team in a top league, so why wouldn’t you want him?”
Chelsea should have bit Manchester City’s arm off to try and get him to be honest.
Glen JohnsonGGRecon
- Alex Cole
Fifa's new rule halts Chelsea loan system
Chelsea are reportedly set to sell some of their rising stars due to Fifa's new loan limits rule.
Reports suggest highly-rated youngster Xavier Mbuyamba has become the latest to leave the club with the Blues no longer able to use the loan market how they used to.
A new Fifa rule that came into effect at the beginning of July means clubs are no longer able to have more than eight players over the age of 21 out on loan at once.
Clubs will also be unable to loan in more than eight players at any one time.
The rule could have major implications for teams across Europe and how they develop young talent.
It is expected to be a particular problem for Chelsea, who have become reliant on the loan market to develop players before selling them on for big money.
- Alex Cole
Newcastle keen on Werner
Juventus are not the only club interested in taking Timo Werner off Chelsea’s hands.
According to German publication BILD, Newcastle are also incredibly keen on the forward.
Werner has made it clear in recent days that he would prefer to leave Stamford Bridge for regular first team football.
The Toon Army were expected to splash the cash this summer, but have so far only brought in Sven Botman, Matt Targett and Nick Pope.
Eddie Howe has been searching for other attackers given Callum Wilson’s history of injuries.
- Gary Stonehouse
Morning, Chelsea fans
The Blues have been linked with a sensational move for Tottenham's England striker Harry Kane.
And, more realistically, Juventus and Newcastle are said to fancy Chelsea's frustrated frontman Timo Werner.
But apart from that out-and-out gossip, the overnight talk mainly involves Thomas Tuchel's back pains.
The Stamford Bridge chief hopes to add at least one more defender to newcomer Kalidou Koulibaly.
But the last 24 hours have been dominated by speculation rather than progress in Tuchel's hunt.
Barcelona are still trying to unpick Chelsea's £55million "agreement" to buy Sevilla's Jules Kounde.
And now the Blues, as well as Manchester United are said to be keen on Monaco's £42.5m-rated Benoit Badiashile.
But PSG have confirmed Nordi Mukiele’s £13.5m arrival from RB Leipzig despite whispers of interest from Stamford Bridge.
And it's claimed Inter Milan would demand £34million for right-back Denzel Dumfries.
Finally, Chelsea believe they can keep at least one of Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta – the Spanish wing-backs on Barcelona's radar.
- Ian Tuckey
Victor to snub Prem
Victor Osimhen has revealed he will stay at Napoli after claims that the former ‘Arsenal target’ has told Chelsea and Tottenham he fancies a Prem move.
Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Newcastle have also been linked with the Nigeria striker, 23
But Osimhen told Corriere Dello Sport: “I’m in Napoli. And I have great respect for my club.
“They are just rumours of the market. I’m fine here and I’ve never had such close relationships with everyone as at this moment.
“I spoke to the president, he is the one who decides, and he reassured me by explaining the club’s plans.
“I am happy with what he told me and the purchases are of quality: words were followed by deeds. I am very happy to play with Napoli and we will see in the future.”
- Ian Tuckey
PSG win Nordi race
PSG have confirmed Nordi Mukiele’s arrival – in a blow to Chelsea.
The defender has joined Les Parisiens from RB Leipzig in a deal worth a reported £13.5million.
Mukiele’s signing is the latest disappointment for Chelsea, with reports over the weekend Barcelona had agreed a £51m deal with Sevilla for long-term target Jules Kounde.
On top of that the Blues missed out on the signing of Raphinha to Barca earlier in the window.
Chelsea were also claimed to have been keen on signing Mukiele.
They were thought to have been willing to let Timo Werner return to Leipzig as part of a deal to sign Mukiele.
- Ian Tuckey
Best XI of Prem players driven to be coaches
FEATURE: Former England striker Jermain Defoe and Manchester City legend Yaya Toure will join Tottenham’s coaching set-up, writes DYLAN TERRY.
And SunSport has put together the best team of Prem truend top-flioght coaches – NOT including managers.
In goal, Brazil legend Claudio Taffarel joined Liverpool as a goalkeeping coach towards the end of last year.
In defence, Chelsea legends Ashley Cole and John Terry are back in the Prem – at Stamford Bridge and Everton respectively. And ex-Arsenal ace Kolo Toure is now part of Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester set-up.
In central midfield, Tottenham‘s new coach and brother of Kolo Toure, Yaya, is joined by Jack Wilshere and Gary McAllister.
Ex-England international Wilshere returned to Arsenal earlier this month as their U18 head coach, while former Scotland man McAllister is assistant to Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa.
On the flanks we have Kevin Nolan, who played for Bolton, Newcastle and West Ham during his playing career, and is now on the coaching staff of Hammers manager David Moyes.
And on the other side is Enzo Maresca – a former Italian midfielder who played for the likes of West Brom, Juventus and Sevilla, and who is now a trusted lieutenant of Pep Guardiola‘s at Manchester City.
Then joining Defoe up front is former Portugal striker Luis Boa Morte, 44, who played for Arsenal, Southampton and West Ham and has returned to Fulham on Marco Silva’s coaching staff.
- Ian Tuckey
Alonso or Cesar could STAY
Chelsea might prevent Marcos Alonso OR Cesar Azpilicueta joining Barcelona, it's claimed.
Alonso has one year left on his contract while fellow Spanish wing-back Azpilicueta has triggered an option to extend his stay until next summer.
Stamford Bridge chief Thomas Tuchel has lost centre-backs Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
And although Kalidou Koulibaly has arrived from Napoli, Tuchel still wants at least one more defender.
Transfer insider Dean Jones also claims the Blues are confident of keeping Alonso, 31, or 32-year-old Azpilicueta.
- Ian Tuckey
Tuchel 'can't guarantee Blues will be ready'
It’s been a troubling summer in the transfer market for Thomas Tuchel but the Chelsea boss is remaining calm, according to the Athletic.
The German has been increasingly frustrated in his efforts to bring in new players to Stamford Bridge – and ship out those that he doesn’t want.
And the recent 4-0 friendly thumping at Arsenal highlighted the issues at the club.
Afterwards, Tuchel said: “I cannot guarantee we will be ready [for the start of the season] in two weeks.
“It’s the same players so why should anything change? We will see hopefully development but at the moment we have the same issues because we have the same players.”
The article suggests that the Blues boss is targeting four more signings before the window shuts on September 1, and will allow his outcasts to go out on loan if permanent moves fail to materialise.
- Ian Tuckey
Blues 'offered Kehrer'
PSG defender Thilo Kehrer has been 'offered to Chelsea'.
That's the claim from Bild journalist Christian Falk tonight – with Germany star Kehrer able to play in central defence or at full-back.
But it's understood Chelsea chief Thomas Tuchelhas "no interest" in reuniting with a player he managed at PSG.
- Ian Tuckey
Frenkie fight gets harder for Utd
Long-term Manchester United target Frenkie de Jong has finally agreed to leave Barcelona for the Premier League – but only if it means joining Chelsea.
Spanish outlet Sport reveal that the Dutchman is willing to depart the Nou Camp, but not to the club that want him – and that leaves both Barca and United in a quandary.
The Catalans are keen to sell the 25-year-old to help ease their financial issues that include the £17m they owe De Jong in deferred wages.
However, Chelsea’s speculative bid is understood to be much lower than that of the €80m the Red Devils were prepared to pay.
United still want the player, but seem unable to convince him that his future lies at Old Trafford.
And so after weeks of bluff and bluster, both Barcelona and Manchester United could end up losing out.
All Chelsea need to do is act smart, and they could pick up De Jong on the cheap – and he can play at centre-half.
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