CHELSEA had agreed a deal for Cristiano Ronaldo, according to reports.
It was always known that new owner Todd Boehly was keen on bringing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to Stamford Bridge.
But sources in Spain now suggest the signing was ready to be announced before Thomas Tuchel vetoed it.
Another man reported to have agreed a contract with Chelsea is Leicester's Wesley Fofana, but the Blues have yet to convince the Foxes to sell the French star.
Wilfried Zaha has also been linked with a move from Crystal Palace.
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- Sam Dymond
Blues agree terms with Fofana
According to reports this lunchtime, Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Leicester for centre-back Wesley Fofana.
However, don't get too excited, Blues fans, because the Foxes have immediately dismissed the opening bid for the 21-year-old.
And with five years still to fun on his contract at the King Power, it is going to take a substantial offer to even bring the East Midlands club to the negotiating table.
A world record fee for a defender has even been touted, matching the £85m that Manchester United paid Leicester for Harry Maguire in 2019.
The Londoners have turned their attention to Fofana after missing out on Nathan Ake, Presnel Kimpembe and, most recently, Jules Kounde.
- Sam Dymond
Old Lady better call Saul
Paul Pogba has only been back at Juventus for 17 days, but already his club are looking for a replacement.
And that's because the unfortunate Frenchman tore the meniscus in his right knee during one of his first training sessions after returning to the Old Lady.
The former Manchester United star was originally expected to be out for two months, but the player and his club are now considering surgery which would would see him miss November's World Cup – and rule him out until 2023.
In the circumstances, Atletico Madrid have contacted Juve to offer Saul Niguez as a direct replacement for Pogba.
Atleti are keen to get midfielder Saul, who had an unspectacular loan spell at Chelsea last season, off their wage bill.
- Sam Dymond
Chelsea frank on Frenkie future
Chelsea have no intention of matching Manchester United's €80m bid for Frenkie de Jong.
Spanish publication Sport reveal that the Londoners would only consider an offer for the Dutchman if Barcelona were to significantly lower their valuation.
Speculation has suggested that De Jong would prefer a move to the Blues given the pull of both the capital and Champions League football.
However – despite De Jong's ability to cover in defence – Thomas Tuchel is not prepared for the club to spend such a large chunk of its budget on a position that he considers them to already be well-stocked in.
- Sam Dymond
Blues to send for Maehle
Chelsea's desperate pursuit of defenders continues with the club now interested in Atalanta's Joakim Maehle,
That's the understanding of journalist Simon Phillips, who reports that the Blues have enquired with Atalanta about their Danish wing-back.
The 25-year-old was one of the starts of Euro 2020, and has shown his versatility in being able to operate on both flanks.
However, his preference is for the right, again suggesting that Thomas Tuchel's long-term vision is to use Reece James as a right-sided centre-back.
Maehle has three years remaining on his current deal with the Bergamo club.
- Sam Dymond
Chelsea blues softened by start
The bad news is that Thomas Tuchel freely admits that Chelsea are 'not yet ready' for the new Premier League season.
The worse news is the beginning of that campaign is now just nine days away.
But perhaps the good news is the start that the Blues have been handed.
Among their opening five games, the Londoners 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 test in the club's opening five games.
- Sam Dymond
Azpi still wanted by Barca
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is still a target for Barcelona despite the current bad blood between the two clubs.
Barca have frustrated the Londoners this summer by beating them to the signings of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Jules Kounde – despite having major financial issues.
And those transfers came after the LaLiga giants had lured Andreas Christensen to the Nou Camp on a free transfer.
It was revealed recently that the Blues would block any more of their players heading to the Catalans with Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso strongly linked.
But, according to reports, Barca representatives have reiterated their desire to sign Azpilicueta, and the defender is keen to make the move.
However, Blues boss Thomas Tuchel hopes the Londoners will keep the 32-year-old to increase his options along the back line.
- Sam Dymond
Transfer watch: Zaha to Chelsea?
Reports emerged yesterday that Thomas Tuchel was interested in bringing Wilfried Zaha to Stamford Bridge.
However, it seems incredibly unlikely that Crystal Palace would consider doing business with a London rival, despite only a year remaining on their talisman's contract.
Rumour rating: ⚽️
- Sam Dymond
Foxes say no to Wes exit
Leicester City have made it clear this morning that Wesley Fofana is not for sale.
The Mail report that the Foxes have dismissed the idea that they could sell their star defender.
Chelsea are understood to be looking at the 21-year-old centre-back after missing out on Jules Kounde, Presnel Kimpembe and Nathan Ake.
Despite missing most of last season with injury, Fofana agreed a new five-year deal at the King Power in March.
And that leaves Leicester in a very strong position when it comes to setting an asking price.
It is thought that it would take a bid in the region of the £80m that Manchester Unite paid for Harry Maguire for the East Midlands outfit to even consider a deal.
- Sam Dymond
Doubting Thomas vetoed Ronaldo move
Cristiano Ronaldo was set for a move to Chelsea this summer – only for Thomas Tuchel to block the transfer.
According to Spanish journalist Manu Sainz, the Portuguese legend had agreed in principle to join the Londoners.
The proposal came after new Blues owner Todd Boehly was spotted meeting with agent Jorge Mendes last month.
However, Tuchel soon expressed his concerns with the prospective deal – and the club instead turned to Raheem Sterling.
Ronaldo is desperate to leave Manchester United in order to continue playing in the Champions League, but is yet to receive any concrete offers.
- Sam Dymond
Kounde saga set to end
Chelsea are expected to finally be put of their misery today when their drawn-out battle for Jules Kounde comes to an end.
The centre-back will officially be confirmed as a Barcelona player after snubbing a move to the Blues.
Transfers expert Fabrizio Romano understands that a contract is currently being prepared for the 23-year-old to sign after personal terms were verbally agreed.
Thomas Tuchel's Premier League outfit are now considering other defensive options such as Wesley Fofana and Milan Skriniar.
- Chisanga Malata
Good morning Chelsea fans
Presnel Kimpembe has reportedly snubbed a summer move to Chelsea.
RMC claims the Paris Saint-Germain star has decided to remain in France under new boss Christophe Galtier.
Chelsea were ready to bid £42million but were waiting to first discover if Kimpembe wanted the move.
The ace is the latest centre-back Thomas Tuchel has missed out on after Nathan Ake, Matthijs de Ligt and Jules Kounde.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are reportedly set to sell some of their rising stars due to Fifa's new loan limits rule.
The Standard claims highly-rated youngster Xavier Mbuyamba will be the latest to leave the club.
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.
It is expected to be a particular problem for Chelsea, who had 33 players out on loan last season.
Finally, Italian giants Juventus are favourites to land Timo Werner.
RB Leipzig are also in the running for the Chelsea flop.
And there is interest from Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund too.
But the bookies also reckon there’s a good chance Werner stays at Chelsea this summer.
- Anthony Chapman
Ziyech set for cut-price exit
Hakim Ziyech can leave Chelsea for just £8.4million this summer.
The Mail claims Thomas Tuchel wants the winger out at all costs.
And Chelsea are now ready to take a huge hit on the £35m they paid Ajax in 2020.
AC Milan are leading the race for Ziyech, but he will have to take a pay cut to make the move happen.
- Anthony Chapman
Sun exclusive by Paul Sims
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has found love again with a glamorous Brazilian — days after his divorce was granted.
Tuchel, 48, whisked away business boss and mother Natalie Max, 35, to relaxing Sardinia.
A holidaymaker said: “They held hands at every opportunity and looked really happy.”
READ THE REST HERE
- Anthony Chapman
Chelsea turn sights to Fofana
Chelsea are lining up a bid for Leicester’s Wesley Fofana.
The Blues have missed out on numerous centre-backs this summer.
And the Frenchman is the latest Thomas Tuchel has turned to, says the Mail.
That’s despite Fofana signing a new Leicester deal until 2027 earlier this year.
- Anthony Chapman
Kounde close to Barcelona move
Barcelona have had a £46million-plus bid accepted for Jules Kounde.
It means the Sevilla star is just one step away from becoming a Nou Camp player.
Barcelona pipped Chelsea to Kounde’s signing, despite the Blues offering £55m.
And Kounde could be confirmed by the Catalan giants this weekend.
- Anthony Chapman
Arsenal counting cash with Chelsea
Arsenal have included a sell-on fee after flogging Omari Hutchinson to Chelsea.
That is according to GunnerBlog, who claim that the Gunners are looking at a cash windfall down the line.
Hutchinson, 18, joined the Blues' Under-23 set-up for an undisclosed fee.
The attacking midfielder never made a senior appearance for the North Londoners throughout his seven-year stint at the Emirates.
- Anthony Chapman
Juventus lead race for Werner
Italian giants Juventus are favourites to land Timo Werner.
RB Leipzig are also in the running for the Chelsea flop.
And there is interest from Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund too.
But the bookies also reckon there’s a good chance Werner stays at Chelsea this summer.
- Anthony Chapman
Udinese vs Chelsea – the details
Chelsea travel to Italy for their final pre-season game on Friday.
The Blues are looking to make amends for disappointing defeats against Charlotte FC and Arsenal with victory at Udinese.
But what time is kick-off? And is the game even on TV in the UK?
SEE THE DETAILS HERE
- Anthony Chapman
More defensive woe for Blues
Chelsea are reportedly set to lose out on ANOTHER centre-back.
Foot Mercato claims Milan Skriniar is heading to PSG despite interest from the Blues.
The Inter Milan ace could cost up to £60million this summer.
And it means Chelsea will once again have to look elsewhere for a defender.
- Anthony Chapman
Blues kids set to go
Chelsea are reportedly set to sell some of their rising stars due to Fifa's new loan limits rule.
The Standard claims highly-rated youngster Xavier Mbuyamba will be the latest to leave the club.
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.
It is expected to be a particular problem for Chelsea, who had 33 players out on loan last season.
- Anthony Chapman
Chelsea line up Kane swoop
Chelsea are eager to snap up Harry Kane from rivals Tottenham.
According to Bild, Thomas Tuchel would love the Spurs striker at Stamford Bridge.
However, Tottenham would much prefer to sell Kane to Bayern Munich if he refuses a new contract.
But the England captain is currently settled and has no plans to leave Antonio Conte's side.
- Anthony Chapman
Kimpembe latest to snub Blues
Presnel Kimpembe has reportedly snubbed a summer move to Chelsea.
RMC claims the Paris Saint-Germain star has decided to remain in France under new boss Christophe Galtier.
Chelsea were ready to bid £42million but were waiting to first discover if Kimpembe wanted the move.
The ace is the latest centre-back Thomas Tuchel has missed out on after Nathan Ake, Matthijs de Ligt and Jules Kounde.
- 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
Corden Blue
Todd Boehly laughed with James Corden at a plush Mayfair restaurant as the pair enjoyed dinner together, writes JOSHUA JONES.
The Chelsea owner has had a busy summer after taking over from Roman Abramovich in May.
And he kicked into gear immediately, bringing in the likes of Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly.
But it appeared he was keen for a night off from work after falling behind Barcelona in the race for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde despite virtually wrapping up a deal.
So the billionaire businessman met up with pal Corden and Clearlake Capital co-founder Behdad Eghbali on Monday evening.
The trio headed for Scott’s in the prestigious area of London for some food on a boys night out.
The expensive luxury venue specialises in sea food, with Corden reportedly opting for the Dover sole.
- 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.
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