CHELSEA have been keeping tabs on Wolves defender Rayan Ait-Nouri according to reports.
The French Under-21 star has been earmarked by the Blues as they look to add to their defensive ranks, with Andreas Christensen and Marcos Alonso set to join Antonio Rudiger out the door.
They will likely face competition from Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain for the £25m-rated youngster.
Elsewhere, Romelu Lukaku's hopes of leaving Chelsea and returning to Inter Milan this summer have been handed a blow, with Paulo Dybala reportedly completing his move to the Italian giants.
Inter won't be able to afford having both strikers on their books.
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- Alex Cole
Blues in for Strakosha
Chelsea have reportedly set their sights on signing goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha, writes Jake Lambourne.
It has been said that boss Thomas Tuchel is keen to find a back-up for Edouard Mendy should Kepa Arrizabalga depart Stamford Bridge.
Kepa has been limited to just 11 Premier League appearances, and Tuchel confirmed last month that showdown talks are planned to take place.
It is claimed that Chelsea are pondering a move for Albania international Strakosha.
Credit: Getty The 27-year-old is set to be available as a free agent when his contract at Lazio expires at the end of the month.
SunSport exclusively revealed that Chelsea's rivals Fulham were also in the hunt to secure his services.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are now eyeing up a swoop for Strakosha, who has appeared in 208 matches for Lazio since the 2016-17 season.
Romano tweeted: "Thomas Strakosha’s now attracting interest, available on free transfer.
"Chelsea are considering him as one of the options, but only in case Kepa will leave the club this summer."
- Alex Cole
Pulisic a 'really good signing' for Liverpool, says Johnson
Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson believes Chelsea's Christian Pulisic would be a good signing for his former club.
Johnson spoke to Bettingodds.com said: “I like him. He’s gone to a big club and I think he’s done okay.
"I don’t think he’s set the world alight but I do like him and he’s a good squad player. When he’s on form he’s fantastic.
"If he was to go to Liverpool then I think that would be a really good signing.
"He’s the sort of player that Jurgen likes, so yes I could see him fitting in there well.”
- Alex Cole
Gallagher a 'first-team player', says Dalglish
Conor Gallagher’s performances for Crystal Palace on loan last season has earned him a glowing report from Kenny Dalglish.
Liverpool legend Daglish said: “In 2020-21, he was bright and bubbly at West Brom.
“Then last season at Crystal Palace he really lit the place up. He was brilliant for Patrick Vieira’s team as they finished a creditable 12th in the Premier League.
“Conor is 22 and now plays for England. He has been very patient. His progress has been steady and he now looks the part of a Chelsea first-team player.”
- Alex Cole
Barca switch will happen 'soon', says Christensen
Andreas Christensen is keen on completing his transfer from Chelsea to Barcelona in the not-too-distant future.
When asked when his switch to Barca will happen, he said: “Hopefully soon.
“I have known what I was going to do for a while. I’m just waiting for the right time. Unfortunately, it’s not entirely up to me. There are also other things that need to fall into place.
“It is one of the biggest clubs in Europe. I think it is for everyone – whether they have had their problems or not, it is still one of the biggest clubs for a player to get to.”
- Alex Cole
Lukaku’s future plans in chaos
Romelu Lukaku’s hopes of joining Inter Milan have been handed a huge blow.
That’s because Inter have reportedly completed the signing of Paulo Dybala.
Dybala is said to have accepted a four-year contract offer from Inter, with a minor detail that still needs to be ironed out.
And that’s bad news for Lukaku, as Inter won’t be able to afford both strikers, according to reports.
- Jake Lambourne
Morning Chelsea fans
Chelsea will move for Wolves defender Rayan Ait-Nouri once Marcos Alonso completes his move to Barcelona.
The Blues have been keeping tabs on the French U21 star since it became apparent that the club would face a defensive exodus this summer.
And journalist Alan Nixon believes Chelsea have earmarked £25m rated Ait-Nouri – although they are likely to face competition from Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.
However, Wolves have no intention of selling Rayan Ait-Nouri to Chelsea, a source revealed.
Wanderers boss Bruno Lage wants to build up his thin squad and is in no mood to let the French wing-back leave with four years left on his deal.
Ait-Nouri cost £10m from French side Angers last summer.
But Wolves are not interested in cashing in on him to make a speedy £15million profit.
Elsewhere, Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a transfer swoop for Lazio keeper Thomas Strakosha.
Strakosha is available on a free transfer.
And the Blues are considering him as a viable option to replace No.1 goalie Kepa if he decides to leave Stamford Bridge, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Meanwhile, Andreas Christensen is keen on completing his transfer from Chelsea to Barcelona soon.
When asked when his switch to Barca will happen, he said: “Hopefully soon.
“I have known what I was going to do for a while. I’m just waiting for the right time. Unfortunately, it’s not entirely up to me. There are also other things that need to fall into place.
“It is one of the biggest clubs in Europe. I think it is for everyone – whether they have had their problems or not, it is still one of the biggest clubs for a player to get to.”
In other news, Jules Kounde’s dream move to Chelsea has been rocked by an injury storm.
The £70million-rated Sevilla defender underwent surgery on Tuesday on an old pelvic problem which flared up on international duty on Monday.
Kounde fears that although the op is minor it could still affect his chances of securing a big-money transfer to the Prem this summer.
And Sevilla are privately fuming that Kounde opted to play for France against Croatia in the Nations League, while carrying the knock and risking the deal.
Finally, Former Chelsea star Jake Clarke-Salter has reportedly agreed to join QPR.
The 24-year-old will complete the transfer on Wednesday, according to The Athletic.
That’s once his medical is completed, the report added.
- Justin Lawrence
Inter 'push for Lukaku transfer'
Inter Milan are still pushing to sign Romelu Lukaku despite landing Paulo Dybala from Juventus.
And Lukaku is demanding that the Blues let him leave this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Talks between Chelsea and Inter over his loan fee are still ongoing.
But the Belgian striker is willing to take a pay cut to force through the transfer, Romano added.
- Justin Lawrence
Lukaku plans future crunch talks
Romelu Lukaku is reportedly heading back to London at end of the international campaign to sort out his Chelsea future.
Lukaku's keen on a return to Inter, and will jet back to Stamford Bridge to get the transfer complete before the month ends, according to the Mirror.
However, Inter may have difficulties rustling up the £20m needed to loan the Belgium international.
- Justin Lawrence
Chelsea 'keen' on Sterling
Chelsea are reportedly keen on signing Raheem Sterling from Man City.
But the Blues will probably miss out on the winger to Real Madrid, according to talkSPORT host Alex Crook.
He said to Give me Sport: Sterling’s an interesting one because I think that they will definitely be keen on him.
"Personally, I think he is more likely to end up abroad. Real Madrid are still looking to strengthen up top having missed out on a couple of targets.
“I could see Raheem Sterling at the Bernabeu. I think he’s the type of player that would excite them, and I think he’d be excited by that challenge.”
- Justin Lawrence
Chelsea given Kounde advice
Chelsea have been warned against overpaying for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde by Glen Johnson.
He told Bettingodds: "In that sort of position, then yes I do believe £76 million would be a risk.
"We’ve seen a lot of big money transfers from other leagues that haven’t worked.
"I’d certainly be a lot more cautious about spending that sort of money on a player that’s never played in the Premier League.”
- Justin Lawrence
Chelsea urged to sign Richarlison
Chelsea have been urged to sign Everton striker Richarlison.
That's the opinion of Glen Johnson who reckons the Brazilian suits Chelsea's playing style more than Romelu Lukaku does.
Johnson told bettingodds: "I certainly believe he would suit the way Chelsea play more than Romelu Lukaku.
"Whether he’s good enough to be their main man and get 20 goals a season, then I’m not so sure.
“I do like him though and I think he’s a good player and it could be a sensible move if the fee is reasonable.”
Richarlison's also being tracked by Man United, Tottenham, and Arsenal.
- Justin Lawrence
Kounde deal hangs in balance
Jules Kounde's dream move to Chelsea has been rocked by an injury storm.
The £70million-rated Sevilla defender underwent surgery on Tuesday on an old pelvic problem which flared up on international duty on Monday.
Kounde fears that although the op is minor it could still affect his chances of securing a big-money transfer to the Prem this summer.
And Sevilla are privately fuming that Kounde opted to play for France against Croatia in the Nations League, while carrying the knock and risking the deal.
- Justin Lawrence
Christensen speaks on Barcelona switch
Andreas Christensen is keen on completing his transfer from Chelsea to Barcelona soon.
When asked when his switch to Barca will happen, he said: "Hopefully soon.
“I have known what I was going to do for a while. I’m just waiting for the right time. Unfortunately, it’s not entirely up to me. There are also other things that need to fall into place.
“It is one of the biggest clubs in Europe. I think it is for everyone – whether they have had their problems or not, it is still one of the biggest clubs for a player to get to.”
- Justin Lawrence
Former Chelsea ace joins QPR
Former Chelsea star Jake Clarke-Salter has reportedly agreed to join QPR.
The 24-year-old will complete the transfer on Wednesday, according to The Athletic.
That's once his medical is completed, the report added.
He left Chelsea at the end of last season after a 14-year-stint with the club.
- Justin Lawrence
Lukaku's future plans in chaos
Romelu Lukaku's hopes of joining Inter Milan have been handed a huge blow.
That's because Inter have reportedly completed the signing of Paulo Dybala.
Dybala is said to have accepted afour-year contract offer from Inter, with a minor detail that still needs to be ironed out.
And that's bad news for Lukaku, as Inter won't be able to afford both strikers, according to reports.
- Justin Lawrence
Gallagher gets rave reivew
Conor Gallagher's performances for Crystal Palace on loan last season has earned him a glowing report from Kenny Daglish.
Liverpool legend Daglish said: "In 2020-21, he was bright and bubbly at West Brom.
"Then last season at Crystal Palace he really lit the place up. He was brilliant for Patrick Vieira’s team as they finished a creditable 12th in the Premier League.
“Conor is 22 and now plays for England. He has been very patient. His progress has been steady and he now looks the part of a Chelsea first-team player.”
- Justin Lawrence
Former Prem rivals join forces
Former Chelsea striker has joined ambitious Djibouti champs AS Arta Solar in a vintage link-up with ex-Arsenal rival Alex Song.
Ivory Coast hero Kalou, 36, and Gunners' fans' favourite Song, 37, aim to help Arta become one of Africa's top clubs.
And Kalou has signed a short-term deal after spells with Lille and Hertha BC.
He became a free agent after his contract with Brazilian's Botafogo expired in 2021.
- Justin Lawrence
Chelsea eye Lazio keeper
Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a transfer swoop for Lazio keeper Thomas Strakosha.
Strakosha is available on a free transfer.
And the Blues are considering him as a viable option to replace No.1 goalie Kepa if he decides to leave Stamford Bridge, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Blues are also poised to sign 18-year-old stopper Gabriel Slonina from Chicago Fire.
But the Blues see him as one for the future, and plan to loan him back to the MLS side, the report adds.
- Justin Lawrence
Richarlison eyes London move
Everton striker Richarlison is keen on signing for Chelsea or Tottenham, according to reports.
Real Madrid are also keen on the Brazilian, but he's wary of joining the La Liga giants, according to uol Sport.
That's because he's eyeing a spot in Brazil's World Cup team, and isn't sure if he will play regularly for Real next season.
But he's keen on leaving Everton this summer, and wouldn't a move to London to link up with Spurs or the Blues, the report adds.
- Justin Lawrence
Chelsea set for transfer blow
Wolves have no intention of selling Rayan Ait-Nouri amid speculation Manchester City and Chelsea are closing in on a £25million swoop.
Wanderers boss Bruno Lage wants to build up his thin squad and is in no mood to let the French wing-back leave with four years left on his deal.
But Wolves sources insist neither of the Prem giants has expressed an interest in Ait-Nouri, who cost £10m from French side Angers last summer.
And significantly, they are not interested in cashing in to make a speedy £15million profit.
Angers have a clause entitling them to 50 per cent of any future sale, meaning Wolves have little incentive to sell.
- Justin Lawrence
Matic completes Roma transfer
Roma have competed the signing of Nemanja Matic on a free transfer from Manchester United.
Matic, 33, has penned a one-year deal that will expire in June 2023.
During his first interview with the club he hinted that he made the switch in order to reunite with Jose Mourinho, who lured him to Old Trafford in 2017.
He said: “I am pleased and honoured to be joining this club and I cannot wait to start the new season with my teammates.
“Roma is a big club, with amazing fans and a coach, Jose Mourinho, who is well known to everyone – making the decision to come here very straightforward.
“I hope that by working together we are able to achieve some great things.”
- Sam Dymond
De Ligt deal back on?
In need of comfort after the disappointing news of Jules Kounde's surgery, Chelsea fans? Then how about this: a move for Juventus' Matthijs de Ligt could be back on the table.
The Dutch defender was reportedly poised to put pen to paper on a new deal with the Old Lady, but the player now states that no agreement has been reached.
Instead, Football Italia believes Chelsea are leading the race to sign the 22-year-old ahead of Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester United.
Journalist Dean Jones has previously gone on record to say that De Ligt was 'the dream' signing for Chelsea.
The centre-back has a €120m release clause within in his contract, which will raise to €140m next season if no offers are forthcoming.
- Sam Dymond
Levi leveraged for Richarlison swoop
Chelsea could tempt Everton into selling Richarlison by offering young defender Levi Colwill as part of the deal.
The Telegraph reported this morning that Spurs were in pole position to sign the Brazilian, but the Blues haven't given up hope of hijacking the move.
The Toffees have shown an interest in Colwill, who impressed on loan at Huddersfield last season, and previously worked with Everton boss Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge.
Thomas Tuchel had indicated that he wants the upcoming pre-season to run the rule over Colwill, but could be willing to let him leave on loan again to get Richarlison over the line.
- Sam Dymond
Breaking: Kounde to undergo surgery
Chelsea transfer target Jules Kounde is to undergo surgery on a long-standing injury, it has been revealed.
The defender was subbed off at half-time in France's 1-0 Nations League defeat to Croatia last night, and afterwards Didier Deschamps announced that the 23-year-old required treatment.
“I knew very well his physical condition,” the French coach stated.
“As of tomorrow, he will have an intervention because he has a problem that dates back several months.”
While Kounde is expected to recuperate in time for pre-season, the news has cast doubt on the player's expected move to Stamford Bridge.
- Sam Dymond
Frank-tastic! Chelsea recall legendary signing
It was 21 years ago today that Chelsea surprised many by paying £11m for young West Ham midfielder Frank Lampard.
The 22-year-old had hardly pulled up trees in East London, and was seen as the teacher's pet being the nephew of manager Harry Redknapp, and the son of coach Frank Lampard snr.
However, following the departure of his uncle and father, Lampard engineered a move away from Upton Park – and rewrote Chelsea history.
Over the next 13 years, Lampard would become the Blues' record goalscorer, and the highest scoring midfielder of the Premier League era.
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