Chelsea FC | 2024/25 Season

[FearlessRoar]

The 2024-25 season will be the 119th season in the history of Chelsea Football Club and their 36th consecutive season in the top flight of English football. In addition to the domestic league, the club will participate in the FA Cup and the EFL Cup. In international football, Chelsea will contest both the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup, with this season being their first participation in the former.

Chelsea Fixtures​

 

[FearlessRoar]

Maresca defends style after Chelsea draw with Wrexham​

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said his side "are going to concede goals this season playing out from the back" after two defensive errors in a 2-2 draw with Wrexham in his first game in charge.

Midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu scored an 82nd-minute equaliser in Santa Clara, California, cancelling out two second-half strikes by the League One side.

A sharp finish in the penalty box from Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring in the 35th minute of Chelsea's opening friendly on their pre-season tour of the United States.

But Wrexham took a surprise lead after both teams made wholesale changes at half-time with Luke Bolton and Jack Marriott scoring following mistakes.

The defensive errors were part of a weak second-half performance as Chelsea adapt to Maresca's possession-based approach.

Wrexham impressed - adding to their 1-1 draw against Bournemouth on Saturday in a half-empty Levi's Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers.

It is the Welsh club's second consecutive US pre-season tour, capitalising on their popularity under co-owners, Hollywood actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, with Phil Parkinson's side preparing for third tier football for the first time since 2005.

Maresca was asked about conceding goals through his playing philosophy, which included more patient build-up from back to front.

"Hopefully, not too many. It is one of the risks that you have trying to build from behind."

And the 44-year-old former Leicester boss said he would "absolutely" continue his style, adding: "I have no doubt. I think you are going to concede in different ways, so you need to decide in which way you need to concede a goal.

"Sometimes teams that try to build from the back concede goals but I think you are going to score more than you concede.

"For sure, we did many things we can improve, but we started just two weeks ago. Tonight was important to start seeing the identity of the team and the identity is there."

The match started in lively fashion with Levi Colwill and James McClean escaping red cards following an early bust up.

Reece James hit a post with a curled free-kick and produced a series of dangerous corners in the first half as Chelsea led 1-0 at the break.

But in the second half, Ugochukwu failed to cut out Seb Revan's cross, which was turned in at the far post by Bolton.

An error by Josh Acheampong saw Marriott hit an impressive low drive to give Wrexham a shock lead. Marriott then saw another effort well saved by Chelsea's second-half goalkeeper Lucas Bergstrom.

Chelsea's equaliser came from a slick move involving substitutes Angelo Gabriel, Armando Broja and Ugochukwu, who made up for his earlier mistake by sliding in a good left foot finish to level the match.

Maresca gave a balanced assessment of the performance, saying: "In this moment, we started just two weeks ago, it's important that us as the staff and the people can start to see the identity of the team. Tonight it was quite clear.

"For sure we are going to add more solutions."

In the first half Chelsea used Reece James as an inverted full-back, pushing into midfield. Maresca added: "We tried to build with three and two. First-half with James inside and second-half with Malo [Gusto] inside.

"It does not matter about the level of the opposition; when they sit back with 11 players behind the ball, it's always difficult to find space and solutions are not easy."

There were appearances for Wesley Fofana, who missed the entire 2023-24 campaign with a long-term injury, and Romeo Lavia, who managed just 32 minutes last season.

Maresca said: "They are both very important. At this moment for them, it is important to get minutes, to use every training session. For one year without getting minutes, it is difficult mentally. They need a boost, energy and 45 minutes is going to help both of them.

"Like I said, the result for us is always important but in this moment, also we need to judge different things."

The Blues next face Scottish champions Celtic in Notra Dame on Saturday night (Sunday morning BST) as Maresca continues to learn about his squad. "Tonight the target was to give all of them 45 minutes. It is too early to think about the first XI.

“Also, because we have four or five players not with us. It was important to see the team with one clear identity and I think it was there."

Chelsea 2-2 Wrexham: Christopher Nkunku & Lesley Ugochukwu earn draw in Enzo Maresca's first game

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca defends his playing style after defensive mistakes in 2-2 draw with League One Wrexham in Santa Clara, California.

www.bbc.com

 

[BouncerGuy]

It will be 'fine' when Fernandez returns – Madueke

Noni Madueke says "everything is going to be fine" when Enzo Fernandez returns to Chelsea's squad despite ongoing disciplinary proceedings concerning alleged racism.

Midfielder Fernandez is set to rejoin the squad on Monday, 29 July, and it will come after the 23-year-old was accused of involvement in "uninhibited racism" by Blues team-mate Wesley Fofana.

The French Football Federation said it was shocked to see footage of what it described as a "racist and discriminatory" song being sung by players after Argentina won the Copa America.

The song contains lyrics which question the heritage of France's black and mixed race players.

Fernandez has since apologised directly to his Chelsea team-mates, six of whom are Frenchmen of African descent, and also publicly, while the club have begun an internal disciplinary procedure.

Football's world governing body Fifa has also opened an investigation.

Madueke, who started the 2-2 draw with Wrexham in the first pre-season friendly of new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca's reign, says he and his team-mates will resolve the situation internally.

"That's something that's between us players," Madueke, 22, said. "Enzo is going to come back and join his team again and everything is going to be fine."

Those comments followed the words of Maresca, who said earlier on Chelsea's pre-season tour that the situation was "already clear and clarified" and that there would not be "any problems at all".

Captain Reece James has signalled his readiness to act as a mediator, if required, as Chelsea continue their run of games in the United States, with matches against Celtic, Club America, Manchester City and Real Madrid to come.

Madueke, who typically plays on the right wing, explained that he and his Chelsea team-mates are focusing on adapting to Maresca's style of football, a shift from former manager Mauricio Pochettino's time in charge.

"You've got to stay high and wide and be very patient at times [as a winger]," he said.

"A lot of the time you might not get touches in lower areas of the pitch, but it's about staying high and waiting for that killer pass when you can go and do real damage.

"It's about being patient and waiting for the opportunity to run and do my stuff."

BBC

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Chelsea will take no action against Enzo Fernández over a racially offensive chant after the player made a voluntary contribution to an anti-discrimination charity

The 23-year-old posted a video of himself and some Argentina teammates singing a derogatory song about French players of African origin in the wake of his side’s Copa América victory this month.

Fernández is understood to have apologised face to face to his teammates in Atlanta on Monday, where Chelsea are preparing for a Wednesday night friendly against the Mexican side Club América. The apology is understood to have been accepted.

The player also voluntarily offered to make what sources said was a “significant” contribution to a charity tackling and educating about discrimination. The beneficiary of the contribution is still to be decided, but it is understood it will be made via the Chelsea Foundation. The club have also committed to matching Fernández’s contribution to the foundation.

The internal disciplinary process has therefore concluded and the club and playing squad consider the matter closed, sources said.

Fernández first apologised via social media two weeks ago and has been in what sources described as constant contact with members of the Chelsea squad since, but Monday represented his first opportunity to apologise face to face, which he did immediately upon arrival in the United States.

It is understood Reece James and Axel Disasi have been the lead figures in the consultation process with the playing squad. The France international Wesley Fofana was also part of the group to which Fernández made a collective apology. Fofana had referenced Fernández’s video in a social media post and described it as “uninhibited racism”.

Source: The Guardian

 

[BouncerGuy]

Chelsea sign keeper Jorgensen from Villarreal

Chelsea have signed goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal for £20.7m on a seven-year contract.

The 22-year-old Dane made 37 appearances for Villarreal last season after becoming the club's first-choice goalkeeper.

"This move is a dream come true," said Jorgensen. "I am very excited to have signed for Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world.

"I can't wait to get to know everyone and to start playing with all my new team-mates."

Jorgensen is expected to compete for Chelsea's number-one position with Robert Sanchez.

Born in Sweden, Jorgensen represented the country at age grade level before switching allegiance to Denmark Under-21s, who he qualifies for through his paternal heritage.

He signed for Villarreal as a 15-year-old and progressed through the club's youth set-up before making his senior debut in October 2020 for the B side.

Jorgensen, who made his La Liga debut in January 2023, has flown to the United States to join Chelsea's pre-season tour.

The Blues have three games left so he could feature against any of Club America, Manchester City or Real Madrid before they travel home next week.

Chelsea begin their Premier League campaign at home to champions City on Sunday, 18 August (16:30 BST).

BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Chelsea accept Atletico Madrid offer for Gallagher

Chelsea have accepted a bid from Atletico Madrid for midfielder Conor Gallagher after he rejected a new Blues contract in June.

The England international, 24, is now able to negotiate personal terms after a bid of around £33m, according to sources in Spain, was accepted.

Chelsea are understood to prefer the sale to a club outside of English football so have opted to accept a lower bid, rather than the £45m being discussed with Aston Villa in June.

It remains unclear whether Gallagher will accept a move overseas but the Londoners are ready to sell with less than one year remaining on his current deal.

He is believed to have turned down a three-year contract, structured in a two-year deal with an option for an extra year, in June.

Gallagher could also opt to leave the club on a free transfer next summer and has previously had interest from Tottenham, West Ham and Everton.


BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Change needed to 'protect' academy players – Maresca

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has called on the Premier League to change their financial rules so clubs do not feel "compelled" to sell academy players.

When clubs sell academy graduates the entire transfer fee goes down as 'pure profit' in their accounts and can help them navigate the top flight's strict profit and sustainability rules.

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, 24, who has been at the club since he was eight, has agreed to join Atletico Madrid in a £33m deal.

Mason Mount (£55m), Lewis Hall (£28m), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (£15m), Ian Maatsen (£35m), Callum Hudson-Odoi (£5m) and Billy Gilmour (£7.5m) are among the other academy players to be sold by the club in the last 12 months, with Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah widely expected to join them.

The sales have helped Chelsea spend a world-record sum of well over £1bn in the past four transfer windows to revamp the squad with young players.

When asked whether the Blues risk upsetting supporters by selling popular academy players, Maresca said: "But this is not Chelsea's problem, these are the rules. All the clubs at this moment are compelled to sell players from the academy because of the rules. It's all of the Premier League clubs' problems.

"It's not only us, it's all the Premier League clubs. It's a shame because in Italy, we have [Francesco] Totti with Roma, 20 years with the same club - one club man. We love that in football, the fans want to see that. But with the rules now it is different than the past.

When pressed whether Chelsea's spending has put them in this position, he replied: "Yeah, but it is not only Chelsea spending money on players. It's all the big clubs to try and buy players.

"Some of the clubs spend more, some spend less. My personal opinion is it's a shame because we like to see a one club man but the rules are different."

He was then asked whether the rules need changing and said: "If they want to protect academy players, then probably yes."

Premier League clubs have agreed to trial an alternative financial system which operates like a spending cap in the 2024-25 season.

BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Chelsea work on deal to sign Atletico's Omorodion

Chelsea are working on a deal to sign Spanish forward Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid.

The Spanish side agreed an £81.5m deal to sign Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez on Monday and selling Omorodion will help raise funds to buy the Argentine.

It is understood that personal terms have now been agreed with Alvarez, who will join for an initial £64.4m, with a further £17.1m in potential add-ons.

Meanwhile in a separate deal, Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher has agreed to join Atletico for £33m.

Omorodion, 20, joined Atletico last summer days after making his La Liga debut for Granada, when he scored against the Madrid side.

Atletico immediately sent Omorodion to Alaves on loan where he scored eight goals in 35 appearances last season.

He is currently at the Olympics and has scored once in Spain's run to the final.

So far this summer, Chelsea have spent about £115m on midfielders Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Renato Veiga and Omari Kellyman, plus goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Caleb Wiley, winger Estevao Willian and striker Marc Guiu.

They have sold defenders Ian Maatsen and Lewis Hall and forward Omari Hutchinson, while Hakim Ziyech, Malang Sarr and Thiago Silva have left on free transfers and Gallagher is nearing his switch to Spain.

The future of Romelu Lukaku is uncertain, with the wantaway Belgium striker having spent the last two years on loan in Italy.

BBC

 

[FearlessRoar]

Chelsea sign £15m Boca Juniors defender Anselmino​

Chelsea have completed the signing of Boca Juniors defender Aaron Anselmino in a £15.6m deal.

The 19-year-old has signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge but will remain on loan at the Argentine club for the 2024-25 season as part of the agreement.

He made his debut for Boca in June 2023 and has made 10 appearances in total.

Anselmino signed a contract extension in January 2024 that tied him to the club until 2028.

So far this summer, Chelsea have spent about £115m on midfielders Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Renato Veiga and Omari Kellyman, plus goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Caleb Wiley, winger Estevao Willian and striker Marc Guiu.

About £90m has been recouped through the sales of Ian Maatsen, Lewis Hall and Omari Hutchinson while Conor Gallagher is expected to join Atletico Madrid for £33m.

The Blues are in the market for a striker and are keen on Atletico Madrid forward Samu Omorodion.

Chelsea start their 2024-25 Premier League campaign against champions Manchester City on 18 August.

Aaron Anselmino: Chelsea sign Boca Juniors defender in £15m deal

Aaron Anselmino signs a seven-year deal at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea agree a £15m deal with Boca Juniors.

www.bbc.com

 

[FearlessRoar]

Chelsea agree £54m deal for Wolves winger Neto​

Chelsea have agreed a deal worth 63m euros (£54m) for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Pedro Neto.

The Portugal winger is now scheduled to have a medical before finalising a move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea finally struck a deal with Wolves - an initial 60m euro fee with 3m euros in add-ons - after having two bids rejected.

The 24-year-old has been linked with a move from Molineux for the past 12 months.

He has made 135 appearances and scored 14 goals since joining from Lazio in 2019.

Pedro Neto: Chelsea agree £54m deal with Wolves

Chelsea agree a deal worth up to £54m for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Pedro Neto.

www.bbc.com

 

[BouncerGuy]

Twelve signings, £243m spent - what is going on at Chelsea?

Chelsea are dominating another transfer window.

This will be the third successive summer transfer window since the 2022 takeover by co-controlling owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly when Chelsea have outspent rivals, signed the most players and looked to offload those from the former regime.

A flurry of Friday transfer activity, including a £54m deal to sign Wolves forward Neto, means Chelsea look set to make 12 summer signings with an average age of under 21, spending £243m since June 14 and bulking up their squad to more than 50 senior players.

Some of those who have joined will go straight back out on loan and more will be sold before the 30 August transfer window deadline.

But many fans are wondering if this is one of the biggest Premier League squads ever assembled.

Since the Clearlake Capital and Boehly takeover, Chelsea have spent more than £1.5bn on transfers, increasingly with a younger profile aimed at future re-sale value, apparently stockpiling potential.

BBC Sport attempts to break it all down.

Who is in Chelsea's squad?

Goalkeepers (8)

Filip Jorgensen, 22, signed for £21m; Robert Sanchez, 26, £25m; Djordje Petrovic, 24, £14m (available on loan); Kepa Arrizabalaga, 29, £72m* (for sale); Marcus Bettinelli, 32, free*; Mike Penders, 19, £17m (on loan) not yet confirmed; Gabriel Slonina, 20, £9m (available on loan); Lucas Bergstrom, 21, undisclosed* (for sale/loan).

Full-backs (7)

Reece James, right, 24, academy; Marc Cucurella, left, 26, £62m; Ben Chilwell, left, 27, £45m*; Renato Veiga, left, 12, £12m; Malo Gusto, 21, right, £30m; Josh Acheampong, right, 18, academy; Caleb Wiley, left, 19, £9m (on loan).

Centre-backs (9)

Axel Disasi, 26, £39m; Wesley Fofana, 23, £75m; Levi Colwill, 21, academy; Tosin Adarabioyo, 26, free; Benoit Badiashile, 23, £33m; Trevoh Chalobah, 25, academy (for sale); Aaron Anselmino, 19, £16 (on loan); Alfie Gilchrist, 20, academy (on loan); Bashir Humphreys, 21, academy (for sale/loan).

Midfielders (15)

Enzo Fernandez, 23, £107m; Moises Caicedo, 22, £115m; Christopher Nkunku, 26, £52m; Omari Kellyman, 19, £19m; Cesare Casadei, 21, £17m; Lesley Ugochukwu, 20, £23m; Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, 25, £30m; Romeo Lavia, 20, £53m; Carney Chukwuemeka, 20, £20m; Tino Anjorin, 22, academy (available for sale/loan); Andrey Santos, 20, £18m (on loan); Kendry Paez, 17, £17m (on loan); Alex Matos, 19, free; Jimi Tauriainen, 20, undisclosed* (available on loan); Leo Castledine, 18, academy (available on loan).

Wingers (9)

Mykhailo Mudryk, left, 23, £89m; Raheem Sterling, left, 29, £48m; Pedro Neto, left, 24, £54m (not confirmed); Cole Palmer, right, 22, £43m; Noni Madueke, right, 22, £29m; Estaevo Willian, right, 17, £51m (on loan); Angelo Gabriel, right, 19, £13m (available on loan); Harvey Vale, 20, academy (for sale/loan); Diego Moreira, 20, free.

Strikers (8)

Romelu Lukaku, 31, £100m*; Nicolas Jackson, 23, £32m; Samu Omorodion, 20, £35m (not confirmed); David Datro Fofana, 21, £11m (for sale); Deivid Washington, 19, £17m; Marc Guiu, 18, £5m; Mason Burstow, 21, £1.5m* (for sale/loan); Armando Broja, 22, academy (for sale).

Total, including loanees: 56

*Players signed under previous owner Roman Abramovich.

What could Chelsea's starting XI be?

Starting XI: Sanchez; James, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia, Fernandez; Palmer, Nkunku, Neto.

Second XI: Jorgensen; Gusto, W Fofana, Badiashile, Veiga; Ugochukwu, Dewsbury-Hall, Chukwuemeka; Madueke, Jackson, Sterling.

Not in either XI: Omorodion, Mudryk, Kellyman, Disasi, Chalobah, Chilwell.

Is there a Premier League squad size limit?

Chelsea will have to submit a 25-man squad after the summer transfer window which must have a minimum of eight 'homegrown' players - those of any nationality who have spent three years at any English club academy before turning 21.

But a club can also register as many under-21 players as they like on top of that 25-man squad.

What happens next?

Chelsea had such a bloated squad of more than 40 players under Graham Potter that reports emerged of first-team squad members sitting on the floor during team meetings and changing for training in the corridor.

This summer they will do fewer transfers both in and out than last summer under Mauricio Pochettino - but it remains more than any other club in the Premier League.

At least 14 players will leave Chelsea’s group of the 56 listed above, which includes any player who has made his first-team debut for the Blues or his national team.

From the outside, there will be questions about why Chelsea sign so many players and why such young ones? The club insist it does not have a minimum age or wage to acquire players and judges each deal on an individual basis.

They believe they can bridge the gap on the top four with the current squad and begin pushing for major titles in the coming seasons.

But there is also an acceptance that this transfer window will only be a success if Chelsea can balance the books further by adding to the £90m for the three players sold so far, not including the Conor Gallagher deal that is likely to be confirmed in the coming days.

Meanwhile, rivals will also ask how Chelsea can keep spending amid such restrictive Premier League profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

Again, the Blues will point to player sales but have also effectively needed to sell two hotels – the Millennium and the Copthorne – to themselves for £77m, which is believed to have allowed them to remain compliant with PSR.

According to the Times,, external the Premier League is also reviewing changes to Chelsea women’s team’s ownership structure filed in their accounts on 28 June.

BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Chelsea sign £54m Neto from Wolves

Chelsea have completed a £54m move for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Pedro Neto.

The 24-year-old has signed a seven-year deal with the Blues until 2031.


BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Palmer extends Chelsea contract by two years to 2033

Cole Palmer has signed a new Chelsea contract to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge until 2033.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder is now on a nine-year deal with improved terms after a sensational breakthrough season in west London.

Palmer scored 25 goals and contributed 15 assists in 45 appearances during his first season at Chelsea after a £42.5m move from Manchester City last summer.

The Blues have been keen to reward the England international, who scored in the 2-1 Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain in July, with a deal which will be announced in the coming days.

Palmer is on the shortlist for the PFA Player and Young Player of the Year awards to be announced in Salford next week, and claimed the Premier League Young Player of the Season award for 2023-24.

The Blues face Manchester City on the opening day of the Premier League season on Sunday, with manager Enzo Maresca opening his campaign against his former employers, where he won the Treble in 2022-23 as assistant to Pep Guardiola.

Last season, Maresca led Leicester City back to the Premier League by winning the Championship title.


BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Conor Gallagher left in limbo at Chelsea as Atlético Madrid move stalls

Conor Gallagher has returned to London after his proposed move from Chelsea to Atlético Madrid was put on hold, with the England midfielder expected to resume training with the club’s under-21 squad.

Atlético had agreed a £34m fee for Gallagher, who has spent the last week in the Spanish capital after completing his medical. But the collapse of Chelsea’s move for striker Samu Omorodion has left the deal in jeopardy, with Atlético needing to sell another player in order to finance their move for the 24-year-old Englishman.

Talks over the potential re-signing of João Félix are believed to be ongoing, with the Portugal forward having expressed an interest in returning to Stamford Bridge after spending six months there on loan in 2023. In the meantime, however, Gallagher – who had been staying in a hotel and using Atlético’s facilities to stay fit while he awaited the confirmation of his move – will join fellow outcasts Trevoh Chalobah and Romelu Lukaku in training with Chelsea’s youth side.

Gallagher has rejected a new contract offer from Chelsea and turned down a move to Aston Villa earlier in the summer. He must now wait to see if the deal with Atlético can be resurrected or whether any other clubs make a bid. Gallagher has previously indicated that he would consider seeing out his contract at Stamford Bridge, which expires next year.

There could be more departures in the coming weeks if Félix is signed, with the forwards Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke among those who are believed to be on the market. Newcastle have been linked with a move for England Under-21 forward Madueke, while Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are contenders to sign Chalobah after he was left out of Chelsea’s side that toured the United States earlier in the summer.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea decide to push ahead with their interest in Victor Osimhen, who they could sign on loan from Napoli. The Italian club have agreed personal terms for a three-year deal with Lukaku but have yet to match Chelsea’s valuation for the Belgium striker.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have confirmed that Cole Palmer has been rewarded with a two-year contract extension following his brilliant first season. That commits him to the club until 2033 and is understood to include a significant pay rise in recognition of emergence as one of Chelsea’s key players.

THE GUARDIAN

 

[Cricket Warrior]

'My body let me down' - Chelsea's Lavia on dealing with setbacks

Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia has been through a lot for a 20-year-old.

Aged just 16, the Belgian left Anderlecht to join Manchester City in 2020, but the Covid pandemic meant he moved without his family.

Then, aged 18, and with only two senior City appearances, Lavia pushed for a move to Southampton - and suffered relegation with them in 2023.

He was still only 19 when he became part of Chelsea's spending spree that summer, becoming the 23rd player signed by the club's new ownership. But after his £53m move to Stamford Bridge, Lavia managed just 29 minutes under former boss Mauricio Pochettino as injuries ruined his season.

"My mum never watched a game of mine at Man City," Lavia said, reflecting on his lack of first-team chances as he started out. "That's to tell you how hard it was but I never really complained because I knew what I was getting into, the same in every decision I've made.

"It's never been a problem. Even with the injuries last season, it was tough but what can you do? Turn it into a positive."

Lavia, who has one cap for Belgium, admitted to "frustrations" and feelings of "unfairness" over a frustrating first season at Chelsea, as a significant ankle injury in training was followed by a hamstring problem as he neared a return.

“I'd say that it was unlucky and I tried to catch up every time," he said. "My body let me down a couple of times."

However, this pre-season has offered a timely reminder to new head coach Enzo Maresca of Lavia's qualities, in the lead-up to their Premier League opener at home to champions Manchester City on Sunday (16:30 BST).

Only Christopher Nkunku, Reece James, Malo Gusto and Levi Colwill played more minutes than Lavia during Chelsea's tour of the United States, where he started all five games and got two assists.

Romeo Lavia: Chelsea midfielder on dealing with injury setbacks

Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia speaks about his belief that the club are building something special - and how he is ready to be part of it after an injury-troubled year.

www.bbc.com

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Sterling representatives want 'clarity' on Chelsea future

Raheem Sterling's representatives want "clarity" about the forward's future at Chelsea after he was left out of the squad for Sunday's Premier League opener against Manchester City.

In a statement his representatives said Sterling has a "good working relationship" with new Blues manager Enzo Maresca but there was an "expectation" he would be involved in Sunday's match at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have spent about £185m on 11 signings this summer, leaving Maresca with a squad of more than 40 senior players.

"He returned to England two weeks early to conduct individual training, and has had a positive pre-season under the new coach, who he has developed a good working relationship with," said the statement.

"He is committed, as ever, to delivering at the highest level for Chelsea FC and the fans, who he holds in high regard, and given his inclusion in official club pre-match material this week, our expectation was that Raheem would be involved in this weekend’s fixture in some capacity.

"As a camp, we have always had positive dialogue with, and assurance from, Chelsea FC in relation to Raheem’s future at the club, so we look forward to gaining clarity on the situation.

"Until then, we will continue to support Raheem’s desire to start the new season positively."

Asked about his decision to leave out Sterling, Maresca told Sky Sports: "The manager has to make some decisions. Sometimes players don't like it, that's normal.

"Just a technical decision, no more than that."

Sterling has made 81 appearances for Chelsea since joining from Manchester City for £50m in July 2022.

He was one of the first players to join the club following the takeover by co-controlling owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly.

About £1.5bn has been spent on transfers since, with a focus on younger players with high resale value.


BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Chelsea agree Felix fee, Gallagher to join Atletico

Chelsea have agreed a fee in principle for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix, with Conor Gallagher moving in the other direction as part of the deal.

The fee for the 24-year-old Portugal international is undisclosed, but it will allow him to return to Stamford Bridge on a six-year deal with an option for a further season.

Felix's move, which is subject to a medical, will bring him back after a 2023 loan spell at Chelsea.

He scored four goals in 20 appearances in his previous spell in west London.

England midfielder Gallagher, meanwhile, is set to sign a five-year deal with Atletico .

He had been training alone at the club's Cobham training ground after being left in limbo for a week.

The collapse of Chelsea's talks to sign striker Samu Omorodion had delayed Gallagher's £33m move to Madrid, with Atleti needing to raise funds to complete the move by making a major first-team sale.

Felix's move to Chelsea will pave the way for Gallagher to sign on at Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, where he was pictured at nine days ago in anticipation of a move before a delay forced him to fly back to London last Tuesday.

Chelsea will focus on player sales in the lead up deadline day on 30 August but remain interested in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, as the Italian club continue their efforts to sign Romelu Lukaku, who remains on Chelsea's books but has no future in west London.

Napoli say they have made a second offer to sign Lukaku on loan with a £25.5m obligation to buy.

It is expected to be rejected after falling short of Chelsea's asking price of around £35m.


BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Sterling left out of Chelsea squad for European game

Raheem Sterling has been left out of Chelsea's squad for their Europa Conference League play-off first leg with Servette.

Thursday's game is the second in succession the 29-year-old England forward has not featured in a matchday squad, after he was omitted from Chelsea's Premier League opener with Manchester City.

Defenders Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo were also not included on Chelsea's A-list submitted to Uefa for Thursday's match at Stamford Bridge (20:00 BST), with the second leg in Switzerland on 29 August.

Should Chelsea progress they could name Sterling in their squad for the Conference League group stage.

Sterling's representatives said in a statement before Sunday's defeat by City they wanted "clarity" over the player's future at the club.

Chelsea have spent about £185m on 11 signings this summer, leaving manager Enzo Maresca with a squad of more than 40 senior players.

Maresca said after the City game he "wants" Sterling at Chelsea, but acknowledged "there is not enough space" for all his players to feature in matches.

Sterling has made 81 appearances for Chelsea since he joined from Manchester City for £50m in July 2022.


BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

'Chelsea since birth' - is Gallagher exit a 'soulless ploy' or sense?

Conor Gallagher went from being an eight-year-old Chelsea academy signing to wearing the captain's armband.

Yet his 16-year spell at the club he grew up supporting is over following the England midfielder's move to Atletico Madrid for about £33m.

Some Chelsea supporters are upset at the 24-year-old's departure, claiming homegrown Gallagher's exit increases the gulf between the ownership and the fanbase.

Others appear fine with it, external and believe the money for a player who was out of contract next summer will help balance the books.

While the debate among fans goes on, Gallagher is beginning the next chapter of his career in Spain where he faces a showdown with England team-mate Jude Bellingham on 29 September when Atletico host Real Madrid in La Liga.

He leaves behind a club on its fourth permanent manager since Chelsea's £4.25bn sale to a consortium led by American investor Todd Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake Capital in May 2022.

Gallagher also leaves behind a club that has finished 12th and sixth the previous two seasons - and which has continued to spend big this summer.

Has his exit put new boss Enzo Maresca and the owners under even more pressure?

"There is only one thing that eases this tension and that is results on the pitch," said Chelsea fan Nat Hayward.

"Lets hope, for their sake, it is a positive start to the season."

BBC Sport's Nizaar Kinsella, said: "It’s safe to say that sections of the fanbase have raised their eyebrows over the treatment and departure of a homegrown midfielder, who clearly loved the club.

"There are a lot of parallels to Mason Mount’s departure to Manchester United last summer - as two popular homegrown stars felt they were pushed out.

"Ultimately, Chelsea don’t believe Gallagher, who has exceptional energy level and fitness, is as good at playing the short passing game that will soon characterise the club.

"But it won’t stop some supporters feeling that all these sales of academy players are a soulless ploy to cover transfer market mistakes and keep them compliant with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules."

Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin, added: "There was no need to spin it that Conor wasn't wanted because of the new possession style.

"The club have been keen to cash in on him for a season or more, the fans know this so don't insult their intelligence with that line. I would wish Conor the best whether he ended up in a Spanish villa or Aston Villa. He just needs somewhere his talents and fabulous attitude are valued."

Chelsea lose role model

Gallagher grew up local to Chelsea's Cobham training ground and rose through the youth ranks at Stamford Bridge, winning the Under-17 World Cup with England in 2017.

However, it was not until 2022 that he was handed his senior Chelsea debut at the age of 22 by Thomas Tuchel.

By then Gallagher had already had loan spells at Charlton Athletic, Swansea City, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace.

It was while he was at Palace that he made his first senior England appearance in a 10-0 World Cup qualifying win away to San Marino in November 2021 - three years after having minor heart surgery., external

Gallagher's breakthrough season at Chelsea in 2022-23 saw him make 35 Premier League appearances. His contribution last season, when he scored five goals in 37 top-flight appearances, was second only to Cole Palmer, who finished the season with 22 Premier League goals.

'Gallagher adds dynamism and intensity'

While Chelsea are in the Europa Conference League in 2024-25, Gallagher has joined a team that will compete in the Champions League after finishing fourth in La Liga last season behind champions Real Madrid, Barcelona and Girona.

"Gallagher adds the dynamism, intensity and enough quality to help the team and make an impact," said Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.

Atletico boss Diego Simeone is rebuilding his squad after allowing former Chelsea forward Alvaro Morata (AC Milan), ex-Manchester United forward Memphis Depay and midfielder Saul (Sevilla, loan) to leave.

"They wanted to bring in young blood," added Balague.

'Fan favourites are being ushered out'

Gallagher joins the likes of Billy Gilmour (Brighton), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (AC Milan), Callum Hudson-Odoi (Nottingham Forest), Ian Maatsen (Aston Villa), Lewis Hall (Newcastle) and Mason Mount (Manchester United) in terms of Cobham-developed players who have departed since the 2022 takeover.

Boss Enzo Maresca has called on the Premier League to change their financial rules so clubs do not feel "compelled" to sell academy players.

When clubs sell academy graduates the entire transfer fee goes down as 'pure profit' in their accounts and can help them navigate the top flight's strict profit and sustainability rules.

Nevin told BBC Sport: "The 'legacy' fans are particularly distraught, but they also understand this is little more than pure economics. He is a home-grown talent, 'straight outta Cobham', as it were and that means he represents pure profit when he is sold on.

‌"The club needs the Gallagher income to boost the coffers having spent more than a billion pounds, only to discover they have the looming Premier League PSR to consider.

"The England star, the club's most committed performer last season, a sometime captain and a true fans favourite is the next one to be nudged out."

"It's not what Conor Gallagher is, it's what he represents," added Hayward.

"In a past era of Chelsea, accepting a £33m offer for him from Atletico Madrid would elicit far less of a reaction than it has now.

"Gallagher is a committed, passionate and solid performer. But he is not remarkable. His homegrown status elevates his standing among supporters beyond where he would rank on ability alone.

"But this is not a Chelsea that boasts a midfield containing a Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack, Michael Essien, Claude Makelele, N'Golo Kante or Cesc Fabregas.

"This is a Chelsea that is without a major trophy for three years and has seldom felt further from silverware in its modern history.

"Ticket prices have risen, the public-facing vision remains non-existent and fan favourites are being hastily ushered out of the backdoor.

"When teams are going through challenging periods on the pitch, fans cling to the connection they feel to academy products. Last season, Gallagher's exuberance was a shining light - especially during the difficult early months.

"So, the de-identification of Chelsea continues and the gulf between ownership and fanbase increases."

BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Christopher Nkunku's penalty helped Enzo Maresca earn his first win as Chelsea boss as the Blues secured a two-goal advantage against Servette in their Conference League play-off first leg.

A much-changed Chelsea side had been struggling to open up their Swiss opponents until Nkunku was sent sprawling by goalkeeper Jeremy Frick early in the second half.

The France forward, one of just two survivors from the Blues team that started the 2-0 home defeat by Manchester City on Sunday, picked himself up to score the first goal of the Maresca era from the spot.

The former Paris St-Germain player then celebrated in trademark fashion, external, producing a blue balloon which he inflated in front of jubilant Chelsea fans.

Chelsea should have doubled the lead moments later when Frick was caught dithering on the ball by 18-year-old Marc Guiu.

The Spain youth forward looked certain to score but lost his composure and Frick was able to get back and save.

However, substitute Noni Madueke did make it 2-0 with a ferocious 72nd-minute finish from a tight angle inside the penalty area.

Chelsea will be confident of finishing the job and advancing to the group stage of European football's third-tier club competition when they travel to Geneva for the second leg on 29 August.


BBC

 

[FearlessRoar]

'Problems' if Chelsea can't trim squad - Maresca​

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca says there could be "problems" if the club cannot trim his large squad before the transfer window closes.

The Blues have made 11 signings so far this summer which has seen the senior squad swell to more than 40 players.

Earlier this week, Maresca said England internationals Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell were part of a group of about 15 players told to train away from the main first-team group.

"At the moment, with the squad that we have, I am working with 22, 23 or 21 players - not with the 42 players, otherwise it is impossible," Maresca said.

"It is impossible for any manager in the world to make a session with 45 players. It's impossible. You cannot do that."

Sterling was left out of Maresca's first Premier League squad, for the 2-0 home defeat by Manchester City on Sunday, while he also missed their Europa Conference League play-off first-leg win against Servette on Thursday.

The forward's representatives said in a statement on Sunday that they wanted "clarity" over Sterling's future at the club, since when Maresca has said he had already made his position clear.

BBC Sport understands Crystal Palace are interested in the 29-year-old, while there are reports he has been offered to Aston Villa.

England midfielder Conor Gallagher has left for Atletico Madrid - in an unpopular move with some sections of Chelsea's support - with fellow home-grown star Armando Broja set to join Ipswich in a loan move with an obligation to buy.

Several other players appear to have uncertain futures, including defenders Chilwell, Axel Disasi and Trevoh Chalobah, and midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka.

"I just communicate the players that I like and the players I don't like and because there is one week, or 10 days, left of the transfer window, hopefully we can find solutions for all of them," Maresca said.

"When you find solutions, everyone is happy. When you don't find a solution, then you can create some problems."

The transfer window closes on Friday, 30 August.

Enzo Maresca: As clubs target Raheem Sterling, Chelsea boss warns of 'problems' if unwanted players stay

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca says there could be "problems" if the club cannot trim their large squad before the transfer window closes.

www.bbc.com

 

[BouncerGuy]

Chelsea consider Toney offer and hold talks over Sterling-Sancho swap

Chelsea are weighing up whether to make an offer for Brentford’s Ivan Toney as they attempt to sign a striker before the transfer deadline on Friday. The club have also held talks with Manchester United for a swap involving Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho.

Toney has emerged as a potential solution for Chelsea after they failed to reach a breakthrough in talks with Napoli over Victor Osimhen.

It is understood that although the Nigeria striker is keen on the move, Chelsea are not willing to match his wage demands. Napoli are close to signing Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea on a permanent deal.

Toney was left out of Brentford’s matchday squad on Sunday for the second week in succession after they rejected an offer of £35m from Al-Ahli. It is understood he has been offered a contract by the Saudi Arabian club worth a reported £16m a year but would prefer to stay in the Premier League.

Brentford are thought to want £50m for Toney, who has less than a year on his contract and has made no secret of his desire to leave. Chelsea are expected to test their resolve by making an initial offer significantly below the asking price, and Toney would be expected to fit into their wage structure. Toney has been linked in the past with United and Arsenal.

Chelsea’s head coach, Enzo Maresca, has made it clear that signing a striker is his priority, although the club are also attempting to move on the high earners Sterling and Ben Chilwell.

Chelsea are open to taking Sancho on loan from United and sending Sterling in the opposite direction, and held discussions on Tuesday over a possible deal.

SOurce: https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...ffer-and-hold-talks-over-sterling-sancho-swap

 

[BouncerGuy]

Bournemouth sign Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa on loan

Bournemouth have signed Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga on a season-long loan deal.

Kepa, 29, is the world's most expensive goalkeeper after moving to the Blues in 2018 from his boyhood club Athletic Bilbao for £71m.

This week the Spain international extended his contract at Chelsea, which had been due to expire at the end of the 2025 season, by a year.

"I know Andoni Iraola well, so of course that was a big reason for coming here, he spoke very well about everything here," Kepa, who played with Bournemouth boss Iraola at Bilbao, told the club's Youtube channel, external.

"I am so ready to be here and play in front of our fans.

"Hopefully we can win something and it could be a great year."

He spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, where he made 20 appearances as a replacement for the injured Thibaut Courtois, winning La Liga and the Champions League.

By signing a new deal at Chelsea, the Blues avoid the prospect of losing Kepa on a free transfer at the end of his loan spell with the Cherries.

"We are delighted to bring a player of Kepa's calibre to AFC Bournemouth," said Cherries chief executive Neill Blake.

"We were aware of his availability and were keen to take the opportunity to bring him to the club on loan.

"We believe he will be an exciting addition to our talented goalkeeping department."

Real manager Carlo Ancelotti had been interested in re-signing the Spaniard but it was dependent on Andriy Lunin leaving the club.

That left Kepa training, along with 14 other players, away from manager Enzo Maresca's first-team squad.

Kepa also rejected a permanent move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad in July.

BBC

 

[FearlessRoar]

Tino Anjorin completes permanent transfer to Empoli​

Tino, who first trained with Chelsea at the age of six, officially signed as an under-9 and progressed through our Academy at Cobham.

Tino signed his first professional contract in November 2018 and made the step up to our Under-21s squad ahead of the 2019/20 season.

It proved an impressive campaign for the midfielder as he was handed his senior debut against Grimsby Town, made his Premier League debut against Everton, and helped the Under-21s win Premier League 2.

Tino was involved in several match-day squads throughout the following season and made his Champions League debut. He was also part of the travelling squad for our Champions League final against Manchester City in Porto – and has since embarked on several loan spells.

We would like to thank Tino for all his efforts while at the club and wish him well as he begins the next chapter in his career.

Tino Anjorin completes permanent transfer to Empoli

Tino Anjorin has completed a permanent transfer to Serie A side Empoli.

www.chelseafc.com

 

[FearlessRoar]

Napoli sign Chelsea's Lukaku for £30m​

Napoli have signed Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea in a £30m deal.

Napoli's move for Lukaku, 31, has been driven by their manager Antonio Conte, under whom the Belgian enjoyed two prolific seasons for Inter Milan from 2019 to 2021.

The striker rejoined Chelsea in 2021 for £97.5m but has spent the past two seasons on loan in Italy, first back at Inter and then with Roma.

Lukaku scored 24 league goals as he won Serie A under Conte in 2021, with his form sparking Chelsea's decision to recruit him.

Disposing of the Belgian – who has not played for Chelsea since May 2022 – gets his £325,000-a-week wages off the books.

Speaking in a pre-match news conference, Conte said Lukaku could make his Napoli debut in Saturday's game against Parma (19:45 BST).

Lukaku's departure comes as Chelsea midfielder Tino Anjorin also moves to Italy's Serie A, joining Empoli on a three-year deal.

Chelsea and Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli are both in talks to sign Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, 25, which will help Napoli offset their spending.

Romelu Lukaku: Napoli sign Belgium striker from Chelsea for £30m

Napoli announce the signing of Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea for £30m.

www.bbc.com

 

[BouncerGuy]

Chelsea sign Sancho on loan from Man Utd

Chelsea have signed Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho on loan until the end of the season.

The deal includes an obligation for Chelsea to sign the England international, 24, for between £20-25m next summer.

Sancho joined United in a £73m deal from German club Borussia Dortmund in July 2021 but has had a difficult time at Old Trafford.

He made 83 appearances across the three full seasons but had a high-profile falling out with manager Erik ten Hag which led to him training away from the first team.

Having re-joined Dortmund on loan in January, he returned to United in the summer and has not been in the squad for either of their Premier League games so far.

The last of his 23 England caps came back in 2021, having been overlooked for Euro 2024 and the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

'Best way out of a bad situation'

For Manchester United, this deal represents the best way out of a bad situation.

Sporting director Dan Ashworth, technical director Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada have had to navigate their way out of major problem not of their making.

Sancho had already fallen out with Erik ten Hag when the trio of senior figures were installed. The uneasy truce negotiated to get Sancho back for pre-season training and onto the club’s tour of the United States was a temporary state that allowed him to retain his fitness, making it easier to find an alternative club to continue his career.

The reality is even before his very public bust-up with his manager, Sancho promised far more than he delivered for the Old Trafford club.

United are trying to create a new reality and the emergence of Alejandro Garnacho last season and Amad Diallo at the start of this one has given Ten Hag other options for the wide positions, even without including Marcus Rashford and Antony.

It is a pity for everyone the move didn’t work. Given all that has happened, this solution is not great. But it is the best way out.

'Sancho comes at a good price'

For Chelsea, the question of signing Sancho will simply be, why?

They have Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Pedro Neto, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Joao Felix and Marc Guiu in their attack.

But they will argue that Sancho comes at a good price and that he could follow Cole Palmer's trajectory if allowed to get back to his best.

There is a host of ex-Manchester City back room staff at the club, including manager Enzo Maresca and influential recruitment specialist Joe Shields.

This is a player who, in Maresca's words, "he knows" and may ultimately fit his system.

Chelsea also like signing players that supported them as children, and south London born Sancho fits that bill.

BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Chelsea extend striker Jackson's contract to 2033

Chelsea have extended the contract of striker Nicolas Jackson by two years until 2033.

The Blues now have the Senegal forward tied to the club for nine years to reflect their confidence in the £32m signing from Villarreal last summer.

Jackson scored 14 goals in the Premier League last season and has eight goals in his past eight matches, after scoring in Sunday's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.

When asked about Jackson's deal, manager Enzo Maresca said after the match: "The only thing I know is he's signing a new contract - I don't know how many years.

"I'm very happy. Nicolas is doing a fantastic job with us, on and off the ball. He scored already two goals [this season]. He scored again today. He had another two chances but we are happy with him."

On whether the extension shows faith in Jackson after the club's summer pursuit of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, Maresca said: "I have faith, and the club also, even before. Not because we are looking for another striker; not that we don't trust Nicolas. We trust Nicolas.

"I said last week when the transfer window was still open - he is doing fantastic with us. I am very happy with him."

The renewal follows another two-year extension for Cole Palmer until 2033 before the season started.

Chelsea have won one, drawn one and lost the other of their first three league matches.


BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Chelsea winger Angelo joins Al-Nassr for £19.1m

Brazilian winger Angelo Gabriel, who never played a competitive match for Chelsea, has join Saudi Pro-League side Al-Nassr from the Blues for £19.1m.

The 19-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge for £13m in July 2023 from Santos and spent last season on loan at Chelsea's sister club Strasbourg, making 24 appearances.

In October 2020, aged 15 years and 308 days, he became the youngest player in the history of the Brazilian top flight when he made his Santos debut against Fluminense in the Maracana Stadium.

Chelsea have a sell-on clause for the player, who will link up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane at Al-Nassr.

Elsewhere, Daniel Podence has moved to Al-Shabab from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £5m.

The Portugal winger, 28, has played for Wolves since 2019, making 108 appearances and scoring 16 goals.

He was on loan to his former club Olympiacos last season.

The Saudi transfer window closed on Monday evening.

BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Palmer and Chilwell not in Chelsea European squad

Cole Palmer and Ben Chilwell are among four senior players left out of Chelsea's Conference League squad.

England forward Palmer, midfielder Romeo Lavia and defender Wesley Fofana have been purposely left out to manage their workload.

Chelsea could play about 80 matches this season in five competitions.

The decision was made to rest star man Palmer in the league phase of Europe's third tier competition, with Lavia and Fofana working their way back from long-term injuries.

Chelsea can re-register the trio for the knockout rounds on 6 February when squads can be re-submitted.

Cole Palmer left out of Chelsea's European Conference League squad

Cole Palmer and Ben Chilwell are among four senior players left out of Chelsea's Conference League squad.

www.bbc.com

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Chelsea's co-owners are looking to buy each other out amid a rift at board level.

Chairman Todd Boehly and majority owners Clearlake Capital are both prepared to take full control of the club.

Boehly has gradually lost power despite being named co-controlling owner after the club's purchase from Roman Abramovich for £2.5bn in July 2022, with Clearlake - which owns a 61.5% stake - in primary control at Stamford Bridge.

Clearlake co-founder Behdad Eghbali has become the most hands-on figure within the ownership group since Boehly stepped down as interim sporting director in January 2023.

Multiple figures in the senior hierarchy now recognise there is a rift between two main blocs - Clearlake and the group allied to Boehly, including billionaire partners Hansjorg Wyss and Mark Walter, which owns the other 38.5% of the club.

Any rift has previously been denied by sources at the club.

Clearlake does not want to sell any of its stake in the club and is open to expanding it.

But Boehly also wants to buy out that stake and is keen to see the situation resolved quickly.

The two parties have matching rights and blocking options, should third parties come to the table.

The issue has been kept from most involved in the sporting side of the club, but some senior figures believe work on revamping or moving stadium has slowed due to the situation.

As part of a written agreement, the chairman will change every five years, which is due to see Boehly step down in 2027.

Clearlake would need to approve any sale of Boehly's shares to a third party.

Since the 2022 takeover, Chelsea have spent over £1bn on new signings and were criticised for hoarding players during the summer transfer window, with 42 senior players on the books at one point, although that number was cut to 36.

Current manager Enzo Maresca was hired from Leicester in July to replace Mauricio Pochettino, who left Stamford Bridge after only one season in charge.

Pochettino, who departed by mutual consent, was the latest boss to leave under the new owners, who had previously sacked Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter.

Source: BBC

 

[FearlessRoar]

Enzo Fernandez: Chelsea footballer disqualified from driving​

Chelsea footballer Enzo Fernandez has been disqualified from driving following two driving offences.

He was sentenced at Llanelli Magistrates court in Carmarthenshire on Wednesday after he was found guilty of failing to identify the driver of a Porsche Cayenne on 27 December last year.

The 23-year-old was also sentenced for a further offence of failing to identify the driver of a vehicle on 24 January.

The midfielder has been at Chelsea since last year and played for Argentina in their World Cup-winning campaign in 2022.

Having previously played for River Plate and Benfica, he also won the 2024 Copa America with his national side.

Last year, the Argentinian apologised after he was seen chanting a racially offensive song with his Argentina teammates in a live broadcast on Instagram.

Fernandez was not in court for his sentencing and his case was heard in his absence.

He was fined £1,000 per offence and ordered to pay £110 in costs to Dyfed-Powys Police and South Wales Police respectively.

He must also pay a surcharge of £800 for the offences, bringing the total to £3,020.

For both offences, he received a total of 12 penalty points.

These are in addition to the nine penalty points already on his licence.

Sentencing, Mr Wyn Edwards said Fernandez would therefore be disqualified for a period of six months to begin on Wednesday.

Enzo Fernandez: Chelsea footballer disqualified from driving

Fernandez was also fined a total of £3,020, including costs, at Llanelli Magistrates court. The case was heard in the 23-year-old's absence.

news.sky.com

 

[FearlessRoar]

'Chelsea can't compete with Man City or Arsenal'

Enzo Maresca says he is "convinced" Chelsea cannot compete for "big things" with Manchester City and Arsenal this season.

The Italian manager has had an good start at Stamford Bridge, winning seven of his 10 matches, overseeing a run of 27 goals and seeing Chelsea rise into fourth place, just two points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.

However, Maresca has urged caution about his team's ability to win major trophies during his first season.

“I really don’t think we can compete with City or Arsenal," Maresca said after beating Gent 4-2 in the Europa Conference League.

"I really don’t think that because we are not ready. The reason is that City has worked with the same manager for nine years and Arsenal for five years. If you want to compete for big things you need that time.

“After Arsenal beat PSG they asked Luis Enrique and he said the same thing that Arsenal have had the same manager for five years and them only a year and a half.

"Imagine us, only three months… so it’s a huge difference. So I am really convinced we cannot compete with those clubs."

Chelsea are home to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday (14:00 BST).

They have spent £1.5bn across the last five transfer windows, albeit with significant player sales, and currently only have Carney Chukwuemeka (ill) and Reece James (hamstring) on the sidelines.

Maresca wants time and patience in his first year of management at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues entering the third year of their ownership under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

He added: "The target is to improve and slowly, slowly to get closer to those clubs but at the moment we are not ready for that," he added.

“There is no timeframe because you can continue to improve and add solutions to things always.”

Enzo Maresca: Chelsea boss says they can't compete with Man City or Arsenal

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca urges supporters and pundits not to get carried away by the club's positive start to the season.

www.bbc.com

 

[FearlessRoar]

Cole Palmer doesn’t hesitate when naming toughest Premier League opponent

Cole Palmer has named his toughest Premier League opponent.

The Chelsea forward did not hesitate when asked who had been the hardest to face in his career.

Palmer enjoyed a breakthrough season after joining the Blues last summer, scoring 25 goals and providing 15 assists for the club.

His performances were enough to see him win PFA Young Player of the Year.

He was also named England's Men's Player of the Year and ranked 25th in the Ballon d'or.

The 22-year-old's form has continued so far this term with seven goals and five assists in nine Premier League appearances.

However, there is one player who Palmer believes is tougher to face than anyone else.

In a new video for Chelsea's social media channels, Palmer didn't hesitate when asked about his toughest rivals.

He immediately replied: "Van Dijk."

Palmer has taken on Virgil van Dijk five times for Manchester City, Chelsea and England.

However, he has yet to score against the Dutch defender in those meetings.

Meanwhile, the Liverpool captain netted the winner in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley back in February.

He was on the losing side in the summer, though, with Palmer coming off the bench in England's semi-final victory over the Netherlands at Euro 2024.

Their most recent clash came at Anfield earlier this month, where Liverpool ran out 2-1 winners.

That defeat means Palmer will now have to wait until the end of the season to end his drought against Van Dijk.

The reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge is scheduled for matchday 35 on May 3.

Cole Palmer doesn't hesitate when naming toughest Premier League opponent

Cole Palmer has named his toughest Premier League opponent. The Chelsea forward did not hesitate when asked who had been the hardest to face in his career. Palmer enjoyed a breakthrough season afte…

talksport.com

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Chelsea's James out with another hamstring issue

Chelsea captain Reece James has suffered another setback after injuring a hamstring in training, Blues manager Enzo Maresca has revealed.

The 24-year-old missed much of last season after undergoing hamstring surgery, which was designed to help him overcome a series of injuries, but returned to action last month.

Maresca played down concerns about a long-term lay-off but confirmed James will miss Saturday's match at Leicester.

He said: "We have just one injured player and that's Reece [James] who unfortunately felt something small in training two days ago and we don't want to take a risk for the weekend.

"It's a hamstring, muscular problem. We will see, we don't know for how long, for sure [we want him fit for longer]. At the moment it is not happening but we hope it will happen soon.

"He is out this weekend but hopefully he can be back soon. It's probably difficult that he can be available for the Conference League [next Thursday], but hopefully soon."

The likes of Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto and Romeo Lavia are all available despite pulling out of international duty last week.

But there is caution around Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez with Maresca saying his starting team will "not be at 100%", with those travelling from international duty in South America completing just one training session on Friday before the match.

Reece James injury: Chelsea captain has another hamstring problem says Enzo Maresca

Chelsea captain Reece James suffers another hamstring injury and will be unavailable to face Leicester on Saturday.

www.bbc.com

 

[FearlessRoar]

Chelsea's Palmer says his connection with Jackson is growing​

Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer said his understanding with forward Nicolas Jackson is growing after the pair both scored in their 3-0 home win over Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.

Chelsea are now level with Arsenal on 25 points from 13 games, nine points adrift of leaders Liverpool.

Senegal international Jackson has taken his time to settle since joining Chelsea last season but both he and Palmer have scored eight league goals already in the current campaign.

"Me and Nico work well together," Palmer told the club website. "We speak to each other every day and we message each other after games. We are trying to work on our relationship to help us on the pitch and hopefully that work is showing."

Chelsea finished sixth last season but have been far more consistent in the league this term having lost only to Manchester City and Liverpool, and Palmer believes they can target a Champions League place.

"It’s too early (to predict this season)," said Palmer. "If we keep winning then we will be near the top four.

"But like the gaffer said Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal have been together for more than five years, whereas we’ve only been together for a season. We just want to keep going and winning the games."

Enzo Maresca's side visit Southampton in midweek before travelling to face Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/chelseas-palmer-says-his-connection-with-jackson-is-growing-2024-12-02/?taid=674d576e0366ac0001c86b24&utm_campaign=trueAnthem:+Trending+Content&utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=twitter

 

[Amjid Javed]

Very young average age of squad and starting 11. I think Chelsea need a elite goal keeper, 2 quality CBs and a striker and you then have an even more dangerous side. Chelsea will always spend money and show ambition

 

[KingKhanWC]

Very young average age of squad and starting 11. I think Chelsea need a elite goal keeper, 2 quality CBs and a striker and you then have an even more dangerous side. Chelsea will always spend money and show ambition

Chelsea want Liverpool keeper Kelleher, they will get him imo.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Chelsea want Liverpool keeper Kelleher, they will get him imo.

That's a massive upgrade on the keeper sanchez.

If you took Liverpool or Arsenal's CB pairing and goal keeper and put it into current Chelsea team it would improve then massively.

Chelsea do look good enough to make top 4, they need a few level raising players now in defense and striker

 

[FearlessRoar]

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has his sights set on winning the Ballon d’Or​

Chelsea forward Cole Palmer says it is his “wish” to win the Ballon d’Or.

Palmer finished 25th in the race to be named the best player in the world for 2024, with Manchester City’s Rodri claiming the prize.

The 22-year-old has set the Premier League alight since moving to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2024 and is eyeing the individual gong.

“Ballon d’Or, that’s what everyone wants to win,” he said on the Men In Blazers podcast. “I wish.”

Palmer has helped the Blues make an excellent start to life under Enzo Maresca and they are second in the table, seven points behind leaders Liverpool.

The England international says finishing in the top four and claiming silverware would be a good season.

He added: “Champions League would be a success, and hopefully winning a trophy.”

Palmer’s life has changed since he burst onto the scene with Chelsea and England as he gets recognised everywhere, recently at a McDonald’s Drive-Thru, where staff asked him to pose for pictures.

And he says the thing he misses most about normal life is the chance to play football with his mates.

“Yeah, it (my life) has changed massively,” he said. “You can’t go to certain places because you’ll get pestered and you can’t be bothered with it because you just want to chill.

“When you go to a shop round the corner you might think, ‘Oh someone is watching me’ or something.

“(I miss) going to play five-a-side. I swear that’s actually true. Yeah, just going to five-a-side with mates and playing.”

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has his sights set on winning the Ballon d’Or

Palmer finished 25th in the race to be named the best player in the world for 2024.

www.independent.co.uk

 

[Amjid Javed]

Chelsea winning 4-2 at spurs at moment

Brentford, Everton, Fulham, Ipswich, Palace, Bournemouth, wolves are next 7 fixtures, so anyone thinking they aren't a menace Is deluded

 

[aboveandbeyond]

Chelsea winning 4-2 at spurs at moment

Brentford, Everton, Fulham, Ipswich, Palace, Bournemouth, wolves are next 7 fixtures, so anyone thinking they aren't a menace Is deluded

Agree. They have alot of quality. However defensively, they are all over the place.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Agree. They have alot of quality. However defensively, they are all over the place.

They do need a top quality keeper and CBs, otherwise they look good

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Title rivals won't slip up 'like Cucurella' - Maresca

Enzo Maresca says Chelsea are ahead of expectations - but does not expect their Premier League rivals to slip up in the title race "like Marc Cucurella".

The Blues came back from a two-goal deficit to beat Tottenham 4-3 on Sunday, with both of Spurs' early finishes coming after Cucurella lost his footing.

Maresca became Chelsea boss in the summer after his predecessor Mauricio Pochettino led the Londoners to a sixth-placed finish.

Now they are second, just four points off leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand after Saturday's trip to Everton was postponed due to Storm Darragh.

"We are ahead of my expectation," said Maresca after the impressive comeback win.

"In terms of the way we play on the ball, off the ball and in terms of the results."

The Italian, though, does not feel Chelsea are "ready" to challenge for the title yet.

"Arsenal, [Manchester] City and Liverpool probably don't slide - like Cucurella did," he added in a tongue-in-cheek reference to the misfortune of his Spanish left-back , who changed his boots after Tottenham's second goal.

"To be serious, we are not ready. We are far from these teams, but we focus on day-by-day and trying to improve the team.

"The plan or the idea is to not let the players slow down. They cannot drop because they know another player is waiting to come in."

Enzo Maresca: Chelsea boss says second-placed side are ahead of expectations

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says Chelsea are ahead of where he expected them to be, but the Blues boss doesn't believe they are ready to be title contenders yet.

www.bbc.com

 

[FearlessRoar]

'Not normal' to play after 16-hour trip - Maresca​

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca says it is "not normal" for a player to make the 16-hour round trip to Kazakhstan for Thursday's Conference League match and then play on Sunday night against Brentford.

The Blues face an eight-hour flight for the 3,700-mile (6,000km) journey to Almaty, in the south of the country, where they will play Astana because of renovations to their home stadium in the Kazakhstan capital 600 miles away.

Chelsea will land back in London on Friday morning, before preparing to face Brentford in the Premier League at 19:00 GMT on Sunday, with the Blues currently second place, four points behind Liverpool.

"Eight hours [one way] is not a normal time [to travel] for a game, but we have to go there, we have to play and we want to try to do our best, thinking also about the next game," said Maresca, whose side are top of the Conference League table with four wins from four.

Chelsea face an extended flight time because the plane needs to take a non-direct route away from conflict zones in Ukraine, Russia and Syria.

Temperatures are also forecast to be as low as -11C, while the Premier League side will stay on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during their 18-hour stay in the central Asian country, which is five hours ahead of GMT.

The Italian confirmed a number of first-team players will be rested for the trip, including England winger Noni Madueke, with Portugal winger Pedro Neto suspended for Sunday's match against Brentford.

Youth players Ato Ampah, Shumaira Mheuka, Harrison McMahon, Kaiden Wilson, Richard Olise (brother of Bayern Munich winger Michael) and Harrison Murray-Campbell are in the travelling squad.

Young defender Josh Acheampong will "probably start" on Thursday, and the 18-year-old academy graduate is close to signing a new contract.

Star forward Cole Palmer, injured duo Romeo Lavia and Wesley Fofana and the exiled Ben Chilwell have not been registered for Uefa's third-tier competition.

"The ones that are not involved tomorrow, first of all, they're going to be training, and they have to train well," added 44-year-old Italian Maresca.

"You never know whether we might need one of the guys who play tomorrow on Sunday. Ideally we prefer not. We are going to land at 6am on Friday and it's not normal for one of them, if they land at 6am on Friday, to play again on Sunday."

"But if we need [them to], they are going to make the effort."

When asked about the cold, confirmed starter Axel Disasi said: "We just have to put on two pairs of gloves and be ready to compete in these conditions.

"We all know the conditions of these games, it's eight hour flight and minus 11, so download some movies to watch on the plane, be ready to fight and keep first place."

The Premier League has allowed Chelsea to have a late kick-off time on Sunday because of the trip, which is why the Brentford game will kick off at 19:00 GMT.

Chelsea face 16-hour round-trip to Kazakhstan before Premier League game on Sunday

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca says it is "not normal" for a player to make the 16-hour round trip to Kazakhstan on Thursday and then play on Sunday against Brentford.

www.bbc.com

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Chelsea 'best team in Premier League' - Frank

Chelsea are "maybe the best team in the Premier League right now", says Brentford manager Thomas Frank.

Enzo Maresca, who replaced Mauricio Pochettino in June, has led the Blues to six straight wins in all competitions before hosting Frank's Brentford at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Four successive league wins have taken Chelsea second in the table, four points behind leaders Liverpool.

"They are maybe even more in-form than Liverpool, even though they are top of the league," said Frank.

"They are playing incredible football and are well-coached. Maresca has done a top job so far with his coaching staff and they look extremely dangerous."

Premier League top scorers Chelsea followed up a 4-3 win at Tottenham with a 3-1 win over Astana in the Europa Conference League on Thursday, and Maresca's side have registered 15 goals in their past four games in all competitions.

Brentford are ninth after beating Newcastle 4-2 last weekend. But while the Bees have been formidable at home so far this season they have taken just one point from a possible 21 away.

They do, however, have an encouraging record at Stamford Bridge - winning all three of their Premier League games there.

"[Chelsea] have so many threats going forward and have top-quality players all over the pitch. I expect an unbelievably difficult game," said Frank.

"They are massive favourites but, of course, we believe that we can compete against anyone and we believe we can win."


BBC

 

[FearlessRoar]

Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk suspended after ‘failing drugs test’ and could face lengthy ban

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended from football after failing a drugs test, talkSPORT understands.

The Ukrainian's time in west London appears to have hit a new low as it emerged he has tested positive for a banned substance.

The reports first surfaced in his native Ukraine, reporting that an ‘A’ sample taken in October was found to be positive for doping.

It is understood that a 'B' sample has recently been taken, though the results of that test are yet to be released.

It remains to be seen what substance Mudryk has reportedly tested positive for, and whether this was a UEFA or Premier League test.

In extreme circumstances, the Anti-Doping Prosecutor's Office can impose bans of up to four years.

Ex-Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba was recently hit with a four-year ban for doping offences before it was reduced on appeal.

Mudryk hasn't featured for the Blues since the 2-0 Europa Conference League win over Heidenheim on November 28 due to illness.

Commenting on Mudryk following Chelsea's 2-1 win over Brentford on Sunday, boss Enzo Maresca declared the player would not be available for Thursday's clash with Shamrock Rovers.

Unlike other players who he gave a reason for their absence, he simply stated that Mudryk was not in contention.

Giving an update on his squad, Maresca said: "We had Joao [Felix] and Romeo [Lavia] that probably can be available for the next one.

"Carney [Chukwuemeka] after Astana was ill, Chilly [Ben Chilwell] was ill. Pedro [Neto] was suspended and then we had Reece [James] and Wes [Fofana] injured.

"And unfortunately during the session yesterday, Benoit [Badiashile] felt something, and Misha [Mudryk] is out too."

The 23-year-old has featured in 15 games in all competitions this season - chipping in with three goals and five assists.

But he is yet to be directly involved in a Premier League goal this term from his seven outings.

Mudryk made the switch to Stamford Bridge in January 2023 from Shakhtar Donetsk in an £88million deal after Chelsea pipped Arsenal to the Ukrainian's signature.

But he has so far failed to justify his hefty price tag - banging in just five top-flight goals from 53 matches.

Mudryk pleads innocence over failed drugs test as Chelsea star suspended

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended from football after failing a drugs test. The Ukrainian’s time in west London has hit a new low with it confirmed he has tested…

talksport.com

 

[IMMY69]

Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk suspended after ‘failing drugs test’ and could face lengthy ban

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended from football after failing a drugs test, talkSPORT understands.

The Ukrainian's time in west London appears to have hit a new low as it emerged he has tested positive for a banned substance.

The reports first surfaced in his native Ukraine, reporting that an ‘A’ sample taken in October was found to be positive for doping.

It is understood that a 'B' sample has recently been taken, though the results of that test are yet to be released.

It remains to be seen what substance Mudryk has reportedly tested positive for, and whether this was a UEFA or Premier League test.

In extreme circumstances, the Anti-Doping Prosecutor's Office can impose bans of up to four years.

Ex-Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba was recently hit with a four-year ban for doping offences before it was reduced on appeal.

Mudryk hasn't featured for the Blues since the 2-0 Europa Conference League win over Heidenheim on November 28 due to illness.

Commenting on Mudryk following Chelsea's 2-1 win over Brentford on Sunday, boss Enzo Maresca declared the player would not be available for Thursday's clash with Shamrock Rovers.

Unlike other players who he gave a reason for their absence, he simply stated that Mudryk was not in contention.

Giving an update on his squad, Maresca said: "We had Joao [Felix] and Romeo [Lavia] that probably can be available for the next one.

"Carney [Chukwuemeka] after Astana was ill, Chilly [Ben Chilwell] was ill. Pedro [Neto] was suspended and then we had Reece [James] and Wes [Fofana] injured.

"And unfortunately during the session yesterday, Benoit [Badiashile] felt something, and Misha [Mudryk] is out too."

The 23-year-old has featured in 15 games in all competitions this season - chipping in with three goals and five assists.

But he is yet to be directly involved in a Premier League goal this term from his seven outings.

Mudryk made the switch to Stamford Bridge in January 2023 from Shakhtar Donetsk in an £88million deal after Chelsea pipped Arsenal to the Ukrainian's signature.

But he has so far failed to justify his hefty price tag - banging in just five top-flight goals from 53 matches.

Mudryk pleads innocence over failed drugs test as Chelsea star suspended

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended from football after failing a drugs test. The Ukrainian’s time in west London has hit a new low with it confirmed he has tested…

talksport.com

Looks like we, Arsenal, dodged a bullet here

 

[FearlessRoar]

Chelsea 'trust' in Mudryk's innocence - Maresca​

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says the club "trust" Mykhailo Mudryk did not knowingly take a banned substance that led to him failing a drugs test.

The Ukraine international has been provisionally suspended by the Football Association (FA) after a routine urine test provided by Mudryk returned an "adverse finding".

The 23-year-old, who is unable to play for or train with the club during his suspension, denies knowingly using a banned substance.

Maresca hopes the winger will quickly be absolved of blame.

"We support Mykhailo and trust means that we believe Mykhailo," said Maresca.

"The club, the coaching staff and all of the people that are inside the training ground - we support and we trust Mykhailo.

"I think he is going to come back but we don't know when. But for sure he is going to come back."

Maresca has spoken to Mudryk since the suspension was made public, while the Professional Footballers' Association is expected to contact the winger to offer its support.

"Any kind of player that this kind of things happens to, they need support, you would need support and I would need support," said Maresca.

"It is not about his age or the country that he comes from."

Mudryk, who signed from Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk in a deal worth up to £89m in 2023, has scored 10 goals in 73 appearances for Chelsea.

He has missed the last five matches in all competitions, with Maresca publicly claiming Mudryk was missing through illness.

Players found to have intentionally taken a banned substance can be banned for up to four years under Fifa guidelines.

Mykhailo Mudryk: Chelsea 'trust' winger after failed drugs test, says Enzo Maresca

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says the club "believe" Mykhailo Mudryk did not knowingly take a banned substance.

www.bbc.com

 

[FearlessRoar]

Enzo Maresca outlines Noni Madueke’s route back after being dropped from Chelsea squad​

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca insists Noni Madueke is in contention to face Ipswich despite axing the England winger for the Boxing Day derby against Fulham.

Madueke was a surprise absentee from the Blues squad for Thursday’s 2-1 defeat by their west London neighbours.

Maresca pointedly named two goalkeepers on his bench instead of Madueke, and afterwards explained it was a “technical decision”.

He added: “Sometimes we just take a decision and it’s no more than that. Is he in contention for Ipswich? Yeah, for sure.

“The competition has to be higher, but not only for Noni Madueke. Also Renato Veiga was not in the squad and the reason is exactly the same for both of them.

“There is not any different reason, it’s just a technical decision.”

After being dropped against Villa, Madueke returned to the starting line-up three days later at Southampton and scored in a 5-1 win.

“Very good, fantastic and he responded very good at that time so there is no more than that,” added Maresca.

“I expect the same this time, yeah, absolutely.”

Maresca is set to make further changes at Portman Road on Monday after Chelsea slipped to their first defeat since October against the Cottagers.

Cole Palmer’s 12th goal of the season put the Blues ahead but late strikes from Harry Wilson and Rodrigo Muniz gave Fulham their first win at Stamford Bridge since 1979.

“For sure, after a game you need to go again, no matter the result, especially in this month,” said Maresca.

“I think in December, we already played eight or nine games in 25 or 27 days so it’s now important to recover the energy and go again on Monday. If we are going to make one, two or three changes we will see.”

Enzo Maresca outlines Noni Madueke’s route back to Chelsea side

The England winger was not even on the bench as the Blues suffered a rare home defeat in the west London derby

www.independent.co.uk

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Chelsea interested in re-signing Guehi from Palace

Chelsea are interested in re-signing Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi.

The Blues are understood to have Guehi, 24, on a list of defensive targets, despite selling him to Palace for £18m in 2021 - before Chelsea were taken over by current owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

Palace have yet to receive official contact from Chelsea but Guehi's representatives are aware of interest from his former club.

Guehi has 18 months left on his contract, having signed a five-year deal when joining Palace.

The interest highlights Chelsea's broader efforts to sign a central defender in January or the summer transfer window.

They recently lost Wesley Fofana to a substantial hamstring injury, which according to manager Enzo Maresca could rule him out for the season.

However, those close to Fofana insist they expect him to play again within a much shorter period.

Benoit Badiashile is also out until at least February

Guehi made only two senior appearances for Chelsea, both in the EFL Cup in 2019, before spending a season and a half on loan at Swansea in the Championship prior to his move to Palace.

He has gone on to make 22 appearances for England.

Palace turned down four bids from Newcastle for Guehi in the summer, with the final offer worth up to £65m.

There have also been reports Chelsea could recall Trevoh Chalobah, external from his loan spell at Palace, while Argentinian defender Aaron Anselmino has been recalled from Boca Juniors.

Marc Guehi: Chelsea interested in re-signing Crystal Palace and England defender

Chelsea are interested in re-signing Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi, who they sold for £18m in 2021.

www.bbc.com

 

[BouncerGuy]

James makes timely Chelsea return after 'lonely' lay-off

"I haven't had that feeling for quite a long time."

Chelsea captain Reece James marked his latest Premier League injury return by scoring a 95th-minute equaliser against Bournemouth with a pinpoint free-kick.

The full-back has missed 21 games with hamstring injuries this season, managing just five Premier League outings.

He looked elated after his brilliant free-kick hit the net, punching the air and roaring with delight while England manager Thomas Tuchel watched on from the stands.

"It was lonely and frustrating," James told BBC Radio 5 Live about his time away. "I am really happy to be back helping the team."

Has the 25-year-old finally turned a corner?

'Target is to be fit until end of season'

James has suffered from knee and repeated hamstring issues over the past few seasons.

Since he was made Chelsea captain at the start of last campaign, he has started just eight top-flight games.

His previous league appearance had been an eight-minute cameo against Arsenal in November, with his last goal coming against AC Milan in October 2022.

On Saturday, the England international returned from his latest two-month setback when he played 45 minutes against Morecambe in the FA Cup.

With his game time being managed, he came on in the 56th minute against Bournemouth and generally impressed against tricky winger Antoine Semenyo.

James' biggest impact on Tuesday, though, was in front of goal.

Talisman Cole Palmer passed free-kick duties to James, who rewarded his team-mate's trust by curling in from 20 yards out.

"Reece can compare with Cole in terms of free-kicks because he is very good," said Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca. "We decided for Reece and he scored and we are all happy, because at least we took a point."

It was a strike that had "pace, power and a little bit of swerve", according to ex-Premier League striker Glenn Murray.

"He deserved it, those moments are difficult for every player," added Maresca.

"Now, the target for him is to be fit until the end and he will help us in the way we want to play."

James, who has won 16 caps for his country, was also asked about a possible return to the national team.

The defender has not appeared for England since March 2023, but told TNT Sports that manager Tuchel "knows my capabilities".

James played some of his best football during Tuchel's spell at Chelsea, starting the 2021 Champions League final under the German.

BBC

 

[FearlessRoar]

Chelsea recall Chalobah from Palace loan​

Chelsea have recalled defender Trevoh Chalobah from his loan spell at Crystal Palace.

The 25-year-old will boost Chelsea's squad after hamstring injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile limited manager Enzo Maresca's defensive options.

The decision to recall Chalobah was made on Tuesday on the eve of Palace's match at Leicester in the Premier League, before a deadline to use the clause later this month.

The move may be considered controversial given Palace had to withdraw Chalobah at short notice from their 1-0 FA Cup win over Stockport County on Sunday.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner initially described the situation as a "contractual issue" before further explaining on Tuesday: "He wants to stay here but it's a decision Chelsea can take."

Chalobah was a regular starter at Selhurst Park, making 14 appearances over his four-and-a-half-month spell in south London.

The central defender was previously considered surplus to requirements at Chelsea and trained away from the first team in a group nicknamed 'the bomb squad', a group of a dozen players unwanted by Chelsea, which included England internationals Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell.

But Chalobah has been reassured that he will play at Chelsea upon his return after having a conversation with sporting director Paul Winstanley before the option was exercised.

Chelsea believe he will re-acclimatise to west London more quickly than any new signing would given his connection to the club.

However, Chalobah's long-term future beyond the summer remains in doubt as Chelsea have made him available for about £25m in the past three transfer windows and are likely to allow him to leave permanently in the summer.

Josh Acheampong, 18, continues to be considered a first-team player after his recent breakthrough into the senior squad.

Chelsea recall Trevoh Chalobah from Crystal Palace loan

The defender returns to Stamford Bridge after four and a half months at Selhurst Park.

www.bbc.com

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Chelsea are set to sign French defender Mamadou Sarr from partner club Strasbourg

The £11.9m deal for the 19-year-old central defender, who has played just 14 times for Strasbourg, is with a view for him to join in the summer.

It represents the first permanent transfer into Stamford Bridge from Strasbourg, clubs owned by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital under the BlueCo umbrella.

Ligue 1 Strasbourg will bank a quick £3.4m profit having only signed Sarr from Lyon for £8.5m in the summer.

The pre-agreed nature of the transfer avoids forcing Strasbourg to drop any of their three loanees, midfielder Andrey Santos, left-back Caleb Wiley or goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, because of limits set by Fifa's rules.

Chelsea have also lined up a deal for Kazakh 16-year-old Dastan Satpaev, who completed a successful trial at Cobham Training Centre in recent weeks.

The striker is expected to join Chelsea's academy teams from FC Kairat.

Source: BBC

 

[hassan918]

Chelsea Starting XI against Wolves: Sanchez; James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Dewsbury-Hall; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson

 

[FearlessRoar]

Chelsea take first step towards Alejandro Garnacho transfer as Man United demand £60m

Chelsea are ready to open talks with Manchester United over a potential move for Alejandro Garnacho, talkSPORT understands.

United have been in discussions with Napoli over academy product Garnacho but the Italian side’s offers fell below United’s asking price, which is understood to be between £60-£70million.

Chelsea have been monitoring the situation and are weighing up whether to make a formal bid.

As exclusively revealed by talkSPORT this week Garnacho is reluctantly open to leaving Old Trafford over fears about where he fits into Ruben Amorim’s system.

The young Argentina international has been at Man United since 2020, where he joined from Atletico Madrid, emerging through the academy at Old Trafford.

The 20-year-old has made 172 appearances for Man United at under 18, 19, 21 and senior level.

For the senior team he has scored 23 goals and 14 assists, scoring eight times across all competitions this season.

His last goal this season came in November in a 3-2 victory over Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.

Chelsea could bolster their attacking options with Garnacho, who could reunite with Jadon Sancho - another Man United prospect.

It comes after Napoli's €50million bid was rejected by Man United, with the club valuing him between £60-70m.

Napoli will hope to bring in reinforcements after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia moved to Ligue 1 side PSG.

The Serie A side appear to have turned their attentions to Karim Adeyemi at Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea will be keen to replace Mykhailo Mudryk who faces a potentially lengthy ban of four years for doping.

Further to this, Garnarcho's agents Carlos Cambeiro and Quique De Lucas were both at Stamford Bridge on Monday for Chelsea's match at home to Wolves.

Garnacho's time at Man United has been largely mixed, and his consideration of leaving comes amidst worries where he fits into Amorim's system.

He notably won the FIFA Puskas Award for the best goal of 2023 with a bicycle kick scored over Everton.

In addition, he has won the League Cup in 2022-23 and the FA Cup in 2023-24.

Of late, his time at United has been tarnished. He did not celebrate after scoring in a 3-0 win over Leicester City when Ruud van Nistelrooy took interim charge.

Captain Bruno Fernandes said it was because he felt unsupported by fans and he had 'lost faith' from supporters.

He was dropped alongside Marcus Rashford by Ruben Amorim for the Manchester derby which they won 2-1.

Chelsea take first step towards Alejandro Garnacho signing

Chelsea are ready to open talks with Manchester United over a potential move for Alejandro Garnacho, talkSPORT understands. United have been in discussions with Napoli over academy product Garnacho…

talksport.com

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Chelsea forward Joao Felix has completed a loan move to AC Milan until the end of the season

The Italian side have paid a £5m loan fee for Felix, with no obligation to buy the 25-year-old Portugal international in the summer.

Though the deal was only announced on Tuesday, the required paperwork was submitted in advance of Monday's Serie A and Premier League transfer deadline.

Felix signed a seven-year contract when he moved to Chelsea on a £45m permanent deal in August, having had a loan spell at Stamford Bridge during the second half of the 2022-23 season.

The Felix deal came about in unusual circumstances as Chelsea and Atletico Madrid exchanged players, with academy graduate Conor Gallagher going to Spain for £33m.

Chelsea's talks to sign Atletico striker Samu Omorodion collapsed, with the Felix deal seemingly a replacement to enable Atletico to find the required funds to complete the Gallagher transfer.

Gallagher had entered the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge so Chelsea wanted to sell to generate profit and avoid losing him on a free transfer in the summer of 2025.

However, Felix has only started three Premier League matches this campaign, though regularly featured in cup competitions, scoring seven goals.

The forward began his career at Benfica and moved for £113m to Atletico Madrid in July 2019, a deal which at the time was the fifth-most expensive transfer in history.

He spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Barcelona before his move back to Stamford Bridge last summer.

Milan, eighth in Serie A, play Roma in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday and have a two-legged play-off against Feyenoord in the Champions League this month.

Source: BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Jackson out for six weeks with hamstring injury

Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson has been ruled out for around six weeks with a hamstring injury.

The 23-year-old came off injured against West Ham two weeks ago and, although manager Enzo Maresca was initially hopeful the Senegal striker had avoided a major setback, scans have since revealed the problem to be much worse.

Jackson has scored nine goals so far this season, making him Chelsea's second-top goalscorer behind Cole Palmer with 14.

Sources have told BBC Sport he is unlikely to return until after the international break at the end of March.

It leaves the Blues without a recognised number nine after Spaniard Marc Guiu, who replaced the injured Jackson at West Ham, picked up a serious groin injury in the same match.

Maresca had initially said it was "not a big injury" for Jackson, but 19-year-old Guiu would be out for "weeks or months".

Palmer and Christopher Nkunku are likely to deputise in the duo's absence, with the latter starting in the 2-1 FA Cup fourth-round defeat by Brighton last Saturday.

Maresca's side, who are fourth in the Premier League, visit Brighton again in the league on Friday.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Maresca not worried by Palmer form or body language

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says he is not concerned by Cole Palmer's form or body language.

The Italian manager addressed the issue of the England international's dip in form amid Chelsea's run of two wins in 10 matches in all competitions.

The 22-year-old forward has not scored in any of his past six matches in all competitions and has not registered an assist in any of his past 13 matches.

But in 2024 he registered 26 goals and 13 assists - a Chelsea record and more than any other player in the Premier League during the last calendar year.

Asked about Palmer's struggles before Southampton's visit to Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Tuesday, Maresca said: "No, I am not concerned about him.

"I am always concerned about general performances but not Cole because Cole is a human being and always during a season he can have some moments where he struggles a little bit more.

"Every game we expect a goal or an assist, but it is difficult. In this moment his team performance reflects the team's that he struggles to score goals. We need to be more clinical when we get chances.

"Cole is just frustrated that we are not winning games. It is nothing more than that."

Maresca listed Palmer's missed chances against Manchester City and Aston Villa when denying that he, as a star player, seems angry at his team-mates, but seemed to admit that Chelsea are over-reliant on him being the match-winner.

Maresca said: "The problem with Cole is we rely on Cole for everything.

"I have said since the start we need to rely on the team for everything. For sure, there are top players like Cole, but we are not worried about Cole at all."

Maresca said goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen will start on Tuesday despite his costly error at Villa Park on Sunday for Marco Asencio's winning goal, and that defender Trevoh Chalobah is out for a "a week to 10 days".

BBC

 

[BouncerGuy]

Soccer-Chelsea's 2024 squad most expensive ever in Europe, says UEFA report

Chelsea's squad at the end of the 2024 financial year was the most expensive ever assembled in Europe in terms of transfer fees, according to a report released by governing body UEFA.

The "European Club Finance and Investment Landscape" report said Chelsea spent 1.656 billion euros ($1.79 billion) on combined transfer costs.

That comfortably surpassed the value of Manchester United's squad in 2023, which cost 1.42 billion euros to assemble, and the 1.33 billion euros spent by Real Madrid, which was the highest squad cost in 2020.

Chelsea have signed 41 players since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital bought the club in 2022, but the west London club's big-money transfers have not translated to significant on-field success, as Chelsea finished sixth in the Premier League last season and are currently fifth.

According to the report which analyses all of Europe's top divisions, Real Madrid (1,073 million euros), Manchester City (854 million euros), Paris St Germain (808 million euros), Manchester United (771 million euros) and Bayern Munich (765 million euros) had the highest revenues in 2023.

The Premier League had nine teams among the top-20 earning clubs, with an average revenue of 357 million euros and approximate aggregate revenue of 7.15 billion euros.

Spain's LaLiga was second with revenues of 3.7 billion euros, with Germany's Bundesliga (3.6 billion euros), Italy's Serie A (2.9 billion euros) and France's Ligue 1 (2.4 billion euros) rounding out the top five.

The top 20 clubs have been relatively stable across the last decade, with all of the current top 20 featuring in the top 25 in 2014.

English clubs reported just over 7.1 billion euros of revenue in 2023, but the size of the top clubs meant the mean club revenue (357 million euros) is considerably higher than the median (10-11th) club revenue of 245 million euros.

"This 'typical' median English club revenue has 60% more revenue than the typical German club and three times the revenue of the typical club in Italy and Spain, principally due to the large TV revenue distributions enjoyed by all top division clubs in England," the report said.

Europe's 700-plus top-division clubs recorded aggregate revenue of 26.8 billion euros in 2023, with England's 20 top-flight clubs reporting almost double the revenue (97% more) than either the second and third highest leagues in 2023, Spain and Germany.

England and Germany have by far the largest attendance figures, which is reflected in their median gate revenues of 29.1 million euros and 23.7 million euros, respectively.

Arsenal (153 million), Manchester United (129), Tottenham (123), and Liverpool (108) were among the eight European clubs that reported more than 100 million euros in gate revenue in 2023.

REUTERS

 

[BouncerGuy]

Chelsea to sign Sporting winger Quenda for £40m

Chelsea have agreed a deal in principle to sign Sporting winger Geovany Quenda.

The 17-year-old is expected to sign a seven-year deal at Stamford Bridge with an option for an extra season after a fee of about £40m was agreed.

Chelsea have a host of options on both flanks but believe Quenda, who will not join the club until 2026, is versatile enough to play on either side and can beat defenders in one-on-one duels.

The Portugal Under-21 international has scored two goals and has eight assists in 43 matches since breaking through into the first team at Sporting.

The youngster had been linked with a move to Manchester United to reunite with his former manager Ruben Amorim.

BBC

 

[hassan918]

After losing against Arsenal, Chelsea are now just one point ahead of City. A top 4 finish this season is now in danger.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Chelsea are still expected to sign star this summer despite contrasting reports out this week

Chelsea are still expected to sign one star this summer despite the contrasting reporting that has come out on it all this week.

The Blues are expected to be busy now this summer, and we have had plenty of updates floating around this week already.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has put out his latest YouTube video at the weekend with a bunch of info in that. The main takeaway was Romano saying Chelsea are going to be in the market for a new striker, a centre back, and a winger in the summer.

And there has also been a lot of noise regarding Jadon Sancho and whether Chelsea will actually be signing him from Manchester United permanently in the summer or not. The Athletic are reporting that there is a £5m break clause fee that Chelsea can pay to send him back and terminate the loan obligation to buy.

And it is the situation with Sancho that we are focusing on again in this latest report that has come out.

Chelsea keeping Sancho

Most people and Chelsea fans are now doubting that Chelsea will sign Sancho this summer. However, it looks like they still are going to sign him permanently, that is at least according to Sky Sports this week.

They report that Chelsea are still expected to sign Jadon Sancho permanently in the summer despite the emergence of a get-out clause existing in the deal to sign him from Manchester United.

Unitedwould be due a £5m penalty payment from Chelsea, should the London club wish to get out of the £25m obligation included in his ongoing season-long loan deal.

Personally I think there could be some more to play out with this story yet.

SOURCE: https://chelsea.news/2025/03/chelse...er-despite-contrasting-reports-out-this-week/

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Chelsea report £128.4m profit after sale of women's team

Chelsea have reported a pre-tax profit of £128.4m in their financial results for the year ending June 2024.

The figure was an improvement on the first full year under the ownership of Todd Boehly's Clearlake Capital consortium, in which the Premier League club announced pre-tax losses of £90.1m.

Chelsea's overall revenue fell from £512.5m in 2023 to £468.5m, which the club attributed to the absence of Champions League football for their men's side.

The club credited the profit to the "disposal of player registrations" worth £152.5m and the "repositioning" of their highly successful women's team.

Chelsea announced a restructuring and a long-term strategic plan for the women's team in May 2024 which saw them sold to become a standalone business from the men's side while remaining a part of the club owners' wider portfolio.

Chelsea said matchday revenue increased to £80.1m for its financial year, from £76.5m in the previous results.

Commercial revenue also increased from £210.1m in 2023 to £225.3m due to "an increase in player loan income and strong sales of non-matchday activities".

Chelsea report pre-tax £128.4m profit after sale of women's team

Chelsea report a £128.4m profit in their latest financial results for the year ending June 2024, having sold their women's team to a parent company.

www.bbc.com

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Uefa to assess Chelsea accounts at end of season

Uefa will assess Chelsea's sale of its women's team to parent company BlueCo at the end of the season.

On Monday, Chelsea reported a pre-tax profit of £128.4m for the year ending June 2024 - their first positive financial results under the ownership of Todd Boehly's Clearlake Capital consortium.

That was largely down to the "repositioning" of their highly successful women's team as a separate business from the men's team, and followed a similar move in their previous financial results - when the club sold two hotels to a sister company to keep them compliant with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

The Blues have already been cleared of any PSR breaches in January, along with the other 19 top-flight clubs.

The current Premier League financial rules do not address associated party transactions (APTs), after clubs were unable to close the loophole after an AGM meeting in June.

However, European football's governing body Uefa has more stringent Financial Fair Play rules which would discount APTs of all its members, including Chelsea's sale of its women's team and two hotels, which were sold for £76.6m during the 2022-23 season.

That would vastly weaken Chelsea's position over the three-year monitoring period, with Uefa allowing a maximum £75m loss compared to an £105m loss in the Premier League over the same spell.

All cases would have to be assessed individually by Uefa's independent panel. Punishments can come in the form of settlements or fines, but are unlikely to involve severe sporting sanctions.

In 2022, Paris St-Germain were among the clubs to face substantial fines for breaching Uefa's FFP rules and were ordered to pay £8.6m.

Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League with nine games left to play, so will likely qualify for one of Uefa's three main competitions and face scrutiny under its jurisdiction.

They also faced an £8.6m fine over historic FFP breaches under Roman Abramovich in 2023, which remain under investigation by the Premier League.

Chelsea finances: Uefa to assess Chelsea accounts at end of season

Uefa will examine Chelsea's accounts, after the sale of its women's team to parent company BlueCo turned a pre-tax loss into profit.

www.bbc.com

 

[BouncerGuy]

'Not the moment' to discuss Sancho's future – Maresca

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says Jadon Sancho "could do better" but insists it is "not the moment" to discuss the player's future.

His comments follow reports the forward could return to Manchester United once his loan spell with the Blues is over at the end of the season.

The 25-year-old winger joined Chelsea on loan with a £25m obligation to buy but it has since emerged that there is a £5m penalty clause if they opt against signing him.

Sancho has scored just twice in 29 games since joining Chelsea and is on an 18-game goal drought in all competitions.

When asked if he wanted to sign Sancho permanently, Maresca said: "I'm completely focused about nine games, two months to go, I'm completely focused about that. Then what happens in summer, we'll see.

"The Jadon situation doesn't change. In terms of numbers, he could do better, no doubt. It is not just about Jadon but we have more players in the same situation."

Maresca also addressed reports about cancelling a day off for first-team players not picked for international duty in March after they were beaten 3-0 by their Under-21s at the training ground.

He said the players fell short of his "high standards" but then played down the situation by adding it was "nothing" and it was "normal for the players to be relaxed" during the international break.

Chelsea host Tottenham in the Premier League on Thursday and Maresca's squad is boosted by the return from injury of Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke.

The Italian said: "They are all good. It is good news. When they are not there for different reasons then we struggle.

"That is exactly what happened when we had five or six unbelievable months and then six or seven injuries in a row and lost something. It is good to finish with all of them."

However, midfielder Romeo Lavia has a "small problem" and is a major doubt to face Ange Postecoglou's team.

BBC

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Chelsea defender Fofana out for rest of season

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed a hamstring injury will rule centre-back Wesley Fofana out for the rest of the season.

On Saturday, the club confirmed the 24-year-old France defender had undergone "successful surgery".

While Chelsea will have to do without Fofana, Maresca is hopeful midfielder Romeo Lavia and striker Marc Guiu could play again before the end of the campaign.

"Unfortunately, Wes will be out for the rest of the season," said the Blues boss, before Thursday's Europa Conference League quarter-final first leg in Poland against Legia Warsaw.

"Hopefully we can get [back] Romeo very soon. I don't know if for the next game, but he looks quite good in terms of being back soon.

"We need to support both and then at the end of the season we will see.

"We have good news on Marc. From today he looks quite good, much better, and he can be back before the season finishes."

Lavia, 21, has also been struggling with a hamstring problem and suffered a setback during his comeback as a substitute against Arsenal last month, while 19-year-old Spanish forward Guiu's last appearance was against West Ham in February.

Wesley Fofana: Chelsea defender out for the season with hamstring injury

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca confirms centre-back Wesley Fofana will miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.

www.bbc.com

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Chelsea set to stick with Maresca for next season

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is expected to lead the team into next season even if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.

The club hierarchy, led by co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, plan to reserve judgement on the 45-year-old Italian until the summer of 2026.

That is despite ongoing uncertainty over whether Chelsea will secure a top-five finish following their 2-0 defeat at Newcastle on Sunday.

With two rounds of the Premier League season remaining, Maresca's team sit fifth, but they are only ahead of Aston Villa on goal difference, with matches at home to Manchester United and away at seventh-placed Nottingham Forest to come.

This has been Maresca's first season in charge, after joining from Leicester City in June 2024.

The top five from the top flight will qualify for the Champions League, with the Premier League benefiting from an extra place because of its teams' strong performances in Europe.

Chelsea have also reached the Europa Conference League final and will play Real Betis in Wroclaw, Poland, on 28 May.

If Maresca and his team fall short in the Premier League, injuries throughout the winter period will be considered a significant factor.

Underlying data showing their missed chances (the second most in the Premier League) and expected goals (fifth highest in the league) will also influence Chelsea's decision makers. Both metrics illustrate the team are creating a lot of scoring opportunities, even if they are not always finishing them.

Chelsea, therefore, are expected to retain the Italian, barring a huge U-turn or falling-out.

Enzo Maresca: Chelsea to back coach even if team miss out on Champions League

Chelsea's Enzo Maresca is backed by the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge and is expected to stay in charge even if his team fail to reach the Champions League.

www.bbc.com

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Reddit founder Ohanian buys stake in Chelsea women

Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian has bought a stake in Women's Super League champions Chelsea.

Ohanian, who is the husband of American tennis star Serena Williams, will have a seat on the club's board after purchasing a 10% share, believed to be worth £20m.

In a post to X, external, Ohanian said: "I've bet big on women's sports before, and I'm doing it again.

"I'm proud to announce that I'm joining Chelsea as an investor and board member. I'm honored for the chance to help this iconic club become every American's favorite WSL team and much, much more."

He also posted images of Chelsea kits with the names of his children, Olympia and Adira, on the backs.

The 42-year-old has invested in women's football previously, as the largest shareholder in American club side Angel City FC until it was sold in 2024 for £192.3 million - the highest price for a women's sports team until this deal.

Ohanian, who also owns shares in the TGL Golf League, founded social media giant Reddit and has an estimated net worth of $150 billion, external.

His £20m investment puts the value of Chelsea women at £200m, which was the value placed on the club when Chelsea FC Holdings sold the team to a sister company earlier this year to help the Blues adhere to profit and sustainability rules.

It marks the latest boardroom change for Chelsea, who recently appointed Aki Mandhar as their first dedicated chief executive officer for the women's team.

Earlier this month, Chelsea won their sixth consecutive WSL title. They became the first side to finish a 22-game campaign unbeaten and set a new league record of 60 points.

They also won the Women's League Cup in March and are going for a domestic treble when they meet Manchester United in the Women's FA Cup final at Wembley on Sunday.

Chelsea also reached the semi-finals of the Women's Champions League, but were knocked out by holders Barcelona 8-2 on aggregate.

Alexis Ohanian: Reddit founder and Serena Williams' husband buys stake in Chelsea Women

Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian has bought a £20 million stake in Women's Super League champions Chelsea.

www.bbc.com