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Tag: Chelsea

  • Chelsea 2-0 Bournemouth: Mount shines as Blues attack kicks into gear under Potter – Football365

    Chelsea 2-0 Bournemouth: Mount shines as Blues attack kicks into gear under Potter – Football365

    Chelsea put their pre-World Cup blues behind them as England duo Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount starred in a 2-0 victory over Bournemouth.

    Graham Potter was in desperate need of a win following the three straight Premier League defeats which had left his side outside the top six at Christmas for only the second time in 22 seasons.

    But there were encouraging signs that Potter has put the six-week break to good use as Chelsea stylishly put their bogey side to the sword.

    Bournemouth had won on three of their last five visits to Stamford Bridge but they never looked like repeating the feat in Gary O’Neil’s first match as permanent manager.

    The only downside for the Blues was the sight of England defender Reece James, back from the knee injury which forced him to miss the World Cup, limping off injured again just after half-time.

    The full-back had got himself quickly up to speed with one darting run and cross finding its way to Marc Cucurella, who chipped the ball back in for Kai Havertz to head just over the crossbar.

    Chelsea had a decent penalty shout moments later when Adam Smith tugged at the shirt of Christian Pulisic, but neither referee Simon Hooper or the VAR were interested.

    Nevertheless, Chelsea were well in control and took the lead after just 16 minutes when Mount fed his England colleague Sterling down the right.

    Sterling fizzed a low ball across goal which Havertz, another of Chelsea’s returning Qatar contingent, slid in to squeeze beneath the diving Bournemouth keeper Mark Travers.

    Seven minutes later Chelsea had a second, Havertz laying the ball back for Mount – making his 150th Chelsea start – to superbly curl beyond Travers from 20 yards.

    There was confusion before half-time when a penalty appeal at both ends fell on deaf ears before Pulisic put the ball in the net, with the goal seemingly disallowed for a foul by Havertz on Smith.

    READ MORE: Mason Mount is the vaccine to the mutated Graham Potter ‘disease’ at Chelsea

    Travers then ensured the deficit stayed at two with fine saves to deny James and Sterling.

    James’ second half lasted just seven minutes before he went down, and the luckless 23-year-old looked close to tears as he trudged off.

    Havertz should have had a second when he eased past Lloyd Kelly in the area only to drag his shot wide, before Travers saved another drive from Mount and Kalidou Koulibaly headed a cross from Cesar Azpilicueta narrowly off target.

    Bournemouth battled gamely but without testing Kepa Arrizabalaga until the 79th minute when the Chelsea keeper saved from Ryan Christie at his near post, but it was ultimately a comfortable and satisfying win for Potter’s side.



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  • Cristiano Ronaldo’s suitors are ‘very interested’ in Chelsea midfielder but an ‘obstacle’ must be overcome

    Cristiano Ronaldo’s suitors are ‘very interested’ in Chelsea midfielder but an ‘obstacle’ must be overcome

    Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr are reportedly ‘very interested’ in signing Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante along with ex-Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo.

    Al-Nassr have emerged as the clear favourites to sign Ronaldo following his exit from Manchester United.

    The 37-year-old is a free agent after his contract was terminated by mutual consent last month.

    This followed Ronaldo’s controversial interview with Piers Morgan for TalkTV. During this exchange, the forward slammed Erik ten Hag, Ralf Rangnick and the Glazer family.

    It initially seemed that Ronaldo would leave Man Utd and join a club competing in the Champions League but his mind appears to have changed by the lure of a £173m a year contract. 

    If Al-Nassr get their way, they will sign Ronaldo and he will soon be joined by Kante.

    The Premier League winner has been superb for Chelsea but he has barely played this season due to injuries.

    His contract is set to expire next summer and it is expected that he will leave the club on a free transfer.

    Speaking back in October, Blues boss Graham Potter insisted they were prioritising Kante’s fitness over talks over a new deal.

    “The most important thing for us and for me is that we help him get fit. That’s the focus,” Potter said.

    “He’s got a long road ahead of him, so we’ve got to make sure we get the right plan and recovery for him.

    “And when he’s enjoying his football we can think about those things then.”

    FC Barcelona love a free transfer so they are unsurprisingly in the running to sign Kante.

    But according to Foot Mercato, they face competition from Al-Nassr for Kante.

    The Middle East side are ‘very interested’ in the World Cup winner.

    It is said that Kante would ‘be happy’ to remain at Chelsea but at the same time he ‘wouldn’t be against’ joining Al-Nassr.

    The report notes that Barcelona are keen on Kante but from a financial standpoint, Al-Nassr are the favourites.

    An ‘obstacle’ in the way of Al-Nassr signing Ronaldo and Kante is that they are only allowed seven foreign players at one time.

    They currently have eight on their books with Luiz Gustavo, Vincent Aboubakar and Alvaro Gonzalez among them.

    You would imagine it will not be a big burden for Al-Nassr to let one or two of these players leave with Kante and Ronaldo being more marketable names to have on their books than their current crop of players.

    Kante leaving the Premier League would be sad but he has earned a big-money contract to end his career after what he’s done for Leicester City and Chelsea.

    READ MORE: Transfer gossip… Liverpool ‘turn gaze’ to €165m duo; Man Utd, Arsenal in ‘final talks’ for Joao Felix

     



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  • Every Premier League club ranked by their wage bill: Man Utd clear…

    Every Premier League club ranked by their wage bill: Man Utd clear…

    Manchester United spend more on wages than Arsenal and Tottenham combined, according to industry estimates.

    The Red Devils haven’t won a trophy in over five years, but they’re by a considerable margin the Premier League’s biggest spenders on player wages. They spend roughly 30% more on wages that their local rivals Manchester City, who have won four of the last five league titles.

    As well as assembling one of the most expensive squads in Europe in terms of net spend transfer fees, United are also spending considerably more than many clubs that have outperformed them.

    Liverpool, for example, are said to spend roughly £80million less annually on wages than their historic rivals, but have won every trophy going since United last lifted any silverware.

    “I can’t believe the investment that’s been put into the squad in the last five, six, seven years and you end up with that out on the pitch,” former Manchester United right-back Gary Neville said on the Gary Neville Podcast, back in January 2020.

    “I saw a statistic two weeks ago that United have the second-highest wage bill in the world. And that’s the squad they’ve got. It’s unforgivable. It really is.

    “I can’t change the ownership of Manchester United, no one can. But I’m struggling to understand why the ownership have persisted in trusting that management team to oversee the building of a Premier League title-winning team since Sir Alex Ferguson left because if you don’t lose your job for essentially overseeing that investment, that wage bill, and putting that team out on the pitch then I have to say something is really wrong.

    “There’s real talent in that executive team, they can create revenue, they can do things with in the football club that can help to be fair, but in terms of what the club needed to do for a number of years now is put the best in class football operators into that club and they’re not doing it. They’re not doing it and it’s a mess.”

    Two and a half years later, things haven’t changed a great deal even after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, although United now have the fifth-highest wage bill in Europe.

    Ed Woodward has left his post and efforts are being made behind the scenes to build Erik ten Hag a squad capable of challenging City at the top of the table, but the progress hasn’t been especially quick.

    Last season the club finished sixth, registering their lowest points tally of the Premier League era, and things are only looking marginally better this season.

    • • • •

    READ: Who are the highest-paid players in the Premier League, 2022-23?

    • • • •

    Chelsea have the second-highest wages in the Premier League, followed by City, followed by Liverpool, with Tottenham and Arsenal – who each pay out less than half on wages than United – in fifth and sixth respectively.

    Newly-minted Newcastle only have the Premier League’s 10th highest wage bill, although you’d expect them to rise up this list in the coming years, and currently behind Leicester, Aston Villa and West Ham.

    Elsewhere, it’s interesting to consider than Brighton (18th), Leeds (19th) and Brentford (20th) spend less on wages than newly-promoted trio Fulham (14th), Bournemouth (16th) and Nottingham Forest (17th).

    Here’s the full rundown of how much each Premier League club pays in wages – via FBref, with estimates courtesy of Capology.

    1. Manchester United – £222,984,000
    2. Chelsea – £169,720,000
    3. Manchester City – £163,060,000
    4. Liverpool – £141,782,000
    5. Tottenham – £101,344,000
    6. Arsenal – £85,490,000
    7. Leicester City – 78,780,000
    8. Aston Villa – £75,232,000
    9. West Ham – £70,160,000
    10. Newcastle United – £62,610,000
    11. Crystal Palace – £59,180,000
    12. Everton – £43,120,000
    13. Wolves – £38,310,000
    14. Fulham – £37,610,000
    15. Southampton – £35,380,000
    16. Bournemouth – £32,044,000
    17. Nottingham Forest – £28,590,000
    18. Brighton – £28,340,000
    19. Leeds United – £17,300,000
    20. Brentford – £15,240,000

    READ NEXT: Ranking every Premier League club by their net spend in summer 2022

    TRY A QUIZ: Can you name the 25 most expensive transfers of all time?



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  • Chelsea told to make ‘tactical’ Mason Mount contract decision to secure top transfer target

    Chelsea told to make ‘tactical’ Mason Mount contract decision to secure top transfer target

    Chelsea have been urged to ‘tactically’ offer Mason Mount a new contract in an attempt to secure a deal for their top target.

    Mount’s current deal at Stamford Bridge expires in18 months and although the Blues academy graduate wants to remain in west London, talks over an extension have hit something of an impasse.

    Todd Boehly is loathe to lose Mount, whom he reportedly sees as a future Chelsea captain, and wants to reward his consistent performances with a new and improved deal.

    But Mount is currently among the lowest earners at the club and wants a deal to reflect his importance to the team, which has so far not been forthcoming.

    But former Chelsea full-back Glen Johnson doesn’t reckon Mount is worth the £300,000 per week he is reportedly after.

    “I don’t think he’s [Mount] got to the level to demand £300,000-a-week,” Johnson told Metro. “Obviously he’s a good player and Chelsea won’t want to lose him but you can’t be held hostage to anyone. I can’t imagine he’s the sort of lad that would down tools if he doesn’t get £300,000-a-week.

    “He doesn’t seem like that sort of fella. I don’t believe that’s true, so I think they’ll come to an arrangement eventually.”

    Johnson also believes that securing Mount’s future could persuade fellow England international and best buddy Declan Rice to move to Stamford Bridge.

    Johnson added: “Chelsea may have to keep Mount tactically if they do want to sign Declan Rice as well.”

    Rice’s West Ham contract expires in 2025 with the club having an option for a further 12 months but he’s recently become more vocal about his desire to play at the highest level and could return to Chelsea, where he came through the academy with Mount.

    Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported last month that he expects Rice to leave in the summer.

    “I reported last summer that Declan Rice was not going to sign a new deal with West Ham and this is still the case; no agreement, so there are good chances for Declan to leave in the summer,” Romano said.

    “I’m not sure about the price tag yet, as West Ham have not decided and they still feel strong on the price having an option to extend the contract for one more year.”

    READ MORE: Every Premier League club’s star of the 2026 World Cup features four English midfielders



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  • Chelsea star Ziyech ‘would be perfect’ for AC Milan despite move being ‘on the verge of collapse’

    Chelsea star Ziyech ‘would be perfect’ for AC Milan despite move being ‘on the verge of collapse’

    AC Milan remain interested in Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech, and former player Massimo Orlando thinks the Moroccan would be “perfect” for the Serie A champions.

    Ziyech has been fantastic for Morocco at the World Cup as the North African nation prepare to take on France in the semi-final of the tournament.

    In five matches in Qatar, the 29-year-old has provided two goal contributions for the first African team to reach the last four of a World Cup.

    His form has perhaps come as a surprise to many Premier League fans, who have not seen the best of the former Ajax player for Chelsea.

    Signed for €40million in 2020, the Dutch-born attacker has scored 14 goals and provided 10 assists in 92 games for the Blues.

    Starts have been very hard to come by this year for Ziyech, who has failed to provide a single goal contribution in nine appearances for the Premier League club this term.

    Former AC Milan and Fiorentina attacker Massimo Orlando is a big fan of Ziyech, with his World Cup showings proving that he “would be perfect” for the Rossoneri.

    Orlando told TuttoMercatoWeb Radio‘s Maracana show: “Ziyech would be perfect.

    “There’s an imbalance between the left and right wing. He comes from a fantastic World Cup and he’s in trouble at Chelsea, he’d like a redemption.

    “On one side he and Theo Hernandez on the other that would be incredible.”

    Milan have been long-time admirers of Ziyech and reportedly tried to sign him last summer.

    He has also been linked with Manchester United, who explored a move during the summer transfer window.

    Calciomercato recently reported that United are providing stiff competition to Milan ahead of the January window.

    The report states that the Red Devils are leading the race to sign the Moroccan.

    And in what will be seen as another blow to Milan, and Orlando, Ziyech’s move to the San Siro ‘is on the verge of collapse’, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sports Mole).

    It is the player’s wage demands hindering a move to Italy, with Ziyech asking for a yearly salary of €8m (£6.9m), and Milan are not having it.

    The report states that Milan will not change their stance and a transfer all hinges on the Morocco winger changing his salary demands.

    Ziyech’s performances for the Atlas Lions have impressed a lot of people, including Roy Keane, who says the 29-year-old “looks like a different player” on the international stage.

    READ MORE: Why is anybody expecting England to win the World Cup with that spine?



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  • Keane admits Chelsea star has looked like a ‘different player’ during the World Cup

    Keane admits Chelsea star has looked like a ‘different player’ during the World Cup

    Roy Keane has praised the role Hakim Ziyech has played in Morocco reaching the World Cup quarter-finals after their triumph over Spain.

    It’s no secret that Ziyech has been out of favour at Stamford Bridge this season. The 29-year-old has only started in one Premier League match this season.

    Across all competitions for Chelsea this season he has only played 272 minutes of football, with the majority of his appearances coming from the bench.

    The winger has looked back to his very best at the World Cup though. He has played a vital role in Morocco’s system and has impressed plenty of pundits.

    Keane has been the latest to praise the Chelsea man, admitting that he looks like a different player when playing for his country.

    “Morocco have been tenacious, strong, and aggressive this tournament, sitting deep but doing well when they have the ball,” Keane explained on the SkyBet YouTube channel.

    “They have been brilliant, and I didn’t see it coming. Hakim Ziyech seems like a different player – it’s a different environment, sometimes players struggle at club level, but the World Cup and international football can suit other personalities better.

    “Ziyech looks like a big personality for Morocco, and you don’t see that at club level for Chelsea. I don’t think much of Achraf Hakimi’s dinked penalty to win it. It was easy, because they had two other chances after that – it’s not like that was the decider.”

    Since joining Chelsea in 2020, Ziyech has struggled to replicate the form he had previously showcased at Ajax.

    The winger has been heavily linked with a move away from Chelsea with Manchester United among the clubs considering a move for him.

    The 29-year-old has shown flashes of quality throughout his spell with Chelsea, but he has not managed to nail down a regular starting spot.

    Last season he made just 14 Premier League starts and scored four league goals. He is best utilised in a free role on the right-hand side where he can cut onto his left foot.

    Since moving from Ajax his creative numbers have dropped significantly, perhaps as a result of his game time.

    There’s no doubt that Ziyech is a very talented player, as he has showcased at the World Cup, but perhaps Chelsea was not the right environment for him to thrive in.

    Next up for Ziyech and Morocco is a quarter-final clash with Portugal on Saturday.

    READ MORE: Revelling in Ronaldo’s slide, and how long until USA produce an Mbappe or Haaland?



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  • Villa plot ‘unrealistic’ Joao Felix move as Arsenal, Man Utd speak to agent over €140m transfer

    Villa plot ‘unrealistic’ Joao Felix move as Arsenal, Man Utd speak to agent over €140m transfer

    Joao Felix’s relationship with Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone is ‘broken’ and the player’s agent is speaking to many clubs over a move in 2023, according to reports in Spain.

    The Portugal forward is currently in Qatar for the World Cup.

    He was on top form as his side dismantled Switzerland on Tuesday night, winning 6-1 to advance to the quarter-finals of the tournament, where they will face Morocco.

    Felix has one goal and two assists in three appearances for Portugal in Qatar.

    While the showpiece tournament goes on, there are many rumours circulating about the 23-year-old’s Atletico Madrid future.

    Remarkably, Aston Villa have reportedly thrown their hat in the ring, despite interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Manchester United, and more.

    This is according to Birmingham Live correspondent Ashley Preece.

    Villa’s relationship with Felix’s agent Jorge Mendes is ‘growing stronger’ and the Midlands club ‘have been informed’ of the player’s situation in Madrid.

    Preece admits it ‘feels totally unrealistic’, but I suppose stranger things have happened in football.

    Spanish outlet Marca reckon Villa are ‘very well positioned’ to sign the former Benfica teenager.

    Negotiations are already underway with Felix’s relationship with Simeone apparently ‘bad’.

    Atletico chief executive Gil Marin recently discussed the player’s future, insisting a sale is possible.

    “Signing him was the biggest bet the club has made in its history,” Marin told TVE.

    “I think he is a top, world-class player, but because of the relationship with the coach, his playing time, his motivation… it’d be reasonable to analyse an option for him to depart if one arrives.

    “It’s reasonable to think that he might leave, although I’d love him to stay. But, that’s not the player’s plan.”

    Meanwhile, Relevo journalist Matte Moretto has claimed that Felix’s agent Mendes has already ‘spoken’ to Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich.

    Arsenal and Manchester United could look to sign Felix in the winter transfer window.

    The Red Devils released Cristiano Ronaldo last month, so are in the market for a new forward.

    Arsenal, on the other hand, now have to deal with Gabriel Jesus’ absence after the Brazilian striker underwent knee surgery this week.

    Both Premier League clubs have been linked with PSV and Netherlands attacker Cody Gakpo and are expected to be busy in January.

    Moretto notes that PSG were the first club to make contact over a move.

    Felix wants to join a ‘top club’, and given the sides believed to be in for him, it is difficult to imagine him joining Aston Villa, with all due respect.

    His relationship with Simeone is ‘broken’, and Atletico are said to be asking for a monstrous amount of money – €130-140million to be more precise.

    The Spanish club paid €127.2m to sign the Portuguese from Benfica in 2019.

    His goal record leaves a lot to be desired, but he is playing in a negative side which prioritises defence over attack.

    In 129 matches for Atletico, Felix has found the back of the net 33 times.

    Discussing his future this week, Felix says his focus is on the World Cup with Portugal, but noted that his international team’s style of play is more “favourable” than Atletico’s.

    “I’m completely focused on the World Cup,” he said on Tuesday.

    “My agent doesn’t tell me anything about what’s going to happen, nor does he want to. I need to be focused on the now to play a great tournament.”

    Felix added: “The way of playing with Portugal and then at the club is different. When the conditions are favourable, things go better.”

    READ MORE: Ronaldo shock as Portuguese football journalists concentrate on Portuguese football!



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  • Chelsea fail to sign €60m teenager as Real Madrid are ‘closing in’ on deal after rivals ‘walk away’

    Chelsea fail to sign €60m teenager as Real Madrid are ‘closing in’ on deal after rivals ‘walk away’

    Chelsea have reportedly failed to sign Palmeiras youngster Endrick as Real Madrid are now ‘closing in’ on completing a deal to sign him.

    €60m being spent to sign a 16-year-old sounds a bit ridiculous on the face of it and there will certainly be a lot of pressure on Endrick to live up to this price tag in the coming years.

    But on early evidence, the teenager looks to be a potentially world-class talent as he has already made an impact for Palmeiras at senior level.

    During the 2021/22 campaign, he grabbed nine goals and one assist in 14 appearances for the Brazilian side.

    In recent months he has been linked with clubs around Europe. Teams are looking to tie him down to a contract now with the view of him joining in 2024 when he turns 18. This is when his €60m release clause becomes active.

    It has been heavily reported that Chelsea, Real Madrid and PSG have been the sides leading the race to sign him. 

    But last month, FC Barcelona boss Xavi revealed that they are also “speaking to” Endrick.

    Barcelona, Chelsea and PSG are missing out, though. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Real Madrid are ‘in pole position to get this deal done’

    ‘Real Madrid are closing in on the signing of Endrick from Palmeiras. PSG have left the race for the Brazilian teenager after seeing a bid turned down by Palmeiras,’ Romano told Caught Offside.

    ‘Meanwhile, Real Madrid have agreed personal terms and are discussing the details of the contract.

    ‘Real Madrid are in pole position to get this deal done for a package worth €70m, they are working on the final details and hope to get it done soon.

    ‘Some fans have asked me about how this affects potential interest in Kylian Mbappe, but I don’t see links between Mbappe and Endrick, to be honest.

    ‘Mbappe is world class while Endrick is a top talent for the future who won’t arrive at Real Madrid before 2024.’

    He added: ‘Endrick was a target for Chelsea but they have many others in the list, – they are following many top young players around the world, albeit with nothing imminent.’

    Romano has also explained why PSG opted to ‘walk away’ from their deal for Endrick.

    ‘PSG have walked away from a potential deal to sign Endrick,’ Romano added.

    ‘A few days ago, PSG offered €58m to Palmeiras after discussing personal terms with the player. PSG also offered €35m for Estevao, making a total package of €93m to Palmeiras.

    ‘However, the Palmeiras president rejected the bid and now PSG have left the negotiations and are no longer in the race.’

    READ MORE: Which Premier League club is winning the World Cup? Man City are stretching away

     



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  • Chelsea fear missing out as two rivals want ‘special’ €85m defender; veteran is ‘unlikely to stay’

    Chelsea fear missing out as two rivals want ‘special’ €85m defender; veteran is ‘unlikely to stay’

    Fabrizio Romano thinks N’Golo Kante is ‘unlikely to stay’ at Chelsea beyond this term and he has offered an update on Josko Gvardiol and Christopher Nkunku.

    Chelsea paid £32m to sign Kante in 2016 after he helped Leicester City pull off the unthinkable as they won the Premier League.

    The Frenchman has shone for Chelsea over the past few seasons as he has been one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.

    But his time at Chelsea appears to be nearing its conclusion as he is out of contract in 2023.

    He has missed much of this season with a hamstring injury and Chelsea appear to be looking to the future with the players they are signing under new co-owner Todd Boehly.

    18-year-olds Carney Chukwuemeka and Gabriel Slonina joined the Blues in the summer and they also spent big to bring in 21-year-old Wesley Fofana from Leicester City.

    Transfer guru Romano thinks it is ‘likely’ that Kante will depart Chelsea next summer.

    ‘Where N’Golo Kante could go, it’s still too early to say. He doesn’t seem likely to stay because there’s still no agreement with Chelsea,’ Romano wrote for Caught Offside.

    ‘Kante loves Chelsea and he’d love to stay but the club is going in a different direction with the salaries/young players project.

    ‘Chelsea are following many young and talented midfielders to be ready in 2023, January or summer. Only Graham Potter can change the situation.’

    In terms of players potentially coming in, Chelsea are trying to sign Gvardiol and Nkunku from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.

    Their move for Nkunku is ‘almost ready’ after they moved ahead of their rivals to ‘agree’ a transfer that will be completed next summer. 

    Chelsea are also attempting to sign Gvardiol, but they face competition from Manchester City and Real Madrid.

    ‘Chelsea are still interested in a deal for Josko Gvardiol, but it looks like being an open race for his signature as he prepares for a big transfer in 2023,” Romano continued.

    ‘He’s been fantastic for RB Leipzig and now at the World Cup with Croatia – a special player with a top mentality.

    ‘Chelsea made an official bid for Gvardiol towards the end of August. Todd Boehly offered €80m plus add-ons, but Leipzig said no and extended his contract.

    ‘Still, he is now set to be given the chance to find a new club in 2023, and this was discussed when he extended his contract. Chelsea are still in touch with Leipzig and with those close to the player.

    ‘Chelsea’s relationship with Leipzig is good, Christopher Nkunku is almost ready to go, and they are now working on Gvardiol as well. He’s also spoken highly of Chelsea, but also of Real Madrid.

    ‘There are no official bids, but Chelsea are there, but it’s important to say that Manchester City have also shown an interest. Many clubs are attracted to Gvardiol.’

    READ MORE: Ronaldo ‘very tempted’ by Chelsea; Serie A side in ‘control’ despite ‘mind-boggling’ Liverpool offer

     



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  • Chelsea stars not sold on Graham Potter as he ‘cannot compare’ to ‘f***ing incredible’ Thomas Tuchel

    Chelsea stars not sold on Graham Potter as he ‘cannot compare’ to ‘f***ing incredible’ Thomas Tuchel

    It has been claimed that Chelsea stars who have been coached by Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel have said that you “cannot compare the two”.

    Tuchel replaced Frank Lampard at Chelsea at the start of 2021. His start to life at Stamford Bridge was remarkable as he helped them win the Champions League.

    The club changed owners in the summer as a consortium led by American billionaire Todd Boehly took control of Chelsea.

    The German coach did not last too long after the takeover was completed. They made an underwhelming start to the season after over £200m was spent on players in the summer.

    But it appears that Tuchel butting heads with Boehly and co. was the main reason for his dismissal.

    One thing they disagreed on was whether Chelsea should have signed Cristiano Ronaldo from Man Utd in the summer. 

    Ex-Brighton boss Potter replaced Tuchel at Chelsea at the start of September.

    He got off to a bright start but the Blues are now without a win in five Premier League games. This run includes defeats against Brighton, Arsenal and Newcastle.

    This form leaves the Londoners down in eighth in the table. They are eight points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham with a game in hand.

    Now ex-Newcastle United and England midfielder Kieron Dyer has claimed that certain members of Chelsea’s dressing room prefer Tuchel to Potter.

    “I worry about Chelsea, I really do. We’ve talked about Eddie [Howe] and then you have that elite, world-class player and do they kind of [work together],” Dyer said via True Geordie’s YouTube channel.

    “I’m so happy that Potter got his chance, so happy because he deserved it, but then I’m thinking: you do not sack Tuchel for Graham Potter. That’s just my opinion.

    “I’ve spoken to people who have had Tuchel as a coach and they’ve had Potter as a coach… obviously I’m not going to name names.

    “But they’ve had [both managers] and you cannot compare the two. Knowledge of the game, tactics, the way they are.

    “I also know people who have had Tuchel and then they’ve had other top, top coaches and they go, ‘Trust me, Tuchel is f***ing incredible.’”

    Dyer was then asked if his inside source at Chelsea explained to him where things went wrong for Tuchel in his last few months.

    “Do you think the Americans have come in, they’ve started splashing the cash, £60million for full-backs from f***ing Brighton, and he’s [confused]. You just don’t know,” Dyer added.

    “You’ve got to remember, this is the same Chelsea that absolutely pummelled Tottenham [in a 2-2 draw earlier this season] – I know you can say Tottenham are getting pummelled by most teams.

    “They just said Tuchel was on a different planet. And my thing with Potter is, I think Chelsea having problems is because he’s always changing the team. It’s like he’s trying to keep all these superstars happy. It’s impossible to name the XI.

    “I can name Newcastle’s team every week, Manchester City’s for the big games. But Chelsea I haven’t got a clue. He’s playing Sterling at wing-back, one minute he’s playing Aubameyang and then he’s on the bench.

    “Listen, I was so happy he got his chance but I always worried that when you’ve got those world-class players and they’re not really buying into your beliefs do they just say, ‘Yeah, good one.’”

    READ MORE: Mason Mount will forever be known as the muzzle Southgate uses to hold England back

     



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