Chelsea will always be busy in a transfer window – it’s a tale as old as time.
This time, though, it might be that there are more outs than ins as the Blues look to get their house in order and trim their numbers down
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Maresca will have to deal with more transfer business in JanuaryCredit: Getty
The Blues have made 36 signings since Todd Boehly took over control of the club in 2022.
And while those purchases final bear fruit as they mount an outsider’s run at the Premier League title, sometimes something has to give.
Carney Chukwuemeka and Ben Chilwell are already set to leave Stamford Bridge as they fell down the pecking order in west London.
And Maresca believes all those players who want to leave should do so if they are unhappy at the club – although he maintains it’s not at the forefront of his mind.
He said: “In this moment, the focus is on the Fulham game. We aren’t thinking about players who want to leave. In case this happens, we are going to see.
“But in this moment we are not thinking this player has to leave or that player. We are just thinking how to win games.
“Then, if they knock on the door and they want to leave, I’m not going to say: ‘No, no you have to stay here, 100 per cent’. If they want to leave, the best thing for everyone is that the players who aren’t happy are going to leave.”
Christopher Nkunku has also been linked with a move away having only started two Premier League games.
That’s despite 12 goals in all competitions as he impressed in the cups, including the Europa Conference League.
But Maresca isn’t ready to allow the France international to leave just yet.
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Nkunku has been performing when playing but hasn’t made a Premier League breakthrough yetCredit: Getty
“We like Christo and we want him here,” He said.
“There will always be players that are not happy and some that will ask to leave in January. I am not sure if they will be Christo’s or another player’s case. We want to keep them here because we are happy with them here.”
Meanwhile, despite the Blues being second in the Premier League table at Christmas – and just two games away from the mid-point of the campaign – Maresca remains coy on a title charge.
“I think for sure reality says we’re second and you’re not second after four five games when table is not quite the real one.
“The table reflects the teams where they are. But Liverpool are doing fantastic since the first day, probably the squad they have already lived that kind of moment, winning trophies.
“I said last year when Liverpool faced Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final, I saw the amount of finals Liverpool players played and the Chelsea ones and there was a huge difference. This shows the experience you need to be in that race.”
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Maresca is a fan of Nkunku but concedes if he wants to leave he can’t stand in his wayCredit: Getty
And Maresca is also tipping Man City to be challengers, despite their horrendous run of form of late.
He added: “I think Man City at the end will be there. They are in a moment that never happened before. They don’t have enough players in this moment, it’s a very bad situation for them.”
Christopher Nkunku made European history for ten-man Chelsea in a hard-fought Conference League win against Heidenheim.
The Frenchman scored the first goal in the Blues’ 2-0 victory over the German outfit, but was forced off through injury late on.
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Nkunku fired Chelsea into the lead against HeidenheimCredit: Getty
Jadon Sancho’s cross from the right was guided into the path of Nkunku, who smashed the ball in from close-range on 51 minutes.
It has taken his season goal tally to 11 in all competitions, the most for the club so far this season, with five of his strikes coming in Europe’s third-tier competition.
However, Nkunku‘s goal has also seen him become the first Chelsea player to score in all of his first four major European matches.
His first came in the 4-2 in over Gent before he added another in the Blues’ 3-0 victory away to Panathinaikos.
Nkunku then scored two goals in their 8-0 thrashing of Noah, with Heidenheim the latest club to concede against him.
As well as this, he is the first player to net in four consecutive matches for Chelsea since Olivier Giroud did in the 2018/19 season.
Unfortunately for Nkunku, he was substituted late on with an apparent injury he sustained during a chance he had on goal.
He could now be a doubt to face top four rivals Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Carney Chukwuemeka was his replacement and helped Chelsea to see out the win that maintains their 100 per cent record.
Mykhailo Mudryk sealed the deal late on when he fired into the top-right corner from Sancho’s pass.
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Nkunku’s goal has seen him make history for Chelsea in EuropeCredit: Getty
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However, he had to be substituted off after appearing to pick up an injuryCredit: Getty
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Mudryk ensured Chelsea won all three points on the night with an excellent finishCredit: Getty
Though the Blues has to play the last few seconds with ten men after midfielder Cesare Casadei was sent off for two yellow cards.
Enzo Maresca’s side were disappointing overall on the night, but he will be happy to have seen his men take all three points in Germany.
Chelsea could well have scored three goals in the first half, however a lack of quality in the final third prevented them from doing so.
The Blues will be hugely thankful for Filip Jorgensen, who made an excellent double save in the second half to keep their one-goal lead before Mudryk’s goal.
Heidenheim thought they had scored when approaching the final ten minutes of the match, but their finish was flagged for offside.
Chelsea eventually made it to full-time with yet another win under Maresca to their name and are back top of the Conference League table.
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Nkunku leads the scoring charts for Chelsea in all competitions
Enzo Maresca has announced where each of his attacking players will play this season as he discussed the incredible options at his disposal.
No other Premier League side boast an arsenal of attacking talent like the Blues, whose squad is stacked with quality.
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Chelsea boss Maresca is blessed with a squad stacked full of attacking talentCredit: Getty
In last week’s 1-0 win away at Bournemouth, the west Londoners started Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson.
And in the second half, Maresca brought on Joao Felix as well as Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku, with the duo combining for the club’s late winner.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk and 18-year-old striker Marc Guiu were unused substitutes.
Chelsea’s stacked options up top have led to fans questioning where they will all fit into Maresca’s system, which comprises of two wingers, a No.10 and a lone centre-forward.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s London derby away at rivals West Ham on Saturday – live on talkSPORT – Maresca addressed those concerns, as he outlined where he sees every player featuring.
He said in his press conference: “As left wingers, we have Jadon and Misha [Mykhailo Mudryk].
“As right wingers, we have Noni and Pedro. As attacking midfielders, we have Joao and Cole.
“As a No.9, we have Nicolas, Christo [Nkunku] and Marc. We do not have so many players, we have two players for each position.”
He continued: “Christo can play as a No.9 or as an attacking midfielder and a winger.
“Kiernan [Dewsbury-Hall] can play in the pocket and wide.
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Nkunku and Sancho are just two high-quality forwards at Maresca’s disposalCredit: Getty
“Pedro was playing as a left-winger because Jadon wasn’t here and fit and, between Misha, Pedro and Jadon, I preferred Pedro for that one game… but that doesn’t mean always I will prefer Pedro.
“So the squad is quite clear in terms of positions. All of them have their position and we have two players in each position.
“But because they are versatile, good and can play in different positions, for sure we can move them.
Noni Madueke insists Chelsea is a great place to be despite ‘exaggerated’ noise around ‘great guy’ Enzo Maresca’s side
“For example, Christo played the first game against Manchester City as a winger.”
It remains to be seen what frontline Maresca will go with against the Hammers at the London Stadium.
Although Jackson seems destined to lead the line once again having started each of their opening four Premier League matches and scored two goals, plus provided one assist.
Enzo Fernandez will most likely face a very awkward return to Chelsea for pre-season after he was involved in some racist chanting.
The midfielder sparked fury after postinga video of himself and his Argentina teammates appearing to sing a discriminatory chant.
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Fernandez has apologised for his actionsCredit: Getty
The footage – which followed Argentina’s Copa America win over Colombia – was quickly slammed by many of Fernandez’s Blues French teammates.
The song references how many French players have African heritage and was described by Wesley Fofana as ‘uninhibited racism.’
The defender unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram, with Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashille, Malo Gusto, Lesley Ugochukwu, Christopher Nkunku and Malang Sarr quickly doing the same.
Fernandez has since apologised for the video and Chelsea reacted with a statement confirming an internal disciplinary procedure.
When will Fernandez return to Chelsea?
The 23-year-old is currently on holiday and a decision is yet to be made on when he will report for pre-season.
The earliest date that Fernandez could be back among his Blues teammates is the evening of Monday, July 29.
FIFPro guidelines suggest players should have three weeks rest after an international tournament although this is not mandatory and stars can choose to return to domestic training after two.
Should Fernandez take the full three weeks off, he will miss four of Chelsea’s five games during the club’s tour of the United States.
Chelsea’s pre-season fixtures
Thursday, July 25 – Chelsea vs Wrexham (in the USA) – WILL MISS
Saturday, July 27 – Chelsea vs Celtic (in the USA) WILL MISS
Thursday, August 1 – Chelsea vs Club America (in the USA) COULD RETURN
Saturday, August 3 – Chelsea vs Man City (in the USA)
Wednesday, August 7 – Chelsea vs Real Madrid (in the USA) LIKELY RETURN
Sunday, August 11 – Chelsea vs Inter Milan (Stamford Bridge)
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Fofana publicly called out FernandezCredit: Getty
That would leave Enzo Maresca with the decision to make over whether the midfielder heads to America for their final match.
Alternatively, Fernandez could be left to train with those left out of the tour at Cobham, with Marc Cucurella, and England duo Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher the other three Chelsea players that featured in international tournament finals.
In this scenario, his only chance to play a pre-season friendly would come against Inter Milan on August 11 – just seven days before the club’s Premier League opener.
If Fernandez does return after just two weeks off, he’ll be available for three games in the States and that Nerazzurri clash.
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Fernandez’s Chelsea career could be in jeopardyCredit: Getty
Whenever Fernandez does report back, you would expect Chelsea to have completed their investigation into the incident.
In a statement, the Blues said: “Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable. We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome.
“We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate.
“The club has instigated an internal disciplinary procedure.”
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Fernandez’s live footage saw a derogatory chant sung by Argentine players
On Instagram, he said: “I want to apologise sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations.
“The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words.
“I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.
“That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry.”
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Fernandez is now a Copa America champion, but the post-match chant has caused all manner of issuesCredit: Getty
It remains to be seen what course of action Chelsea take with Fernandez, but Darren Bent feels he should be more worried about his teammates.
The ex-Tottenham man explained that the Argentine has damaged some relationships beyond repair.
Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: “It’s not a good look for Enzo Fernandez at all, it’s really not.
“Before Wesley Fofana put that post on social media, I hope they [Chelsea teammates] would have contacted him first and asked the question of ‘what are you playing at?’
“But they’ll never look at him the same ever again regardless of whether he puts out the sorrys and says I should never have done this.
“Even if he stands there in front of his Chelsea teammates and says, ‘I’m deeply sorry for what I’ve done’, they’ll never ever look at him the same.
“In the moment, he’s the one hosting the video. It’s quite clear that this is not his first time singing this song and it’s not their [Argentina squad] first time singing this song because they’re all happy, all singing and they’re all joyful because they’ve just won the Copa America.
“But at the same time, in that relaxed environment and it comes out as easy as it did, his teammates will never trust him the same way.”
Chelsea look set for a new style of play as they prepare to welcome Enzo Maresca from Leicester.
talkSPORT understands that the Blues are close to announcing the Italian as their new head coach to replace Mauricio Pochettino.
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Maresca is close to becoming the new head coach at ChelseaCredit: Getty
Maresca will leave Leicester after just one season in which they won the Championship to seal an instant return to the Premier League.
The 44-year-old previously worked with Pep Guardiola at Manchester City during their treble-winning 2022/23 campaign.
But he now looks set to take charge at Chelsea, and talkSPORT.com has looked at how the west London side could line up under him.
Maresca tends to play a 4-3-3 formation when out of possession, but when his team wins the ball, this can change to a 3-2-4-1.
One of the full-backs will invert into the midfield, with the two No.8s then pushing forward as they look to attack the opposition.
Starting in goal, Djordje Petrovic has been Chelsea’s first-choice for much of the season, but Maresca could look to bring one of his own with him from Leicester.
Foxes fans on social media have raised their concerns that it could be Mads Hermansen who follows, with the Dane strong with his feet and off the back of an impressive campaign in which he kept 13 clean sheets.
At full-back in the 4-3-3 formation, Marc Cucurella and Reece James could be the opted pairing on the left and right respectively.
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Hermansen was a huge success in goal under Maresca and could join him at ChelseaCredit: Getty
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James and Cucurella may well be the preferred full-back duoCredit: Getty
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Here is how Chelsea could line up when out of possession
Not only can they both play at centre-back, they can also feature in midfield to help in a 3-2-4-1 – Cucurella did so towards the end of the season and James sometimes played in midfield on loan at Wigan.
Chelsea’s main centre-back duo could consist of Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana, who missed the entirety of the season with an ACL injury.
Mark Goldbridge discusses Chelsea sacking Mauricio Pochettino, Vincent Kompany to Bayern Munich and Erik Ten Hag’s future as the managerial merry-go-round continues
The Frenchman impressed when he played in his first season at Stamford Bridge and may be set for a fresh start under Maresca, with Colwill also a young yet, talented prospect to have already shown his worth.
Starting in the middle of the pitch could be Enzo Fernandez, who has spent much of the campaign playing further forward than many would have expected.
The 23-year-old could play in a more deeper role under Maresca though having found huge success there with Argentina in their World Cup win in 2022.
British record signing Moises Caicedo, as well as the injured Romeo Lavia, are also options for the new Chelsea boss, but Fernandez’s passing and ball play could give him the edge.
This means there may not be room for Conor Gallagher in central midfield, with the 24-year-old heavily linked with a summer exit amid interest from Aston Villa and Tottenham.
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When Chelsea win the ball, this how they could switch up
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Caicedo and Fernandez are top midfield choices, but Maresca could go with the latterCredit: Getty
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This may mean no room for Gallagher amid speculation he could be soldCredit: Getty
In attacking midfield, the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season Cole Palmer is in line for an immediate starting role after amassing 40 goal contributions in his first season.
Palmer, along with Lavia, played under Maresca for the City U21s side and made a big impact as he scored 13 goals and assisted another six in 16 appearances.
Alongside him could be Christopher Nkunku, who endured an unlucky start to life at Chelsea amid various injury issues, but impressed when fit, scoring three goals in 14 appearances.
Mykhailo Mudryk may be set to feature on the left wing after an improved second season with the Blues that saw him score some crucial goals.
Aged 23, the Ukrainian is still a young player and given Maresca’s experience in youth coaching, this appointment could provide a huge boost to his progress.
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Palmer looks set to be one of the first names on the teamsheet under MarescaCredit: Getty
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Nicolas Jackson could be trusted to lead the line for Chelsea again next seasonCredit: Getty
The same can be said with Noni Madueke, who has also stepped up his game following a quiet opening few months at Stamford Bridge.
He ended the season with eight goals from the right wing, including a curling strike against Maresca’s Leicester in their FA Cup quarter-final clash.
Nicolas Jackson was Chelsea’s second top scorer behind Palmer this season, with the Senegal international firing in 17 goals.
The Blues have long been linked with Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney, but Jackson’s efforts in his debut season at Chelsea could be rewarded in the form of the starting striker role under Maresca.
Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that Christopher Nkunku has injured his hamstring and he could be out for a month.
The Frenchman arrived at the Blues in the summer but has made just ten appearances since then in all competitions.
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Nkunku looks set for another spell out for ChelseaCredit: Getty
Nkunku suffered a knee injury in pre-season and made his competitive debut in December before suffering an injury to his hip.
He played in their Carabao Cup final defeat against Liverpool but missed their 3-2 FA Cup win against Leeds on Wednesday night.
In Chelsea’s latest injury update, the 26-year-old is reported to be ‘undergoing rehabilitation programme’.
And speaking in his press conference ahead of their trip top Brentford, boss Pochettino said: “He suffered a problem in his hamstring and then we will see in a few weeks if he is available.
“Now he is doing recovery from Sunday. Unlucky, bad luck because to suffer again another injury is tough for a player that didn’t play too much during the season and also came from the Bundesliga, from Germany, with some problems.”
Before the Leeds win, Pochettino said: “We need to see and evaluate every day but he’s out for three or four weeks. We hope no more.
“It’s difficult for him. We watched him when he arrived in pre-season. He was flying on the training pitch until he got injured. Now it is nearly eight months and he has been involved again but it is not the same player as before.
“We have in our head the amazing Nkunku from pre-season but it is not the same player because of the circumstances. That’s why it is sometimes unfair when we judge.”
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The Frenchman has had little luck with fitness this seasonCredit: Getty
Nkunku is one of seven players on Chelsea’s injury report, although Thiago Silva and Marc Cucurella are new omissions.
However, stars including Reece James, Romeo Lavia and Benoit Badiashile are listed as ‘continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme’.
New footage shows Joe Gomez pulling Ben Chillwell away from Conor Bradley in confrontation during Carabao Cup final
Nkunku came off the bench in Chelsea’s Carabao Cup quarter-final win against Newcastle and scored in the penalty shootout on his competitive debut.
His Premier League debut came in their 2-1 defeat away to Wolves on Christmas Eve, with the forward scoring their late consolation goal.
The former Paris Saint-Germain and RB Leipzig man’s second goal for the club was scored off the bench in the 4-1 loss at Liverpool.
Nkunku has only made two starts in the league this season, doing so in the win over Crystal Palace and home defeat against Wolves.
Chelsea will be desperate to return to winning ways against Leeds after losing to Liverpool at Wembley at the weekend.
Winning the FA Cup would secure them Europa League football for next season, with European qualification via league position far from a certainty.
Jim Ratcliffe’s move to Monaco in 2020 may have been bad news for the British taxpayer, but not for Manchester United fans.
The chemical billionaire looks set to buy a 25 per cent stake in the Premier League giants after fellow bidder, Sheikh Jassim, withdrew his offer.
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Ratcliffe could still have a big say at UnitedCredit: getty
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His wisest move could be to land his old neighbour Mitchell
That news hasn’t been too warmly welcomed by United supporters, who would still have to put up with the hugely unpopular Glazer family in control of the club.
It could, though, mean some sort of progress, if the Manchester born Ratcliffe follows through with his vision to revolutionise the club.
Should Ratcliffe come in, talkSPORT understands that he would take charge of footballing matters, something the Glazers have been accused of having little to no interest in.
Already a top tier European owner of OGC Nice, there has been some success, but nothing compared to their French riviera neighbours, where Ratcliffe appears set to look for inspiration.
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Paul Mitchell recently left the principality, but he could well be back there in meetings with Ratcliffe who is planning to appoint a sporting director.
Mitchell fulfilled that role at Monaco after previous stints at Leipzig, Tottenham, Southampton and MK Dons, becoming one of football’s most respected executives.
A former player in England’s lower leagues, Mitchell was previously linked with Chelsea and Liverpool, and much like Ratcliffe, he’s also from Greater Manchester.
Starring mainly for Wigan and MK Dons, it was with the latter where Mitchell was moved upstairs, and made his first big move by spotting future England regular Dele Alli after being named their head of recruitment in 2010.
Two years later he joined Southampton in the same role, and that’s where he really began to show off, landing the Saints a number of players who would not only go on to become Champions League regulars, but make the club a fortune and ensure a Premier League best finish.
Showcasing his skills in casting his scouting net far and wide, Sadio Mane, Dusan Tadic, Graziano Pelle, Dejan Lovren and Victor Wanyama all went on to secure Southampton a bright future, and Mitchell a promotion to Tottenham in 2014.
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Mane was one of Mitchell’s early successes
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But there’s been many moreCredit: Getty
The north London side had just unsuccessfully splurged their world record £85million from Real Madrid for Gareth Bale, and it looked like Mitchell couldn’t have picked a worse time.
However, names such as Alli, Heung-Min Son, Toby Alderweireld, Eric Dier and Kieran Trippier set the side up for a bright future, before chairman Daniel Levy got in Mitchell’s way.
Leaving what he called his ‘dream job’ after less than two years, it was reportedly due to Levy’s over-involvement in negotiations and the recruitment process, something which wasn’t an issue at his next club – Leipzig.
Ralf Rangnick landed Mitchell and more success followed. Signings such as Dani Olmo, Christopher Nkunku and Amadou Haidara again showcased what Mitchell can do with the shackles off, and again the results followed.
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Getting Nkunku from PSG was one of Mitchell’s biggest coupsCredit: Getty
Many of his signings starred in a run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2020, and in 2022 won the club’s first ever trophy with a DFB Pokal.
Only leaving the side to reach the pinnacle of his job, finally stepping up from a head of recruitment to become sporting director at Monaco, Mitchell showed just how big picture he is with an interview in 2021.
“I want to continue to drive standards in each and every department,” he said. “Psychology, sports science, nutrition, medicine, the way we travel, the way we refuel.
“Everything, every element I think we need to keep pushing to its maximum to try and be the best we possibly can.”
Having worked in football management for over a decade, Mitchell’s career has always been about the long term for his club’s, with the young signings he’s made often only paying off after he’s left.
One in particular was 2022/23 Premier League top scorer Son, who perfectly sums up his philosophy.
“I took quite a lot of criticism in my first year at Tottenham for some of the decisions and Sonny was kind of at the centre of that,” he explained.
“Sometimes players need time, they’re human beings, they need to settle, Sonny had a great track record at Hamburg and Leverkusen but there was this narrative that started to grow internally and externally that he wasn’t a good finisher.
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Mitchell is becoming an increasingly recognisable face
“I remember telling a coach ‘you’re wrong, his history shows in two different clubs he’s a very astute finisher off both sides’.”
Mitchell remains good friends with Rangnick from their time together at Leipzig, and last season was spotted at a youth team game while the German was interim coach.
So astute is Mitchell in his observations, he even laid out a blueprint for the club’s success while at Monaco.
“I think context is important to measure what Manchester United’s current situation is, but I think they do need to get to the point of really putting down what Manchester United needs to be in the modern game,” he explained.
“We are a long time from the Sir Alex Ferguson era. Erik ten Hag is a top coach from Ajax but they need a top blueprint not only for now but for the next five years, and work towards that, and sometimes on that journey there are hard moments when you don’t get the right results, even though you’re doing the right things.
“You have to know that, over that period, the consistency of the decision-making will yield a good end result. I think we’ve seen that both Manchester City and Liverpool, that when you adopt that long-term strategy you can get real consistency and sustainable success.
“I think that’s the biggest thing for Manchester United; putting down their identity of what they want to be today, but most crucially what they want to be in five years’ time, and where they want to be, and what they want to look like; from everything from young players, to the style of play, to the whole culture peace in Manchester United.”
Almost certain to consult Rangnick before any approach from Ratcliffe, Mitchell may be warned off of a club where long-term thinking hasn’t existed.
But, should Ratcliffe get his man, it could signal exactly the change in fortunes he and every supporter has been hoping for at Manchester United.
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Chelsea star Ben Chilwell is ruled out until December due to a hamstring injury.
The 26-year-old picked up the problem during the Blues’ 1-0 Carabao Cup win over Brighton last Wednesday.
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Chilwell is ruled out of action until Christmas with a hamstring injuryCredit: getty
According to the Daily Telegraph, Chilwell’s recuperation process could leave him out for as long as eight weeks, and thus until December.
Chilwell was ruled out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup in Qatar last November, also with a hamstring injury.
He later returned to the squad in February, before managing to regain his place in the side.
The Chelsea defender has been a mainstay in the side, missing just one of their Premier League matches so far this campaign, which was their 2-0 win at Fulham on Monday night.
Chilwell said on his Instagram story: “Can’t catch a break. Believe me, I am more frustrated than you guys.
“All I can do now is help the team as best as I can from the sidelines, until I can get back to giving everything for the club on the pitch again. Ups and downs but that’s just life.
“Just focused on getting this club back to where it deserves to be. Thank you as always for the love, Chels fans [blue heart emoji].”
Mauricio Pochettino provided an update on his current situation prior to the Blues’ victory at Craven Cottage.
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Chelsea boss Pochettino has a long list of injuriesCredit: getty
“I think it’s bad news,” the Argentinian boss said.
“From what the doctor told me it’s not a good thing, it looks like a bad injury.
“But we need to assess in the next few days and we’ll see the period that he’s going to be absent from the squad and the team. But it doesn’t look good.”
Chilwell joins a long list of players currently sidelined, with fellow defenders Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana and captain Reece James all out.
Midfielder Romeo Lavia, who joined the club in the summer from Southampton, Carney Chukwuemeka, and forward Christopher Nkunku, are also sidelined.
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Chelsea fans’ worst fears were confirmed as Christopher Nkunku suffered a suspected knee injury against Borussia Dortmund.
Supporters expressed their concern prior to the 1-1 draw that a player could pick up a niggle due the shocking condition of the Soldier Field pitch.
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Nkunku initially went down in the ninth minute following a challenge from Mats Hummels
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He hit the deck, with the player eventually being replaced due to injury
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Nkunku’s injury will be a huge blow to Chelsea fansCredit: Getty
The Blues faithful would have been worried after Reece James went down grimacing following a heavy challenge.
But thankfully the right-back managed to carry on, though the same couldn’t be said for summer signing Nkunku.
The France international had initially gone down in the ninth minute inside the box where he was unlucky not to have won a penalty.
Nkunku jinxed past Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels, but fell heavy on the floor after appearing to be caught.
He eventually had to be replaced in the 22nd minute by Mykhailo Mudryk after hitting the deck.
The physios rushed to his aid to give him treatment, but the ex-RB Leipzig star – capable of playing anywhere in attack – was unable to continue as the pitch claimed its first victim.
Nkunku was later spotted with an ice pack around his left knee while watching on from the bench.
Since linking up with Chelsea earlier in the summer, Nkunku has already established himself as a key player under Mauricio Pochettino.
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Nkunku was unable to shake off his niggle at Soldier Field
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Pochettino will be sweating over the ex-RB Leipzig star’s injury
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Nkunku has scored three goals for the Blues during pre-seasonCredit: Getty
He scored on his debut in the win against Wrexham before following that up with strikes in the victories over Brighton and Fulham.
But there is now doubt as to whether he will be available for Chelsea’s opening Premier League clash against Liverpool.
The west Londoners host the Reds at Stamford Bridge on August 13.
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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.
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.’
