Chelsea transfer news LIVE: Kounde to be 'announced' TODAY, Blues battle' Spurs for Saint-Maximin, Pavard UPDATE | The Sun
July 22, 2022CHELSEA are closing in on their third major signing of the summer with Jules Kounde set to reportedly be announced TODAY.
The France centre-back Kounde shocked everyone at his current club by showing up to catch the bus to Portugal but reports suggest that his switch to Stamford Bridge is very much on.
Meanwhile the Blues are set to battle Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of tricky Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin according to reports.
And Chelsea reportedly have another fight on their hands for Bayern Munich ace Benjamin Pavard but with Manchester United instead.
- IN: Raheem Sterling (Man City), Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli), Omari Hutchinson (Arsenal)
- OUT: Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Andreas Christensen (Barcelona), Romelu Lukaku (loan to Inter), Danny Drinkwater (released), Charly Musonda (released), Jake Clarke-Salter (released), Lucas Bergstrom (Peterborough, loan), Sam McClelland (Barrow, loan)
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Stay up to date with all the latest from Stamford Bridge in our live blog…
- Justin Lawrence
Sterling and Neymar compared
PSG star Neymar is not good enough to replace Raheem Sterling at Man City.
That's according to Trevor Sinclair who made the claim after Sterling joined Chelsea.
Sinclair said on talkSPORT: "Neymar is too inconsistent! You get one good game out of four!”
"If you’re a manager you’d want Sterling over Neymar! Three games out of four Raheem is top drawer.
- Justin Lawrence
Lukaku intent on Inter stay
Romelu Lukaku is intent on staying at Inter Milan for longer than his one-year loan deal, reports claim.
Lukaku's said to be enjoying life so much at the San Siro that he doesn't want to return to Chelsea next summer.
And he's hoping that his good relationship with new Blues owner Todd Boehly can help a permanent switch go through smoothly, SempreInter reported.
- Justin Lawrence
Kounde to 'complete transfer today'
Chelsea could finalise Jules Kounde's transfer from Sevilla today, according to reports.
The Blues have been in advanced negotiations with the defender and Sevilla.
And despite the move nearly being hijacked by Barcelona, the Blues have withstood the pressure from Spain.
Kounde could now be unveiled by the Blues this afternoon in a £55m deal, The Times reported.
- Justin Lawrence
Lukaku on strict diet
Romelu Lukaku has been put on a strict personal diet by Inter Milan to shed the pounds he piled on at Chelsea.
Lukaku weighed 15st 9lbs before moving to Chelsea from Inter last summer.
But he's returned to Italy heavier than before he left.
And Inter are intent on reversing the process, which is why they've put him on a strict diet and exercise regime, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
- Justin Lawrence
Chelsea eye Newcastle winger
Chelsea are taking a look at Newcastle ace Allan Saint-Maximin, reports claim.
The Blues have already signed Raheem Sterling, but wouldn't mind adding Saint-Maximin to their ranks.
That's according to The Athletic, who reported that the Blues have enquired about the 25-year-old's availability.
But the Blues don't want to pay the £40m asking price that Newcastle have slapped on Saint-Maximin, the report adds.
- Justin Lawrence
Sterling crushes Tuchel at ping pong
This is the hilarious moment Thomas Tuchel is destroyed by new Chelsea signing Raheem Sterling at table tennis.
That’s after the ace warned his new boss that he’s UNBEATABLE at the game.
The four-time Premier League winner became king of the ping pong table during Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the USA.
And Sterling proved a point to new boss Tuchel ahead of his debut in Thursday’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Charlotte FC.
- Justin Lawrence
Chelsea put meat on grill
Chelsea have thrown everything behind getting Jules Kounde to the club.
They're locked in a tense battle with Barcelona for the defender.
But the Blues have "put all the meat on the grill", as Sport have put it to sign the star.
That includes presenting him an offer worth €10m net per year, the report adds.
This puts Chelsea in the driving seat as Barca cannot afford to do the same, it was added.
- Justin Lawrence
Barca chief admits Kounde defeat
Jules Kounde will sign for Chelsea, claims Barcelona president Joan Laporta.
The Blues have agreed a £55million deal with Sevilla for the Frenchman, although Barca would like to hijack it.
Chelsea's move for Kounde is at an advanced stage, with personal terms agreed on a five-year deal.
Speaking to a Barca fan, Laporta appeared to admit defeat in his pursuit of the 23-year-old.
In a clip shared by Relevo, asked about the Sevilla ace, Laporta appeared to say: "Kounde? No, he will sign for Chelsea."
- Justin Lawrence
Sterling's English connection
Raheem Sterling has no worries about fitting in at Chelsea due to his connection with the club's English players.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Sterling explained: "I know a few of the boys from the national team, Mase (Mason Mount), Chilly (Ben Chilwell), to name a few.
“I’ve got a good connection with Callum (Hudson-Odoi) already.”
- Gary Stonehouse
Morning, Chelsea fans
Chelsea are "highly likely" to sign Jules Kounde for £55million – despite the centre-back's unexpected appearance at Sevilla training.
The Blues beat off PSG for the France star but still want at least one more defender.
And Bayern Munich's Benjamin Pavard is a newcomer to the list of candidates.
Chelsea and Manchester United could duel for the £30-million rated Frenchman.
But Stamford Bridge chief Thomas Tuchel is struggling to offload up to SIX fringe players.
Big names Timo Werner, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Hakim Ziyech would be the costliest to buy.
And finding takers – as much as wages – could be a problem with Ross Barkley, Michy Batshuayi and Kenedy.
Finally, Chelsea and Arsenal are said to have contacted Lazio about Serbia midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
- Ian Tuckey
Kounde deal in doubt
EXCLUSIVE: Jules Kounde has thrown his £55 million move to Chelsea into doubt after turning up unannounced for Sevilla’s pre-season tour, writes ANDREW DILLON.
The defender was left behind while his transfer to the Premier League side was being finalised.
The two clubs have agreed a fee and the player has even settled on personal terms on a five year contract.
But France centre half Kounde has shocked everyone at his current club by showing up to catch the bus to Portugal.
Sevilla are heading to the southern city of Lagos as part of their preparations for the new La Liga campaign.
Kounde says he considers it ‘unprofessional’ to stay in Spain and train alone while he remains a Sevilla player.
Sevilla want a deal signed with Chelsea as quickly as possible and would prefer to see him move to England rather than to Spanish rivals Barcelona.
Chelsea have also come up with the money while Barcelona are trying to gather the cash together to finance a transfer.
Sevilla also want to source a replacement for Kounde as soon as possible.
A club insider said: “It is still highly likely he will join Chelsea. Everybody was stunned when Kounde turned up for the bus to Lagos.
- Ian Tuckey
Blues are Jong odds to land Holland ace
Frenkie De Jong’s reported claims he’d rather join Chelsea than Manchester United doesn’t wash with the bookies.
Coral rate the Barcelona midfielder 6/4 to join his old Ajax boss Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford and 3/1 for a switch to Stamford Bridge.
The main stumbling block on a deal – of around £63million – seems to be the Holland star’s reluctance to leave the Nou Camp.
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils and Chelsea duel for £51m kid Endrick
Manchester United and Chelsea can land Brazil’s next big thing for £51million after he signed a new deal with Palmeiras on his birthday.
Endrick, 16, put pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Verdao, who are looking to cash in on one of the world’s highest-rated youngsters.
The striker has already attracted interest from the Premier League with United and the Blues keeping tabs, while Liverpool and Manchester City are also keen.
The Brazil Under-16 international has also been linked with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Endrick is set to become “one to watch” in the market.
Romano tweeted: “Brazilian jewel Endrick turns 16 today and signs new deal with Palmeiras: it will be valid until 2025, including a release clause worth €60m.
“There’s already a battle between the European top clubs to sign Endrick. One to watch on the market, soon.”
Endrick has yet to play for Palmeiras’ senior squad but has put in consistently-high performances for the youth sides, scoring a whopping 165 goals in 169 games.
- Ian Tuckey
Utd 'could bid up to £60m for Antony'
Manchester United would reportedly consider bidding up to £60million for Ajax winger Antony.
That's despite Barcelona valuing United's main target Frenkie de Jong at £63m.
The Red Devils are now strong favourites ahead of Chelsea to sign De Jong.
- Ian Tuckey
Milinkovic-Savic linked to Chelsea and Arsenal
Chelsea and Arsenal have contacted Lazio about midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, reports in Italy claim.
Calcio Merca say the London giants admire the Serbia star’s box-to-box style and goal record.
But Calciomercato, suggest the Gunners, in particular, have been put off by the Serie A club’s valuation – of around £60million to £68m.
Milinkovic-Savic netted 11 times for Lazio last term, having joined from Genk in 2015.
- Ian Tuckey
Kounde deal still 'highly likely'
Jules Kounde's £55million move to Chelsea is still rated 'highly likely' despite the centre-back turning up announced for Sevilla's pre-season tour.
It's thought the Spaniards would prefer to sell the France star to a Prem club than Barcelona.
And a club insider said: “It is still highly likely he will join Chelsea.
"Everybody was stunned when Kounde turned up for the bus to Lagos.
“But he feels he should be a ‘professional’ while still a Sevilla player.”
- Ian Tuckey
Having a Romp back at Inter
Romelu Lukaku stood on a chair and sung for his Inter Milan team-mates as he continued to enjoy life back in Italy.
The 29-year-old Belgian returned to the Serie A giants on loan earlier this summer after a miserable year at Chelsea.
Just 12 months ago, Lukaku left Inter for the Premier League side in a deal worth £97.5million.
But now he is back at Inter where he flourished for two seasons between 2019 and 2021.
And he serenaded his new team-mates by climbing onto his chair and singing to them during a team dinner – a video which was posted on social media.
Both Lukaku and the rest of the squad seemed to be loving the initiation as the former Manchester United man's love affair with Italian football continues.
It comes after he admitted earlier this month that he should never have left Inter in the first place.
At Inter's kit launch, he said: "I left. It was a mistake. I realised last season when I was in England, just how important Inter are in the world."
- Ian Tuckey
Utd and Chelsea 'both keen on Pavard'
Chelsea have joined Manchester United in monitoring Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard, according to L’Equipe.
It's claimed the German giants would consider selling the 45-cap Frenchman for around £30million.
Pavard would reportedly prefer to play in central defence rather than right-back.
The former Stuttgart star, 26, has played 119 games for Bayern – but just 22 times in the middle of the rearguard.
And he faces stiff competition in the centre from new boy Matthijs de Ligt, ex-Arsenal and Chelsea target Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Hernandez and Tanguy Nianzou.
- Ian Tuckey
Jule never believe this…
EXCLUSIVE: Jules Kounde has thrown his £55 million move to Chelsea into doubt after turning up unannounced for Sevilla’s pre-season tour, writes ANDREW DILLON.
The defender was left behind while his transfer to the Premier League side was being finalised.
The two clubs have agreed a fee and the player has even settled on personal terms on a five year contract.
But France centre half Kounde has shocked everyone at his current club by showing up to catch the bus to Portugal.
Sevilla are heading to the southern city of Lagos as part of their preparations for the new La Liga campaign.
Kounde says he considers it ‘unprofessional’ to stay in Spain and train alone while he remains a Sevilla player.
Sevilla want a deal signed with Chelsea as quickly as possible and would prefer to see him move to England rather than to Spanish rivals Barcelona.
Chelsea have also come up with the money while Barcelona are trying to gather the cash together to finance a transfer.
Sevilla also want to source a replacement for Kounde as soon as possible.
A club insider said: “It is still highly likely he will join Chelsea. Everybody was stunned when Kounde turned up for the bus to Lagos.
- Ian Tuckey
Raheem dreams of Bridge feast..
followed by Sunday lunch at mum'sRaheem Sterling cannot wait to be at his mum’s house eating Sunday lunch after “banging in the goals” at Stamford Bridge, writes JORDAN DAVIES.
And Chelsea’s £50m signing says he is now “mature and old enough” to deal with the distractions London has to offer.
Sterling, 27, made his debut for the Blues in the early hours of Thursday morning against Charlotte FC having completed his five-year move from Manchester City last week.
It feels like a proper homecoming having grown up near Wembley Stadium and starting in the QPR academy before heading up north with Liverpool and then City.
Now, he is back in the capital where it all began for him, but forget the nightlife and tourist attractions – the England international simply has family and football on his mind.
In his first interview since joining up with his teammates on their USA pre-season tour, he said: “Every time I get back to London it is a surreal feeling.
“When I first went up north I never really used to come down much. My family used to always come up so I could stay focused on work. Sometimes London can be a distraction.
“But I am old enough now, mature enough. For my kids and family, it is going to be a big opportunity for us to spend more quality time with my mum, their grandmother, and be closer together.
“You know what it is like. You score or you win a game, pop round to mum’s and have some Sunday dinner and pop back up. It is lovely.”
- Ian Tuckey
From Jan Utd to new Prem club?
West Ham and Everton are among two clubs considering a move for former Manchester United man Adnan Januzaj.
AS report that the Belgian is available on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with Real Sociedad.
Napoli and Sevilla are also interested in the 27-year-old winger, who has 15 caps for his country.
Januzaj made 63 appearances during his time at Old Trafford, scoring five goals.
- Ian Tuckey
Let's Sav it
Chelsea and Arsenal have contacted Lazio about midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, reports in Italy claim.
Calcio Merca say the London giants admire the Serbia star’s box-to-box style and goal record.
But Calciomercato, suggest the Gunners, in particular, have been put off by the Serie A club’s valuation – of around £60million to £68m.
Milinkovic-Savic netted 11 times for Lazio last term, having joined from Genk in 2015.
- Ian Tuckey
Blues are Jong odds to land Holland ace
Frenkie De Jong's reported claims he'd rather join Chelsea than Manchester United doesn't wash with the bookies.
Coral rate the Barcelona midfielder 6/4 to join his old Ajax boss Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford and 3/1 for a switch to Stamford Bridge.
The main stumbling block on a deal – of around £63million – seems to be the Holland star's reluctance to leave the Nou Camp.
- Ian Tuckey
Blues could be stuck with six flops
Chelsea are struggling to offload six flops this summer, according to reports.
Thomas Tuchel is closing in on his third signing in Jules Kounde but is eager to offload players too.
The Chelsea boss is reportedly open to selling the likes of first-team stars Timo Werner and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
But the Blues are yet to find a willing bidder for that pair and a number of other players, report The Times.
Both Werner and Kepa are on big wages and no club is prepared to match their salary on top of the hefty transfer fee it would take for Chelsea to let them go.
Bayern Munich have been linked with a move for Werner and could reignite that interest following the sale of Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona.
Chelsea have found it harder to attract interest in their fringe players however, including Ross Barkley, Michy Batshuayi, Kenedy.
Batshuayi and Kenedy spent time out on loan last season but this summer it is proving more difficult to find a buyer.
Hakim Ziyech is in a similar position with Chelsea keen to offload the winger – with only AC Milan showing intent to sign him.
But the Serie A champions are keen on a loan deal for the Moroccan – a problem for Chelsea who want to sell him on a permanent basis.
- Ian Tuckey
Blues Maxed out
Newcastle have reportedly been approached by Chelsea and Tottenham for star winger Allan Saint-Maximin.
But the London rivals are refusing to match the Magpies‘ £40million asking price for the French forward.
It was claimed last month how the 25-year-old was on Spurs’ radar with Antonio Conte looking to bolster his attack.
And it was also stated that the ex-Nice ace has grown frustrated by the wage structure at St James’ Park with his head turned by the prospect of bigger salaries elsewhere.
Despite chipping in with just five goals and as many assists in 35 Premier League outings last term, Saint-Maximin is believed to be a wanted man this summer.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea, Spurs and a number of European sides have made enquiries to sign the Les Bleus youth international.
But the clubs have balked at the Toon’s £40m valuation of Saint-Maximin.
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