Chelsea 'to make £38m De Ligt bid plus Werner', Raheem Sterling 'top transfer target', Kounde latest | The Sun

CHELSEA are will bid for Matthijs de Ligt of Juventus, according to reports.

The Blues are said to be ready to offer the Italian club £38m plus Timo Werner to secure the Dutchman.

The Blues are desperate for reinforcements at centre-back after Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen quit the club.

A verbal agreement is said to be in place for Sevilla's Jules Kounde but the deal has yet to get over the line.

On the attacking front, Chelsea are said to have cooled their interest in Ousmane Dembele as they target Raheem Sterling.

And Romelu Lukaku is set to fly to Milan next week to complete his loan move to Inter.

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  • Justin Lawrence

    Gazza reveals brutal Chelsea snub

    Paul Gascoine has revealed that he brutally snubbed Chelsea in 1995.

    Reminiscing alongside former Gers team-mate Ally McCoist on talkSPORT, Gascoigne said: "I remember speaking to [then Lazio boss] Dino Zoff and asking him what clubs were interested in me at the time and he said Chelsea.

    "I said ‘I ain’t going there, what’s the other one?’ He replied Aston Villa.

    "And I said I ain’t going there either, and then he said Rangers. So I’m walking out of the door and I turned around and said ‘I ain’t going to Queens Park Rangers’.

    "No, Glasgow Rangers. I slammed the door and said to Dino get them over quickly."

  • Justin Lawrence

    Three centre-back shortlist revealed

    Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that De Ligt is on a three-man centre-back shortlist.

    He he has stated that Chelsea are also keeping tabs on Manchester City ace Nathan Ake and Sevilla's defensive stalwart Jules Kounde.

    Romano tweeted: "Chelsea are genuinely interested in Matthijs de Ligt, confirmed.

    "Juve will ask for a big fee as they’re discussing to extend Matthijs’ contract, but still no full agreement.

    "De Ligt is appreciated by Thomas Tuchel – part of the list with Koundé and Nathan Ake."

  • Justin Lawrence

    Chelsea eye De Ligt swap

    Chelsea are reportedly lining up a player-plus-cash transfer offer to Juventus for star defender Matthijs de Ligt.

    De Ligt is tied down in Turin until 2024, but he has allegedly told the Serie A giants he intends to leave after putting in a transfer request.

    And Chelsea are said to be ready to bring him to Stamford Bridge, where they are willing to offer Juve forward Timo Werner.

    According to Sky in Italy via Sky Sports, Chelsea are ready to bid £38million for De Ligt as well as handing over the Germany international.

  • Jake Lambourne

    Good morning Chelsea fans

    New owner Todd Boehly has reportedly made it a personal mission to try and keep Reece James by offering him a new long-term deal.

    The Blues would like to ease emerging doubts over James’ future amid links to Real Madrid and Manchester City.

    According to the Daily Mail, owner Boehly has made a decisive move to resolve James’ “contractual situation”, with the player currently picking up around £70,000-a-week.

    Elsewhere, Christopher Nkunku has revealed he’s pleased to be staying with RB Leipzig amid interest from Chelsea.

    It comes amid news Newcastle will consider a swoop for Chelsea striker Armando Broja if they cannot sign Hugo Ekitike. 

  • Jack Figg

    Gift of the Gab

    Mikel Arteta is reportedly set to bolster his attacking options by sealing the transfer of Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus in the next seven to 10 days.

    The Gunners are in desperate need of a striker or two and Arteta and Co are moving quickly to get their targets through the door.

    According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are nearing a £50million agreement with City for striker Jesus, who was also linked with Chelsea.

    There is growing confidence that the deal will be completed within 10 days.

    Jesus' arrival would follow hot on the heels of Fabio Vieira's confirmation.

    The midfielder joined Arsenal from Porto in a £30m deal as Arteta looks to bolster his squad ahead of a push to return to the Champions League.

  • Jack Figg

    Tuch and go

    Thomas Tuchel has said he wishes Reece James could clone key player James.

    In April, the German said: "I would love to have two of Reece James, that would solve the problem, it’s like 50% towards wing-back and 45% towards the back three.

    "It depends a little bit on how the opponent plays against us.

    "Do we expect a lot of possession, how is their structure for their offensive transition.

    "For this it can sometimes be helpful for Reece to play in the back three and be the first guy to cover in the transition and to not be involved in the attack.

    "We have his speed and physicality in the protection of the opponents counter-attack.

    "I’m a bit more into that his very best position is the wing-back position where he is perhaps even more decisive, more useful but it is more demanding.

    "The next step is to be a regular player over 50, 55, 60 matches and from there we have to decide that those positions are filled with top quality with him."

  • Jack Figg

    Rab race

    Adrien Rabiot wants to leave Juventus to join a Premier League club this summer.

    And Chelsea are the outright favourites to clinch his signature ahead of Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester City, according to Betfair.

    The France international joined Juventus from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer in July 2019.

    He’s since made 129 appearances, scoring six goals and providing six assists in all competitions.

    The 27-year-old’s contract expires in June 2023, but reports suggest he doesn’t intend to see out his deal in Turin.

    The Telegraph claim Rabiot wants to leave the Serie A heavyweights to join an English club playing Champions League football.

  • Jack Figg

    Blue deal

    BLUE DEAL

    New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has reportedly made it a personal mission to try and keep Reece James by offering him a new long-term deal.

    The Blues would like to ease emerging doubts over James' future amid links to Real Madrid and Manchester City.

    According to the Daily Mail, owner Boehly has made a decisive move to resolve James' "contractual situation", with the player currently picking up around £70,000-a-week.

    Tying the academy product down to a new deal is one of the club's top priorities.

    However, formal discussions over fresh terms are yet to get underway.

    Talks could get underway once the summer transfer window closes at the end of August.

  • Jack Figg

    Ron away

    Bayern Munich are not interested in signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United, according to reports.

    Recent reports have suggested Ronaldo is unhappy with the lack of movement in the transfer market from Man United, leading to speculation he could quit the club this summer.

    Such speculation included links with Bundesliga Champions Bayern Munich, which would represent a new challenge for the Portuguese superstar.

    However, BILD's Christian Falk has reported such interest is untrue, with Bayern holding no tangible interest in the 37-year-old.

  • Jack Figg

    Nkunku speaks on new contract

    Christopher Nkunku has revealed he’s pleased to be staying with RB Leipzig amid interest from Prem giants Chelsea and Man United.

    He told the club’s media after penning his new deal: “I’m pleased to continue wearing the RB Leipzig shirt.

    “After our great achievement in winning the DFB-Pokal, it remained clear that my story here isn’t over yet – we want more!

    “I was really impressed with the club’s efforts to keep me, so a big thanks goes to those responsible for the trust in me and especially to Oliver Mintzlaff, with whom I was always in close contact.

    “RB Leipzig have made a name for themselves on the international stage in recent years and have shown time and again that we can compete for titles. We want to build on that going forward and go one step further.”

  • Jack Figg

    Go Bro

    Newcastle will consider a swoop for Chelsea striker Armando Broja if they cannot sign Hugo Ekitike, according to reports.

    The Magpies have had their sights set on signing Ekitike, 20, since January, but they have struggled to get a deal across the line.

    They came close to an agreement earlier this year when Reims accepted a £33million bid, but the striker decided to snub the offer to stay in France until the end of the season.

    Now, Newcastle are reportedly close to a new deal worth £36million as they continue their pursuit of the Frenchman.

    However, numerous clubs including Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have also expressed an interest, meaning the discussions could be hijacked.

    As a result, Eddie Howe and his staff have lined up an alternative option.

  • Jack Figg

    Raph-in for him

    Man Utd and Liverpool have reportedly joined the trace for Raphinha.

    And that has sparked a major Premier League battle for the Brazilian's signature.

    London trio Chelsea, Tottenham and particularly Arsenal are interested in landing him this summer.

    The Gunners saw their first bid rejected but are set to go back to Leeds with an improved offer.

    However, as reported by Sport in Spain, they now face competition from the powerhouses in the North-West.

    But it is understood Raphinha has so far kept the door closed on a transfer within the Premier League.

  • Jack Figg

    Raphinha for Ziyech?

    Could Chelsea offer Hakim Ziyech to Leeds in part-exchange for winger Raphinha?

    That’s the speculation today as the Blues and Manchester United remain linked with the Elland Road Brazilian.

    Signing Raphinha, 25, would be an impressive statement for new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly.

  • Jack Figg

    Chelsea receive Gnabry transfer boost

    Arsenal have received a huge boost in their pursuit of ex-Gunner Serge Gnabry.

    That’s as Bayern Munich transfer chief director Hasan Salihamidzic has refused to rule out selling Gnabry, although he insisted the club want him to stay put.

    Salihamidzic said, reported by Fabrizio Romano: We really want to keep him. I hope that he chooses Bayern.

    “If a player doesn’t want to decide for the club, then we can find a solution that makes everyone happy.”

  • Jack Figg

    Borna Blue

    Chelsea can secure Stuttgart defender Borna Sosa for £21million this summer, according to reports.

    The Blues have already seen Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen depart since the end of the season.

    Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta is also being linked with a move to Barcelona.

    And left-back Marcos Alonso has reportedly told the club he wants to leave Stamford Bridge.

    The loss of Alonso would leave Chelsea short in the left-back position, with Ben Chilwell still recovering from a serious cruciate ligament injury.

    And Sosa, 24, could plug that gap as he has shown the ability to play at left-back and left wingback.

  • Jack Figg

    Total Tuch

    Todd Boehly has reportedly promised Blues boss Thomas Tuchel that he will allow up to SIX new signings this summer

    American Boehly and Tuchel are said to have held talks this week to discuss the club's transfer plan.

    And the new owner has promised Tuchel up to six incomings before the end of the transfer window, according to the Telegraph.

    Champions League qualification has been set as the minimum target, while ideally the Blues would like to be challenging with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.

    Boehly is reportedly set to hand Tuchel a £200million transfer warchest, with the potential for more funds to be made available through player sales.

  • Jack Figg

    Chelsea hit transfer stumbling block

    Chelsea are reportedly unwilling to meet Sevilla’s transfer demands for Jules Kounde.

    Sevilla want no less than the reported £78.4m release clause in Kounde’s contract.

    But the Blues are unwilling to pay higher than the £47m they offered for Kounde last summer, which was turned down, Sports Witness reported.

    Negotiations between Sevilla and the blues will continue for the next few weeks, the report adds.

    However, Barcelona are also on the prowl for Kounde’s services, it was added.

  • Jack Figg

    Barca ‘launch Lewandowski offer’

    Barcelona have reportedly made the first move for Robert Lewandowski, who has also been linked with Premier League giants.

    The Polish strike legend has angered Bayern by publicly revealing his desire to leave this summer.

    But it’s thought the bid is below the German champs’ £35million valuation of the 33-year-old.

  • Jack Figg

    Lukaku to Inter confirmed

    Romelu Lukaku’s loan transfer to Inter Milan will be completed NEXT WEEK.

    That’s according to transfer supremo Fabrizio Romano, who said: “Chelsea and Inter have all paperworks now ready to be signed in order to announce Romelu Lukaku deal next week.

    “Belgian striker will also fly to Italy next week to undergo medicals and sign the contract.

    “No buy option or obligation clause – normal loan, confirmed.”

  • Jack Figg

    Newcastle eye Jules Kounde

    Newcastle are reportedly keen on signing Sevilla defender Jules Kounde amid interest from Chelsea and Barcelona.

    Toon have already confirmed the signings of Matt Targett and Nick Pope but the Saudi-backed Magpies show no signs of stopping there.

    And French ace Kounde, 23, is next in their sights, according to Mundo Deportivo.

    It’s claimed the prospect of signing for Newcastle has “tempted” Kounde, after Sevilla confirmed he would be allowed to leave this summer.

    But it would take a bid in excess of £51million to secure his services, reports claim.

  • Justin Lawrence

    Kepa issues play demand

    Chelsea Kepa Arrizabalaga has warned the club he needs to play more in order to remain at Stamford Bridge.

    Kepa told Marca: “Right now I am a Chelsea player, but what I am clear about is that I want to play more, because I come from a year or two where, when I have played, I have had a great performance,” Kepa said.

    “For that reason, because of that good performance I had, the feeling is that I want more. I want to play more. I am at Chelsea and I want to succeed here. And if it wasn't possible, we would analyse other different things, because my clear objective is to play.”

    “I am not desperate. In the end, I'm at a great club… I'll talk to the coach and we'll decide, but with the clear message that I want to play more.”

  • Justin Lawrence

    Mikel Arteta ‘loves Raphinha’

    Arsenal are pushing to sign Leeds star Raphinha as manager Mikel Arteta is “really in love” with the player, reports suggest.

    That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who claims Arteta is very keen on the winger but there is also competition from Chelsea who have made contact with the Whites.

    Romano reports that the transfer saga surrounding the Brazil international, who has a contract until 2024, is one of the “craziest” in recent times and could last a little longer.

    The 25-year-old initially agreed personal terms with Barcelona in February but the club’s €40million (£34.3m) bid doesn’t meet Leeds‘ £65m asking price.

    The Gunners have also made an offer but that too has been turned down by the Yorkshire giants.

    The North Londoners’ task got even tougher as Chelsea‘s new owner Todd Boehly made a “direct call” with Elland Road chiefs exploring a possible deal.

  • Justin Lawrence

    Tuchel promised six summer signings

    Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has reportedly promised Blues boss Thomas Tuchel that he will allow up to SIX new signings this summer

    American Boehly and Tuchel are said to have held talks this week to discuss the club's transfer plan.

    And the new owner has promised Tuchel up to six incomings before the end of the transfer window, according to the Telegraph.

    Champions League qualification has been set as the minimum target, while ideally the Blues would like to be challenging with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.

    Boehly is reportedly set to hand Tuchel a £200million transfer warchest, with the potential for more funds to be made available through player sales.

  • Justin Lawrence

    De Ligt 'rejects Juventus offer'

    Chelsea transfer target Matthijs de Ligt has reportedly turned down a big money contract from Juventus as he wants a Premier League move.

    Juve are desperate to keep hold of the centre back who has two years left on his contract.

    But the Dutch ace has told the club he wants out during crunch talks, according to Corriere dello Sport.

    That's because he's keen on a transfer to the Prem, the report adds.

  • Justin Lawrence

    Mount visits LA Dodger's

    Mason Mount paid a visit to his boss Todd Boehly's LA Dodgers baseball team while enjoying a summer break stateside.

    The Chelsea and England ace grinned as he posed for snaps at Dodger Stadium in central Los Angeles.

    MLB outfit the Dodgers are co-owned by businessman Boehly, who fronted the consortium that recently bought the Blues.

    Mount spent the day checking out the home of the seven-time World Series champions, who posted the shots to Instagram.

    The 23-year-old wore a Dodgers shirt with the No19 – the same number he wears for Chelsea.

    He also stepped out onto the turf at Dodger Stadium, checked out the dressing room and held the Commissioner's Trophy, which is awarded to the team that wins the World Series.

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