UK government and Premier League APPROVE Todd Boehly's Chelsea takeover, Kounde LATEST, Dembele UPDATE – latest
CHELSEA'S sale to Todd Boehly WILL go through and has been given approval by the UK government and Premier League.
Secretary of state for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nadine Dorries said: "We are satisfied the proceeds of the sale will not benefit Roman Abramovich or other sanctioned individuals."
Abramovich will no longer be associated with Chelsea as a result.
Unquestionably the best owner in the club's history, the Russian oligarch's ties to war-mongering Vladimir Putin have tainted his legacy.
LA Dodgers owner Boehly, 48, will take the reins and look to get the Blues' transfer window on course after months of uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Jorginho could be heading to Juventus but the Italian giants are refusing to 'spend big' to land their target.
And Barcelona's chief has given a clear indication on the future of Ousmane Dembele who is heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
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Keep up to date with all of the latest gossip from the Stamford Bridge…
- Kostas Lianos
Chelsea target Bastoni
Chelsea are keeping tabs on Inter Milan ace Alessandro Bastoni ahead of the summer transfer window.
That is according to La Repubblica, who claim Tottenham are also interested in Bastoni, who played under manager Antonio Conte at Inter.
It is believed the Nerazurri's financial issues are still at large and the club are hoping to sacrifice just one player this time around.
The centre-back is valued at £60m and the Blues are desperate for defensive reinforcement after losing Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid.
Andreas Christensen, Marcos Alonso and captain Cesar Azpilicueta are heading to Barcelona, while Thiago Silva is at the advanced age of 37
Credit: GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
Mount's new contract
Chelsea star Mason Mount is set to receive a new contract after Todd Boehly's takeover.
According to i, Mount will be the first player to benefit from the new owners.
The forward, who is reportedly on around £80,000-per-week, is expected to have his salary at least doubled under a new agreement that will be permitted once the takeover is officially completed.
This comes after the Premier League and UK government approved the £4.25billion takeover
- Kostas Lianos
Hazard Eden nowhere
Former Chelsea star Eden Hazard has announced he will stay at Real Madrid next season despite enduring a torrid three-year stint at the Santiago Bernabeu so far.
Hazard told VTM Nieuws ahead of the Champions League Final against Liverpool: "Everybody knows that I’ve a contract until 2024.
"My first three seasons have not gone well, so I want to show everybody what I can do.
“It's always been a dream to play for Real. It still is”
- Kostas Lianos
Boehly's war chest
New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is set to hand manager Thomas Tuchel a bumper £200million transfer war chest this summer.
According to the Telegraph, some of the budget is expected to come from player sales, with the suggestion Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic, Marcos Alonso and Timo Werner could all be flogged.
It's claimed the Blues have drawn up an eight-man centre-back shortlist following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Sevilla star Jules Kounde is top of the list, while there is also interest in RB Leipzig's Josko Gvardiol, Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez, Villarreal’s Pau Torres, Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly and Leicester's James Justin.
In attack Manchester City star Raheem Sterling could be targeted if Werner, Ziyech or Pulisic leave.
Midfield reinforcements are possible too, with West Ham’s Declan Rice and Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni both targeted.
- Kostas Lianos
Xav some of that
Chelsea have been handed a major transfer boost as Barcelona boss Xavi admitted Ousmane Dembele may have played his last game for the club against Villarreal.
According to Get Football News Spain, the Spanish tactician said: "It could be his last game, but it could also be the last game for others.
"I like him and he can help us in the future. It depends on the negotiations."
The Blues have been linked with the forward ahead of the summer transfer window
Credit: GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
Jules Kounde situation
Chelsea's approved takeover is a major boost in their longtime bid to sign Sevilla star Jules Kounde.
The Blues are in desperate need of defensive reinforcement after losing Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid.
Marcos Alonso, Andreas Christensen and captain Cesar Azpilicueta are on their way to Barcelona, while Thiago Silva is at the advanced age of 37.
Transfer guru Andreas Korssund tweeted: "Jules Kounde is closing in on a move to Chelsea.
"The Blues will conclude talks with Sevilla as soon as Boehly's takeover is complete and they are ready to pay the required fee.
"Personal terms have already been agreed and the Frenchman is only waiting for Chelsea"
- Kostas Lianos
Nadine Dorries statement
Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nadine Dorries stated that the Government is satisfied the proceeds from Chelsea’s sale won’t go to outgoing owner Roman Abramovich.
Dorries tweeted: “Last night the Government issued a licence that permits the sale of [Chelsea].
“Given the sanctions we placed on those linked to [Vladimir] Putin and the bloody invasion of Ukraine, the long-term future of the club can only be secured under a new owner.
“We are satisfied the proceeds of the sale will not benefit Roman Abramovich or other sanctioned individuals.
“I want to thank everyone, especially officials who’ve worked tirelessly to keep the club playing and enable this sale, protecting fans and the wider football community”
- Kostas Lianos
Government on Chelsea takeover
The UK Government have issued a statement regarding their decision to approve Chelsea’s takeover by Todd Boehly.
A statement read: “Late last night the UK Government reached a position where we could issue a licence that permits the sale of Chelsea Football Club.
“Following the sanctioning of Roman Abramovich, the Government has worked hard to ensure Chelsea Football Club has been able to continue to play football.
“But we have always been clear that the long-term future of the club could only be secured under a new owner”
- Kostas Lianos
BREAKING: Boehly takeover approved by government
The UK Government has approved Todd Boehly’s £4.25billion takeover of Chelsea.
This comes after the Premier League gave the green light to the Boehly-led consortium.
The American businessman has been spotted at Stamford Bridge in the Blues’ last few home matches of the season.
The West Londoners are entering the post-Roman Abramovich era
Credit: GETTY IMAGES
- Alex Cole
Good morning Chelsea fans
The Premier League have approved Todd Boehly’s proposed takeover of Chelsea.
Boehly, 46, had already PASSED the Prem’s owner and directors test.
Now the £4.25bn deal has moved a step closer to coming to fruition after receiving the green light from Premier League bosses.
They have ONE WEEK to complete the takeover or risk being thrown out of next season's Champions League.
Sevilla star Jules Kounde is edging closer to signing for Chelsea after agreeing personal terms over a switch to Stamford Bridge.
Reports claim that Kunde has agreed personal terms with the Blues, who are ready to meet the Andalusians’ £59million asking price.
Gareth Southgate has named Chelsea stars Reece James, Conor Gallagher and Mason Mount in his 27-man England squad for the upcoming Nations League matches.
Blues star Marcos Alonso is set to be the fourth defender to quit this summer.
Captain Cesar Azpilicueta has reportedly worked out a two-year deal with Real’s rivals Barcelona.
And Andreas Christensen is also on his way to the Nou Camp after agreeing a five-year contract with the Catalans.
- Alex Cole
Blues race against time
The Premier League have approved Todd Boehly’s proposed takeover of Chelsea.
Boehly, 46, had already PASSED the Prem’s owner and directors test.
Now the £4.25bn deal has moved a step closer to coming to fruition after receiving the green light from Premier League bosses.
They have ONE WEEK to complete the takeover or risk being thrown out of next season’s Champions League.
- Alex Cole
Darwin Nunez blow
Chelsea have been dealt with a transfer blow amid their reported interest in Benfica star Darwin Nunez.
That is because Real Madrid have joined the transfer war to land Nunez in the summer transfer window.
According to Record, the LaLiga champions have identified the striker as a potential target after they missed out on Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe.
The Uruguay international has stood out this season with a whopping 34 goals and four assists in 41 appearances across all competitions.
He has also been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United
- Alex Cole
Prem agrees to Chelsea takeover
The Premier League have approved Todd Boehly’s proposed takeover of Chelsea.
The American – who is at the head of a multi-billion-pound consortium – threw his name into the ring to buy the cash-strapped west Londoners following the UK Government’s sanctions on former owner Roman Abramovich.
Boehly, 46, had already PASSED the Prem’s owner and directors test.
Now the £4.25bn deal has moved a step closer to coming to fruition after receiving the green light from Premier League bosses.
A Prem spokesman said: “The Board has applied the Premier League’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test (OADT) to all prospective Directors, and undertaken the necessary due diligence.
“The members of the Consortium purchasing the club are affiliates of the Clearlake Capital Group, L.P., Todd Boehly, Hansjorg Wyss and Mark Walter.
“Chelsea FC will now work with the relevant Governments to secure the necessary licences to complete the takeover.”
- Alex Cole
James on Boehly
Chelsea star Reece James has insisted that the club’s levels of ambition will not change under incoming owner Todd Boehly.
James told the club’s official website: “It’s been a strange moment for the club with the change in owners.
“It’s going to be different moving forward. The ambition is still going to be the same.
“We’re a massive club in the world and our aim is to win every trophy we can”
- Alex Cole
Jul in the crown
Sevilla star Jules Kounde is edging closer to signing for Chelsea after agreeing personal terms over a switch to Stamford Bridge.
Transfer guru Andreas Korssund has claimed that Kunde has agreed personal terms with the Blues, who are ready to meet the Andalusians’ £59million asking price.
Korssung tweeted: “Jules Kounde is closing in on a move to Chelsea.
“The Blues will conclude talks with Sevilla as soon as Boehly’s takeover is complete and they are ready to pay the required fee.
“Personal terms have already been agreed and the Frenchman is only waiting for Chelsea”.
- Alex Cole
Giroud and Tomori star in Serie A win
Milan’s 3-0 win at Sassuolo on Sunday saw them win their first title in 11 years.
Top scorer and former Blue Giroud and ex-Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori again shone as Stefano Pioli’s men ended one of the longest barren spells in the club’s history.
AC went 15 games unbeaten after losing to Spezia on January 17.
And most incredibly, they let in just six goals during that title-turning run.
Giroud, Tomori and team-mates received their trophy on Sunday in jubilant scenes of celebration.
- Alex Cole
Government green light still needed
The Premier League have approved Todd Boehly’s proposed takeover of Chelsea.
But there could still be a sticking point with the Prem statement adding: “The purchase remains subject to the Government issuing the required sale licence and the satisfactory completion of the final stages of the transaction.”
Government sources suggested yesterday that Whitehall approval was close but that there remained significant “hurdles” with the green light from Europe.
Abramovich is on the EU sanctions list but holds a Portuguese passport.
However, while the takeover must go through by May 31 in order for Chelsea to be forwarded by the FA to take place in next season’s Champions League, that remains likely to happen in time.
- Alex Cole
BREAKING – Prem agrees to Chelsea takeover
ThePremier League have approved Todd Boehly's proposed takeover of Chelsea.
The American – who is at the head of a multi-billion-pound consortium – threw his name into the ring to buy the cash-strapped west Londoners following the UK Government's sanctions on former owner Roman Abramovich.
Boehly, 46, had already PASSED the Prem's owner and directors test.
Now the £4.25bn deal has moved a step closer to coming to fruition after receiving the green light from Premier League bosses.
A Prem spokesman said: “The Board has applied the Premier League’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test (OADT) to all prospective Directors, and undertaken the necessary due diligence.
"The members of the Consortium purchasing the club are affiliates of the Clearlake Capital Group, L.P., Todd Boehly, Hansjorg Wyss and Mark Walter.
“Chelsea FC will now work with the relevant Governments to secure the necessary licences to complete the takeover.”
- Alex Cole
Pogba ‘obvious choice’ for Chelsea
Former Man Utd star Louis Saha told Lord Ping: “Chelsea is the obvious match for Pogba because he loves to play with N’Golo Kante.
“We always try to compare what he does with France and United and the ability of Kante makes Pogba play to another dimension and that’s the truth.
“Only Pogba can indicate where he wants to go, I’m just sad he hasn’t fulfilled his dream.”
- Alex Cole
England squad announced
Here’s the England squad for the upcoming Nations League games.
Chelsea stars Reece James, Conor Gallagher and Mason Mount are in.
Gareth Southgate has handed first call-ups to Jarrod Bowen and James Justin in his 27-man England squad for the upcoming Nations League matches.
The Three Lions face Hungary twice in June, while they also battle Italy and Germany in Group A3.
- Alex Cole
Tuchel tells of a five club race
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has revealed the five teams he believes will be fighting it out for the Premier League title next season – and it includes his own club but not Arsenal.
Tuchel said: “It will be a super tough race. Manchester United will be in the race, Tottenham will be in the race with Antonio Conte for sure, and we want to stay in the race.
“And Liverpool and Man City will do everything to even make their squads bigger.
“They set the standard so, so high and it will take the same to be competitive next season.
“While like everybody else tries to close the gap to us…the two top teams are what they are, a benchmark of consistency.
“That’s the situation and from there on we do our very best to be competitive because this is what we want to be”
- Alex Cole
Last Gall for Conor?
Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has refused to rule out a transfer for Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher.
Vieira said of Gallagher, who is set to return to Stamford Bridge after the end of the season: “Conor has been fantastic for us.
“He felt like he is at home the way he has been performing for us. He understands the way that we want to play the game, and he brings his energy and his determination.
“We know that he has to go back to Chelsea. Then, what will happen? We don’t know.
“But what is important is that he came for a year, and he worked hard and worked well, and he gave something to the team and the football club. It was a win-win.
“He was really happy with us. He played really well, which allowed him to go to England. He’s happy, so we are happy”
- Alex Cole
Alonso to go
Chelsea star Marcos Alonso is set to be the fourth defender to quit this summer.
Captain Cesar Azpilicueta has reportedly worked out a two-year deal with Real’s rivals Barcelona.
And Andreas Christensen is also on his way to the Nou Camp after agreeing a five-year contract with the Blaugrana.
Alonso is about to follow his defensive compatriots to Spain to shore up a new-look defence for Barca.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims the LaLiga titans are in advanced talks with the 31-year-old.
- Alex Cole
Giroud and Tomori star in Serie A win
Milan’s 3-0 win at Sassuolo on Sunday saw them win their first title in 11 years.
Top scorer and former Blue Giroud and ex-Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori again shone as Stefano Pioli's men ended one of the longest barren spells in the club's history.
AC went 15 games unbeaten after losing to Spezia on January 17.
And most incredibly, they let in just six goals during that title-turning run.
Giroud, Tomori and team-mates received their trophy on Sunday in jubilant scenes of celebration.
- Alex Cole
Tuch and go
Chelsea manager revealed he has a unique relationship with Blues’ supporters.
Tuchel said: “It’s so nice to have this bond with the fans. I was not famous for that in my last clubs. I don’t know why it’s suddenly like this, but I’m very happy about it.
“This game is a different game with fans, we always said it. It’s a different game.
“If the stadium is empty, half empty or full, we need full stadiums, this makes the game exciting, emotional.
Credit: GETTY IMAGES “This creates something you can’t find without them. We are doing this for entertainment, for making our fans happy.
“We are responsible for the spark, energy, and we want to provide a level of energy that they can feel it.
“If you go to the stadium you [want to] feel this team giving everything, playing as a group of friends, not only just employees.
“That’s the challenge. Once we do this the fans are happy and they feel it. This is where we want to continue”
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