Chelsea FC &#8211; CaughtOffside

Exclusive: Three-way Premier League fight for talented Chelsea defender

Alexander-Arnold-esque player offered to West Ham for transfer

Howe claims Newcastle completed a transfer deal against his wishes

Sarr has experience of playing in France have played for both Nice and Monaco making 119 and 17 appearances respectively.

Chelsea have already sold Ian Maatsen and Omari Hutchison to Aston Villa and Ipswich respectively, and Sarr looks like he will be the next departure, although there’s no mention of a transfer fee for the defender who only has a year left on his deal.

The post Forgotten Chelsea star who made 21 appearances for the club agrees two year deal with Ligue 1 side appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Enzo Maresca a big admirer of 24-year-old he signed for Leicester last summer

Charlie Patrick — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 19:16:25 +0000

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is a big admirer of Leicester City goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, but it’s unclear if the Blues will make a move according to journalist Tom Collomosse.

It’s been a busy summer at Stamford Bridge with six new faces coming through the door already as the club look to strengthen the squad in an attempt to get back into the Champions League next season.

The Blues head off to America on Monday for their pre-season tour, and are reportedly in the market for a goalkeeper, winger and striker, although it’s unclear how many more signings they will make.

Maresca admires Mads Hermansen

It was reported last week that Chelsea were going to enter the market for a new goalkeeper, with good distribution an essential factor.

The Blues signed Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic last summer, but Maresca clearly feels it’s an area that needs improving.

Sanchez started the season as number one, but after a solid start he made a number of errors and lost his place to Petrovic last December when he got injured and didn’t win it back.

Petrovic impressed in the Chelsea goal, but his style isn’t suited to what Maresca is said to want from his goalkeepers, and the west London club are believed to have offered him to Serie A side Genoa.

However, Mail Sport’s Collomosse has reported Maresca is a big admirer of Hermansen, who is said to be valued at around £45m.

? Along with Dewsbury-Hall, Enzo Maresca also a *big* admirer of Hermansen, as #lcfc fans know well.

? Unclear whether admiration will develop into anything more solid but Danish goalkeeper is valued at about £45m

— Tom Collomosse (@TomCollomosse) July 21, 2024

Maresca knows the Dane well having signed him for Leicester last summer, and he would certainly tick the boxes for what Chelsea are looking for in a new keeper.

The 24-year-old made 44 appearances in the Championship and kept 13 clean sheets as the Foxes won the title last season.

More Stories / Latest News

Exclusive: Three-way Premier League fight for talented Chelsea defender

Alexander-Arnold-esque player offered to West Ham for transfer

Howe claims Newcastle completed a transfer deal against his wishes

If Hermansen does make the move to Stamford Bridge he would be following in the footsteps of Maresca and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

Chelsea have also been recently linked with James Trafford, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Filip Jorgensen, who is believed to have a release clause of £35m.

The post Enzo Maresca a big admirer of 24-year-old he signed for Leicester last summer appeared first on CaughtOffside.

La Liga outfit feel Chelsea could be tempted to sell 24-year-old towards end of the window

Charlie Patrick — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 18:52:15 +0000

Atletico Madrid feel Chelsea may be tempted to sell Conor Gallagher in the next few weeks as they eye a move according to Fabrizio Romano.

Gallagher is currently enjoying a well earned break having gone all the way to the final of Euro 2024 with England, but a decision will need to be taken on his future soon.

The 24-year-old was one of Chelsea’s standout performers under Mauricio Pochettino last season, and he captained the side for large parts of the campaign, but questions over his future have been rife given he’s into the final year of his contract.

Atletico feel Chelsea could be tempted to sell Gallagher soon

The England international has made no secret of his desire to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge, but the club’s ownership appear to have other ideas, and value the midfielder between £40m-£50m.

Gallagher has attracted interested from rivals Tottenham and Atletico, whilst Aston Villa’s interest has cooled as they close in on a deal for Everton’s Amadou Onana.

Gallagher’s Chelsea future is still undecided.

It’s been previously reported that Atletico are the club who have shown the most interest in Gallagher, but a deal is thought to be on the expensive side for them.

Chelsea will be wary of the situation and won’t want to run the risk of losing the midfielder on a free next summer or for a reduced price next January.

Romano has provided an update on Atletico’s pursuit of the Chelsea academy graduate saying the La Liga outfit feel their English counterparts could be tempted to sell in the next few weeks.

More Stories / Latest News

Exclusive: Three-way Premier League fight for talented Chelsea defender

Alexander-Arnold-esque player offered to West Ham for transfer

Howe claims Newcastle completed a transfer deal against his wishes

“Atletico Madrid are working behind the scenes for Conor Gallagher, contacts on player side, Madrid feel Chelsea may be tempted in the next few weeks, maybe closer to the end of the market, to sell him to them,” he said on his Playback stream.

Chelsea have plenty of options in midfield and have added Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to their ranks, but the news that Andrey Santos is going back on loan to Strasbourg and Lesley Ugochukwu is also set to be loaned out could be seen as a positive for Gallagher’s chances of staying at his boyhood club.

The post La Liga outfit feel Chelsea could be tempted to sell 24-year-old towards end of the window appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Al-Ittihad send official offer to unwanted Chelsea star ahead of proposed move

Charlie Patrick — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 23:22:33 +0000

Saudi side Al-Ittihad have sent an official offer to Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga and are waiting for a response from the Spaniard according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

It’s been a busy summer at Stamford Bridge with six new faces arriving at the club, but the Blues are reportedly still in the market for a winger and a striker.

Chelsea are also desperate to offload a number of players, and having already sold Ian Maatsen and Omari Hutchinson, the club are hoping they will be able to move on Arrizabalaga and Romelu Lukaku.

Kepa receives offer from Al-Ittihad

Al-Ittihad had an initial offer for the 29-year-old rejected earlier this month, but reports have suggested the club are still in talks with Chelsea over a possible move.

The Spaniard has returned to pre-season training with the Blues, but is believed to be training away from the first team squad whilst his future is sorted.

Galetti has reported that Al-Ittihad have sent the goalkeeper an official offer of a long term contract worth €7m per year.

He took to X.com and said:

“#AlIttihad sent an official bid to #Kepa: a long-term contract with a salary set at €7m/y.

“The club is waiting for a response from the GK. Talks are always underway also with #Chelsea, who consider him out of the plans: contacts with PIF will continue.”

?? #AlIttihad sent an official bid to #Kepa: a long-term contract with a salary set at €7m/y. ??

? The ?? club is waiting for a response from the ?? GK.

?? Talks are always underway also with #Chelsea, who consider him out of the plans: contacts with PIF will continue. pic.twitter.com/DYxx3dwFma

— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) July 16, 2024

Arrizabalaga spent last season on loan at Real Madrid where he made 20 appearances in all competitions and won La Liga and the Champions League.

Reports have suggested that a return to Madrid isn’t completely off the table given Andriy Lunin has yet to sign a new deal with his current one expiring in 2025.

More Stories / Latest News

Exclusive: Three-way Premier League fight for talented Chelsea defender

Alexander-Arnold-esque player offered to West Ham for transfer

Howe claims Newcastle completed a transfer deal against his wishes

Chelsea made Arrizabalaga the most expensive goalkeeper in the world when they paid Athletic Bilbao £71.6m back in 2018 and he’s gone on to make 163 appearances for the club.

The keeper is in the final year of his contract and has almost certainly played his last game for the club, with Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic set to battle it out to be Enzo Maresca’s first choice next season.

The post Al-Ittihad send official offer to unwanted Chelsea star ahead of proposed move appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Crystal Palace face tough decision over future of £65m rated star with Premier League clubs circling

Charlie Patrick — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 20:42:48 +0000

Crystal Palace are facing a tough decision over Marc Guehi’s future with multiple Premier League clubs interested in the England international according to reports.

Guehi was one of England’s best performers at Euro 2024 as the Three Lions came up agonisingly short against Spain in the final.

The 24-year-old’s performances for England are likely to have increased his value, with Palace believed to want in the region of £65m for the centre back.

Palace face Guehi headache

Any potential sale would see Palace make a huge profit given they signed Guehi for £18m from Chelsea in 2021.

The likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal have reportedly all shown interest in the past.

Palace will be desperate to keep hold of Guehi having seen Michael Olise leave for Bayern Munich, and Journalist Dean Jones has said that Chelsea and Liverpool are the ones to watch in the race.

Guehi is attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs.

“Arsenal, Man United and Spurs have all had an eye on Guehi since last year and his performances for England are going to cause Crystal Palace bosses a bit of a headache because his status has been on the rise this summer and it would be no surprise to see other clubs also having a look,” Jones told GIVEMESPORT.

“But, in turn, his value is going up too, so who is going to pay upwards of £60million for him in the coming weeks? They have every reason to expect £65 million for him in the current market.

“Chelsea and Liverpool are two clubs to pay some attention to as the player now refocuses and considers what he wants next in his career. His ambition will be heightened.”

More Stories / Latest News

Exclusive: Three-way Premier League fight for talented Chelsea defender

Alexander-Arnold-esque player offered to West Ham for transfer

Howe claims Newcastle completed a transfer deal against his wishes

Whilst Guehi would likely be a welcome addition at Stamford Bridge there simply isn’t space for him in the current squad unless someone departs, with Trevoh Chalobah the most likely candidate to do so.

A move to Liverpool would make sense given Virgil van Dijk’s future is unclear and they are also in the market for a replacement for Joel Matip.

The post Crystal Palace face tough decision over future of £65m rated star with Premier League clubs circling appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Trouble brewing at Chelsea as Wesley Fofana calls out Enzo Fernandez over racist chant

Charlie Patrick — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 19:39:31 +0000

Chelsea star Wesley Fofana has taken to social media to condemn the chanting of an alleged “racist and discriminatory” song by some of the Argentina squad, which included his club mate Enzo Fernandez.

Fernandez went live on Instagram on the Argentina team bus following their Copa America success and filmed himself and some of his team-mates singing a song containing alleged “racist and discriminatory remarks” about French players.

The Blues have a large contingent of French players with the likes of Fofana, Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi, Benoit Badiashile and Christopher Nkunku all playing for the club.

Trouble brewing at Chelsea

The French Football Federation released a statement saying they were going to file a complaint to FIFA over the issue and they will also contact the Argentine Football Association.

“Given the seriousness of these shocking remarks, which are contrary to the values of sport and human rights, the FFF president has decided to contact its Argentinian counterpart and FIFA directly to file a legal complaint for racist and discriminatory remarks,” the statement read.

“The president of the French Football Federation, Philippe Diallo, condemns in the strongest terms the unacceptable racist and discriminatory remarks made against the players of the France team as part of a song sung by players and supporters of the Argentina team.”

Mail Sport have reported that Chelsea have launched an investigation into the video clip and are treating it seriously.

Fofana has taken to social media to condemn Fernandez, and posted a clip of the song with the words ” Football in 2024: uninhibited racism.”

Le football en 2024 : racisme décomplexé ??????????????? pic.twitter.com/MGkH5wPmNU

— Wesley Fofana (@Wesley_Fofana3) July 16, 2024

It’s clear that Chelsea’s French contingent haven’t taken kindly to the video, and the club will need to deal with this seriously to ensure its dealt with in the correct manner and the dressing room doesn’t become fractured.

More Stories / Latest News

Exclusive: Three-way Premier League fight for talented Chelsea defender

Alexander-Arnold-esque player offered to West Ham for transfer

Howe claims Newcastle completed a transfer deal against his wishes

Fernandez will not only need to privately apologise to Chelsea’s French players, but it would be a good idea for him to come out with a public apology as well.

The Argentine joined Chelsea from Benfica back in January 2023 for a then British record of £105m, and is likely to play a key role for Enzo Maresca in the upcoming season.

The post Trouble brewing at Chelsea as Wesley Fofana calls out Enzo Fernandez over racist chant appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea reject offer from Al-Ittihad for world’s most expensive goalkeeper

Charlie Patrick — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 20:31:44 +0000

Chelsea have rejected an offer from Saudi side Al-Ittihad for goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

Arrizabalaga spent last season on loan at Spanish giants Real Madrid, where he made 20 appearances in all competitions and won La Liga and the Champions League.

The 29-year-old has returned to Chelsea this summer with just one year remaining on his contract, with the Blues eager to find a new home for the Spaniard.

Chelsea turn down Al-Ittihad offer for Kepa

Ornstein has reported that Chelsea have turned down an initial offer from the Saudi side, but talks are continuing with Al-Ittihad and other interested parties.

It had previously been reported that Real Madrid could still be an option for Arrizabalaga, with Andriy Lunin’s contract renewal still not sorted.

The Daily Mail have reported that the goalkeeper has returned to pre-season training with Chelsea, but he’s training away from the first team as the club try and sort out a move away from Stamford Bridge.

Arrizabalaga spent last season on loan at Real Madrid.

The Blues made Arrizabalaga the most expensive goalkeeper in the world back in 2018 when they signed him for £71.6m from Spanish side Athletic Bilbao as a replacement for Thibaut Courtois.

The Spain international has made 163 appearances for the west London club, and has won the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup with the Blues.

Chelsea signed Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic last summer, and reports have indicated new boss Enzo Maresca will start with the former Brighton man as his number one next season.

Petrovic impressed last season when he came into the side for the injured Sanchez and kept his place even when the Spaniard returned to fitness.

More Stories / Latest News

Exclusive: Three-way Premier League fight for talented Chelsea defender

Alexander-Arnold-esque player offered to West Ham for transfer

Howe claims Newcastle completed a transfer deal against his wishes

Chelsea have been busy this summer and have made six signings already, with Renato Veiga completing his €14m move from FC Basel on Friday.

It’s a big season for Chelsea as they need to get back into the Champions League having missed out for the last two seasons.

The post Chelsea reject offer from Al-Ittihad for world’s most expensive goalkeeper appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Inside Spain: Kylian Mbappe’s arrival, Chelsea give up on forward and tension over Nico Williams

Ruairidh Barlow — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 17:05:53 +0000

Inside Spain is a weekly instalment brought to you by Football España, providing an insight into all of the major stories coming out of the rich and intense climes of La Liga and beyond.

Spain have by most people’s estimates been the best side at Euro 2024, and their victory over France was met with the euphoria of genuine moment that will go down in history – Lamine Yamal’s golazo.

In Iberia, Spain are no doubt regarded as favourites, and while there is optimism, and a belief that La Roja are the better team, England’s knack for finding a way in extremis, and the underperforming quality in their ranks has brought with it a certain cautiousness ahead of Sunday. The good atmosphere around the Spain squad has been one of the most visible reasons to believe in their side though.

"Harry Kane is one of the best forwards there is."

"The English team has decisive players up front and they can do a lot of damage with just sparks. We must keep a close eye on them."

??Spain centre-back Dani Vivian #Euro2024 #England #LaRoja pic.twitter.com/Gb0LXgdNH5

— Football España (@footballespana_) July 11, 2024

That atmosphere has been felt throughout Spain, but a little less in Bilbao. Although their players are a key reason for their success, the constant speculation surrounding Nico Williams, linked with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Barcelona, has rubbed Athletic Club up the wrong way. President Jon Uriarte criticised Barcelona counterpart Joan Laporta for publicly declaring an interest – Williams reportedly has agreed personal terms with the Blaugrana.

Arsenal intend to compete with Barcelona for Mikel Merino by all accounts too, but there Mikel Arteta may have more reason for optimism. Chelsea are also interested in Williams still, even if they are looking at alternatives, but they have given up on Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion, as per the latest in Spain.

Josema Gimenez was fuming about the events ar Copa America last night. pic.twitter.com/5d98PhFR1t

— Football España (@footballespana_) July 11, 2024

Real Madrid can finally present Kylian Mbappe as their ultimate galactico signing on Tuesday at noon at the Santiago Bernabeu after France were knocked out – already there is a 4-6 week wait for ‘Mbappe 9’ shirts.

Their efforts are now focused on Leny Yoro, who they have agreed terms with. Manchester United are trying to persuade him to change his mind and head to Old Trafford though, and the fact that Los Blancos have identified an alternative to Yoro is perhaps a reason for a little optimism for Erik ten Hag.

? "Speak now, speak now!"

Lamine Yamal sends a clear message to Adrien Rabiot, after helping Spain to victory over France at #EURO2024.pic.twitter.com/aTiNNdNPzQ

— Football España (@footballespana_) July 9, 2024

Alvaro Morata’s future remains in the air with talk that he will U-turn on his decision to stay in Spain, and head to AC Milan. United’s Donny van de Beek has arrived in Girona to sign with the Champions League side. Finally, a warning to the England squad, just avoid the topic of Lamine Yamal in press conferences, Adrien Rabiot wasn’t even that critical of him, and it did not end well for him.

The post Inside Spain: Kylian Mbappe’s arrival, Chelsea give up on forward and tension over Nico Williams appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Chelsea dealt blow in their pursuit of £35m rated Bundesliga star

Charlie Patrick — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 18:49:49 +0000

Chelsea are interested in signing Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi, but have been dealt a blow as he only wants Champions League football according to reports.

The Blues have been busy in the transfer market and have already made five summer signings, with Renato Veiga set to complete his move from FC Basel this week to become the sixth new face.

Chelsea, who are still looking to bring in a winger and a striker to compete with Nicolas Jackson have been linked with a whole host of names from across Europe.

Chelsea dealt Adeyemi blow

The Stamford Bridge outfit had identified Michael Olise as their main target for a new winger, but ended up pulling out of the deal because they felt the finances involved were beyond their reach.

The Blues are well stocked in the winger department with the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and Raheem Sterling, whilst Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku can also play in the wide areas.

Adeyemi only wants Champions League football if he leaves Dortmund this summer.

Why Chelsea feel they need another winger isn’t entirely clear but they have recently been linked with Adeyemi and Porto’s Francisco Conceicao.

However, in a potential blow to their pursuit of Adeyemi Mail Sport have reported that the German is believed to be “unreceptive” to a move to Stamford Bridge, and only wants Champions League football if he leaves the Bundesliga outfit.

The report adds that Dortmund would be open to selling the 22-year-old for around £35m, which in this market certainly represents a good opportunity.

More Stories / Latest News

Exclusive: Three-way Premier League fight for talented Chelsea defender

Alexander-Arnold-esque player offered to West Ham for transfer