Chelsea’s Kounde transfer boost as Barcelona PULL OUT, Rabiot and Militao LATEST, Richarlison ‘£50m bid prepared’
CHELSEA look set to rival Manchester United for Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, according to reports.
Elsewhere, the Blues have been handed a mega boost in their pursuit of Jules Kounde, with Barcelona said to have pulled out of the race to sign the Frenchman.
The Catalans are said to be unable to afford Sevilla's £65m asking price, particularly as they are looking to sign two-time Fifa Best Award winner Robert Lewandowski.
And Chelsea are reportedly willing to make a £50million bid for Everton forward Richarlison.
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Blues urged to look Wes
Chelsea have been urged to sign Leicester ace Wesley Fofana if their pursuit of Jules Kounde falls through.
The plea was made by ex-Blues ace Franck Leboeuf who told ESPN: “I think Kounde is a very good option.
“If not, Fofana. Fofana from Leicester is an absolutely fantastic defender.
“That would be a fantastic option as well [for Chelsea]. I’m not sure Leicester would let him go, but he’s a great player.”
Chelsea eye De Ligt move
Chelsea are ramping up their interest in Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt.
Italian reports claim the Dutchman has emerged as a top defensive target for Thomas Tuchel.
And De Ligt is open to joining the world champions in a mega-money deal.
His agent is now set to hold showdown talks with Juventus.
But Chelsea have no intention of meeting De Ligt’s £103million release clause.
Chelsea in big Bele ache
Ousmane Dembele has dealt Chelsea a huge transfer blow.
That's after telling Barcelona he wants to stay this summer.
Dembele is out of contract next month and set to become a free agent.
But despite interest from Chelsea, Bayern Munich and PSG, Dembele hopes Barca can find the money to keep him at the Nou Camp.
Exclusive by SunSport’s Andy Dillon
Richarlison is emerging as the key signing senior Chelsea stars want to see at their club.
Raheem Sterling and Ousmane Dembele have all been heavily linked with moves to Stamford Bridge and all would be considered great additions by the current squad.
But fiery Brazilian Richarlison’s characteristic aggression and tenacity are seen as decisive factors in the minds of some players.
Richarlison, 25, has made it clear to Everton boss Frank Lampard that he wants out with two years left on his contract.
He scored 11 goals in a team struggling against relegation last season but it’s his devilish personality that appeals most to some in the Chelsea camp
Sarri targets Emerson Palmieri reunion
Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri wants to sign Emerson Palmieri from old side Chelsea.
Football Italia claims the tactician is keen on reuniting with the left-back this summer.
And Lazio are set to launch a bid after opening talks with the Blues, who are open to a sale.
Lukaku set for frosty Inter welcome
Inter Milan's Ultras have vowed to never cheer Romelu Lukaku if he returns to the club.
A statement from the group read: "Curva Nord supports Inter Milan and will not stage any protest against the player (despite his behaviour last summer).
"That being said, nobody shall go and welcome him with scarves and banners representing the Curva or its groups. He will need to earn everything that, in case, will be done for him in the future with humility and sweat on the pitch.
"He was supported (and treated) like a king, now he’s just a player like many others. It shall also be clear to everyone that we will never cheer against Lukaku if he will wear the Inter jersey again.
"We encourage all Interisti [Inter supporters] not to fall in the other trap, to run and drool after him. Clearly there is an instinctive and emotional element, but to pretend that nothing has happened would only accelerate that process aimed at making us all dumb and slavish consumers.
"We took note of Lukaku’s betrayal and we were extremely disappointed. With time we can even forgive such things to a footballer, but the facts won’t change. Now, Romelu, let’s kick and run."
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.”
Pulisic 'not going to Liverpool'
Liverpool will NOT be making a move for Christian Pulisic, reports claim.
The Reds had been linked with Pulisic to replace Sadio Mane.
But that will not be the case according to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs.
He said: "Liverpool are not looking at Christian Pulisic as a ‘Mane replacement’.
"They already have Núñez. With Origi Milan-bound another attacking option could still be considered, but I am told it won’t be Pulisic."
Chelsea urged to sign Fofana
Chelsea have been urged to sign Leicester ace Wesley Fofana if their pursuit of Jules Kounde falls through.
The plea was made by ex-Blues ace Franck Leboeuf who told ESPN: “I think Kounde is a very good option.
"If not, Fofana. Fofana from Leicester is an absolutely fantastic defender.
"That would be a fantastic option as well [for Chelsea]. I’m not sure Leicester would let him go, but he’s a great player.”
Nkunku signs Leipzig contract extension
Chelsea transfer target Christopher Nkunku has signed a new contract with RB Leipzig.
The deal was reported by Fabrizio Romano who tweeted: "Official and confirmed.
"Christopher Nkunku extends his contract with RB Leipzig until June 2026, deal now signed and sealed.
"There’s a release clause included in the new deal for €60m."
Courtois enjoys summer break
Thibaut Courtois seems to be enjoying his summer break after bagging Man of the Match in last month's Champions League final.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper has been spotted sharing a passionate kiss with fiancee Mishel Gerzig.
Courtois, 30, and Mishel, 25, piled on the PDA as they relaxed on board a luxury yacht in Ibiza.
The couple looked very loved-up as Mishel wrapped her arms around Courtois' neck to share a steamy smooch with the former Chelsea ace.
The 6ft 5in Courtois leaned down to lock lips with wife-to-be Mishel while holding her back affectionately.
Dembele transfer race heats up
Chelsea are reportedly just one of four clubs to offer Ousmane Dembele a contract.
Chelsea had been leading the race for the winger after he was targeted by his ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel.
However, two more clubs have entered the race by presenting terms to Dembele.
It’s reckoned Paris Saint-Germain want to bring him back to his homeland amid Neymar’s uncertain future.
And despite landing Sadio Mane from Liverpool, Bayern Munich are also keen on a stunning deal.
Lukaku picked over Jesus
Romelu Lukaku will be a better signing for Arsenal than Gabriel Jesus.
That's according to Darren Bent who pointed to Lukaku's 100plus goals as proof of his attacking prowess ahead of Jesus.
Bent explained to talkSPORT when asked to pick out of Jesus and Lukaku: "Lukaku, I would.
“I’ve seen him score goals regularly. He’s in the 100 club!”
Newcastle man ‘unhappy with wages’
Newcastle talisman Allan Saint-Maximin has reportedly grown frustrated with the wage structure in place at St. James’ Park.
Toon are claimed to have explored the prospect of selling Saint-Maximin this summer in order to raise further funds for transfers.
Tottenham were understood to be interested in a potential deal, as well as Chelsea.
But claim Newcastle were looking for over £40million to part ways with trickster Saint-Maximin.
That valuation was deemed too high, but Saint-Maximin’s head is claimed to have been turned by the prospect of bigger salaries on offer elsewhere.
The winger is said to be frustrated by the wage structure at the club which restricts how much the Magpies can offer him.
Sterling urged not to join Chelsea
Raheem Sterling has been urged not to join Chelsea by Trevor Sinclair.
He told talkSPORT when asked if Sterling should swap Man City for the Blues: "I would say no because I don’t think Chelsea will be competitive with Man City and Liverpool next season.
"They’ve lost players, the club is in a transitional phase where they’ve lost a lot of players and they’ve got to do a lot of rebuilding."
Sterling's transfer demands revealed
Man City ace Raheem Sterling will only leave the club for regular first-team football and Champions League nights, reports claim.
The 27-year-old still has lofty ambitions that he wants to fulfill by playing consistently, the Daily Express reported.
And that puts Chelsea in pole position for his signature as they can provide Sterling with both demands.
Santa Clauss is coming
Chelsea's transfer pursuit of Lens ace Jonathan Clauss has received a major boost as the French side have signed another right back.
Chelsea should have no problem snapping up Clauss who previously revealed it's his dream to join the Blues.
And Lens have pre-empted his exit by recruiting Angers star Jimmy Cabot, the Daily Express reported.
Cabot's £1.7m arrival at Lens should open the door to a smooth exit for Clauss to West London.
Clauss' contract expires next summer, and Lens would rather cash in on the defender now instead of losing him for free then.
However, the Blues face competition in the form of Atletico Madrid who have also been tracking the full-back.
Morning, Chelsea fans
The Blues face setbacks over Ousmane Dembele and Milan Skriniar.
France winger Dembele has reportedly told Barcelona boss Xavi he'd like to stay at the Nou Camp.
The 25-year-old, previously linked with Manchester United and Arsenal, is out of contract at the end of June.
As for Skriniar, it's claimed PSG are ready to launch a second, improved bid for the Inter Milan centre-back.
Chelsea and Tottenham are thought to be the Slovakia hero's main Premier League admirers, although United have been keen before.
Meanwhile, Blues' stars are urging manager Thomas Tuchel to pursue Everton's Brazil striker Richarlison.
But the backline surely remains Tuchel's transfer priority.
Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have gone from the centre of defence.
And wing-backs Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso seem likely to follow them out this summer.
Chelsea and United are understood to be keen on Liverpool’s outgoing transfer guru Michael Edwards.
Lastly, Southampton keeper Eddie Beach, 19, has become Chelsea’s first signing under new owner Todd Boehly.
Four-club Fab fight
Arsenal and Newcastle lead the transfer race ahead of Manchester United and Manchester City for Napoli star Fabian Ruiz.
That’s according to , who claim the Partenopei want £26million for Ruiz.
The Serie A giants still hope to keep the 26-year-old but might cash in this summer as he only has one year left on his contract.
The Spain international amassed a total of seven goals and five assists in 38 appearances across all competitions last season.
Blues’ Mane pain
Chelsea transfer target Ousmane Dembele has reportedly told Barcelona boss Xavi that he would like to STAY at the Nou Camp, writes JOSHUA MBU.
The 25-year-old is out of contract at the end of the month.
A move to Stamford Bridge would see Dembele reunite with Thomas Tuchel, who he worked under at Borussia Dortmund.
However, according to Catalan paper , Dembele has communicated with Barca boss Xavi that he would like to stay.
On Barca‘s side, the club are not prepared to budge on the offer already on the table to the Frenchman.
Should Dembele re-sign with the Catalan giants, he’ll play an integral role in Xavi’s frontline.
In May, Xavi said on Dembele’s situation: “Negotiations are ongoing and we are going to be optimistic.
“I hope he can stay – he has helped us a lot during the last six months.
“He’s a decisive player with lots of assists and he has been excellent in many games.
“When he hasn’t played, we’ve missed him. He is a football player that I like and we’d like to stay, but we’ll have to see.”
Chelsea stars want Richarlison in
EXCLUSIVE: Richarlison is emerging as the key signing senior Chelsea stars want to see at their club, writes ANDREW DILLON.
Chelsea have joined rivals Tottenham and Arsenal in pursuit of the £50million-rated Brazilian now that flop striker Romelu Lukaku has been offloaded.
Striker Lukaku is on his way back to Inter Milan on loan after a disastrous year and Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is looking to beef up his forward line in response.
Richarlison, Raheem Sterling and Ousmane Dembele have all been heavily linked with moves to Stamford Bridge and all would be considered great additions by the current squad.
But fiery Brazilian Richarlison’s characteristic aggression and tenacity are seen as decisive factors in the minds of some players.
The South American hothead has been hit with an FA charge for hurling a smoke bomb into the crowd at Goodison Park least season in celebration at scoring against Chelsea.
Richarlison, 25, has made it clear to Everton boss Frank Lampard that he wants out with two years left on his contract.
He scored 11 goals in a team struggling against relegation last season but it’s his devilish personality that appeals most to some in the Chelsea camp.
Chelsea and Spurs face Milan snub
Chelsea and Tottenham have been dealt a blow after Paris Saint-Germain launched a second, improved bid for Milan Skriniar, according to reports.
The two Premier League sides are desperately seeking defensive reinforcements this summer.
Spurs have qualified for the Champions League after a three-year absence and will need to improve their squad depth to compete on all fronts.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have already lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen and are expected to lose both Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso before the start of the new season.
Edding in as Blues' first signing
Eddie Beach is Chelsea’s first signing under new owner Todd Boehly.
The 19-year-old keeper has been recruited from Southampton for the Blues' academy squad.
Meanwhile, Finnish keeper Lucas Bergstorm, 19, heads out of Stamford Bridge for a a season on loan with League One side Peterborough.
Utd & Chelsea keen on Anfield transfer guru
Manchester United and Chelsea are eying Liverpool’s outgoing transfer guru Michael Edwards.
He played a lead role in Alisson, Virgil Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Andy Robertson, Thiago and Fabinho coming to Anfield.
He became Liverpool's head of analytics in 2011 before working his way up to sporting director.
United are shaking up their recruitment department - football director John Murtough - following Erik ten Hag's arrival as manager this summer.
And Chelsea need a new transfer supremo after director Marina Granovskaia's exit.
