7.30am Chelsea news LIVE: Hudson-Odoi had agreed Bayern deal, Willian to Juventus, Azpilicueta eyed – The Sun
TAMMY ABRAHAM'S brace was not enough to make it two straight victories as Chelsea were pegged back by Sheffield United last weekend.
The European deadline day saw a number of players depart – but one man still at the club is youngster Callum Hudson-Odoi, having been tipped to join German champions Bayern Munich over the summer.
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CESC FABREGAS has lifted the lid on the reason why he rejected Real Madrid twice while at Arsenal.
He told AS: “They called me more than once or twice.
“The first time I was very young. I was 18 and they offered me a big salary, but I felt like I belonged at Arsenal.
“Wenger had bet the farm on me. I couldn't leave. In any case, I'll always be grateful to Madrid for the way they treated me.
“When I was 23 I had a serious calf injury and they sent me a really nice message.
“I'm grateful for their interest in me but I always dreamed of playing for Barcelona and if I felt that way it was for a reason. It all worked out pretty well for me.”
CESAR AZPILICUETA’S struggle to stay top dog at Chelsea has put two Spanish clubs on alert with a view to luring him home.
La Liga sides Atletico Bilbao and Real Sociedad are keeping a close eye on the defender’s blip in form and his forthcoming battle to remain first choice right back.
New Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is fast-tracking academy full back Reece James back to fitness after ankle surgery in the summer.
The teenager is expected to resume training during the current international break so that Lampard can monitor his progress while the senior players are away playing for their countries.
He may even be ready to play some part in the next Premier League game – at Wolves on Saturday week.
That will put added pressure on long-serving Azpilicueta who has been at Chelsea for seven years and is the club captain.
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FORMER England and Everton boss Sam Allardyce believes the Toffees will break into the top six this season at the expense of either Chelsea or Man Utd.
Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: “I think Everton should break into the top six and if they’re going to break in, this is the season to do it. You’ve got the difficult situation at Chelsea and I feel at Manchester United as well.
“United have gone even younger than Chelsea have with their squad this year; they’ve trimmed their squad down to the smallest number of experienced players I’ve probably ever seen.
“I think Man United might find breaking in a bit of a struggle, so will Chelsea, so that gives an opening and an opportunity for a team like Everton.
“I don’t think Wolves will do it because they’re in Europe for the first time in a long, long time and that will take a toll on the squad, as we saw with Burnley last year. It’ll be difficult for them.
“But certainly Everton, with the spending power they’ve had over the last few years and the players they’ve bought.
“There are probably only three or four players who still play on a regular basis from when I was there for a short period. They’ve changed the team that much and have spent heavily in the market again.
“So I expect Everton to break into the top six.”
CHELSEA midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko does not believe he has taken a step back in his career by rejoining Monaco on loan.
He said: “This was a good opportunity to come back here.
“People will say I'm taking a step back by returning but I see it differently.”
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