Chelsea transfer news LIVE: FOUR players leave camp, Hutchinson QUITS Arsenal for Blues, Kimpembe UPDATE – latest | The Sun
FOUR Chelsea stars have been removed from the club's first team during their pre-season tour of America, including Armando Broja.
Elsewhere, the Blues have completed and unveiled the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly for a fee of £34 million
And Thomas Tuchel's side are reportedly close to sealing a £38m deal for Koulibaly's potential centre-back partner Presnel Kimpembe
Meanwhile, Winger Omari Hutchinson, 18, has joined the club from Arsenal on a free after turning down the chance to stay at the Emirates.
- IN: Raheem Sterling (Man City), Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli), Omari Hutchinson (Arsenal)
- OUT: Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Andreas Christensen (Barcelona), Romelu Lukaku (loan to Inter), Danny Drinkwater (released), Charly Musonda (released), Jake Clarke-Salter (released), Lucas Bergstrom (Peterborough, loan), Sam McClelland (Barrow, loan)
Stay up to date with all the latest from Stamford Bridge in our live blog…
- Sam Dymond
Lampard reunion first up for Blues
Chelsea's Premier League campaign is due to get underway in just 19 days time, and they will find it's a familiar face that awaits them on the opening day.
The Blues take on Everton at Goodison Park in their first game with the hosts managed by their record goalscorer Frank Lampard.
Chelsea will then take on another of their former favourites in Antonio Conte when they take on Tottenham in the season's first match at Stamford Bridge.
- Sam Dymond
More on Broja departure
Armando Broja appears to be moving closer to the Stamford Bridge exit door – despite Chelsea's desire to keep hold of the striker.
The Athletic report that the Blues have been reluctant to allow the striker to talk to West Ham, but are unable to provide him with the guarantee of regular first team football that he craves.
The Albanian is understood to have agreed wage demands with the Hammers, but the length of contract is still to be determined.
Broja made 38 appearances on loan at Southampton last season, scoring nine goals in the process.
- Sam Dymond
Transfer watch: Kimpembe to Chelsea?
The Blues are said to have submitted an opening offer of £40m to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Ligue 1 champions are keen to keep the defender and consider him part of their plans, but are also open should a lucrative bid come in.
Rumour rating: ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️ ⚽️
- Sam Dymond
Blues still in Kounde hunt
Chelsea still believe they can strike a deal for Sevilla's Jules Kounde – despite the defender being desperate to join Barcelona.
The French international has made his desire clear to Barca manager Xavi but, unless the Nou Camp club can raise money through the sale of players, a deal is impossible.
And while the LaLiga giants are unable to progress with the transfer, there remains hope for the Blues.
Thomas Tuchel's team have been tracking the defender for over a year, but the move had previously broken down due to Chelsea's reluctance to meet a £68m release clause.
However, Stamford Bridge officials are now hopeful that a bid in the region of £50m will be enough to tempt Sevilla into accepting.
- Sam Dymond
Breaking: Glick appointment mean Business
Chelsea have officially announced Tom Glick as the club's new President of Business.
The former Manchester City executive takes over at Stamford Bridge following the departures of Guy Laurence and Marina Granovskaia.
The Blues' official website states: "Glick will assume responsibility for day-to-day operations at Chelsea FC, including managing its global commercial strategy, driving revenue growth, enhancing fan engagement, and creating exceptional experiences for the club’s fans."
- Sam Dymond
Gunners beat off Blues for Jesus
Arsenal saw off a last-ditch bid from Chelsea to seal the signing of Gabriel Jesus, according to the player’s agent.
Marcelo Pettinati has admitted that the Blues came in with an eleventh hour offer for the Brazilian forward.
However, the 25-year-old has already bought into Mikel Arteta long-term vision, and had his heart set on a move to the Emirates.
“Chelsea were one of the teams that tried to hijack the Arsenal move,” revealed Pettinati.
“They tried very hard in the final days to get him. By that point, we’d already chosen our new project.”
Following the transfer, Thomas Tuchel’s team turned their attention to another Manchester City forward, Raheem Sterling.
- Sam Dymond
Blues still want defensive additions
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has told the club that he wants to sign three central defenders and one wing-back this summer, reports Nizaar Kinsella in the Evening Standard.
The Blues boss has been planning a defensive overhaul following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta are expected to join Christensen in departing Stamford Bridge for Barcelona, leaving the Londoners short of numbers at the back.
Centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly has already arrived from Napoli in a £33m deal, but Tuchel is not yet satisfied.
Chelsea are keen on Paris Saint-Germain's Presnel Kimpembe, and are set to revive their interest in Sevilla's Jules Kounde.
Meanwhile, Lens' Jonathan Clauss has been linked with a move to the Premier League club.
- Sam Dymond
Broja back for Hammers talks
Armando Broja has left Chelsea's training camp in the United States in order to fly back to England to discuss terms with West Ham.
Adam Newson of football.london reports that the striker has returned from Los Angeles with his Blues future up in the air.
Fabrizio Romano adds that the Hammers are incredibly close to agreeing a contract with the Albanian international, although talks continue between the clubs regarding a transfer fee.
But the East Londoners will have to move fast.
Many sides are said to be interested in Broja, and Chelsea believe they can use the demand to bump the price up.
- Gary Stonehouse
Morning, Chelsea fans
Jules Kounde and Presnel Kimpembe could follow fellow centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly into Stamford Bridge.
But Barcelona are expected to soon bid £51million for Sevilla's Kounde.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reckons Chelsea are in talks with PSG over a £43m deal for France star Kimpembe.
And Manchester City's Nathan Ake is still in the picture for the Blues.
On the playing front, boss Thomas Tuchel was relieved Mexican side Club America didn't hurt his players during Chelsea's feisty 2-1 'friendly' win on their USA tour.
Timo Werner and Mason Mount netted either side of Reece James' embarrassing own goal.
Tuchel said: “It was a tough match. They showed a physical game that we had to adapt to, and I’m happy nobody got injured.
“It was sometimes on the edge for a friendly game in pre-season, especially for us in our first match. But we accepted it and did not get frustrated.”
Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku claims he made a 'mistake' by returning to Chelsea – as he settles back happily with Inter Milan on loan.
And Napoli reportedly want second-choice Blues' keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Finally, forgotten midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko finally seems set for a permanent departure – to Marseille.
- Ian Tuckey
Sterling 'snubs signing City shirt'
Raheem Sterling has been videoed apparently refusing to sign a Manchester City shirt – sparking cheers from Chelsea fans who were thronging for his autograph.
The striker gave the unlucky Etihad supporter the brush-off while on his new club’s USA tour – just days after his £50million switch.
- Ian Tuckey
‘Race for Broja could weaken Blues’ bid to nab Declan’
Chelsea’s long-term hopes of signing Declan Rice could be dented if West Ham fail to sign Armando Broja.
That’s the claim from football.london tonight, although the Hammers remain favourites to land Blues’ striker Broja – ON LOAN.
Chelsea and Manchester United are the frontrunners to eventually lure West Ham’s England midfielder Rice.
And the feeling from some is that the Blues could have extra ‘leverage’ if London Stadium chief David Moyes’ ends up buying Albania star Broja.
- Ian Tuckey
Blues 'in Presnel talks'
Chelsea have already opened talks with PSG over signing £43million-rated France centre-back Presnel Kimpembe.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano says the Blues have stepped up their interest in the 26-year-old.
- Ian Tuckey
Barca fight to stop Jules reaching the Bridge
Chelsea are reportedly closing in on Jules Kounde but face competition from Barcelona who have made the Sevilla defender their “number one target”.
The Catalan giants are looking to build on an encouraging week in the transfer market after they closed in on some major signings.
They are now turning their attention to long-term Chelsea target Kounde, 23, and reportedly are set to make a £51m bid.
Marca report that he is now the “big goal” for the La Liga club after their failure to secure other targets earlier in the window.
While Barca did manage to sign Andreas Christensen earlier in the window they are believed to be keen on another centre-back.
Kounde is yet to join up with Sevilla’s first team who are touring in South Korea due to a pelvic operation he had last month.
- Ian Tuckey
Take a Bow at the Bridge
Ex-Chelsea defender Jason Cundy would like to see the Blues replace Timo Werner with Jarrod Bowen.
“He’s been brilliant at West Ham,” Jason Cundy said on talkSPORT.
“He’s also got a left foot which gives you another little dimension. His finishing is superb. He’s gone from strength to strength.
“I’m surprised there’s not been a bit more interest in him actually. I think he’s better than Werner, he’s in that similar kind of mould.
“Yeah I would [take Bowen] actually, I would have him. I don’t think they’re going to let him go for less than £50/60million, I think that’s probably where he’s at.”
- Ian Tuckey
Lampard 'in for Conor'
Everton are ready to rev up their interest in Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.
Blues' boss Thomas Tuchel has told the ex-Crystal Palace loanee he has a chance of regular first-team football this season.
But Toffees' chief Frank Lampard hopes to lure the four-cap England ace by building his side around the 23-year-old.
- Ian Tuckey
Napoli eye Kepa
Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is a target for Serie A giants Napoli, according to reports.
La Gazzetta Dello Sport report that the Italian giant La Gazzetta Dello Sport report that the Italian giants have lodged a bid – as they look to replace ex-Arsenal stopper David Ospina.
- Ian Tuckey
Blues 'in Presnel talks'
Chelsea have already opened talks with PSG over signing £43million-rated France centre-back Presnel Kimpembe.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano says the Blues have stepped up their interest in the 26-year-old.
- Ian Tuckey
Raheem Sters it up with City fan
Raheem Sterling has been videoed apparently refusing to sign a Manchester City shirt – sparking cheers from Chelsea fans who were thronging for his autograph.
The striker gave the unlucky Etihad supporter the brush-off while on his new club's USA tour – just days after his £50million switch.
- Ian Tuckey
'Race for Broja could weaken Blues' bid to nab Declan'
Chelsea's long-term hopes of signing Declan Rice could de dented if West Ham fail to sign Armando Broja.
That's the claim from football.london tonight, although the Hammers remain favourites to land Blues' striker Broja – ON LOAN.
Chelsea and Manchester United are the frontrunners to eventually lureWest Ham's England midfielder Rice.
And the feeling from some is that the Blues could have extra 'leverage' if London Stadium chief David Moyes' ends up buying Albania star Broja.
- Ian Tuckey
Tiem's finally up
Tiemoue Bakayoko will leave Chelsea after agreeing to sign with Marseille, reports suggest.
The midfielder joined Chelsea from Monaco in 2017 as the direct replacement for Nemanja Matic.
However, his £40million transfer soon turned sour as he failed to live up to his predecessor and was subsequently loaned back to Monaco a year later.
Every season since, the 27-year-old has been out on loan, with Chelsea unable to find a permanent buyer for him.
But this could have finally changed, with Foot Mercato reporting Marseille have agreed personal terms to sign him.
Their agreement will reportedly see the Frenchman sign a four-year contract. The only stumbling block on Marseille's side comes in the form of new manager Igor Tudor, who is said to be blocking the transfer.
Bakayoko's loan spells have seen him twice return to AS Monaco, join Napoli once and join AC Milan twice, with his most recent spell seeing him lift the Serie A title last season.
However, due to him playing just 493 minutes of league football the club are considering cutting his two-year loan short, which would bring Marseille into play this window. Chelsea have already seen a number of players leave the club this summer.
- Ian Tuckey
Lukaku says Chelsea return was 'mistake'
Romelu Lukaku accepts he made a mistake in leaving Inter Milan for Chelsea.
The striker, 29, has returned to Inter on loan after completing a £97.5million transfer to Chelsea last summer.
Lukaku is delighted to be back at Inter and believes the future is bright for the Serie A giants.
He also admitted he kept his apartment in Milan because he knew he wanted to return one day – as he revealed in a notorious interview last December.
Lukaku spoke about his return to Inter at a recent kit launch, saying: "I left. It was a mistake.
"Now I am happy to be wearing this jersey, the team knows what we need to do, it’ll be a great challenge this season and we need to continue like this.
"I realised last season when I was in England, just how important Inter are in the world.
"The club’s profile is improving on an international scale, the social media approach is really important too and you can see how we act in the locker room, in training, our hugs and jokes.
"Milan is a wonderful city and that is why I kept the old apartment when I went to London, because my mother was coming here all the time and I wanted to return too."
- Ian Tuckey
Tuchel: Club America tried to injure my stars
Thomas Tuchel accused pre-season opponents Club America of attempting to injure his squad in Las Vegas.
Chelsea secured a 2-1 win over the Mexican outfit in Nevada on Saturday thanks to second half goals from Timo Werner and Mason Mount.
Reece James was forced to overcome an embarrassing moment after he inadvertently passed the ball into his own net to briefly level the scores.
But German boss Tuchel was more concerned by the challenges that were flying in on his players, especially on the likes of Conor Gallagher in a poor first half quality-wise.
The Blues took a while to get up to speed in their first outing of the summer against a team whose domestic division had already started having played three games before this one at the Allegiant Stadium.
And Tuchel said: “It was a tough match. Normally you start against a lower team where you can find your rhythm. It's very different from training, even if you train at a competitive level like in our squad.
“You could see that they've already started their season. They showed a physical game that we had to adapt to, and I'm happy nobody got injured.
“It was sometimes on the edge for a friendly game in pre-season, especially for us in our first match. But it was ok. We adapted to it and accepted it and did not get frustrated.”
- Ian Tuckey
Chelsea close on Kounde
Chelsea are reportedly closing in on Jules Kounde but face competition from Barcelona who have made the Sevilla defender their "number one target".
The Catalan giants are looking to build on an encouraging week in the transfer market after they closed in on some major signings.
They are now turning their attention to long-term Chelsea target Kounde, 23, and reportedly are set to make a £51m bid.
Marca report that he is now the "big goal" for the La Liga club after their failure to secure other targets earlier in the window.
While Barca did manage to sign Andreas Christensen earlier in the window they are believed to be keen on another centre-back.
Kounde is yet to join up with Sevilla's first team who are touring in South Korea due to a pelvic operation he had last month.
- Ian Tuckey
Broja 'close to West Ham loan deal'
In-demand striker Armando Broja could join West Ham on loan as Chelsea 'refuse to sell him'.
Th'e Daily Mail claim the Hammers wanted Broja, 20, on a permanent transfer but Blues manager Thomas Tuchel refuses to give up on him.
West Ham have accepted their London rivals' position and are willing to take the striker on a season-long loan and see if they can negotiate a deal, that could cost at least £30million, next year.
Davie Moyes' side appear to have picked up the lead in an intense bidding war over the Albania international.
Broja has been attracting interest from both West Ham and Everton throughout the summer.
Newcastle are also thought to have enquired about a deal involving the 20-year-old.
And Southampton were linked with the centre-forward, who stood out last season while on loan at St Mary's.
Broja scored nine goals and made one assist in 38 matches across all competitions but Saints have pulled out of the race.
- Ian Tuckey
Tuchel has a jab over Ruben and & N'Golo situation
Thomas Tuchel admits he “doesn’t like” having unvaccinated stars in the Chelsea squad having to stay home.
Blues midfielders N’Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have been unable to travel to the USA for the two-week pre-season tour due to their Covid-19 vaccination status.
German boss Tuchel said: “We need to follow the rules. They cannot join us. They know about the consequences.
“We don’t like it. Of course not. We would love to have them here and it’s not an ideal solution.
“Far from ideal. But, once the situation is like this you need to come up with a solution.
“So, they have their coaches there. But it’ll not compensate. It will not be the same.”
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