Chelsea transfer news LIVE: Ousmane Dembele EXCLUSIVE, Inter Milan 'feeling confident' about Lukaku deal – latest | The Sun
OUSMANE DEMBELE is ready to join the Chelsea revolution — but refuses to watch it from the bench, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
The Barcelona forward, 25, is wanted by boss Thomas Tuchel as a replacement for misfit Romelu Lukaku, who is edging closer to a return to Inter Milan.
But he wants assurances from Tuchel that he will be a Chelsea starter and not subject to strict squad rotation.
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- Dylan Terry
Morning, Chelsea fans
The Blues face some costly back pain.
But those high transfer fee demands for defensive targets could be eased with encouraging news over Ousmane Dembele up top.
Chelsea and Manchester City are vying over two Premier League left-backs
Wolves want a jaw-dropping £45million for Rayan Ait-Nouri.
The France Under-21 star seems certain to leave Molineux this summer.
But Wolves are demanding a sum big enough to overhaul their whole squad.
And although there's no clear frontrunner for the 21-year-old, it's thought City are ahead of Chelsea in the pursuit of Brighton's Marc Cucurella.
The Prem champions will reportedly open talks with the Seagulls within days over signing the one-cap Spaniard.
Meanwhile, Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti has reportedly threatened to resign if centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly leaves this summer.
Chelsea and Manchester United are the two clubs who have been linked most strongly with the Senegal lynchpin, 30.
Koulibaly, 30, is one of the most sought-after defenders in world football.
Meanwhile, Barcelona winger Dembele is said to be up for a switch to Stamford Bridge – IF Thomas tuchel assures him he'll get more game-time.
The France ace completed 90 minutes just nine times last season but still provided 13 assists.
Lasty, wing-back Cesar Azpilicueta is under pressure to put in a transfer request — or endanger his dream move to Barca.
- Ian Tuckey
Time to Cesar the moment
Blues’ wing-back Cesar Azpilicueta is under pressure to slap in a transfer request — or risk his dream move to Barcelona.
The Chelsea captain wants to return home to Spain this summer.
But Nou Camp giants Barca are growing frustrated with the lack of progress over the defender’s bid to talk his way out of the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Boss Thomas Tuchel said the pair will sit down and discuss his future but Barcelona want the deal done quickly.
Barcelona boss Xavi is keen to have the veteran right-back available for pre-season training next month.
The Spanish side have threatened to find ‘other solutions’ to the gap being left by the departure of club legend Dani Alves, who has confirmed he is leaving for a second time.
Azpilicueta is due to hold talks with Tuchel in the coming days to seek an amicable separation agreement.
- Ian Tuckey
Dembele wants key role – IF he joins Chelsea
Despite telling a fan he's 'fine' at Barcelona, it appears Ousmane Dembele WOULD be interested in joining Chelsea – IF he'd get more game-time.
The France winger, 25, is wanted by Blues' boss Thomas Tuchel as a replacement for misfit Romelu Lukaku who is edging closer to a return to Inter Milan.
Dembele has serious ambitions to win the Premier League title and Champions League.
But he wants assurances from Tuchel that he will be a Chelsea starter and not subject to strict squad rotation.
Dembele only completed 90 minutes on nine occasions last season but still finished it with 13 assists.
- Ian Tuckey
Wolves demand £45m for Chelsea & City target Rayan
Wolves want a staggering £45million for French left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri — with Manchester City and Chelsea in the battle, writes ALAN NIXON.
Ait-Nouri, 21, has become one of the most wanted men around and is an ideal solution to the problem in the ranks for both Pep Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel.
And Wolves will sell the player who was previously fancied by Paris Saint-Germain — but at a price as they look to change their squad.
Tuchel (bottom right) has made an enquiry about Ait-Nouri, who would slot in as Marcos Alonso begins to be phased out. He would be perfect for Chelsea’s system.
Guardiola is about to choose between him and Brighton’s Marc Cucurella, who is valued at £35m and suits a position City have not filled well recently.
Brighton have also asked about Ait-Nouri as they fear Cucurella will go — but they will not pay MORE for his replacement.
- Ian Tuckey
What did Chelsea give up for Lukaku?
Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guehi led the exodus, writes Dave Fraser.
Abraham was among the top scorers in Serie A last season and helped Roma win the Europa Conference League.
Tomori helped AC Milan win their first Serie A title in 11 years.
Guehi joined Crystal Palace and thrived – with all three now part of the England squad ahead of the 2022 World Cup – while Livramento has gone on to become one of the hottest young prospects in the Premier League.
How Chelsea could use them all now, with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen quitting and Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos Alonso and Lukaku looking to move on.
In all, the Blues bagged £98m for their nine “fringe” players and spent £97.5m on Lukaku, who quickly repaid them by revealing his desire to head back to the San Siro just two months later.
This summer, Chelsea are desperately seeking squad reinforcements all over the pitch, including up front with Lukaku on the brink of returning to Inter Milan on an initial loan deal.
- Ian Tuckey
City favourites to land Chelsea target Cucurella
Manchester City are tipped to beat Chelsea and Tottenham to Brighton left-back Marc Cucurella.
The Prem champions will reportedly open talks with the Seagulls within days over signing the one-cap Spaniard.
The Athletic suggest the ex-Getage star, 23, is ‘intent on joining’ City and playing under Pep Guardiola to ‘elevate his game to the next level’.
- Ian Tuckey
Juve get shirty as Inter close on Dybala
Juventus' official club shop has pulled Paulo Dybala shirts from the shelves.
The 28-year-old playmaker is on the verge of a move to bitter rivals Inter Milan after being linked with Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham.
Dybala is out of contract with Juve this summer, and confirmed last month he would be leaving the club with an emotional goodbye after seven years in Turin.
He does not officially become a free agent on June 30. But Juventus have made the decision to stop stocking 'Dybala 10' kits on their website early as nears an exit.
Meanwhile Federico Bernardeschi, Giorgio Chiellini and Alvaro Morata shirts remain on sale, despite the trio also being set to leave next month.
Football Italia claim the decision could be because the club feel betrayed by Dybala's decision to join arch-rivals Inter.
- Ian Tuckey
I'll quit if Kalidou goes
Napoli manager Luciano Spaletti will resign if Kalidou Koulibaly leaves the club this summer, according to reports.
Koulibaly, 30, is one of the most sought-after defenders in world football.
Many clubs have tried to sign him over the years, but Napoli have refused to let him go.
Reports are suggesting that the defender wants to move away this summer, but Spaletti is now threatening to quit as manager if the club allow him to leave.
According to Corriere dello Sport as per Spanish outlet Sport, the 63-year-old has informed the club of his plans.
However, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has already admitted that they cannot force the defender to stay.
He said: "He is a symbol of Napoli, and if he wants to no longer be a symbol, he must decide.
"We must decide. We want Koulibaly to stay, but people can't be forced to stay.
"Everyone has their own dignity and needs. We respect everyone."
- Ian Tuckey
Dembele 'fine' at Barca
We're all slightly different on holiday, surely.
And having been linked with Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea in the past, Ousmane Dembele used his break to insist he's 'fine' at Barcelona.
Some reports pounced on his brief holiday comment, when quizzed by a fan at links to Blues' boss Thomas Tuchel – to suggest it's a big blow to Chelsea in particular.
But can you really judge something like that when you're put on the spot in such a way?
- Ian Tuckey
Hoop for better luck
England stars Tammy Abraham, Jadon Sancho and Mason Mount let their hair down by enjoying some basketball during their US holiday.
The Three Lions players have jetted off to America following a disappointing set of Nations League fixtures.
But it didn't take them long to return to some form of sport as they headed out onto the court for some basketball.
Tammy Abraham, Jadon Sancho and Mason Mount have fun on basketball court as England stars enjoy US holiday
Roma striker Tammy Abraham shared the video on his Instagram as the England boys appeared to be loving life in the US.
Abraham's clip showed former Chelsea teammates Mount, Trevoh Chalobah and Fikayo Tomori.
And Man Utd man Sancho was also present as he continues his American vacation.
The ex-Borussia Dortmund forward could be seen celebrating scoring just seconds after Mount's effort bounced off the rim.
The basketball video comes days after Sancho uploaded a clip of himself working up a sweat in the US while out on a run.
The 22-year-old is keen to prove himself to both new Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag and England manager Gareth Southgate.
Southgate, who watched his side fail to win any of their four Nations League matches in June, recently stated that Sancho and Marcus Rashford have "a lot to do" if they want to make his World Cup squad.
- Ian Tuckey
Time to Cesar the moment
Blues' wing-back Cesar Azpilicueta is under pressure to slap in a transfer request — or risk his dream move to Barcelona.
The Chelsea captain wants to return home to Spain this summer.
But Nou Camp giants Barca are growing frustrated with the lack of progress over the defender’s bid to talk his way out of the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Boss Thomas Tuchel said the pair will sit down and discuss his future but Barcelona want the deal done quickly.
Barcelona boss Xavi is keen to have the veteran right-back available for pre-season training next month.
The Spanish side have threatened to find ‘other solutions’ to the gap being left by the departure of club legend Dani Alves, who has confirmed he is leaving for a second time.
Azpilicueta is due to hold talks with Tuchel in the coming days to seek an amicable separation agreement.
- Alex Cole
Fabregas released by Monaco
Cesc Fabregas has been shown the door by Monaco after an injury-plagued stay on the French Riviera.
The former Arsenal and Chelsea star joined the Ligue 1 club amid high expectations in January 2019.
But Spain midfielder Fabregas has since made just 67 appearances for them – including a mere FIVE last season.
Monaco have now opted not to offer the 35-year-old a new contract.
- Alex Cole
Chelsea and United tracking Jones
Several Premier League clubs including Chelsea and Manchester United are tracking the progress of Middlesbrough ace Isaiah Jones, report 90 Min.
The 22-year-old earned rave reviews in the Championship last season after being converted from a winger to right wing-back under Chris Wilder.
Indeed, his impressive performances were the main reason why Boro’s decision to allow Djed Spence to leave on loan was not widely slammed.
However, Jones appears content to remain with the Teessiders for now despite the lure of the top flight.
He told Ur Fresh TV: “It’s always nice to hear praise, but when people say to me, ‘you should be in the Premier League’ and ‘you should leave Middlesbrough’, I’m like, ‘No, I really enjoy it here’. I’m improving here every day.”
Tottenham have also been linked with a move for the London-born star.
- Alex Cole
Lukaku talks in style
Inter Milan’s president arrived for talks with Chelsea about Romelu Lukaku’s exit in style.
Inter and Chelsea still need to agree terms in order for Lukaku to return to Italy.
And Inter’s president Steven Zhang pulled up for crunch talks in a customised Ferrari.
Zhang’s sports car has been painted in Inter’s blue and black kit colours.
- Alex Cole
Lukaku is the "worst transfer in history", says fan
Fans once praised Chelsea's decision to trim the fat and sign a superstar.
But now many supporters are calling the move the "worst transfer in history".
On Chelsea's decision to sell nine players to finance the Lukaku deal, one fan at the time wrote: "Chelsea's sales this summer… Marina (Granovskaia) has done it again."
But the tweet has quickly bitten them on the backside, with football fans slating the Blues for their truly awful decision.
One wrote: "Chelsea paid £97m for a year of Romelu Lukaku. Comfortably the worst transfer in the history of football."
Another pointed out: "We sold Guehi, Tomori, Livramento and Abraham all to fund Lukaku. This summer we are in the market for 2 CBs, a RWB and a Striker…"
A third moaned: "We sold 100m worth of academy talent to fund Lukaku for him to leave after a year for a 95m loss. Inter have made an absolutely mockery of us."
- Alex Cole
What did Chelsea give up for Lukaku?
Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guehi led the exodus, writes Dave Fraser.
Abraham was among the top scorers in Serie A last season and helped Roma win the Europa Conference League.
Tomori helped AC Milan win their first Serie A title in 11 years.
Guehi joined Crystal Palace and thrived – with all three now part of the England squad ahead of the 2022 World Cup – while Livramento has gone on to become one of the hottest young prospects in the Premier League.
How Chelsea could use them all now, with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen quitting and Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos Alonso and Lukaku looking to move on.
In all, the Blues bagged £98m for their nine "fringe" players and spent £97.5m on Lukaku, who quickly repaid them by revealing his desire to head back to the San Siro just two months later.
This summer, Chelsea are desperately seeking squad reinforcements all over the pitch, including up front with Lukaku on the brink of returning to Inter Milan on an initial loan deal.
- Alex Cole
Chelsea moved heaven and earth for Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku was supposed to be the missing piece, the man who would see Chelsea leapfrog Manchester City and Liverpool to win the Premier League.
The Belgian, 29, had just helped Inter Milan end Juventus' decade of dominance to win the Serie A title in emphatic manner.
The Blues were clearly missing a centre-forward – and they thought they'd found the perfect solution in their former youth team man, Lukaku.
Chelsea moved heaven and earth to land the ex-Manchester United striker.
In fact, the club's transfer team sold NINE stars and rising talents to finance a deal for Lukaku.
Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guehi led the exodus.
But they were joined by Olivier Giroud, Victor Moses, Tino Livramento, Ike Ugbo, Lewis Bate and Dynel Simeu in quitting Stamford Bridge.
- Alex Cole
Jake Clarke-Salter joins QPR
Chelsea defender Jake Clarke-Salter has left to join QPR – after making just two appearances in 14 years.
The 24-year-old has made the switch to the Blues' London rivals on a four-year contract after years of loan moves from Stamford Bridge.
Sun Sport revealed earlier this week that QPR were in pole position to claim the signature of the free agent after he left Chelsea.
He is now the first signing of new manager Michael Beale, the former Aston Villa assistant who has replaced Mark Warburton.
Clarke-Salter was a highly-rated Chelsea academy product and will now be hoping to re-launch his career after failing to break through at Cobham.
- Alex Cole
Chelsea star seeks exit
Emerson Palmieri is reportedly seeking a transfer away from Chelsea this summer.
Emerson will return to Chelsea after a loan stint with Lyon.
But the Italy international has no plans to stay put with Lazio interested in signing him, according to Corriere dello Sport.
- Alex Cole
Inter ‘offer Chelsea players’
Inter Milan have been offering players to Chelsea to exchange for Romelu Lukaku.
But the Blues have only got eyes on Lautoro Martinez, who is unlikely to be made available by Inter, according to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown.
He told Give Me Sport: “Inter have definitely been offering players to Chelsea to try and smooth this out and bring down any money they have to pay for him, but my understanding is that Chelsea are not terribly keen on anyone at Inter.
“I think they would have an interest in Lautaro Martinez, but he’s someone who just doesn’t seem to be available in this window at the moment, so I think some kind of part exchange or swap is probably unlikely unless that changes.”
- Alex Cole
Azpilicueta faces transfer pressure
Cesar Azpilicueta is under pressure to slap in a transfer request — or risk his dream move to Barcelona.
The Chelsea captain wants to leave this summer and return home to Spain.
But Nou Camp giants Barca are growing frustrated with the lack of progress over the defender’s bid to talk his way out of the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Boss Thomas Tuchel said the pair will sit down and discuss his future but Barcelona want the deal done quickly.
Barcelona boss Xavi is keen to have the veteran right-back available for pre-season training next month.
The Spanish side have threatened to find ‘other solutions’ to the gap being left by the departure of club legend Dani Alves, who has confirmed he is leaving for a second time.
Azpilicueta is due to hold talks with Tuchel in the coming days to seek an amicable separation agreement.
- Alex Cole
Barca to hijack Kounde deal
Barcelona’s improving financial situation looks set to leave Manchester United’s transfer dealings in disarray – and the same could soon be said of Chelsea.
And that’s because the LaLiga giants have emerged as favourites to land Sevilla Jules Kounde, according to reports in Spain.
The French centre-back has long been courted by the Blues, but they were held back in their attempts to complete the signing while under government sanctions.
Rather than matching Chelsea’s €80m bid, Barca are preparing a €60m offer plus an unnamed player in exchange.
It is thought that Kounde’s preference would be a move to Catalonia.
- Alex Cole
Blues ‘real’ City target is Sterling
Chelsea are set to miss out on Gabriel Jesus, but reports suggest it’s another Manchester City player that is truly in their sights.
The Blues dipped their toe into negotiations when it became apparent that Arsenal were in advanced talks over the signing of Jesus.
However, Sky Sports understand that ‘the City player Thomas Tuchel is keener on is Raheem Sterling.’
The 27-year-old England international has a year remaining on his current deal at the Eithad Stadium, and has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.
- Alex Cole
Lukaku talks in style
Inter Milan’s president arrived for talks with Chelsea about Romelu Lukaku’s exit in style.
Inter and Chelsea still need to agree terms in order for Lukaku to return to Italy.
And Inter’s president Steven Zhang pulled up for crunch talks in a customised Ferrari.
Zhang’s sports car has been painted in Inter’s blue and black kit colours.
- Alex Cole
Lewandowski ‘rejects Chelsea’ transfer
Chelsea’s hopes of signing Robert Lewandowski have reportedly been shot down by the Bayern Munich striker.
That’s according to Sport who claim Lewandowski turned down advances from both the Blues and PSG.
That’s because the Polish ace has his heart set on a move to Barca, the report adds.
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