Wednesday, 2 August 2017
BREAKING NEWS :BARCELONA SET TO SIGN LIVERPOOL STAR TO REPLACE NEYMAR
Philippe Coutinho would be the "perfect replacement" for Neymar at Barcelona, says South American football expert Tim Vickery.
Neymar has asked to leave Barca and was given permission on Wednesday to miss training, with Paris Saint-Germain prepared to meet his £198m release clause.
Philippe Coutinho would be seen as a suitable Neymar replacement by Barcelona, says Vickery
Sky sources understand Barca are confident of signing Coutinho but Liverpool insist they will not sell their Brazil international.
Audi Cup,Today, 18:30pm
Atletico Madrid v Liverpool
REQUESTABET SPECIALS 80/1 AND ABOVE
Atletico Madrid to win and Henderson, Lovren & Matip to be carded600 / 1Griezmann, Matip, Savic & Gabi to be carded500 / 1Wijnaldum to score and Can, Mane & Savic to be carded500 / 1Torres to score and Griezmann, Lovren & Matip to be carded500 / 1Savic, Matip, Mane & Alberto Moreno to be carded500 / 1Savic, Mane, Griezmann & Henderson to be carded500 / 1Savic, Lovren, Matip & Gabi to be carded500 / 1Savic, Henderson, Griezmann & Can to be carded500 / 1Savic, Henderson, Can & Gabi to be carded500 / 1Savic, Griezmann, Matip & Partey to be carded500 / 1
£10 Free Bet, No Deposit Needed
Asked if Coutinho would be the perfect replacement for Neymar, Vickery told Sky Sports News: "Absolutely. When Barcelona were interested in Coutinho previously, I saw speculation suggesting they saw him as a possible replacement for Andres Iniesta.
Sky Sports Chief News Reporter Bryan Swanson has the latest on Neymar's potential move to Paris Saint-Germain
"I have never seen that. I have always seen Coutinho as a Neymar replacement.
"Coutinho's problem with the Brazil national team is his favourite position is Neymar's position, wide on the left cutting onto his right foot. They have since found space for him on the right but that's his favoured position."
BREAKING NEWS :CHELSEA OWNER ENTER RACE TO SIGN AS MONACO STAR
Roman Ambramovich will attempt to sign Monaco sensation Kylian Mbappe should potential Barcelona target Eden Hazard move away from the club this summer, according to Don Balon.
As per the Spanish outlet, Eden Hazard is being linked with a move to Barcelona with Neymar looking to leave the Nou Camp for Paris this summer.
If Neymar should leave, Barcelona will have to replace one of their star names and have reportedly identified the 26-year-old Chelsea winger as a possible target.
As well as claiming that the Catalan giants could swoop for the Belgium international should Neymar leave, Don Balon also reports that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will look to replace Hazard with Monaco sensation Kylian Mbappe.
According to the Express, the Chelsea owner is a huge fan of the 18-year-old and will be tempted to bid for the French international should Eden Hazard leave London.
The French teenager bagged 26 goals for the French Champions last season and has become one of football’s most describable talents.
However, it appears that the movements of Neymar will decide how Roman Ambramovich spends his money.
Tuesday, 25 July 2017
JOSE :WANTS A WINGER TO IMPROVE
Jose Mourinho wants "more consistency" from Anthony Martial after his moment of brilliance in Manchester United's friendly win against Real Madrid.
Having seamlessly slotted into life at Old Trafford after joining from Monaco, the 21-year-old struggled to scale such heights in his second campaign at the club.
Mourinho has not been shy at expressing his frustration and there has been talk this summer of a potential exit for Martial, with United looking at Inter
But the Frenchman thrilled the Levi's Stadium crowd on Sunday by showing mesmerising close control and skill, before playing over for Jesse Lingard to open the scoring against the Champions League winners.
Put to Mourinho that the assist underlines what a useful asset the France international can be, the United boss said: "Exactly, but obviously we want more consistency in his talent. I think today was positive for him, that's why I left him for 90 minutes on the pitch.
"He was enjoying [himself], he was trying things and it's important in these friendly matches to try things, which he did. I think was good for Anthony, for his confidence."
Anthony Martial provided a brilliant assist for Jesse Lingard's goal
Mourinho left Martial out of the squad on occasions last season, never mind the starting line-up, and publicly called into question aspects of his mentality.
"He is a young player," the United boss said in Santa Clara. "There's still time to learn, still time to improve, still time to develop and it's also his personality.
"I can say that he is training better than before, he's working harder than before. It's a question to bring his talent more in a consistent way."
Monday, 24 July 2017
CHELSEA NEWS :WILL MORATA START AGAINST BAYERN MUNICH TOMORROW?
In continuation of our preseason tour of Asia, Chelsea will tomorrow play Bayern Munich in Singapore.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte expects Chelsea’s new signing Alvaro Morata to feature in tomorrow’s friendly against Bayern Munich.
“My plan is to give him the possibility to play part of the game, but not from the start because he only arrived yesterday and started to work with us,” Conte said.
“Morata is a young player who has a lot of experience in his career because he played with two big teams in Real Madrid and Juventus. He has also played a lot of games in the Champions League and won it last season.
“He can have a big impact in the Premier League. It’s different if you compare it to leagues in other countries because it’s very tough and physically it’s strong, but Morata is ready to have a big impact.”
BAYERN MUNICH MANAGER :BELIEVES ANTONIO CONTE CAN HELP CHELSEA BECOME COMPETITIVE IN EUROPE AGAIN
Chelsea failed to play Champions League football last season after our 10th place finish in the 2015/16 season but Chelsea are back in the Champions League this season after our title triumph last season.
Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti believes Chelsea boss Antonio Conte can help Chelsea become competitive in Europe once again.
PHOTOS :CHELSEA PLAYERS COOL IN THE SWIMMING POOL AFTER PRESEASON TRAINING
Preseason for the players has been gruesome as Chelsea boss Antonio Conte ensures the Champions are ready to defend the Premier League title when the new season begins next month.
The players took a break from training with a visit to the swimming pool at their current Singapore base.
Here are some photos of the players cooling off in the swimming pool:
CHELSEA GOALKEEPER :BATSHUAYI HAS A CHANCE TO PROVE HIMSELF
Michy Batshuayi finished last season in good form, scoring four goals in three games and he has carried his goalscoring form into preseason after scoring four goals in two preseason games.
Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has hailed Batshuayi as a top striker and believes Batshuayi has a chance to prove himself with Diego Costa set to leave Chelsea this summer.
“Michy is a top striker,” said Courtois as quoted on Daily Mail.
“He showed that in Marseille and with the national team. With Diego scoring a lot of goals last season he didn’t get a lot of chances.
“Maybe he didn’t always do what the manager asked. He is very demanding when it comes to the strikers as well.
“He knows that Diego is leaving and he has a chance to prove himself. He is training well, doing what the manager asks and is scoring goals. For him it is good. He needs to show that mentality every day in training and in every game.”
BAYERN MUNICH MIDFIELDER TELLS CHELSEA FANS WHAT TO EXPECT FROM MORATA
Ahead of Chelsea’s preseason friendly against Bayern Munich in Singapore on Tuesday, Bayern Munich midfielder and former teammate of Alvaro Morata at Real Madrid, James Rodriguez, has hailed the qualities of Chelsea’s new signing, Alvaro Morata.
“Morata is an amazing player with an amazing strike,” Rodriguez said.
“He will do very well at Chelsea. At Real Madrid, he was very good.”
Chelsea fans will get the chance to see Morata wear the Chelsea jersey for the first time tomorrow during the friendly against Bayern Munich.
BAD NEWS :CHELSEA TO BANNED FROM CHINA FOR WHAT DEFENDER DID
Chelsea and their defender Kenedy have issued an apology to the people of China after the latter’s post on social networking site Instagram caused “great offence and hurt the feelings of the people of China.”
The Blues traveled to China and Singapore for the pre-season tour and started the friendly fixture with a 3-0 win over Arsenal at Bird’s Nest in Beijing. Kenedy, who replaced Marcos Alonso in the 69th minute was booed by the fans inside the stadium.
It was Kenedy’s two posts on Instagram a day before the friendly fixture against Arsenal that caused the stir. He wrote “Porra china” (F**k China) on his Instagram account and then posted a photograph of the security guard snoozing with a caption “Acorda China Vacila” (Wake up China idiot).
The 21-year-old deleted those posts, but the screenshots were shared on various social media channels, which forced Chelsea and the player to issue an apology.
Embed from Getty Images
Chelsea’s statement on their official website read, “On July 22nd, Chelsea Football Club experienced the warmth and friendliness of Chinese fans at the National Stadium. However, we were surprised and disappointed that one day prior to the match, one of our young players, Kenedy, posted messages on his social media account that caused great offence and hurt the feelings of the people of China.”
“Unfortunately, even though he quickly deleted the messages and apologised, and the club also apologised via our Chinese social media channels, the damage had already been done. Chelsea Football Club once again solemnly and sincerely apologises.”
“Kenedy’s actions were a mistake that he will learn greatly from. His behaviour does not represent the entire team and does not align with the club’s high expectations and strict requirements of its young players. He has been strongly reprimanded and disciplined.”
Embed from Getty Images
“Everyone at Chelsea Football Club has the utmost respect and admiration for China and loves our Chinese fans. It is because of this that the negative impact we have seen over the last two days has left us shocked and saddened. Once again, we sincerely apologise for the hurt caused to our Chinese fans as well as to the Chinese people.”
“The match was a great cultural exchange event between China and Britain and the club is extremely grateful to China for its hospitality, which has brought us closer together in friendship. We very much hope to build on our strong relationship with our Chinese fans and friends, joining hands firmly with China in future for further cooperation.”
“We offer this apology with utmost sincerity. We have listened carefully to the criticism and will use the lessons learnt over the last two days to improve our processes in future.”
Kenedy also issued an apology for the “offence” he caused. He said, “I would like to apologise to the people of China for the offence I have caused. It was never my intention to insult or offend anyone at all and I now realise that my comments were totally inappropriate.”
“I wish to state that I have tremendous respect and admiration for the Chinese people and their country.”
“I would also like to apologise to my club Chelsea and all my companions who I have let down by my posts. I fully understand the responsibility of representing my club and it was never my intention to cause this embarrassment nor disrespect.”
Embed from Getty Images
Goal.com reports that Chelsea may be banned from China after Kenedy’s offensive posts. The report claims the government authorities have ordered the Chinese media to “withdraw all related stories about Chelsea from their dual homepages and news apps.”
In addition to this, Goal claims a source from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are closely monitoring the situation as there are remote possibility of Chelsea facing an outright ban in China.
MANCHESTER UNITED MANAGER JOSE SEND GOOD LUCK TO CHELSEA NEW BOY MORATA
Jose Mourinho has wished Alvaro Morata good luck in his career at Chelsea but says the Spanish striker is of no interest to him after Manchester United pulled out of a deal.
Antonio Conte responds to question about Nemanja Matic as Man United close in on transfer
The Red Devils had been locked in fruitless negotiations with Real for months – who, ironically, they played in a pre-season friendly on Sunday evening – but could not reach an agreement.
Instead, United sensed an opportunity to hijack Chelsea’s deal for Romelu Lukaku, bringing the Belgian to Old Trafford for an initial £75 million.
Morata arrived in Singapore over the weekend to link up with his new teammates (Getty)
Asked about Morata in his post-match press conference following United’s penalty shootout win over Real, Mourinho was keen to shut down any questions about having missed out on signing the 24-year-old forward.
‘That subject is interesting for those of you who are talking and writing about Real Madrid, but not me,’ he told reporters in Spanish, having been asked why Morata ended up at Chelsea.
Morata joins Chelsea from Real Madrid for club record fee
Mourinho’s United team ran out as victors against Real thanks to a shootout (Picture: Getty)
‘I do not care. Alvaro is at Chelsea, and I wish him luck and to be happy.’
Morata took part in his first training session with Chelsea on Sunday, just hours before United took on Real in Santa Clara.
SAD NEWS :CHELSEA WINGER SUFFERED MULTIPLE FRACTURES
Chelsea's Pedro has suffered multiple fractures from his collision with David Ospina in China, according to boss Antonio Conte.
Ahead of the Blues' next pre-season clash with Bayern Munich in Singapore, Conte confirmed Pedro must wear a protective mask after 10 days of rehabilitation.
Conte said: "The situation was more serious. I hoped it would be only concussion. He had multiple fractures but I think with a mask in 10 days he could come back to work with us."
SOO AMAZING :SEE HOW MORATA CELEBRATE CHELSEA THREE WIN OVER ARSENAL
New Chelsea signing Alvaro Morata has spent less than a week in London but he already feels the vibe a London derby rival game brings.
Chelsea and Arsenal are huge rivals and fixtures between the two sides are usually heated.
The two teams were in action in Beijing on Saturday as Antonio Conte’s side gear up for the new Premier League campaign, and it ended in an embarrassing defeat for Arsene Wenger’s men.
Wenger boldly declared before the game that the contest wasn’t a friendly, only for Chelsea to beat the Gunners 3-0 courtesy of goals from Michy Batshuayi and Willian.
The new Chelsea forward celebrated the result on his Instagram page with the above snap to the delight of Chelsea supporters.
BREAKING NEWS :JORDAN SPIETH'S TO JOIN SOME CLUBS
Jordan Spieth's dramatic victory in The 146th Open at Royal Birkdale saw him join some greats of golf to have won three of the four majors on offer.
Spieth, aged 23, secured his first Claret Jug with a memorable three-shot victory over nearest challenger Matt Kuchar and will now have his eyes set on an even more illustrious list of players who have won golf's modern-era career grand slam.
As golf becomes all the more competitive across the globe it is becoming harder and harder to become a multiple major championship winner. Gene Sarazen, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Tiger Woods remain the only five players to have secured the career grand slam.
Lee Trevino was unable to win the coveted Green Jacket at The Masters
We take a look at some of the players to have missed out on or who are missing one leg of the grand slam of major championships.
Rory McIlroy
McIlroy secured his third major title by winning the Claret Jug at The Open in 2014 at Royal Liverpool. The Northern Irishman had previously won the 2011 US Open at Congressional and the 2012 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island in dominant fashion - both times winning by eight strokes.
Three years on and the 28-year-old, who backed up his victory at The Open by winning the PGA Championship a month later, still needs to win the Green Jacket but appears to have all the tools to do so. The European star secured his first three legs of the career grand slam in quick time, only Nicklaus and Woods were quicker, having only turned professional in 2007.
Like Palmer, Tom Watson let the PGA Championship elude him
However, the Masters remains the major which eludes him and memories of his unravelling on the back-nine holes at Augusta in the 2011 edition remain vivid for those within the game. McIlroy has since gone on to achieve a top-five place at the first major of the year in 2015 but remains desperate to add his name to the Masters honours list.
Phil Mickelson
The five-time major winner has placed second at the US Open on a record six times. The American notably lost a lead over the final few holes at Pinehurst against Payne Stewart. Another notable near-miss came in 2006 when he made a double bogey at the 18th in the final round to finish a shot behind Geoff Ogilvy, who won with a five-over-par score.
Mickelson also fell short at the USGA run tournament in 2013 at Merion, when he held a final round lead before finishing two shots behind first-time major winner Justin Rose.
Arnold Palmer
His status as the 'king of golf' is fully deserved and unquestioned but 'Arnie' was unable to win the PGA Championship during his coveted list of tournament victories - having to settle for three second-placed finishes.
Palmer won seven major titles during his career, which took the sport to a new and larger audience thanks in part to his charisma, which consisted of four wins at Augusta, two victories at The Open and a solitary success at the US Open.
Phil Mickelson gave up a lead to compatriot Payne Stewart at Pinehurst in 1999, one of his six runner-up finishes
Palmer, who passed away last year at the age of 87, initially came close at the 1964 PGA Championship at Columbus Country Club when he finished in a tie for second place, alongside great friend Nicklaus, behind eventual champion Bobby Nichols.
In 1968 and 1970, Palmer would also finish tied-second at the 1968 and 1970 editions but didn't collapse during his final rounds, never shooting a below-level-par final round.
Tom Watson
Watson is synonymous with The Open, having lifted the Claret Jug five times but, he was also won two Masters titles and the US Open in 1981.
The American, who has 70 professional wins to his name is another player, failed to win the PGA Championship during his successful career.
Spieth claimed his third major title with victory at Royal Birkdale
Watson, who is held in such popular regard by the British population, nearly sealed the grand slam of major titles in 1978 at Oakmont when he
Sunday, 23 July 2017
CHELSEA APOLOGIZED FOR WHAT KENNEDY DID IN CHINA
Chelsea have apologised to China after social media posts sent by Brazilian winger Kenedy during club’s pre-season tour have put the club in a bad light.
According to Chelsea, the Brazilian has been “strongly reprimanded and disciplined” for the now-deleted posts on Instagram.
Kenedy reportedly posted a series of images with the captions “f***ing China” and “wake up China you idiot”, in reference to a sleeping security guard.
He did apologise, saying: “Hello my friends, just wanna say sorry if someone was sad because I used the expression “porra”, was no racism, just an expression…big hug.”
China fans didn’t take it too well and the young Brazilian was booed while warming up in the game against Arsenal.
The club said in a statement: “On July 22nd, Chelsea Football Club experienced the warmth and friendliness of Chinese fans at the National Stadium.
“However, we were surprised and disappointed that one day prior to the match, one of our young players, Kenedy, posted messages on his social media account that caused great offence and hurt the feelings of the people of China.
“Unfortunately, even though he quickly deleted the messages and apologised, and the club also apologised via our Chinese social media channels, the damage had already been done.
“Chelsea Football Club once again solemnly and sincerely apologises.
“Kenedy’s actions were a mistake that he will learn greatly from.
“His behaviour does not represent the entire team and does not align with the club’s high expectations and strict requirements of its young players.
“He has been strongly reprimanded and disciplined.
“Everyone at Chelsea Football Club has the utmost respect and admiration for China and loves our Chinese fans.
“It is because of this that the negative impact we have seen over the last two days has left us shocked and saddened.
“Once again, we sincerely apologise for the hurt caused to our Chinese fans as well as to the Chinese people.
“The match was a great cultural exchange event between China and Britain and the club is extremely grateful to China for its hospitality, which has brought us closer together in friendship.
“We very much hope to build on our strong relationship with our Chinese fans and friends, joining hands firmly with China in future for further cooperation.
“We offer this apology with utmost sincerity.
“We have listened carefully to the criticism and will use the lessons learnt over the last two days to improve our processes in future.”
BREAKING NEWS :CHELSEA MANAGER ANTONIO CONTE SET TO DO ANOTHER SIGNING
Antonio Conte has revealed that Chelsea could secure their fifth summer signing next week.
The Premier League champions kicked off their summer by signing Willy Caballero on a free transfer from Manchester City before following up with deals for Antonio Rudiger, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Alvaro
Morata, who completed his £70 million move to Stamford Bridge earlier this week.
Conte is also targeting further attacking reinforcements and is also in the market for a new left-sided defender..
Alex Sandro has been targeted by Juventus are so far unwilling to sell the Brazilian to Chelsea.
Conte’s side continue their pre-season preparations by travelling to Singapore from China and the Italian is hopeful that another new addition can be confimed within the next seven days.
"In Singapore, Rudiger and Morata will arrive, maybe someone else," said the Chelsea manager.
"I hope. I know very well that the club is working strong, very hard to try to make me the best way to work.
"This season the target is the same but it won’t be easy, because you can see Man City, Man United, the other teams as well are trying to reinforce and we are changing a lot. More from necessity, not because I wanted to change."
GOOD NEWS :MANCHESTER CITY FANS REAL MADRID PLAYER HAS PUT A PEN ON A PAPER TO SIGN A FIVE YEAR DEAL.
City are delighted to announce signing of Danilo from Real Madrid.
The 26-year-old has signed a five-year deal and has now join his new teammates on the Club’s pre-season tour of America.
“I am very, very happy to be joining Manchester City,” Danilo told mancity.com after agreeing personal terms and passing his medical.
“There has been strong interest from other Clubs, but it has always been my ambition to play for Pep Guardiola. As soon as I heard of his interest, I knew immediately I wanted to be a City player.
“I can’t wait to get started and I’m looking forward to getting to know my new teammates over the coming weeks.”
City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, says he is delighted to have landed the Brazilian. “Danilo is a fine player who offers great versatility to our squad,” he said. “He can operate in several different roles in both defence and midfield, increasing Pep’s options ahead of the new season.
Interviews
#WELCOMEDANILO: FIRST CITYTV INTERVIEW
Today
View original post
“We feel he has all the attributes needed to succeed at City and we look forward to helping him develop during his time here.”
Danilo, whose move is subject to receiving his work permit, began his senior career at America Mineiro where he played a key role in their promotion from Serie C, before signing for Santos in 2010 where he spent two successful seasons.
Alongside Neymar and Alex Sandro, he was a revelation, and in 2011 he helped them win the Brazilian title and the Copa Libertadores, playing 37 matches in all competitions.
He played in both legs of the Copa Libertadores final - the first in central-midfield and the second at right-back - and scored the winning goal in the 2-1 win over Penarol that saw them lift the most coveted trophy in South American football.
After playing in the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup, he moved to Europe, signing for Porto, and within two years had won back-to-back Primeira Liga titles, with his energy and industry from full-back making him one of the most sought-after players in the Portuguese top flight.
He soon began attracting the attention of Europe’s biggest Clubs, and in the summer of 2015 he moved to Real Madrid for €31.5 million, signing a six-year deal.
In total, he played 55 times for Los Blancos, winning one La Liga title, two Champions Leagues, a UEFA Super Cup and a FIFA Club World Cup.
His squad number at City is yet to be confirmed but will be announced in due course.
Everyone at City is delighted to welcome Danilo to the Club and look out for his first CityTV interview, coming soon.
BREAKING NEWS :BENJAMIN MENDY SET TO COMPLETE HIS MEDICALS WITH MANCHESTER CITY
Benjamin Mendy has flown to Los Angeles to undergo a medical and complete his record move to Manchester City.
The 23-year-old France international is set to surpass £50m-plus Kyle Walker and become the Premier League's most expensive defender to date in a deal worth in excess of £51m.
Mendy tweeted a picture of him boarding a flight to the Californian city, where City continue their pre-season tour of the US with a clash against Real Madrid in LA in three days' time, with the caption "Boarding time. Next stop LA".
SAD NEWS :CHELSEA WINGER TO MISSED PRE SEASON TOUR WITH HIS TEAM MATES
News
Chelsea winger to play no further part in pre-season tour
23rd July 2017 0 2587
Chelsea winger Pedro will return home from Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the far east after sustaining an concussion against Arsenal on Saturday afternoon, according to extrasports24.blogspot.com
As the Extrasports24report, Pedro was involved in a nasty looking collision with Gunners goalkeeper David Ospina during Saturday’s game, and the tabloid note that he suffered facial injuries and a concussion.
Pedro posted the below update from his hospital bed, suggesting that all was well and that there was no lasting damage done.
However, the Daily Mail claim that Pedro will play no further part in the Premier League champions tour of Asia, and will instead return to London for further tests and treatment.
It remains to be seen whether Pedro will be sidelined for a while, or will be able to regroup with the squad upon their return to Cobham. However, with Eden Hazard already out injured, this will undoubtedly be a major concern for Antonio Conte.
Saturday, 22 July 2017
WATCH THIS AMAZING VIDEO :HOW ALONSO FINISHED ARSENAL PLAYER IN A FRIENDLY GAME
Friday, 21 July 2017
BREAKING NEWS :THE RED DEVILS TO SUBMIT THEIR THIRD BID FOR NABY KEITA
Liverpool are reportedly set to make one final offer to seal the transfer of Naby Keita by bidding a club-record £75million for the RB Leipzig midfielder.
The Guinea international has been linked time and time again with the Reds throughout this summer, while the likes of Manchester City and United are also thought to be admirers of his.
Keita shone for Leipzig last season and looks one of the most exciting young players in Europe right now, with Liverpool prepared to smash their transfer record to get him.
Jurgen Klopp forked out £37m on Mohamed Salah earlier in the summer to eclipse the previous club-record move for Andy Carroll, but the German tactician seems prepared to more than double that for Keita.
Keita was hugely impressive for RB Leipzig last season (Picture: Getty)
According to the Independent, this will be Liverpool’s third and final offer for the 22-year-old, with his club proving tough negotiators so far in this transfer window.
Club owner Dietrich Mateschitz said earlier this week: ‘We don’t sell any of our players just to get money. Lately we got a €75m offer for Naby Keita. No way!
‘He has a contract and he will fulfil it. To sell him would not only be a proof of distrust to our fans but also the wrong sign for our players like Timo Werner, who is in demand too.’
Naby Keita's 2016/17 Bundesliga season
Keita is said to have a clause in his contract that means he can leave for just £48m next summer, but Liverpool are clearly desperate to land him now, perhaps due to an apparent lack of strong interest from other clubs this year.
The Merseyside giants could do with strengthening in midfield having lost the long-serving Lucas Leiva this summer, while Emre Can is also being linked with Juventus.
RUMOURS :ARSENAL PLAY MAKER WANT A MOVE TO PSG
Arsenal are reportedly confident that Alexis Sanchez won’t force a transfer this summer and even hold out some hope that he could sign a new contract.
The Chile international is being strongly linked with Paris Saint-Germain at the moment, with various sources saying he’s in talks with the Ligue 1 giants over a move to the French capital.
And while this would be preferable for Arsenal over losing him to Premier League title rivals Manchester City, they have remained firm all summer that he won’t be sold.
Sanchez is in the final year of his contract with the Gunners, potentially putting them under pressure to sell, though it has previously been claimed they’d want over £50million for him, or £80m from City.
The 28-year-old was one of the best players in Europe last season as he scored 30 goals in all competitions for Arsene Wenger’s side, and has unsurprisingly attracted plenty of interest after strongly hinting he wants a move.
Arsenal will be desperate to hold onto Sanchez (Picture: Getty)
Speaking in his native Chile recently, Sanchez admitted: ‘I want to play the Champions League. The decision does not depend on me, I have to wait for Arsenal.
‘I’ve made my decision, now I wait for Arsenal’s reply. The idea is to play and win the Champions League. I’ve dreamt about it since I was a kid.’
Still, the Daily Telegraph claim that Arsenal do not expect Sanchez to force a move, suggesting they’ll stick to their plan of allowing him to leave for free next summer instead of losing him now.
As well as that, it’s claimed that figures around the Emirates Stadium hold out some hope that the former Barcelona man could even be persuaded to sign a new contract if Arsenal start the new season strongly.
Arsene Wenger has repeatedly stated that Sanchez won’t be sold (Picture: Getty)
Wenger on Sanchez
‘No (he won’t be sold).
‘The easiest way to manage the players in the final year of their contracts is it’s in his interest to do as well as he can.
‘Nobody knows today if Sanchez will be in the final year of his contract next season because he can as well extend his contract with us at the start of the season or during the season.
‘It’s not necessarily the last year of his contract at Arsenal.’
CHELSEA FC STRIKER LIKES NEW SIGNING
Unsettled Chelsea striker Diego Costa has sent a cryptic message to fans by ‘liking’ the club’s transfer announcement of Alvaro Morata this evening.
The 24-year-old attacker has completed a club-record move to Stamford Bridge from Real Madrid, and will likely replace Costa up front for Antonio Conte’s side this season.
Costa has been told he has no future at Chelsea and is being strongly linked with a return to his old club Atletico Madrid, though the deal has been dragging on for much of the summer.
It remains to be seen if things have moved any closer now that Chelsea have a replacement for last season’s top scorer, but Costa certainly seems glad to see his fellow Spaniard rocking up in west London.
Diego Costa was happy about the Alvaro Morata signing (Picture: Instagram)
It may be that the 28-year-old is keen to show his support in the unlikely event that he does end up staying, or he merely sees the completed deal as one step closer to getting the move away that he so craves.
Costa shone for Chelsea in his three seasons at the Bridge but is understood never to have fully settled in London.
Com meu Parceiro @petrosaraujo !!
A post shared by Diego Costa (@diego.costa) on Jul 4, 2017 at 6:40pm PDT
The Spain international helped the Blues to two Premier League title wins in his three seasons with the club, and scored in last season’s FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal.
Diego Costa 2016/17 stats
Appearances
42
Goals
22
Assists
7
Share
MORE: FOOTBALL
OFFICIAL: Chelsea announce completed Alvaro Morata transfer
Still, Conte has been keen to make a change up front and claimed today that he made the decision to axe Costa as far back as January, when the player was rumoured to have been unsettled by a bid from a Chinese Super League club.
‘The only thing I can tell you is that in January the Costa situation was very clear for the club, for him and his agent (Jorge Mendes). For me the situation is closed,’ the manager said.
BREAKING NEWS :ALVARO MORATA FINALLY SIGN A FIVE (5) YEAR DEAL WITH THE BLUES
Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce Alvaro Morata has completed his move from Real Madrid on a five-year-deal.
Morata will now join up with the squad on its pre-season tour of Asia.
A strong, quick and skilful forward adept at leading the line and bringing his team-mates into play, Morata’s movement on and off the ball make him a constant threat to opposition defenders, whether he is running at speed from deep or looking to strike in the 18-yard box.
His goals come in all forms - outstanding long-range efforts, poachers’ finishes, headers and one-on-ones. He is also comfortable on either foot.
Upon completing his transfer, Morata said: ‘I am so happy to be here. It’s an incredible emotion to be part of this big club. I am looking to work hard, score as many goals as I can and to win as many trophies as possible.’
Technical director Michael Emenalo added: ‘We are delighted to complete Alvaro’s signing and welcome him to the club. We believe he can make a great impact for Chelsea and look forward to seeing him in action.
‘Alvaro has proven class at the highest level and his quality will be a huge asset to Antonio and the squad.’
A regular for Spain, the 24-year-old has scored nine goals in 20 appearances - including three at last year’s European Championships.
Morata made his debut for Real Madrid shortly after his 18th birthday having impressed for their youth teams and began to feature regularly during the 2012/13 campaign. He provided a fine assist for Karim Benzema in an El Clasico victory that season, as well as scoring his first goal for the club - a winner at Levante.
In the next campaign, Morata scored eight league goals, averaging one every 70 minutes under the stewardship of former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti. He also opened his Champions League account that year as Real won the trophy for the 10th time. In the final, Morata was introduced with his side a goal down; they ended up beating their great city rivals Atletico 4-1.
Juventus moved to sign the striker in the summer of 2014 and he was a regular as they continued their dominance of Italian football, comfortably winning Serie A in 2015 and 2016, with Morata prominent. He also helped them reach the Champions League final in his first season in Turin, but this time the Spaniard ended up on the losing side despite equalising from close range against Barcelona in Berlin.
Real exercised a buyback option last summer and he enjoyed the most profitable season of his career to date on his return to the Bernabeu, scoring 20 goals in all competitions and winning La Liga and the Champions League, when he came on as a late substitute against his former club.
Welcome to Chelsea, Alvaro!
BREAKING NEWS :JOSE WANTS ANOTHER SIGNING
Jose Mourinho has urged Manchester United to help him add at least one more player to his squad "as soon as possible".
The Portuguese watched new signings Romelu Lukaku and Victor Lindelof play as United beat rivals Manchester City 2-0 in the International Champions Cup in Texas on Thursday and said he is delighted with the way the pair have settled in at the club.
However, United's pursuit of Ivan Perisic has been a frustrating one, with Inter Milan saying they will play the Croatia winger on their pre-season tour as they await "the right offer" and Mourinho wants to sign at least one more player this summer, while hoping any further deals can be completed rapidly.
PRICE BOOST
Hamilton, Partick Thistle and Inverness CT all to win (Was 6/1 NOW 15/2)15/2
£10 Free Bet, No Deposit Needed
Romelu Lukaku celebrates his opening goal against City
"When I look to the team and Lukaku, Lindelof, I would like my squad to be here, my whole squad," Mourinho said.
"If you manage to get one more player - I'm not even crying for two - if we get one player, as soon as possible.
"Because we can see Lindelof is in a team, Lukaku is in a team. The understanding between the players, the Paul [Pogba] pass, the way Lukaku holds the ball."
Victor Lindelof joined United earlier this summer
Mourinho says the transfer spending of other Premier League teams this summer has made it even more imperative that United strengthen their squad further.
Asked whether United could make that third signing before they fly home from America, Mourinho said: "I don't know, I don't know. I am not in control of that.
"The credit of Lukaku, Lindelof to be here on time is not mine, the credit is [executive vice-chairman] Ed Woodward's and his team. I thank him for that fantastic work to bring us two very important players for us, but we need a bit more.
Inter Milan say 'the right offer is yet to arrive' for Ivan Perisic
"When you see the other teams in the Premier League, the way they get players and good players and you see the champions [Chelsea] buy three fantastic experienced players, City go to the market, Liverpool and West Ham gets Joe Hart, Chicharito and Arnautovic.
"West Ham, wow! They play to win the Premier League too. So the teams are fantastic in the market and I'm waiting for a bit more."
United face two more matches in the United States before heading back to Europe, with a game against Real Madrid in Santa Clara on Sunday followed by a match against Barcelona in Maryland next week.
Jose Mourinho says he's willing to accept one less signing than he requested at Manchester United this summer.
"Ten days of work, two more matches here in USA and then we go to Europe," Mourinho said.
"But I am happy with everything, the social life of the team is really good, fantastic people in the group, the new guys arrive and are at home and settled in immediately."
CHELSEA FANS CAN NOW SMILE :AS THEY ANNOUNCED THREE SUPER DEAL WITHIN FOUR DAYS NOW
Chelsea fans have been frustrated for much of the summer transfer window as other clubs strengthened and all they read on the news were transfer rumours and other clubs signing the players linked with the Blues.
Many fans cast their minds back to the Jose Mourinho era where Chelsea fought relegation battle after ending the previous season as champions.
Before Saturday, Chelsea had only signed two players, one of which was the free signing of Willy Caballero, the other being the arrival of Antonio Rudiger. Fans were worried and many even went as far as insulting the Chelsea board.
But the club have now announced three super deals in a four-day space to the amazement of the Chelsea fans. On Saturday, the signing of Tiemoue Bakayako from Monaco was announced – a very key signing in the midfield position.
On Tuesday, Chelsea announced the signing of a new contract by Antonio Conte, a deal many fans hailed as the signing of the summer. The Italian has been sensational in his first season in charge of the club and the Chelsea faithful have warmed up to him pretty well.
On Wednesday, Chelsea took it a step further to announce that a deal has been struck for longtime target Alvaro Morata and this seems to be the icing on the cake. Even when Chelsea were being linked with Romelu Lukaku, many fans saw it as a waste of money and wanted the club to sign Morata. Chelsea have Morata now and the fans have their wish.
Within four days, Chelsea turned the frowns of the fans to smiles, and to think that there’s still over a month left to wrap up the transfer window, one can only imagine how strong the team will be ahead of the new season.
Now, we can look forward to the new season knowing that the club is on the right path.
MANCHESTER UNITED MANAGER CONFESS HE'S IMPRESSED WITH CHELSEA’S NEW SIGNING
About a week ago, the fans of Chelsea Football Club seemed angry with the club for being slow in the transfer market, but that seems a story of the past as Chelsea have now signed four players.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has revealed he’s impressed with Chelsea’s signing of Antonio Rudiger, Tiemoue Bakayako and Alvaro Morata.
“We need a bit more when you see the other teams in the Premier League, like Man City, Liverpool and West Ham, the way they get players, good players, important players,” said Mourinho.
“The champions [Chelsea] have bought three fantastic experienced players.”
Chelsea have spent over £130 million in the transfer market so far, and the Blues still expect more signings to be announced before the end of the transfer window.
DONE DEAL :CHELSEA DEFENDER MOVE TO STOKE CITY
Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma has completed a loan switch to Stoke City after penning a new six-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
The 22-year-old centre-back was restricted to three Premier League starts for the champions last season after making his comeback from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.Antonio Rudiger's arrival from Roma earlier this month placed Zouma further down the pecking order at Chelsea and he will spend 2017-18 at the bet365 Stadium, although a long-term contract extension shows he remains in his parent club's long-term plans."It is fantastic Kurt has chosen to commit his future to Chelsea," said Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo, "He has shown his talent since joining us three years ago, and has returned from a serious injury with a fantastic attitude. Now he has the opportunity to play regularly in the Premier League and we will be monitoring his progress closely while he is at Stoke."
Stoke boss Mark Hughes is still seemingly keen on further defensive reinforcements, although he is reportedly facing competition from West Brom and Crystal Palace for the signature of Bruno Martins Indi. Martins Indi impressed during a season-long loan spell with Stoke last term.On Zouma, Hughes said: "Kurt is undoubtedly one of the most talented young defenders in the game, so naturally his arrival will enhance our playing squad for the forthcoming campaign."We have prioritised adding further strength in depth to defensive positions this summer, and we have certainly done that by fending off any number of clubs who were all interested in taking Kurt on loan."On his day he is one of the most impressive defenders in the league, and whilst injury unfortunately hampered his progress at Chelsea last season, we are certain that we can give him the platform to recapture the form he showed prior to his setback."
REAL MADRID:SUPER STAR HAVE BEEN RANKED AS A PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLER
Fifteen years ago today, Sporting CP threw on a spindly young lad wearing no.28 of their famous green and white... the rest, as they say, is history
There is very little that Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro has not achieved in the world of football over his 15 full seasons as a professional footballer, and today, we celebrate his inaugural introduction to the world of football by ranking, on a scale of not-so-great to extremely-great:
#15. 2002/03Club: Sporting CPLeague goals (and per game): 3 (0.12) | European goals (and per game): 0 (0.0)Total goals (and per game): 5 (0.16)
Trophies won: NILIt's of course too much to expect a 17-year-old kid who played as a touchline-hugging right-winger to have any bigger an impact in his inaugural season as a senior footballer; what he did in that first season, though, was to attract interest from a number of big managers and clubs around the world. Including a certain Mr. Alex Ferguson and Manchester United
BREAKING NEWS :REAL MADRID VS BARCELONA CLASICO'S DATE HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED
Real Madrid vs Barcelona in the 2017/18 La Liga season will occur on the following dates:Santiago Bernabeu: 20th December: Real Madrid vs Barcelona - WHICH IS A WEDNESDAYCamp Nou: 6th May: Barcelona vs Real Madrid - which is thankfully a SundayThe last one just happens to be on the 36th of 38 match days in La Liga:
There is though a twist that's waiting to spring oodles of controversy on all of us:
As I understand it if Real Madrid do reach the Club World Cup Final, and there's no reason to believe they wont, then the match will be moved a day - to Thursday, the 21st
Last season, of course, featured one of the greatest Clasico of all-time; a match that had everything - a Sergio Ramos red card, a controversial refereeing decision involving Cristiano Ronaldo, 5 fantastic goals, and some superb Lionel Messi magic as Barcelona stepped up the pressure on Los Blancos. Zinedine Zidane's men, of course, held their nerve to take advantage of the game in hand to coast home to victory in the league. The first match, meanwhile, was more or less dominated by Barcelona, but Luis Suarez's goal was cancelled out by one of those trademark late flying headers from the inimitable Sergio Ramos. It remains to be seen, of course, how well Ernesto Valverde does as coach of Barcelona; and the mentality of the Catalans as they approach what is assuredly the most important match on either of the team's calendars
BREAKING NEWS :AS MONACO YOUNG STAR MOVE TO BARCELONA
Arsenal are linked with a transfer move for Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, according to the latest reports from Daily Star.Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is getting wary of Sanchez's delay in committing his future with Arsenal and fears that Manchester City may already have won the battle to sign him this summer.Olivier Giroud also has his heart set on a move to Everton which could leave Arsenal short on their forward options for the upcoming season.Benzema could be sold by Real Madrid this summer in order to accommodate Cristiano Ronaldo as the central striker with Kylian Mbappe operating from the left wing.
According to Daily Star, Arsenal will need to spend over €40 million to stand a chance of signing Benzema. At present, there is no other club in the race to sign the French striker.Bale agrees a move in principle to Man United
The annual Bale to United news has made the headlines AGAIN
Gareth Bale has said yes to Manchester United in a reported €90million deal and will sign for the Red Devils next season if they maintain their Champions League status.Express claims to have an exclusive from the Spanish club with Bale increasingly wanting to return to Premier League. Ever since his move to Bernabeu, Manchester United have shown an interest in the Welshman and are willing to break the bank for his arrival.Despite getting linked this summer, Bale has made it clear that he will not be returning to England right now but the move is only inevitable with Ryan Giggs expected to play some part in convincing Bale to join United over the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City.
SHOCKED NEWS :BARCELONA PLOT HUGE MONEY ON REAL MADRID TOP TARGET
With Neymar reportedly set for a move to Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona have started hunting for replacements. The Catalan side are ready to use the Neymar money to get all the players Ernesto Valverde demands.
According to the Daily Mail, Barcelona have set sights on signing Kylian Mbappe from AS Monaco this summer and are plotting a £100 million (€113 million) bid for him. The Frenchman is the top target for title-rivals, Real Madrid but Valverde is confident that he can convince him for a move to Camp Nou.In case you didn’t know...Kylian Mbappe is a Real Madrid fan from childhood. The forward has been snapped wearing a Madrid jersey and also posing for photos with his 'idol', Cristiano Ronaldo.He was also close to joining Madrid and met Zidane, but Monaco made a late swoop and signed him up. The AS Monaco star also confirmed the meeting and said he didn't join Real Madrid because he wanted to stay in France and didn't want to leave so early. He goes on to say that he chose to move to Monaco, and believes that he made the right choice.”
Barcelona calling?
The heart of the matterParis Saint-Germain are set to activate the release €222 million worth clause of Neymar in the coming days. The Brazilian has also decided that he wants to join the Ligue 1 side according to reliable reports in Brazil and the move looks set to happen.Barcelona now face a tough task of replacing the forward and have set sight on Mbappe. The Monaco star had a stellar season with the French side, guiding them to the Ligue 1 title and also making it to the semi-finals of the Champions League before losing out to Juventus.The 18-year-old finished the season with 26 goals and 8 assists in his 44 appearances for Monaco. That caught the eye of several top clubs around Europe.Real Madrid and Manchester City were the ones to open the bidding with both clubs having bids of over €100 million rejected. Arsenal and PSG also showed interest but Monaco rejected their bids as well.
Few reports suggested that Manchester United also had a bid rejected for him while Liverpool were also linked with a stunning move for him.VideoAuthor’s TakeKylian Mbappe is the hottest prospect in world football right now. He is touted to be one of the best in the world soon and it's no surprise that Barcelona, along with other top clubs, are interested in signing him.
WHY DAVID LUIZ CLAIM TO BE THE NEW BLUE'S CAPTAIN
Chelsea defender David Luiz has staked his claim to be the club's new captain following John Terry's departure last month, declaring that he 'loves the responsibility' after leading the team in the recent behind-closed-doors friendly against Fulham last weekend.
Gary Cahill served as vice-captain to Terry last season and wore the armband in most games as a result of the veteran skipper rarely playing.
For now, Luiz is expecting Cahill to retain the role, although the Brazilian will still aim to be a leader himself as one of the senior and most experienced players in the squad.
"I think it continues to be Gary, why not? But it's not about the armband, it's about your leadership every day and your discipline and the way you try to help the team," Luiz told the Daily Mail.
"I already had the armband here and I always try to be a leader and try to help. I love the responsibility. I was the youngest captain in Benfica's history, so I have always taken responsibility.
"When you play for big clubs you always have responsibility. This will just carry on."
Despite Terry's exit to Aston Villa and Kurt Zouma's impending loan to Stoke, competition for centre-back places will still be strong at Stamford Bridge this season.
Last season's premier back-three of Cahill, Luiz and Cesar Azpilicueta have been joined by £34m signing Antonio Rudiger from Roma, with one of the four set to miss out each game.
"We need to build a strong squad and a strong team. We need to do better than last season if we want to win again the Premier League and do well in Europe in the Champions League," Luiz said.
"Everybody will want to beat our team and we need to improve ourselves to be better than last season."
THE FIVE MAJOR REASONS WHY CHELSEA FANS SHOULD BE HAPPY ABOUT MORATA
He was Antonio Conte’s preferred target
That’s according to Guillem Balague. The Spaniard was reportedly the Italian’s first choice as he had doubts over Romelu Lukaku’s work rate and ability to press. The club opted to prioritise the now Manchester United striker but turned to Morata as soon as they missed out.
His goal to minute ratio was the best in the Real Madrid squad
Morata scored a goal every 89 minutes for the La Liga and Champions League winners with a superb ratio. That may have been affected by the fact that Zinedine Zidane rarely put his trust in the striker to start games, but he was a devastating impact substitute and always impressed when given the opportunity to start.
His conversion rate was far higher than Diego Costa’s
27% of Morata’s shots found the back of the net, compared to just 18% of Diego Costa’s. With Costa on his way out, Chelsea will need at least a like for like replacement and it seems that in Morata, they’ve secured an upgrade. With more pace and fewer disciplinary concerns, it could be money well spent.
At 24 years of age, Morata will only get better
Every season has shown signs of improvement for Morata. Despite moving to Juventus from Madrid and then back again, with very little stability or security, he has continued his development with last season showing him to be the complete striker when Zinedine Zidane gave him the opportunity to impress.
He has wanted to work with Antonio Conte for a long time
Signed by Conte for Juventus only for the Chelsea boss to leave Turin to take on the job of the Italian national team before even giving Morata his debut, the pair have nearly linked before. Only in April, Morata told the Guardian:
“I remember talking to my dad then and him saying: ‘This guy’s going to win the league there [at Chelsea]’… Conte is the manager who most ‘bet’ on me, without even ever having had me in his team…”
“I feel indebted to him because he’s the coach that most trusted in me, most wanted me, who made me feel I could perform at the highest level. And yet I’ve never had the fortune to actually work with him. I’m sure sooner or later I will.”
Now he finally has that chance to excel under the Italian.
Thursday, 20 July 2017
BREAKING NEWS CHELSEA READY TO SELL THIS STAR PLAYER
Diego Costa's falling-out with Antonio Conte has become stale stock these days. And according to Daily Star, to absolutely no one's surprise, Chelsea are ready to sell the Spaniard for £44m.
With Costa going public about wanting a move to his former team Atletico Madrid and muttering a prayer for Conte, the transfer saga is proving to be an explosive episode in Conte's Chelsea tenure.In case you didn't know..."Conte sent me a message saying he does not count on me for next season, so I’ll have to find a way out." Costa has handed three very unceremoniously timed transfer requests in his three years at Stamford Bridge. He has had run ins with Mourinho and Conte and is no stranger to adverse punitive sanctions which has even seen him warm the bench on a couple of occasions. It is fair to say that the Spaniard is not one to be tamed.With Alvaro Morata set to undergo his medical at Chelsea today ahead of a big money move from Real Madrid, Chelsea have already found their replacement for Costa.
The heart of the matterAtletico Madrid have been handed a transfer ban and while this has worked in their favour in the Greizmann situation, there really is no question of it being a bane when it comes to their interest in Costa. The 28-year-old, who was seen partying in Brazil wearing an Atletico Madrid shirt, has expressed in no ambiguous terms what his preferred destination is.But with the gates at Wanda Metropolitan remaining closed until January, Costa is in a fix. Barring the temperament issues, the Spaniard is still a lethal hitman. He mustered 20 goals and laid out seven assists in 35 Premier League appearances, propelling Chelsea to the Premier League crown. In all competitions, the Spanish international scored 22 goals for the Stamford Bridge outfit last season.Also read: Reports: Manchester United to battle Chelsea for Premier League starIt is, therefore, unequivocally certain that Chelsea are going to want Costa's potential suitor to back off if they're not willing to hit the bank and pay big money since he has two years left on his contract.
Video
Author's takeCosta can do Chelsea's team morale no good. Conte doesn't want him at Chelsea who have already gone on to break the bank to sign Morata as his replacement. The intentions of the parties are clear but with Atletico Madrid's transfer ban proving to be a stumbling block, Chelsea and Costa could find themselves in a pickle if nobody swoops in to sign the disgruntled Spaniard. But that doesn't mean the Blues should lower their asking price as Costa still has a lot to offer.
BREAKING NEWS :ALVARO MORATA WILL LIKE TO WEAR THE SHIRT NUMBER 9
Alvaro Morata is set to take the number nine shirt at Chelsea, according to the Express.
A Spanish striker, arriving with high expectations, in a mega-money deal – what could possibly go wrong?
Now don’t get me wrong, Chelsea have had some fantastic number nines in the past, from Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to Peter Osgood to Gianluca Vialli – but we have also had some shockers.
Here’s five of Chelsea’s past number nines that Morata will be looking to outperform at Stamford Bridge. In all honesty, it won’t be difficult.
Mateja Kezman
Kezman had scored 78 goals his previous two campaigns before joining Chelsea in 2004. However, after just seven goals in 41 appearances in his debut season with the Blues, he was sold to Atletico Madrid.
Khalid Boulahrouz
Boulahrouz wearing the number nine shirt for Chelsea was wrong on so many levels. Not only was he a defender, he was also an awful one. He played just 13 times in the Premier League, which was probably for the best, as the Chelsea faithful did not have to suffer through anymore of his terrible performances.
Steve Sidwell
Sidwell was the dictionary definition of ordinary. He was also a midfielder. What is it with non-strikers thinking they’re allowed to wear the number nine shirt? It’s a cardinal sin. Sidwell was another who only lasted one year as a Chelsea player.
Fernando Torres
Goals in Barcelona and Amsterdam saw Torres etch his name into the Chelsea hall of fame, but he still has to be considered one of the biggest flops in the club’s history. Once one of the best strikers in the world, we inherited a toothless centre-forward, sapped of every modicum of confidence.
Radamel Falcao
The dreadful season Falcao endured as a Manchester United player the season prior did not deter Chelsea from signing him and appointing him our new number nine. What a big mistake that was. After making 12 appearances, and scoring one goal, Falcao returned to Monaco. Of course, he scored 30 goals for them last term.
Good luck, Alvaro!
WATCH MORATA ARRIVED IN LONDON FOR MEDICALS
CHELSEA PLAYERS WHO MISSED TRAINING TODAY
Blues training in Beijing but Antonio Rudiger, Eden Hazard and Tiemoure Bakayoko were absent ahead of friend match. This is according to The Sun.
Antonio Conte missing several stars as defending Champions are put through first session.
On July, 22nd Chelsea will face Premier League rivals Arsenal in Beijing Iconic Bird's Nest Stadium but Willy Caballero was the only one of the Chelsea's new signing in Beijing.
Alvaro Morata could jet out to join the tour after saying an emotional farewell to his Real Madrid teammates ahead of £68m switch to Chelsea.
Bakayoko is out with knee injury and Antonio Rudiger has been given extra week off after winning the confederation cup with Germany.
Chelsea superstar Eden Hazard has been left in London with Bakayoko to recover after fracturing his ankle in national team.
Diego Costa has been excused as he bids to join Atletico Madrid.
BREAKING NEWS :ALVARO MORATA TO SINGAPORE
New Chelsea signing Alvaro Morata will join the first team squad in Singapore.
The Spanish striker arrived this morning at Heatrow: he’s is going to finalize his move to the West London club in the next hours, after a medical and the signing of all the papers.
It’s too late to get him a visa for China, where Chelsea are training in these days ahead of Arsenal friendly clash in Bejing next Saturday, so he will travel to Singapore in the weekend, where he will find Antonio Conte and his new team-mates to welcome him in the beginning of this new professional adventure.
MANCHESTER DERBY TO MEET AGAIN WITH THEIR NEW SIGNING
Manchester United and Manchester City will lock horns in the early hours tomorrow in the NRG Stadium in Houston as part of the ICC 2017, hoping to launch serious title assaults next season after disappointing domestic campaigns last time out.
Overview
For all the column inches and air time dedicated to the renewal of Jose Mourinho’s rivalry with Pep Guardiola in Manchester after a toxic battle for supremacy in Spain with Real Madrid and Barcelona, the anticipated fireworks never materialised as the two biggest names in management found themselves unable to keep up with the frenetic pace set by Antonio Conte’s champions Chelsea.
United’s sixth place finish was rendered far less damaging than it might have been after Mourinho followed up League Cup success by winning the Europa League and, with it, secured Champions League qualification, which was the only crumb of comfort for Guardiola during an eye-opening first season in English football.
The margin for error has certainly reduced and Vincent Kompany spelt that out in the bluntest of terms on Wednesday when he claimed that there was an obligation among the Premier League’s free-spending elite to win the championship, nowhere more so than at City and United.
“It’s hard to say who are going to be favourites,” the City captain said. “In my opinion, more teams than ever can – not just can, but have to – claim that they want to be Premier League champions. The distinction is important. They have to. Because everybody is investing heavily at the moment.”
New signings
United have committed up to £121 million to sign Romelu Lukaku and Victor Lindelof but have encountered frustration in their pursuit of Inter Milan winger, Ivan Perisic, as well as their primary midfield targets, including Eric Dier and Nemanja Matic, to the point where Mourinho expressed fears on Wednesday of making only one more addition before the August 31 deadline. Indeed, Ed Woodward, United’s executive vice-chairman, is now not certain to attend the derby in Houston as he tries to get deals over the line.
City have had their own frustrations but they are firmly on course to be the summer’s biggest spenders with an outlay that could surpass the £300 million mark if they land the remaining four targets they are chasing. Guardiola hopes to beat Chelsea to the signing of Danilo after offering Real Madrid £26.5 million for the Brazil right back, whom City switched their attention to after Dani Alves snubbed them to join Paris St-Germain last week.
It would take City’s expenditure on right backs alone to close to £80 million after the purchase of Kyle Walker from Spurs and Guardiola remains hopeful of also adding Arsenal’s £60 million rated Chile forward, Alexis Sanchez, and France left back Benjamin Mendy, who could arrive from Monaco this week for close to £50 million, to his squad.
A second left back and a centre-half remain options, too, and although Guardiola ruled out bringing in another goalkeeper on Wednesday, City have been in talks with Napoli about former Liverpool No. 1 Pepe Reina. City have already spent in excess of £140 million on Ederson Moraes, Bernardo Silva, Walker and Brazilian teenager Douglas Luiz. Despite the business they still have to do, though, Guardiola has implored Fifa and Uefa to re-structure the transfer window so it closes before the start of domestic seasons.
“Unfortunately the market finishes on August 31,” the City manager said. “I think it’s a huge mistake from Uefa. It should finish when the season starts because it’s too long, too large, and we are playing with guys here who are maybe not continuing and players who are not here so hopefully in the future Uefa can think about that and put a deadline on the last day when we start the competition.”
Analysis
The two teams have played 174 matches in all competitions, United winning 72, City 50, and the remaining 52 having been drawn.
United have claimed a small victory in the wider war with their local rivals after
FERNANDO TORRES CONVINCED ME TO SIGN FOR CHELSEA
Fernando Torres has offered to help Alvaro Morata any help he requires as the Real Madrid attacker lands in London to complete his £58 million deal.
If there’s any help Torres will give Morata, it certainly isn’t how to score in a Chelsea shirt.
The former Liverpool forward failed to meet his price tag of £50 million, becoming the Blues most expensive buy in history, when he moved from the Merseyside.
With Morata’s move edging closer, when he landed at the Heathrow airport on Thursday morning, the striker granted his an interview to Spanish newspaper AS.
I have spoken with Fernando, who has told me he’ll give me a hand with whatever I need.
I have been training hard for whatever outcome, but I was clear that this was my objective. It’s sad to leave Real Madrid, but I hope that everything will go well for me at Chelsea.
Alvaro Morata, AS
Chelsea will dish out an initial £58 million for Morata, a fee that could increase to £70.6million. The transfer will smash the previous record fee Chelsea have paid for a player, £50 million for Torres in 2011.
CHELSEA MIDFIELDER :SAID WE HAVE TO WIN ALL TROPHIES IN NEXT SEASON
Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante had a good debut season with Chelsea as he helped the Blues win the Premier League title. He was also voted the PFA Player of the Year.
Ahead of the new season, Kante insists Chelsea would fight to win every title.
“Football is like this: after every game you have to do better in the next and the season is the same,” Kante said as quoted by Evening Standard.
“After last season we have to start in the same way and try to do better.
“We are looking to do a better season together and we know at a club like Chelsea a good season means to win titles. So we will try to win some titles. Win, win, win. We will fight for everything.
“We will fight against good teams. So it is going to be difficult. But we will try to win everything we play in.”
THE REASONS WHY I JOINED CHELSEA :MORATA
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has Cesar Azpilicueta to thank for Alvaro Morata's imminent arrival from Real Madrid.
The Blues announced on Wednesday evening that they have agreed a fee with the La Liga giants for the Spain international.
And his switch looks a formality with personal terms expected to be agreed and a medical to be passed today.
Morata will then link up with Chelsea on their pre-season tour of China and Singapore, where he'll be hoping to get off to a flyer.
The 24-year-old has opened up on his impending move, suggesting Azpilicueta convinced him a Stamford Bridge switch was the right thing to do.
Asked if he'd spoken to Chelsea's Spanish players, Morata told AS: "Yes, I have spoken with Azpilicueta.
"And also with Fernando Torres, who has told me he’ll give me a hand with whatever I need."
MORATA ARRIVED IN LONDON TO FINALIZED HIS DEAL WITH CHELSEA FC
Chelsea and Real Madrid have today agreed terms for the transfer of 24 year old Spanish striker Alvaro Morata. He is now required to agree the personal terms following a medical.
He had this to say according to MARCA: “I’m very happy. God willing, tomorrow I’ll be at Chelsea. A club that’s always wanted me. I already talked to Conte.”
He also had this to say about Antonio Conte: “Conte is the manager who most ‘bet’ on me, without even ever having had me in his team. I am very conscious of that: he bet on me for Juventus, but left before I arrived; then he wanted me at Chelsea. Conte knows me better than I could imagine, I am sure, and that is important: it motivates you to work hard, train well. I feel indebted to him because he is the coach that most trusted in me, most wanted me.”
Morata has also said his goodbyes to his so to be former Real Madrid team-mates today.
Wednesday, 19 July 2017
AM SOO EXCITED THAT TOMORROW AM GOING TO BE A CHELSEA PLAYER :MORATA
Today at 01:45 pm - Morata said he isn't "disappointed about anything" and confirmed that, if all goes to plan, he'll be a Chelsea player tomorrow...
BREAKING NEWS MORATA ON HIS WAY TO CHELSEA FOR HIS MEDICALS
Spanish newspaper Marca are reporting on Wednesday afternoon that Chelsea and Real Madrid have reached an agreement for the transfer of Alvaro Morata. It’s explained that a deal has been agreed in the region of €80m, which has been enough to please Real Madrid. Morata is being allowed to leave despite the club having a role for him, the Spanish international wants more prominence and feels he’ll get it elsewhere.
Morata has proven his worth in both La Liga and Serie A. In La Liga, during two spells at Real Madrid, the 24-year-old has made 63 appearances, scoring 25 times and assisting six. He has also made 63 appearances in Serie A for Juventus in-between his two spells at Real Madrid, he scored 15 and assisted 13 for the Italian giants.
Overall in Morata’s career, he has scored 70 and assisted 36 in 206 appearances which is a very good return, so there is no surprise that Chelsea are spending big money on him.
Morata is eager to finally work under Conte having been signed by the Italian at Juventus just before he went off to manage Italy, never getting the chance to play under him.
Chelsea had also been working on a deal for fellow Real player Danilo, but their hopes have been dashed by Manchester City who have agreed a deal for the Brazilian.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)