CHELSEA are closing in on their third major signing of the summer with Jules Kounde set to reportedly be announced TODAY.
A deal is said to have been agreed, both with Sevilla and the France international, who is set to earn £106,000 per week at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are also said to be interest in Allan Saint-Maximin from Newcastle.
- 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)
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Stay up to date with all the latest from Stamford Bridge in our live blog…
- Alex Cole
Chelsea go Universal
The Italy midfielder Jorginho posted a series of photos of the famous Universal globe, a dinosaur from Jurassic Park and the Hogwarts castle as well as videos from around the grounds.
He also shared snaps of himself with a bunch of his Chelsea team-mates including Conor Gallagher, Ethan Ampadu, Mateo Kovacic, Cesar Azpilicueta and Teddy Sharman-Lowe.
The Blues are in Orlando because they face Arsenal in their final match in the States at the Camping World Stadium this weekend.
- Alex Cole
Orlando Magic
Chelsea stars enjoyed a day off from pre-season to head to Universal Studios and Hogwarts Castle.
The Blues have been in America for their tour this summer.
But they were spared a day off by boss Thomas Tuchel to go and make the most of the rollercoasters and other attractions on offer at the iconic Orlando theme park.
Jorginho took to Instagram to give his 3.2million followers a sneak peek at the trip.
- Alex Cole
Sterling settles in quickly
Raheem Sterling has no worries about taking time to fit in at Chelsea due to his connection with the club’s English players.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Sterling explained: “I know a few of the boys from the national team, Mase [Mason Mount], Chilly [Ben Chilwell], to name a few.
“I’ve got a good connection with Callum [Hudson-Odoi] already.”
- Alex Cole
Loftus-Cheek fancied by Sarri
Meanwhile, the Lazio boss is keen to bring Loftus-Cheek to Italy, according to the English midfielder's agent, Jonathan Barnett.
Earlier this week, Barnett claimed: "Lazio have not spoken to Chelsea as far as I’m aware.
"But Maurizio Sarri is a fan of Ruben and he likes Serie A. Let’s see what happens."
Loftus-Cheek is rumoured to have been identified as a possible replacement for Serbian star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who is finally expected to quit Lazio.
The Italian giants were also keen on the ten-cap England star last summer after Sarri was appointed as manager.
Loftus-Cheek enjoyed the most prolific season of his career under Sarri during their only year together in 2018-19.
He chipped in with ten goals and five assists in 40 matches in all competitions as he helped the Blues win the Europa League.
- Alex Cole
Sarri wants Emerson at Lazio
Reports claim the Italian chief wants Emerson – who spent last season on loan at Lyon – to be his new left-back.
Sarri has opened talks with the Blues – who are desperate to offload a huge chunk of deadwood in the squad – over a season-long loan deal.
Brazil-born Italy international Emerson played 36 times on loan at Lyon last year as the French giants struggled – eventually limping home in eighth in Ligue 1.
Despite joining Chelsea from Roma five years ago, Emerson has played just 33 times in the Premier League, stuck behind Marcos Alonso and Ben Chilwell in the pecking order.
- Alex Cole
Sarri plotting raid
Maurizio Sarri is plotting an audacious double-raid of old club Chelsea this summer, according to reports.
The Lazio boss is keen to sign both Emerson Palmieri and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to bolster his squad.
The Rome giants finished just outside of the Champions League places last term, coming in fifth just six points adrift of Juventus.
And Sarri has got his eye on a pair of Chelsea fringe players to plug two gaping holes in his team, say reports.
- Alex Cole
Kounde expected to ‘complete transfer today’
Chelsea could finalise Jules Kounde’s transfer from Sevilla today, according to reports.
The Blues have been in advanced negotiations with the defender and Sevilla.
And despite the move nearly being hijacked by Barcelona, the Blues have withstood the pressure from Spain.
Kounde could now be unveiled by the Blues this afternoon in a £55m deal, The Times reported.
- Alex Cole
You’re out of here
Arsenal transfer target Youri Tielemans will sit down with Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers to discuss his future this week, according to reports.
The Belgium international, 25, has just one year left on his contract at the King Power Stadium.
Tielemans has consistently refused offers on new terms but has remained committed to playing for the Foxes.
He is attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle.
- Alex Cole
Chelsea eye Newcastle winger
Chelsea are taking a look at Newcastle ace Allan Saint-Maximin, reports claim.
The Blues have already signed Raheem Sterling, but wouldn’t mind adding Saint-Maximin to their ranks.
That’s according to The Athletic, who reported that the Blues have enquired about the 25-year-old’s availability.
But the Blues don’t want to pay the £40m asking price that Newcastle have slapped on Saint-Maximin, the report adds.
- Alex Cole
Champions League draw weeks away
Brace yourselves football fans as the Champions League group stage draw is just WEEKS away…
The group stage draw for the iconic tournament is set to take place on Thursday, August 25.
It is scheduled to get underway from 4pm UK time.
- Alex Cole
Kounde will sign for Chelsea, says Laporta
Jules Kounde will sign for Chelsea, claims Barcelona president Joan Laporta.
The Blues have agreed a £55million deal with Sevilla for the Frenchman, although Barca would like to hijack it.
Chelsea’s move for Kounde is at an advanced stage, with personal terms agreed on a five-year deal.
Speaking to a Barca fan, Laporta appeared to admit defeat in his pursuit of the 23-year-old.
In a clip shared by Relevo, asked about the Sevilla ace, Laporta appeared to say: “Kounde? No, he will sign for Chelsea.”
- Justin Lawrence
Mount's role in Sterling transfer
Mason Mount has revealed the role he played in persuading England team-mate Raheem Sterling to join Chelsea.
Mount said: "I spoke to him a little bit when we were away on international duty.
"He didn't have a clue what was going on. He just said there was interest there and I was obviously saying: "We'd love to have you at the club."
- Justin Lawrence
Lukaku's weight loss plan
Romelu Lukaku's weight loss plan has been revealed.
The Belgian striker's been ordered to undergo an intense training and eating regime by Inter Milan.
The Serie A giants want him to shed the extra pounds he gained at Stamford Bridge.
Ande here's a look at what he'll be eating over the ensuing months to get back in shape.
- Justin Lawrence
Chelsea starlet completes loan move
Chelsea have sent promising young talent Tino Anjorin on a season-long loan to Huddersfield Town.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder spent the second half of the last campaign with the Terriers.
Speaking after returning to Huddersfield, Anjorin told the club's YouTube channel: "I'm buzzing to be back, I'm really buzzing to be back.
"To be around the lads again and the staff and the family again, to reunite with everyone. It feels good."
He added: "I'm ready to go. Simple as that. All I've got to say is I'm ready."
- Justin Lawrence
Sterling and Neymar compared
PSG star Neymar is not good enough to replace Raheem Sterling at Man City.
That's according to Trevor Sinclair who made the claim after Sterling joined Chelsea.
Sinclair said on talkSPORT: "Neymar is too inconsistent! You get one good game out of four!”
"If you’re a manager you’d want Sterling over Neymar! Three games out of four Raheem is top drawer.
- Justin Lawrence
Lukaku intent on Inter stay
Romelu Lukaku is intent on staying at Inter Milan for longer than his one-year loan deal, reports claim.
Lukaku's said to be enjoying life so much at the San Siro that he doesn't want to return to Chelsea next summer.
And he's hoping that his good relationship with new Blues owner Todd Boehly can help a permanent switch go through smoothly, SempreInter reported.
- Justin Lawrence
Kounde to 'complete transfer today'
Chelsea could finalise Jules Kounde's transfer from Sevilla today, according to reports.
The Blues have been in advanced negotiations with the defender and Sevilla.
And despite the move nearly being hijacked by Barcelona, the Blues have withstood the pressure from Spain.
Kounde could now be unveiled by the Blues this afternoon in a £55m deal, The Times reported.
- Justin Lawrence
Lukaku on strict diet
Romelu Lukaku has been put on a strict personal diet by Inter Milan to shed the pounds he piled on at Chelsea.
Lukaku weighed 15st 9lbs before moving to Chelsea from Inter last summer.
But he's returned to Italy heavier than before he left.
And Inter are intent on reversing the process, which is why they've put him on a strict diet and exercise regime, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
- Justin Lawrence
Chelsea eye Newcastle winger
Chelsea are taking a look at Newcastle ace Allan Saint-Maximin, reports claim.
The Blues have already signed Raheem Sterling, but wouldn't mind adding Saint-Maximin to their ranks.
That's according to The Athletic, who reported that the Blues have enquired about the 25-year-old's availability.
But the Blues don't want to pay the £40m asking price that Newcastle have slapped on Saint-Maximin, the report adds.
- Justin Lawrence
Sterling crushes Tuchel at ping pong
This is the hilarious moment Thomas Tuchel is destroyed by new Chelsea signing Raheem Sterling at table tennis.
That’s after the ace warned his new boss that he’s UNBEATABLE at the game.
The four-time Premier League winner became king of the ping pong table during Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the USA.
And Sterling proved a point to new boss Tuchel ahead of his debut in Thursday’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Charlotte FC.
- Justin Lawrence
Chelsea put meat on grill
Chelsea have thrown everything behind getting Jules Kounde to the club.
They're locked in a tense battle with Barcelona for the defender.
But the Blues have "put all the meat on the grill", as Sport have put it to sign the star.
That includes presenting him an offer worth €10m net per year, the report adds.
This puts Chelsea in the driving seat as Barca cannot afford to do the same, it was added.
- Justin Lawrence
Barca chief admits Kounde defeat
Jules Kounde will sign for Chelsea, claims Barcelona president Joan Laporta.
The Blues have agreed a £55million deal with Sevilla for the Frenchman, although Barca would like to hijack it.
Chelsea's move for Kounde is at an advanced stage, with personal terms agreed on a five-year deal.
Speaking to a Barca fan, Laporta appeared to admit defeat in his pursuit of the 23-year-old.
In a clip shared by Relevo, asked about the Sevilla ace, Laporta appeared to say: "Kounde? No, he will sign for Chelsea."
- Justin Lawrence
Sterling's English connection
Raheem Sterling has no worries about fitting in at Chelsea due to his connection with the club's English players.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Sterling explained: "I know a few of the boys from the national team, Mase (Mason Mount), Chilly (Ben Chilwell), to name a few.
“I’ve got a good connection with Callum (Hudson-Odoi) already.”
- Gary Stonehouse
Morning, Chelsea fans
Chelsea are "highly likely" to sign Jules Kounde for £55million – despite the centre-back's unexpected appearance at Sevilla training.
The Blues beat off PSG for the France star but still want at least one more defender.
And Bayern Munich's Benjamin Pavard is a newcomer to the list of candidates.
Chelsea and Manchester United could duel for the £30-million rated Frenchman.
But Stamford Bridge chief Thomas Tuchel is struggling to offload up to SIX fringe players.
Big names Timo Werner, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Hakim Ziyech would be the costliest to buy.
And finding takers – as much as wages – could be a problem with Ross Barkley, Michy Batshuayi and Kenedy.
Finally, Chelsea and Arsenal are said to have contacted Lazio about Serbia midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.
- Ian Tuckey
Kounde deal in doubt
EXCLUSIVE: Jules Kounde has thrown his £55 million move to Chelsea into doubt after turning up unannounced for Sevilla’s pre-season tour, writes ANDREW DILLON.
The defender was left behind while his transfer to the Premier League side was being finalised.
The two clubs have agreed a fee and the player has even settled on personal terms on a five year contract.
But France centre half Kounde has shocked everyone at his current club by showing up to catch the bus to Portugal.
Sevilla are heading to the southern city of Lagos as part of their preparations for the new La Liga campaign.
Kounde says he considers it ‘unprofessional’ to stay in Spain and train alone while he remains a Sevilla player.
Sevilla want a deal signed with Chelsea as quickly as possible and would prefer to see him move to England rather than to Spanish rivals Barcelona.
Chelsea have also come up with the money while Barcelona are trying to gather the cash together to finance a transfer.
Sevilla also want to source a replacement for Kounde as soon as possible.
A club insider said: “It is still highly likely he will join Chelsea. Everybody was stunned when Kounde turned up for the bus to Lagos.
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