Cesc Fabregas has warned that England’s decision to quit the European Union will “damage” the Premier League . The Spaniard moved to Arsenal as a 16-year-old from Barcelona thanks to an exemption in Fifa regulations that allows transfers to take place within the territory of the EU if the youngster is aged between 16 and 18. Clubs outside the EU are prohibited from signing overseas players under the age of 18, meaning the likes of Fabregas would not be able to move to England at such an early age. Fabregas is also considered a ‘homegrown’ … [Read more...]
Bilboa ready to bring Azpilicueta back to Spain
Cesar Azpilicueta’s future in London remains unclear, with PSG and Barcelona also interested in landing his services Antonio Conte holds the key to Cesar Azpilicueta’s fate for both club and country in the coming weeks as the defender’s future at Chelsea remains uncertain. On Monday, the incoming Blues coach will face off against Spain in the knock-out stage of Euro 2016, a game which could be his last in charge of Italy, but could also decide whether the full-back will start the new season at Stamford Bridge. Azpilicueta threatens to … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: Courtois admits Belgium got easier opponent in Hungary
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has acknowledged that his side have been fortunate to end up with what looks like a more comfortable path through the knockout stages of Euro 2016. Marc Wilmots' side will take on Hungary in the round of 16 on Sunday after their 1-0 win over Sweden on Wednesday ensured they finished as runners-up to Italy in Group E. Though the Chelsea keeper, 24, is not planning to underestimate Hungary, who finished ahead of Iceland, Portugal and Austria in Group F. "We have to admit that we have an 'easy' half of … [Read more...]
Nainggolan comfirms Chelsea talks
Radja Nainggolan insisted he was only focused on Belgium’s Euro 2016 campaign, but confessed that Chelsea was in negotiations with Roma over a transfer The Belgian midfielder is currently on international duty at Euro 2016, as the Red Devils prepare for a First Knockout Round clash against Hungary on Sunday, but admitted that his club side was in talks with Chelsea. Nainggolan is thought to be a key transfer target for incoming Blues coach Antonio Conte, with the Italian keen to restructure the midfield at Stamford Bridge. The player himself … [Read more...]
Conte eager to bring Juan Cuadrado back to Chelsea
Colombia international Juan Cuadrado will be returning to London shortly, after helping his side to the semi-finals of the Copa America Centenario, and is expected to remain with Chelsea. Juventus may not be able to hold on to loanee Juan Cuadrado this summer, as incoming coach Antonio Conte is anxious to retain the Colombian. The Italy coach will be taking over at Chelsea following the conclusion of the European Championship , and recalling Cuadrado is a top priority. Cuadrado first arrived in London in January of 2015 after completing … [Read more...]
Willian to sign new Chelsea contract despite Man United interest
Chelsea are reportedly set to offer Willian a bumper new four-year contract to fend off interest from Manchester United. New United boss Jose Mourinho is said to be keen to take the Brazil midfielder with him to Old Trafford but, sources say , Chelsea are refusing to consider allowing a prime asset to follow their former boss and have instead offered Willian a new deal. The 27-year-old still has two years remaining on the contract he signed upon moving to west London from Anzhi Makhachkala but with United reported to be willing to pay more … [Read more...]
Chelsea wants Morata as Costa seek Atletico return
Diego Costa will reportedly do whatever it takes to force a move back to Atletico Madrid as Chelsea look to cash in on Alvaro Morata. Incoming Blues boss Antonio Conte is intent on signing a new forward this summer, with Costa said to be desperate to return to the Vicente Calderon. AS carried a story claiming the Brazil-born Spaniard is considering no other option other than rejoining Diego Simeone, with the coach equally as keen to make the deal happen. The Spanish outlet says Costa no longer wants to live in London and is “constantly … [Read more...]
Conte not blaming players despite loss to Republic of Ireland
Antonio Conte said he had no cause for complaint after seeing his Italy side defeated 1-0 by Republic of Ireland in their final Group E match on Wednesday. Conte made eight changes from the side that beat Sweden as Italy were already confirmed as group winners going into the final game. Despite some good chances, including substitute Lorenzo Insigne hitting the post, they were beaten when Robbie Brady headed home a Wes Hoolahan cross on 85 minutes. The second-string Azzurri side did not come close to the standards set in Italy's group … [Read more...]
Chelsea submit bid for Napoli defender
Napoli‘s resolve in keeping hold of star defender Kalidou Koulibaly has been tested again by Chelsea, who have submitted a €25 million bid for the player. The Blues, who will be coached by current Italy boss Antonio Conte next season, are known to be keen on strengthening at the back and are big admirers of the Senegalese star. However, according sources, Chelsea’s €25m bid has already been rejected by the Partenopei as Maurizio Sarri’s side are holding out for a big transfer fee. Napoli want an offer closer to €40m if they are to sell … [Read more...]
Chelsea linked with Italian striker Simone Zaza
While Simone Zaza still remains under contract with the Old Lady until 2020, the striker doesn’t seem likely to remain as Massimiliano Allegri’s fourth choice much longer With a chance to shine as a starter in Italy ‘s clash with Ireland at Euro 2016 on Wednesday, Simone Zaza could gain added transfer interest with a strong performance. Despite proven lethality with far less minutes than his Bianconeri teammates during the 2015/16 campaign, the player still remains behind the likes of Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Alvaro Morata in the … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: Pedro unhappy with substitute role
Chelsea winger Pedro has cast doubt on his international future by claiming being asked to sit on the Spain bench at Euro 2016 is “not worth” his time. Coach Vicente Del Bosque has showed a preference for the likes of Nolito and David Silva on the flanks – something which has upset the Chelsea forward. “I had different expectations when I first came here,” he said in an interview with Movistar, quoted in Marca. “It is difficult for me to play this role (as a substitute), and if there is no continuity it is not worth me turning up just … [Read more...]
Giaccherini wants Chelsea move
Sunderland midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini would love to join Antonio Conte at Chelsea, according to his agent. Giaccherini joined the Black Cats from Juventus in 2013 for £6.5million, but he struggled at the Stadium of Light, and was sent on loan to Serie A side Bologna last season. The 31-year-old impressed in Italy and was selected by Conte in Italy's Euro 2016 squad., and now Giaccherini’s agent, Furio Valcareggi, has admitted the midfielder would love to join Conte, who he worked with at Juve, at Stamford Bridge. "Giaccherini is a … [Read more...]
United and Chelsea do battle for Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci
After a storming start to Euro 2016, Juventus ‘ Italian defender Leonardo Bonucci has caught the attention of Premier League giants Manchester United. The Azzurri have kept two clean sheets in their opening Group E matches, with the 29-year-old even claiming an assist to continue an excellent double-winning season with the Old Lady. That form has seen Manchester United consider a bid for Bonucci, according to Daily Star, with a whopping €64 million being placed on the centre-back’s price tag by Juve. Having only just signed tied the … [Read more...]
Vicente Del Bosque key to Spain success- Fabregas
After an impressive victory against Turkey at Euro 2016 , Cesc Fabregas spoke at length about the influence of Spain coach Vicente del Bosque. Highlighting his coach’s importance, the Chelsea player focussed on the creativity with which Del Bosque allows his players to perform. “The coach transmits security and tranquillity,” the 29-year-old told reporters. “You always go out on the pitch knowing what you have to do – he gives us that freedom on the field and you feel free to play your game. “That’s very important at the moment … [Read more...]
Chelsea and United interested in Napoli star Marek Hamsik
Manchester United and Chelsea face a difficult task to sign Napoli Star Marek Hamsik, according to his agent. The 28-year-old Slovakia star, who has been one of the shining lights at Euro 2016 scoring a wonderful goal in the recent win over Russia, has come on to the radar of the Premier League duo, according to sources. Chelsea and United are reportedly keen on Hamsik, who played in every Serie A game last season, scoring six goals as the Naples club finished second to secure a place in the Champions League. However, the Premier League … [Read more...]
Conte likely to recall Cuadrado
New Chelsea coach Antonino Conte, could be prepared to give Juan Cuadrado another chance at Stamford Bridge and prise him away from Juventus . The Colombian midfielder played at Juventus last season, helping them to lift Serie A and the Coppa Italia, and the new Chelsea coach is believed to to be a fan of the winger. Since signing for Chelsea from Fiorentina in January 2015 for €32 million, the 24-year-old has only played 15 matches for the Blues and was loaned back to Italy with Juventus for the whole of last season. However, Conte … [Read more...]
Antonio Conte answers his critics
Following their two consecutive victories in France, Conte's men have now progressed to the round of 16, and the incoming Chelsea boss has called on fans to join celebrate him team's performance. After Italy secured their spot in the next round of the European Championship , Antonio Conte has revealed his delight in having surpassed the scepticism that had previously surrounded the squad. A dramatic 1-0 victory over Sweden on Friday means that the Azzurri will now advance to the Round of 16 after only just two Euro 2016 matches, and the … [Read more...]
Homesick Pedro admits missing Barcelona
Pedro Wants to return to Barcelona after holding preliminary talks with his former club After just a season at Stamford Bridge the 28-year-old has admitted that he would like a return to Catalonia and he has been talking to the Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu about a return to his hometown club. “Hopefully (I can return to Barcelona) but I know it’s hard,” Pedro told beIN Sports. “I have already spoken about it with the president when we [Barcelona] were in the [Cup] final (when Barcelona beat Sevilla 2-0 last month) and spoke to … [Read more...]
Spalletti insists Radja Nianggolan will stay at Roma
Luciano Spalletti insists midfielder Radja Nainggolan has told him he will stay at Roma despite being linked with a move away. Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan has promised to stay with the Serie A giants, according to coach Luciano Spalletti. The 28-year-old midfielder is reportedly a transfer target for Chelsea, but may yet be offered a new and improved deal by Roma. Spalletti has already seen Miralem Pjanic leave the club for league champions Juventus, and he is keen to keep the Belgium international. He said Nainggolan had told … [Read more...]
Liverpool and Chelsea interested in Moussa Sissoko
Chelsea and Liverpool are keeping a close eye on want-away Newcastle midfielder Moussa Sissoko despite recent interest from Arsenal. There were reports that the Frenchman was a possible target for Arsenal and speaking to FootMercato, the Magpies midfielder expressed his desire to play for the North London club . However according to French publication L’Equipe, Chelsea and Liverpool have now entered the race to sign the French international. Jurgen Klopp and Antonio Conte are both said to be keeping an eye on the 26-year-old’s situation … [Read more...]
Chelsea to play West Ham in the opening fixture of the league
Chelsea will renew their London rivalry with West Ham on the opening day of the season after being pitted against the Hammers at Stamford Bridge to kick-off Antonio Conte's reign as manager. The Blues then hit the road to take on Watford at Vicarage Road, with a testing run of fixtures firmly on the horizon through September and October that could give a big indication of how their season will unfold. Chelsea will face Liverpool, Leicester City and Manchester United at home along with Arsenal away in the space of five matches, with a trip … [Read more...]
Chelsea target Bonnuci as Juventus places a high price tag on the Italian
I taly defender Leonardo Bonucci is said to a prime target for incoming Chelsea coach Antonio Conte, but Juventus will be sure not to let their man go easily. Against Belgium, the 29-year-old put in a brave and tactically skilled performance, helping the Azzurri secure an efficient 2-0 win over the talented Red Devils on Monday evening. Following this impressive display, alarm bells are now ringing for the Old Lady, with Conte said to be interested in using his contacts at his old club to bring the defender to Stamford … [Read more...]
Chelsea and Bayern Munich in hot pursuit of Kalidou Koulibaly
After recently securing the signing of Borussia Dortmund’s Mats Hummels, Carlo Ancelotti now wants to add Kalidou Koulibaly to solidify his defence even further After an excellent second season at Napoli. Senegalese international Kalidou Koulibaly is now attracting interest from reigning German champions Bayern Munich , There has already been heavy speculation surrounding the future of the 24-year-old, and it now seems that Carlo Ancelotti’s side have joined the long list of teams who are keen on obtaining the in-demand … [Read more...]
Next Season’s Premier League Fixture List Has Been Released
The European Championship may be in full swing, but that doesn't mean we can't get excited about the announcement of the Premier League fixture list for the 2016-17 season. Here's a quick reaction to some of the more notable lines to come out of the fixture list... Arsenal have perhaps the toughest start to the campaign of the big clubs: they face Liverpool, Leicester and Chelsea in their first six fixtures; while Liverpool's away run begins Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea. But Hull's start is positively nightmarish: the Tigers will have to play … [Read more...]
Chelsea and Arsenal keen on Lyon defender Samuel Umtiti
Chelsea and Arsenal are interested in signing Lyon defender Samuel Umtiti, according to Mundo Deportivo. The Spanish news outlet acknowledges that Umtiti “has the priority to” move to La Liga giants Barcelona if a prospective transfer was to suit both parties, but they report that Chelsea have recently made an approach to the player’s agent. Chelsea want to lure the 22-year-old France international to Stamford Bridge but face stiff competition from Barca, who could decide to move for the £20million-rated centre-back rather than pursuing a … [Read more...]