Catch all the latest Chelsea news and transfer gossip, including updates on Mateo Kovacic, Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount
Mount ‘disgrace’
Todd Boehly has been told that it would be a ‘disgrace’ if Chelsea were to sell Mason Mount. The 24-year-old midfielder faces an increasingly uncertain future at Stamford Bridge, with his contract set to expire in 12 months.
Speaking on the The Sports Bar, former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara said: “That for me is a disgrace, because what they’re doing is downgrading Mason Mount, who’s a top player, a home-grown player who has been at the club since [six] years of age and loves the football club.
“Because this Boehly’s come in and spent £600 million on bang average players, they’ve now got to balance the books and you’re downgrading for Mudryk, who has cost you £70million and has been garbage. That, for me just shows how he’s not meant to run a football club.”
Bayern Munich want to sign Chelsea target Kolo Muani (Image: Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
The summer transfer window is yet to officially open but Chelsea are already making moves!
Mauricio Pochettino has identified Manuel Ugarte as a priority signing as looks to sign a new central midfielder, goalkeeper and striker ahead of next season. Manchester City have opened talks to sign Mateo Kovacic with the 29-year-old entering the final 12 months of his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could secure a move away from the Blues after Galatasaray contacted the club over a potential move for the 33-year-old striker. Mason Mount continues to be linked with a move away from his boyhood club with Manchester United now leading the race for the England international’s signature, football.london understands.
Liverpool have done a lot of groundwork as they pursue a deal to sign Mount with Jurgen Klopp a keen admirer of the 24-year-old. Recent reports have stated Chelsea have now entered the race for Celta Vigo star Gabri Veiga – with the Spaniard having already been linked with a move to London rivals Arsenal.
So, with that said, football.london will be providing all the latest news and transfer gossip throughout the day…
Zakaria confirms exit
Denis Zakaria has confirmed that he is leaving Chelsea. The 26-year-old joined the Blues on loan from Juventus last summer, with an option-to-buy clause thought to be worth £26million.
The Swiss midfielder found opportunities limited in west London and suffered with a number of injuries. Zakaria featured just 13 times for the Blues across all competitions, averaging 55 minutes an appearance.
“It’s been a tough time but you guys always had my back,” he wrote on Instagram. “Thanks to everyone who’s been supporting me! Let’s focus on beautiful memories.”
Kolo Muani hijack
Bayern Munich head coach Thomas Tuchel wants to sign Randal Kolo Muani, a target of Chelsea.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the German champions are on the hunt for a new No.9 this summer and the France international could be the perfect fit.
“Kolo Muani, in the list too,” the Italian journalist said.
Pochettino ‘pressuring’ Ugarte move
New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly ‘pressuring’ Todd Boehly to sign Sporting CP Manuel Ugarte.
According to O Jogo, Pochettino is doing his best to ensure the deal goes through, despite the salary difference on offer compared to PSG.
Real Madrid Benzema replacement
Real Madrid are reportedly interested in Chelsea forward Kai Havertz.
The German has struggled at Stamford Bridge this season and has often been made the scapegoat in the Blues’ misfortune in attack.
According to GOAL, Madrid are planning a move for Havertz to replace Karim Benzema – who is set to seal a mega money offer from Saudi Arabia.
Kai Havertz of Chelsea FC warms up during the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal (Image: Mateo Villalba)
Boehly net worth rockets…
Todd Boehly’s net worth has continued to rise despite the struggles of Chelsea on and off the pitch in the past 12 months. The American owner has now passed one year in charge of the Blues alongside Clearlake Capital and Hansjorg Wyss.
Since taking over Chelsea his net worth has jumped massively from £4.90bn ($6.09bn) to £5.19bn ($6.45b), a rise of £290m ($360m) with that going up £436 ($542m) one year on, according to financial index Bloomberg.
Boehly and Clearlake Capital, headed by Jose Feliciano and Behdad Eghbali, purchased Chelsea in May 2022 for over £4.25bn ($5.28bn) in the biggest takeover of a football club in history. It came after Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Kovacic to Man City…
According to Fabrizio Romano, positive discussions have taken place with player’s camp in the last few days over personal terms. The transfer guru added that Chelsea are open to selling Kovacic as part of their midfield revolution with talks set to continue soon.
The news comes after incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino had identified Sporting CP star Manuel Ugarte as a key target this summer. The Blues are currently pursuing a £52million deal to sign the 22-year-old but have hit a stumbling block over wages – with Paris Saint-Germain rivaling the west London outfit for his signing and offering significantly higher wages.
Read more here.
Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid (Image: Marc Atkins)
Lukaku or Haaland?
Mauricio Pochettino has been told how he can transform Romelu Lukaku into Chelsea’s very own Erling Haaland. The 29-year-old striker will return from his season-long loan at Inter Milan this summer and, despite having left on sour terms, he’s expected to be given a second chance in west London.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Roberto Martinez said: “I don’t think he’s ever been rated in the UK in the way he’s rated away from it. You have to play to his strengths.
“I think it’s a fair point to make that the No 9 is the player who relies more on the other ten players, and it’s a good example with what we’ve seen from Erling Haaland this season at Man City – and he is clearly one of the finest goalscorers the game has ever had.
“It’s about style, it’s about the partnership, who is going to be the last man who is giving you the ball. It’s about that understanding from the other players of what your No 9 can do.”
Soucre: football.london
