Chelsea eye up £12m move for Dinamo Kiev winger Andriy Yarmolenko

Jose Mourinho is looking to continue doing business in the transfer market this summer as he eyes up a £12 million move for Dinamo Kiev’s thunderous winger Andriy Yarmolenko, according to the Daily Mail.

Mourinho snapped up former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas during the week for a fee in the region of £26.6 million and the Portuguese coach is planning a swoop for Ukraine’s highly-rated winger Andriy Yarmolenko.

Yarmolenko, who is 6ft 2ins, has been chased by a number of clubs in recent months and Liverpool have been one of those who have expressed an interest in the Ukraine star.

Liverpool were put off by the £20 million price-tag on Yarmolenko’s head, however,Dinamo Kiev have now lowered their asking price for the talented midfielder.

Like Yehven Konoplyanka, Yarmolenko is highly-rated in his come country and the pair have both been scouted by a number of clubs across Europe.

Mourinho is looking to add more goals to his side with his strikers letting him down last season. The likes of Fernando Torres, Demba Ba and Samuel Eto’o failed to produce the goods on a regular basis and that has led Mourinho to splash out the cash this summer to bring in reinforcements.

Article taken from: http://www.squawka.com/news/chelsea-eye-up-12m-move-for-dinamo-kiev-winger-andriy-yarmolenko/123916?

Chelsea target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang free to leave Borussia Dortmund

PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG could be set for a move to the Premier League with Chelsea and Newcastle leading the race to sign the unhappy Borussia Dortmund striker

The 24-year-old Gabon international signed for the German club from St Etienne last summer for an undisclosed fee despite interest from the Geordie club at the time. 

Reports in France indicate that Aubameyang has been told by Dortmund that he is free to leave after failing to consistently break into their starting XI despite scoring 13 times. 

Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski has agreed a free transfer to Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich but he has been replaced by Italian striker Ciro Immobile.

Aubameyang has a contract with the club until 2018 but there is a release clause of just over £6m which has re-ignited Alan Pardew's interest.

The Magpies are in desperate need of a striker after failing to permanently sign Loic Remy and Aubameyang fits the bill. 

Chelsea were told in May that he was not for sale as Jose Mourinho looks to beef up his attack following the paltry goal return from Fernando Torres, Demba Ba and Samuel Eto'o. 

CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke said at the time: "Why should he be leaving? He has just played here for one season.

"We did not believe he would be put up [in the team] from the start in every match for our club.

"We have an immense competition for places in the first team, this was impossible for him.

"We are content with Aubameyang, he has a contract left at our club."

However it appears that the club have changed their mind after signing Immobile and Mourinho is thought to be keen to add the versatile attacker to his squad having already agreed a deal to sign Diego Costa.

Article taken from: http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/482369/Chelsea-and-Newcastle-target-Pierre-Emerick-Aubameyang-free-to-leave-Borussia-Dortmund

Chelsea In Talks to Sign Another Former Arsenal Man: £10m Deal Discussed

Having completed the signing of former Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas it appears that Jose Mourinho is looking to bring in another former Arsenal man with the Metro claiming that Chelsea boss is ready to make a £10m bid for Cameroon international Alex Song.

The 26 year old is one of a host of player incoming Barcelona manager Luis Enrique is ready to offload and want £10m for the tough tackler.

Mourinho is ready to sell John Obi Mikel and sees Song as the man to challenge Serbian Nemanja Matic next season with Chelsea hopeful of signing the midfielder this summer.

Song enjoyed seven seasons at the Emirates Stadium before moving to Barcelona in August 2012 but has never been a first team regular, with Spanish international Sergio Busquets being the club’s regular defensive midfield starter.

Jose Mourinho may well look to make a number of summer signings but will no doubt look to balance the books with player sales in the same manner in which he operated in the January transfer window.

Chelsea have already banked almost £50m from the sale of David Luiz to PSG.

Article taken from: http://www.caughtoffside.com/2014/06/13/chelsea-in-talks-to-sign-another-former-arsenal-man-10m-deal-discussed/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=chelsea-in-talks-to-sign-another-former-arsenal-man-10m-deal-discussed

Chelsea have completed the signing of Filipe Luis, according to reports

Chelsea have just completed the signing of Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona, and many fans are anticipating the announcement of another signing soon. According to Fabrizio Romano, that signing might not be the first one you'd expect to be announced.

Luis would fill a clear void at Chelsea, as he'd walk into the starting lineup at left back despite how well Cesar Azpilicueta played there last season. The move would also allow Azpilicueta to challenge Branislav Ivanovic on the right, as well as allowing the Serbian to effectively fill the role of third-choice center back. That fills the void left by Ashley Cole's departure, as well as the center back responsibilities of David Luiz.

At 29-years old, Luis is probably not exactly great value for our money, but with a squad that's beginning to look as if it might be the best in Europe next season, it's fairly hard to complain too much if this report proves to be true. A midfielder would still be nice though.

Article Taken from: http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/chelsea-fc-transfer-rumours-news/2014/6/13/5807552/chelsea-fc-transfer-news-filipe-luis-atletico-madrid?

Chelsea boss Mourinho wants reunion with Real Madrid midfielder Khedira

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho wants to rekindle his relationship with Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira, as reports The Daily Star.

Khedira, who is currently in Brazil on duty with the Germany national team at the World Cup, moved to Real Madrid from Stuttgart following the 2010 World Cup and played under Mourinho in Real Madrid’s La Liga winning campaign.

Real Madrid are thought to be heavily interested in Ramires after he endured a below-par season for the Blues, with Carlo Ancelotti keen on being reunited with the man he brought to Stamford Bridge back in 2010, and los Blancos have attempted to include the two in a potential swap deal.

Ancelotti is keen to build on his squad in the summer as he looks to overthrow Atletico Madrid in La Primera and defend the Champions League trophy they claimed after defeating their city rivals in the final.

Ramires is thought to top his wishlist in terms of midfield options and an offer has been made to Chelsea in the hope of bringing him to Santiago Bernabeu, hoping that the offer of Khedira might sway Jose Mourinho’s decision, with the Blues’ boss a fan of the German from their time together at Real.

Chelsea however have dismissed that bid out of hand as they value the Brazilian midfielder higher than Khedira and Real will now decide as to whether to make an improved bid for Ramires or explore other avenues, with Marco Verratti of Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan midfielder Mateo Kovacic both believed to be alternative targets.

Everton's Bill Kenwright desperate to keep Romelu Lukaku and Gareth Barry at Goodison Park

The loanees played a pivotal role in the Toffees successful season which saw them narrowly miss out on Champions League football.

Lukaku, 21, scored 15 goals in 31 appearances for the Toffees last campaign and has become a fan favourite.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez, who signed a new three-year-deal at Goodison yesterday, is keen to retain the services of Lukaku.

But it looks increasingly likely that the Belgian international won't be playing his football in Liverpool next season as the striker has been heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid to replace the out-going Diego Costa.

Martinez's desire to keep Lukaku has been echoed by Kenwright, but the 68-year-old knows the club face an uphill struggle to keep the highly coveted striker.

He said: “Romelu was a great addition to Everton. I have to tell you, off the pitch as well as on, he is an extraordinary boy. As you know he speaks all those languages, he’s got a terrific family and he walks the walk as well as talking the talk.

“We would love to have him back and people at Chelsea are good friends of mine so we are hopeful. But he is at the World Cup now and I think we will have to see what happens at the World Cup.

Kenwright is also keen to keep Manchester City loanee Gareth Barry.

The ex-England international had an impressive spell at Goodison last season after being told City boss Manuel Pellegrini that he did not fit into his plans.

Kenwright said: “Gareth Barry had a great season for us and I know the manager has spoken to him and I will meet with his people and we are hopeful that he will be there next season.”

Article taken from: http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/383681/Everton-s-Bill-Kenwright-desperate-to-keep-Romelu-Lukaku-and-Gareth-Barry-at-Goodison-Park

Chelsea midfielder could be on his way to Valencia

Jon Obi-Mikel has become the latest Chelsea player to be linked with a move away from the club, as Valencia have made him a transfer target, reports the Daily Mail. The Nigerian international is one of Chelsea’s longest serving players currently, but his time at Stamford Bridge might be drawing to a close.

 The player made 36 appearances for Chelsea last season, although he was largely used as a second-half substitute by Jose Mourinho. The club have reportedly made the player available, and he has attracted interest from around Europe. Inter Milan have been monitoring his situation, but Valencia have emerged as forerunners to sign the midfielder, as they look to bolster their prospects in La Liga next year.

Mikel has been at the Blue’s for the past 8 seasons, and he has won many trophies there (including the Champion’s League in 2012). He now looks to be one of many of an old guard of players that will leave the club this summer. Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard have already announced their intentions to move elsewhere, although club captain, John Terry, has been offered a one year extension to his contract.

Mikel is still only 27 years old, and he would represent a good piece of business should another club capture him. He will play for Nigeria at this summer’s World Cup, where he is amongst the most capped players in the national set-up.

Article taken from: http://astralfootball.com/chelsea-midfielder-could-be-on-his-way-to-valencia/30470?

Cesc Fabregas joins Chelsea in a €33.5 million deal

Cesc Fabregas has joined Chelsea where he will be expected to become a cornerstone of Jose Mourinho’s reconstructed team next season.

The Spain midfielder, currently with his national side in Brazil, returns to the Premier League after Barcelona accepted an initial € 33.5 million offer from Stamford Bridge with €3.0 million in add-ons based on appearances.

Arsenal declined to exercise an option to buy back the former captain they sold to Barcelona three years ago but are due a sell-on fee which may end up being around €3 million.

Mourinho has moved quickly to fill the impending void left by Frank Lampard’s departure from Chelsea by giving the 27-year-old a five-year deal. Both men trust the transfer can help ensure there is no repeat of last season’s trophy-less campaign in west London.

By the end of his contract Fabregas intends to have completed “unfinished business” in the Premier League and will presumably hope to leave Arsène Wenger believing he made a big mistake in not welcoming him back to the Emirates.

Unfinished business

“I do feel I have unfinished business in the Premier League and now is the right time for me to return,” said Fabregas who spent eight years at Arsenal after coming through Barcelona’s youth system.

He hankered for a return to Spain but, despite collecting four winners’ medals in his first season and celebrating the first league title of his career the following year, things did not proceed as planned.

Although he scored 35 goals in 129 appearances, Fabregas struggled to hold down a regular place at a club in which Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets were regarded as the preferred central midfield combination. He was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United last summer.

Twelve months on, Wenger did not jump to re-engage him.

“Yes, everyone knows that Arsenal had the first option to sign me,” said Fabregas. “They decided not to take this option and therefore it wasn’t meant to be. I wish them well in the future.

“I considered all the other offers very carefully and I firmly believe that Chelsea is the best choice. They match my footballing ambitions with their hunger and desire to win trophies. They have an amazing squad of players and an incredible manager.”

Fabregas is likely to be joined at Chelsea by Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa.

Article taken from: http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/cesc-fabregas-joins-chelsea-in-a-33-5-million-deal-1.1830442

Jose Mourinho refuses to sell Petr Cech to Arsenal

Jose Mourinho has told Chelsea officials to make sure Petr Cech is not sold to Arsenal should he be forced to sell the goalkeeper,reports Spanish newspaper AS.

The Chelsea manager is currently in the process of trying to convince Thibaut Courtois to return to the club and compete with Cech for the number one spot. Courtois has spent three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid and isn't willing to return unless first team football is guaranteed.

It may, therefore, become impossible for Mourinho to bring back Courtois and also keep Cech at the club, meaning he may have to sell the 31-year-old after 10-years as Chelsea's first choice 'keeper.

Currently boasting a basic wage of £100,000-a-week, there are few clubs who would be able to afford signing Cech, and one of the only big clubs currently looking for a new goalkeeper are Chelsea's London rivals Arsenal.

The Gunners find themselves with just one recognised goalkeeper in their squad following the departure of Lukasz Fabianski and Emiliano Viviano. Although Wojciech Szczesny is thought of highly, Arsene Wenger is keen to provide Szczesny with some quality competition in an attempt to inspire the Pole to improve.

Cech would be perfect for such a role and Arsenal would be able to afford his wages as well as Chelsea's asking price should he become available. Wenger has been given £100m to spend of transfers and wages, making Cech's £100,000-a-week wage easy to absorb.

However, in a similar situation to that of Demba Ba, Mourinho will refuse to see one of Chelsea's players for a direct Premier League rival and has vetoed any suggestion of selling the Czech Republic international to the Gunners.

Mourinho cancelled a deal that would have seen Ba join Arsenal on loan at the last minute on transfer deadline day in September 2013 but Mourinho won't even consider talking to Arsenal regarding Cech.

It remains to be seen whether or not Cech will have any other takers apart from the Gunners. It may be possible that Mourinho's reluctance to sell Cech to Arsenal will cause Courtois to spend another season away from Stamford Bridge in La Liga as Cech being in the squad seems to be the only thing standing between Courtois and his Chelsea debut.

Article taken from: http://www.givemesport.com/473198-jose-mourinho-refuses-to-sell-petr-cech-to-arsenal?autoplay=on

Cesc Fabregas would prefer Chelsea move over Manchester United

Cesc Fabregas would prefer to join Chelsea over Manchester United in a choice between the two clubs, reports suggest.

Such a claim is made by Spanish publication Marca, who cite both personal and professional reasons for this - including the fact that the Red Devils will not partake in the Champions League next season after a dismal spell under the management of David Moyes.

The newspaper also points to Frank Lampard's exit from Chelsea, which would seemingly afford Fabregas the opportunity to secure regular first-team football in West London - something he is far from guaranteed during a period of notable transition with current club Barcelona.

Whether Barcelona would be content to sell him to Chelsea remains to be seen, however, as does the stance of Blues boss Jose Mourinho on the possibility of such an arrival given that the relationship between the Portuguese and Fabregas has always appeared somewhat fractious in the past.

Reports earlier this week claimed that Fabregas - who is rated by Barcelona at around the £29.2 million mark - may already have had a medical at Chelsea which, if proved correct, would come as a crushing blow to the other English teams who have been frequently credited with a strong interest in pursuing the Spain international.

The seemingly never-ending avalanche of speculation concerning Fabregas' future is coming at potentially the most unsettling time, with the 27-year-old - whose previous experience of the Premier League came in a successful eight-year stint with Arsenal between 2003-11 - currently preparing for Spain's upcoming World Cup title defence in Brazil.

It is something that Fabregas should be able to cope with by now, however, with the player having become the subject of a similar saga last summer, when then Manchester United boss David Moyes was believed to be chasing his signature. 

Manchester United's interest in Fabregas does not seem to have waned since former Barcelona manager Louis van Gaal was announced as Moyes' successor, but it still appears as if the club's chances of finally landing him are slim in the face of rather stiff competition.´

Article taken from: http://www.givemesport.com/472376-cesc-fabregas-would-prefer-chelsea-move-over-manchester-united

Costa Deal To End Duo's Chelsea Stay

Fernando Torres and Demba Ba are set to leave Chelsea.

Atletico Madrid’s Diego Costa is expected to complete his £32million move to West London this week, which will lead to the Blues parting company with the duo, according to the Daily Star.

Jose Mourinho targeted Brazilian-turned-Spaniard Costa, who scored 36 times last season, after his strike strikers suffered miserably in front of goal.

The Special One believes a lack of goals cost his side the Premier League title, which was eventually won by Manchester City, who scored 102 goals compared to Chelsea’s 71.

Torres and Ba will now join Samuel Eto’o, who has already left Stamford Bridge after his contract expired, in the club’s exodus.

Valencia are interested in bringing Torres back to Spain after they were bought by Singapore billionaire Peter Lim.

Meanwhile, Ba is wanted by Besiktas and was reportedly in talks with the Turkish giants last week.

Article taken from: http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk/news/football/costa-deal-to-end-duo-s-chelsea-stay-34250/?

€33m Fabregas move complete, according to Pique

Manchester United have been linked to Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas once again this summer, but over the last 24 hours, this new transfer saga seems to have taken yet another twist. Reports have been rife linking the former Arsenal midfielder with a return to London, but for Chelsea instead of their North London rivals, something which will pretty much annoy Arsenal’s supporters, which for me is a winner. At a press conference ahead of the FIFA World Cup, Gerard Piqué and Spanish coach Vicente del Bosque were caught by microphone suggesting a deal has been done which would see Fabregas leave Barcelona for a fee of €33 million. Piqué, Fabregas’ Barcelona and Spain team-mate said:

“[Cesc Fabregas] told me [the deal] is done. He’s already leaving, he told me that it is €33million.”

Del Bosque replied:

“Poor president (in reference to Club President Josep Maria Bartomeu). He can’t win for losing.”

Whether this is true is another story as no sooner than the conversation was over, both Piqué and his coach were smiling, so it could have all been a ruse for the waiting media, who are suggesting that Manchester United and Chelsea are both destinations for the Spanish midfielder. Depending on which newspaper you read, both clubs are 100% certain to sign their man, which just goes to show that nobody really knows what is happening.

Spanish football expert Guillem Balagué has stated on his Twitter account that a deal has not been struck with Chelsea. He confirmed conversations between Barcelona and Chelsea are taking place, but no deal has been struck.

Article taken from: http://mufclatest.com/e33m-fabregas-move-complete-according-to-pique/?

Bruce targets Blues defender

Hull are stepping up their interest in Ryan Bertrand and are ready to pay Chelsea £5.25million for his services. Tigers boss Steve Bruce is keen to draft in a new left-back this summer and is ready to turn to Bertrand after dropping his interest in Swansea full-back Neil Taylor. Bertrand, who has also been linked with Liverpool this summer, is surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge after spending last season on loan at Aston Villa and, despite the departure of Ashley Cole, he looks set to be sold. The 24-year-old looked to have the world at his feet after he broke into the Chelsea and England squads a couple of years ago, but things have not gone according to plan and he is now in need of a move to get his career back on track. Bruce is offering him the chance to do that at the KC Stadium, and although Chelsea will be happy to sell, the move will hinge on whether Bertrand himself is happy to move north.



Article taken from: http://www.clubcall.com/hull-city/bruce-targets-blues-defender-1727974.html?