Sports News
Chelsea developing idea to sign PSV sensational, Arsenal willing To Sell starlet This summer
Chelsea are reportedly plotting a move for PSV midfielder Ibrahim Sangare in the summer transfer window.
The Blues are eager on pursuing a brand new defensive midfielder this summer time with N’Golo Kante and Jorginho exhibiting indicators of regression.
However, the blues have been linked with Adrien Rabiot in latest weeks, however Sky Sports activities claims that Sangare has now emerged as the prime target.
The Ivorian had a sensational 2021/22 marketing campaign for PSV, registering a powerful tally of three tackles and a pair of nine interceptions per sport.
The 24-year-old was likewise spectacular within the European competitions, and he might be seen as a long-term alternative for Kante.
Sangare at the moment has a €35m launch clause on his contract, and it’s claimed that he’s decided to play within the Premier League this season.
Thomas Tuchel‘s aspect have been touted to sign him, however they might face direct competitors from Manchester United for his signature.
The red Devils cannot provide him Champions League soccer in contrast to Chelsea, however he has higher probabilities of beginning for them over the Blues.
Arsenal Willing To Sell Defender This Summer If They Receive Appropriate Offer
According to reports, Arsenal are ready to sell young defender Daniel Ballard in the upcoming transfer window if they receive appropriate offers. Ballard is one of the brightest prospects of the Hale End academy and clubs in England and abroad are interested in his services.
The Arsenal academy graduate made his jump to the senior squad in 2019, but failed to make an appearance for the Gunners. He was sent on loan to Swindon Town the same year, but a knee injury halted his progress and he returned to the Emirates.
However, he bounced back and has, since then, spent two back-to-back successful loan spells at Blackpool and Millwall. The North London side have been very impressed with the progress the defender has made in the previous two seasons.
The 22-year-old had an excellent 21-22 season at Millwall, putting in impressive performances and helping them to a ninth-place finish in the Championship. He made 32 appearances for the South London side across all competitions, also chipping in a solitary goal (stats via Transfermarkt).
As reported by Goal, Arsenal have held talks with the representatives of Daniel Ballard and have made a decision to let the player leave on a permanent move this summer. Nevertheless, they are willing to sell him only if a suitable offer is presented.
With two years remaining on his contract with the Gunners, another loan could be a viable option. Arteta already has Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes and Rob Holding in his books while William Saliba and Pablo Mari are returning from loan.
There are serious doubts about the amount of game-time Daniel Ballard will receive for at the Emirates. It is still early but both parties seem to have reached a mutual agreement and have decided that a permanent move will help him progress further. However, the Gunners might look to include a buy-back option into the deal.
Several English as well as foreign clubs have showcased their interest in signing Ballard. Millwall very keen on bringing the Northern Ireland defender back to the club. Earlier in March, Millwall manager Gary Rowett said about Ballard:
“Someone like Dan Ballard, I’ve said it before, we’d love to keep him at the club, whether that’s on loan or whether that’s permanent.”
“But he’s Arsenal’s player and I’m sure they’ve got a plan for him long-term that’s maybe not the exact one we would hope for.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal academy coach, Per Mertesacker (via GOAL), spoke highly about the progress and impact made by Daniel Ballard:
“You get players like Dan Ballard, whose development we are really proud of. He’s now a reliable defender, playing international football for Northern Ireland and scoring for Millwall in the Championship. It’s brilliant to see.”
Sports News
Confirmed Chelsea line up vs Newcastle: Lesley Ugochukwu replaces Moises Caicedo as Palmer start with Gallagher in Midfield #NEWCHE
Mauricio Pochettino makes two changes to his Chelsea team for today’s game at Newcastle.
Benoit Badiashile comes in for his compatriot Axel Disasi in the heart of defence, while Lesley Ugochukwu replaces Moises Caicedo.
Otherwise, it is the same starting XI that began the 4-4 draw against Manchester City prior to the international break
That means Reece James, Thiago Silva and Marc Cucurella join Badiashile at the back, ahead of Robert Sanchez. Enzo Fernandezand Conor Gallagher continue in midfield, with Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer supplying the width in attack, either side of Nicolas Jackson.
Caicedo and Levi Colwill, who was injured during the recent break, are among those named on the bench.
Alexander Isak returns for Newcastle after injury, but there is no Sean Longstaff.
Chelsea: Sanchez; James (c), Thiago Silva, Badiashile, Cucurella, Enzo, Ugochukwu, Gallagher, Palmer, Jackson, Sterling
Subs: Petrovic, Colwill, Disasi, Maatsen, Caicedo, Matos, Madueke, Mudryk, Broja
Newcastle: Pope, Livramento, Lascelles (c), Schar, Trippier, Guimaraes, Miley, Almiron, Joelinton, Isak, Gordon
Subs: Dubravka, Gillespie, Karius, Dummett, Ritchie, Diallo, Murphy, Ndiweni, Parkinson
Referee Simon Hooper
Reece James just returned to action for Chelsea this season after recovering from an injury that kept him on the sidelines for weeks but the synergy between the Chelsea Skipper and Cole Palmer has emerged as a pivotal factor in Chelsea’s recent impressive performance.
Their relationship on the pitch showcases a dynamic partnership that has been significantly impacting the team’s overall performance.
One key element of this collaboration is the strategic placement of Cole Palmer in the middle, operating behind the striker.
This positioning capitalizes on Palmer’s unique skill set, acknowledging that he may not possess the blistering pace or sheer physicality to excel in isolated one-on-one situations with defenders.
Instead, Palmer’s strength lies in his ability to receive the ball on the half-turn, exhibiting clever passes that ignite the team’s attacking prowess.
Palmer’s fluid style, characterized by his adept use of pockets and floating movements, creates a symbiotic relationship with Reece James.
James, a versatile right-back, benefits from Palmer’s strategic play by having the freedom to occupy the wing.
This tactical understanding not only maximizes Palmer’s strengths but also amplifies James’s impact on the game.
What becomes evident in this partnership is Palmer essentially playing as a number 10, operating in a role that aligns with his capabilities and enhances the team’s attacking dynamics.
By strategically placing Palmer in a central position, Chelsea leverages his playmaking abilities, allowing him to orchestrate the flow of the game and provide crucial link-up play between the midfield and the strikers.
The tactical harmony between Palmer and James is not just about individual brilliance but also about how their styles complement each other seamlessly.
Palmer’s intelligent movements and distribution empower James to venture forward with confidence, creating a fluid and dynamic attacking unit for Chelsea
Catch all the biggest Chelsea headlines, including updates on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Todd Boehly’s questionable transfers and Benoit Badiashile
Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Chelsea are interested in Napoli duo Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Here is your morning Chelsea digest on Friday, November 24.
Kvaratskhelia interest
Chelsea have reportedly joined the race to sign Napoli superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia amid ongoing uncertainty over his long-term future with the Italian champions.
According to ESPN, Chelsea have joined the likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Newcastle United in holding an interest in Kvaratskhelia. Sources have told the outlet that Napoli value their star player in excess of €100million (£87million) and are hoping to fend off interest with a new and improved contract.
However, as the November international break has proven, Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations aren’t to be messed with and the Blues must get their finances in order to avoid any additional punishment. Todd Boehly has spent over £1billion on new signings since completing his takeover in 2022 and currently has a net spend of over £692million.
Kvaratskhelia isn’t the only Napoli player on Chelsea’s radar, with Victor Osimhen also on Pochettino’s list. However, the pair are worth a combined €180m (£156m) by CIES Football Observatory.
Saudi Arabia transfers questioned
Former Premier League defender Gary Neville has questioned Chelsea’s transfer dealings with Saudi Arabian clubs last summer amid the ongoing threat of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
Ahead of the 2023/24 season, three players left Stamford Bridge to join the Saudi Pro League. N’Golo Kante’s seven-year stay in west London came to an end with a move to Al-Ittihad while Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy joined Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli respectively.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, he said: “I have no problem with Saudi Arabia setting up their league and spending as much money as they wish, but I did call for some sort of investigation into the deals Chelsea were doing when they were dumping players onto Saudi Arabian teams at the start of the season.
“It felt as though, to me, it needed a little bit of a look at – you can smell that something is not right.”
Badiashile going nowhere
Chelsea supporters have nothing to worry about in regards to Benoit Badiashile amid reported interest from AC Milan and AS Roma, football.london understands.
According to Calciomercato, the two Italian clubs are keen on signing the central defender ahead of the January transfer window. Milan are without Pierre Kalulu and Marco Pellegrino due to injuries and are doing their best to replace them in the winter.
The report says that the Italian duo want to sign Badiashile on loan, but the defender will be staying at Stamford Bridge for the foreseeable future, football.london understands. Badiashile’s focus is on Chelsea and getting back into the first-team and he has no intention to move elsewhere at this moment in time.
Sign up to our Chelsea WhatsApp service and get all the latest breaking news and in-depth stories from football.london’s dedicated Chelsea writers direct to your phone.
By signing up to this free service you will be the first to know the news from Stamford Bridge as it happens
Confirmed Chelsea line up vs Newcastle: Lesley Ugochukwu replaces Moises Caicedo as Palmer start with Gallagher in Midfield #NEWCHE
How Palmer and Reece James Have Complemented Each Other in Chelsea’s Lineup This Season
Chelsea eye double £156m transfer swoop as Todd Boehly faces Saudi Arabia questioning
Chelsea XI vs Newcastle: Nkunku injury latest, confirmed team news, predicted lineup for Premier League today
