Chelsea

Chelsea's Michy Batshuayi has been criticised for his performance in Chelsea's friendly defeat to Charlotte.

With Robert Lewandowski confirming his move to Barcelona, it seems unlikely the Blues are to add another striker to their ranks this summer, as they prioritise other areas to strengthen. With Armando Broja reportedly set to leave the club this summer, the opportunity is there for someone to come through from nowhere and compete with Kai Havertz for the striker role. With the striker enduring five consecutive spells away from the club leading up to this summer, it is likely his future still does not have him at Stamford Bridge.

Raheem Sterling made his first Chelsea appearance vs Charlotte FC after signing from Manchester City.

Operating primarily from the left of the attack, Sterling was a constant thorn in Charlotte’s side with his speed and directness, something his new manager touched on during the post-match press conference. One man who did manage to find the back of the net in the shootout for Chelsea was Raheem Sterling and all in all, the £45 million signing from Manchester City was pretty impressive on debut. In the end, it was Conor Gallagher’s dreadful spot kick that allowed the hosts to secure a 5-3 victory in football’s equivalent of the lottery draw.

Chelsea were beaten on penalties in the latest game of their US tour, falling to Charlotte FC after failing to put the game to bed following Christian ...

“But it is never important what the manager has in his head before pre-season, it’s the reality that counts. “This is what happens if you keep opponents alive, if you keep belief alive, if you keep the stadium alive. Our movement with the ball was not balanced enough to escape the pressure.

Chelsea are kidding themselves if they think a new forward isn't a must, Thomas Tuchel needs midfield steel - and to sell deadwood... FIVE THINGS WE LEARNED ...

Think of the money that those sort of players could accumulate in the transfer window and the replacements that could be bought - Jules Kounde and a striker to begin with. Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho are also competent options. Everybody knows that a big squad is required in the modern game - and the return of five substitutes in the Premier League this season will require greater depth - but still, Chelsea are carrying far too many passengers. There are plenty of players in the squad who have only ever shown flashes of their brilliance and who, in the depths of a brutal campaign, will not get regular game-time. Chelsea fans finally got a glimpse of the front three that they can expect to lead their team into the new season - unless they dramatically sign a new striker in the coming weeks. Tuchel opted to play Havertz as a central striker in the second half in North Carolina with England duo Sterling and Mount flanking him. Think back to last season's pair of domestic cup final defeats against Liverpool and the way Chelsea wilted in the glare of a penalty shootout would not have happened in previous teams. The same goes for both Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ross Barkley. Both have been at the club for years but neither have ever had a constant run in the side. They are tidy in possession but neither possesses the desire to carry out the dirty work that midfielders must do - especially when they play as a pair. Chelsea urgently need defenders and a new striker so it seems central midfield is way down the list of priorities for Tuchel and new owner Todd Boehly. Kai Havertz was the lone Chelsea forward in the second half but is not a natural goal scorer It seems pretty obvious that when Chelsea allowed Romelu Lukaku to return to Inter Milan on loan that they should have been prioritising the signing of a new No 9.

Chelsea Transfer News: Benjamin Pavard has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, and Manchester United are ready to swoop in.

Pavard has built a reputation on both the international and domestic stage for his versatility across the backline. But, with Kounde yet to put pen to paper, Pavard is said to have been lined up as an option. football.london understands that the west Londoners are readying a bid for the 23-year-old, which will be submitted this week.

Following their clash for Brazilian winger Raphinha's services, it seems Barcelona and Chelsea could be embroiled in a yet another bidding war, ...

Given Barca's financial situation, it is likely the former Bordeaux man will take a reduced wage package should he opt against making his way to Stamford Bridge, but with the upcoming season soon set to start, this transfer saga seems likely to be concluded in the coming days. If the report is to be believed, the decision is now up to the Paris native as to which club he joins next, a similar situation that transpired with Barca's newest signing Raphinha, with Romero also claiming that Kounde would much rather join the Spanish side than the west London giants. The Blues have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Sevilla for defender Jules Kounde's signature, while the Frenchman is also said to have agreed personal terms with the Blues, although Barcelona remain strongly linked with the player.

Charlotte FC defeated Chelsea in a penalty shootout to settle a 1-1 score in regulation in front of 52673 fans at Bank of America Stadium.

Charlotte, N.C. — Charlotte FC defeated Chelsea in a penalty shootout to settle a 1-1 score in regulation in front of 52,673 fans at Bank of America Stadium. Charlotte FC dramatically tied the game at 1-1 when Daniel Rios scored in the second minute of stoppage time. Charlotte FC defeats Chelsea in front of more than 50,000 fans at Bank of America Stadium

Conor Gallagher is desperate to prove his worth at Chelsea - but a failed Panenka won't help his chances.

They will hope that victory over Chelsea inspires them to complete a play-off push in the MLS Eastern Conference, as they currently sit just outside of that pack in eighth place, while the Blues will be back in action on Saturday when facing London rivals Arsenal at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. The Blues took the lead at Bank of America Stadium through USMNT star Christian Pulisic, but saw Daniel Rios restore parity from the spot in the 92nd minute, leading to a test of nerve from 12 yards – with Gallagher scuffing a tame effort straight down the middle. Conor Gallagher is desperate to prove his worth at Chelsea after returning to Stamford Bridge from a loan spell at Crystal Palace - but he endured a game to forget against Charlotte FC after getting an attempted Panenka penalty all wrong.

Chelsea fell to defeat in their second friendly of the summer as Charlotte FC earned a win via penalties.

That's what we are so sure, and that's why it was like for us top of the list." The introduction of his leadership was expected but Sterling has also proposed a level for Callum Hudson-Odoi to reach. The main point is his intensity and the amount of repetition of intensity that he delivers. It's exactly what we need to raise the level of our players, that they understand what is needed. The Chelsea boss was not happy with the lack of quality produced by his side, particularly in the second period. Tuchel said: "Second half, it took us half an hour to show some quality and then it was maybe for ten minutes, so it was not good at all.

Conor Gallagher is desperate to prove his worth at Chelsea - but a failed Panenka won't help his chances.

They will hope that victory over Chelsea inspires them to complete a play-off push in the MLS Eastern Conference, as they currently sit just outside of that pack in eighth place, while the Blues will be back in action on Saturday when facing London rivals Arsenal at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. The Blues took the lead at Bank of America Stadium through USMNT star Christian Pulisic, but saw Daniel Rios restore parity from the spot in the 92nd minute, leading to a test of nerve from 12 yards – with Gallagher scuffing a tame effort straight down the middle. Conor Gallagher is desperate to prove his worth at Chelsea after returning to Stamford Bridge from a loan spell at Crystal Palace - but he endured a game to forget against Charlotte FC after getting an attempted Panenka penalty all wrong.

Chelsea are locked in discussions with Jules Kounde as the Stamford Bridge outfit looks to beat Barcelona to the central defender's signature, according to ...

Romano told GIVEMESPORT: “They are discussing with the player, but Kounde is also speaking to Barcelona, so it is another battle with them after the Raphinha situation. Romano understands that Chelsea are holding talks with Kounde as they look to get the deal over the line as soon as possible. The Blues have already been frustrated by the La Liga giants after seeing Raphinha opt to head to the Nou Camp despite already agreeing a fee with Leeds United, so they are looking to avoid a repeat of that failed swoop.

Good morning and welcome to the football.london's live blog for all of today's Chelsea transfer news and updates from Thomas Tuchel's friendly against ...

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are feeling confident that a £55m bid is in line with Sevilla's demands. Just as the Blues looked to have made their decisive move in a year long game of chess, the board gets given another shake up and things could leave their hands once more. However, the Todd Boehly-Clearlake ownership model promises to be different. Arsenal could hand Chelsea a devastating blow in the summer transfer window this summer, with Mikel Arteta seemingly in a position to stifle Thomas Tuchel's Declan Rice backup plan. football.london understands that the west Londoners are readying a bid for the 23-year-old, which will be submitted this week. Jules Kounde has been left out of Sevilla's 31-man squad to travel to Portugal for their second training camp of the summer. Thomas Tuchel on Chelsea's second-half performance: "It took us half an hour to show some quality and then it was maybe for ten minutes, so it was not good at all. And, Pavard, whose contract at the Allianz Arena expires in two years, is said to be in the Blues' sights. Werner, who sees his contract at the club expire in 2025, has featured 37 times for the Blues in Premier League since Tuchel took over from Frank Lampard, directly contributing towards just eleven goals. The Chelsea boss was not happy with the lack of quality produced by his side, particularly in the second period. Heading into today it appears vital that Todd Boehly moves quickly to secure a deal for the Frenchman as Barcelona's unpredictable financial tales keep the Blues on their feet once more. Broja, who sees his contract at Stamford Bridge expire in 2026 after signing a new long-term deal last summer, featured 38 times for the Saints, directly contributing toward ten goals.

Jules Kounde is set to leave Sevilla this summer and has been linked with Chelsea over the last 12 months.

Kounde was widely expected to be Chelsea's first signing of the summer having made early progress over a deal. The Blues were said to be confident of agreeing a deal with Sevilla, though reports suggest that Barcelona have not given up hope. football.london understands that Chelsea made good progress over a deal with the Spanish side earlier this week with a deal worth £55 million, including add-ons, close to being agreed.

Interest from Chelsea in Sevilla defender Jules Kounde has intensified to the point that GOAL has learned that the France international defender is now ...

A switch to west London is considered to be the most likely outcome at this stage, but reports in Spain continue to suggest that Barcelona may make a late play for Kounde as they look to further bolster their defensive unit. Kounde is willing to listen to what Chelsea have to say and is looking into the possibility of unpacking his belongings at a house that Lukaku last occupied. Interest from Chelsea in Sevilla defender Jules Kounde has intensified to the point that GOAL has learned that the France international defender is now exploring the possibility of moving into the house recently left vacant by Romelu Lukaku following his loan move back to Inter.

It looks like Jules Kounde's transfer to Chelsea could be completed as early as today according to reports from Spain.

- Thomas Tuchel Refuses To 'Point The Finger' At Ruben Loftus-Cheek And N'Golo Kante Hopefully Chelsea can get this deal over the line so Thomas Tuchel and his coaching staff can start figuring out how to implement the Frenchman into their team for the next campaign. Another report also claimed that Chelsea offered double the salary that Barcelona were willing to offer the 23-year-old, a figure that would mean Kounde will be the Blues' top earner.

Chelsea might need to appoint a new captain next season and Raheem Sterling has been tipped for the role.

Raheem Sterling will be an incredible addition to the Chelsea squad - there is absolutely no doubt about it. He is diligent in his play and shows leadership qualities on the pitch. Terry, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard have all already backed Mount to become captain. With Cesar Azpilicueta supposedly on his way out, Thomas Tuchel has a decision to make. You hear young players all the time talking about how Raheem Sterling did this and how he helped them with that. You can’t build your team around someone who might be leaving at the end of the season.

Former Arsenal midfielder Stewart Robson is backing Chelsea to sign their own Thiago Alcantara this season, with one player marked out to make a huge impact on ...

“He trains at a very high level and we can clearly see that it was the right decision to let him go on loan,” Tuchel said. Is Sterling the right sort of signing? They need a bit of everything.” “Now it is important that he gets used to our principles of the game, to understand when to move when not to move, but his work rate is outstanding and this can be a big asset for us.” They need a centre-forward as well. “I think they will want a top-quality midfield player,” Robson told ESPN. “I am not a great fan of Jorginho, he can keep hold of the ball but defensively I think he is poor and I would like to see somebody that is a much better defensive player because [N'Golo] Kante now plays that little bit further forward and not as the holding midfielder.

That is exactly what he is going to get coming into Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea side next season. The Blues aren't on the level of Manchester City or Liverpool at ...

- Thomas Tuchel Refuses To 'Point The Finger' At Ruben Loftus-Cheek And N'Golo Kante - Thomas Tuchel Wanted Romelu Lukaku To Stay At Chelsea, The Striker Believes He Never Should Have Left Milan - ‘Number One Priority’ - Thomas Tuchel on Chelsea Signing Raheem Sterling

Chelsea and Sevilla are on the same page when it comes to the transfer of Jules Kounde. The Blues desperately want him and the Spanish side want to sell him as ...

This has promoted claims that Chelsea are 'confident' that they can complete the deal for Kounde in the coming days. Unfortunately for the Spanish side, it has been reported that Todd Boehly has offered Kounde €12-13million a year, double what Barcelona are willing to offer him. Chelsea and Sevilla are on the same page when it comes to the transfer of Jules Kounde.

Benjamin Pavard is the latest defender to be linked with Chelsea as Todd Boehly prepares for Cesar Azpilcueta departure.

Chelsea are not the only team interested in the 26-year-old. Pavard is similar to Azpilicueta in the sense that he can play centre-back and right-back at a high level when needed. There are a couple of current first-team squad members set for a departure before the transfer window closes, Cesar Azpilicueta among them.

Frenkie de Jong can have a similar impact at Chelsea to Thiago Alcantara at Liverpool, according to former Arsenal midfielder Stewart Robson.

Thiago was a different type of midfielder to what Jurgen Klopp usually targeted in the transfer market. "They wanted a slightly different player who could open up defences and spread the play. In my mind I don't get that De Jong's a Chelsea player. Chelsea could rival Manchester United in the race for Frenkie de Jong's signature. Chelsea are also interested in the player and have the added incentive of Champions League football to offer. Nicol said: "Listen, Frenkie de Jong is a great player.

ESPN pundit Steve Nicol thinks Chelsea would have a better midfield if reported Blues target Frenkie de Jong replaced Jorginho.

“Frenkie de Jong is a great player… The midfielder’s one of the individuals to stand out in pre-season so far, so don’t be surprised if he’s in for another decent campaign. There’s no guarantee a player like De Jong, despite his talent, would automatically be a success in the Chelsea XI, especially given he’s never played in English football before.

Chelsea are close to agreeing £55m fee for the Sevilla defender, but Barça are hoping to fund a bid by selling off a stake in their merchandising arm.

Chelsea missed out on Nathan Aké after Manchester City decided not to sell the Netherlands defender, and they were also frustrated in their attempts to strengthen their attack when Barça won the race to sign Raphinha from Leeds. However, others have questioned whether Barça have the funds available after signing Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich. Thomas Tuchel needs to strengthen his defence after losing Antonio Rüdiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers.

Chelsea are 'focusing on centre-backs' at this moment in time over other positions, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

“I think they are now focusing on centre-backs. The Guardian have reported that Chelsea are ‘close to agreeing a fee’ with Sevilla for long-term target Jules Kounde. Romano believes that talks for Antony, who has a £68m asking price, are not ‘advanced’ at this stage and that Chelsea are ‘desperate’ for central defenders as the upcoming campaign fast approaches.

CHELSEA signed Raheem Sterling from Manchester City earlier this summer.

“Seeing the direction that you guys are going in, it's something I really bought into and I just felt it is a place where I can really come into my own. And Sterling has admitted that the club’s recent success also made his decision to move to the capital a straight-forward one. Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling has explained that his initial conversations with Blues boss Thomas Tuchel proved to be the turning point as he decided on his future this summer.

The Blues are trapped at third place in the Premier League. There is so little competition above or below them that something drastic needs to be done to ...

The only signings on the cards so far are defenders being used to fix the hole bore in the back of the team from the departures of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger. They aren't going to change the club's trajectory. The main issue is that Sterling is not Hazard, they are not nearly the same player, and though the Englishman will likely be a major asset to the outfit, the current Chelsea star hasn't had a talisman to push them on and challenge the top two spots in the league.

Interest from Chelsea in Sevilla defender Jules Kounde has intensified to the point that GOAL has learned that the France international defender is now ...

A switch to west London is considered to be the most likely outcome at this stage, but reports in Spain continue to suggest that Barcelona may make a late play for Kounde as they look to further bolster their defensive unit. Kounde is willing to listen to what Chelsea have to say and is looking into the possibility of unpacking his belongings at a house that Lukaku last occupied. Interest from Chelsea in Sevilla defender Jules Kounde has intensified to the point that GOAL has learned that the France international defender is now exploring the possibility of moving into the house recently left vacant by Romelu Lukaku following his loan move back to Inter.

Raheem Sterling said he was intrigued by the football project at Chelsea, and his curiosity helped lead him to Stamford Bridge this summer.

"I was certain that this is a place I want to be. "The club's already got that winning mentality but to keep doing it every single year and keep winning more and more trophies and building on the previous season, I think that's what top managers like Thomas [Tuchel] do. I just think it's the perfect platform for me.

ESPN pundit Stewart Robson claims Sevilla defender Jules Kounde would be a superb signing for Chelsea this summer. France international Kounde, 23, ...

However, the 32-year-old’s linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge. He’s quick. “He’s got a good spring.

After 48 hours of rampant speculation, uncertainty and confusion, the Jules Kounde saga appears to be nearing a conclusion, with Chelsea emerging as the ...

The Premier League giants have tabled an offer too good to refuse, not just for Sevilla but for Kounde as well. Such a lucrative offer put Barcelona in the back seat, paving the way for Chelsea to take the lead. However, Barcelona had played a key role in convincing Kounde to revert his decision to not train with the Sevilla team in Portugal. The defender informed the club of his desire to train, which fueled speculation of a late intervention from the Catalans, yet again.

All your latest Chelsea morning headlines on Friday with updates on Leroy Sane, Benjamin Pavard and Timo Werner.

He answered: "Show quality, take your place and defend your place. I would be very happy as a young guy having a contract at Chelsea Football Club. I would be one of the happiest people on the planet." "Hamstring problems and we didn't take the risk," the Chelsea boss said before being asked whether he had seen Werner's aforementioned comments regarding his future. football.london understands that the west Londoners are readying a bid for the 23-year-old, which will be submitted this week. "I think that Bayern Munich will give him the season to prove himself. Promoted Stories