The Brazilian is reported to be “upset and offended” by Chelsea’s two-year contract offer amid claims he is set to join Arsenal.
Follow all the latest transfer updates from the Bridge below…
GOOD MORNING, CHELSEA FANS,
Christian Pulisic will miss the start of next season after the Chelsea winger’s FA Cup hamstring injury ruled him out for six weeks.
The Yank peaked his fine end to the extended current campaign with a fine Wembley opener last Saturday – before limping off and seeing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang strike twice as Arsenal won 2-1.
But Blues’ boss Frank Lampard still thinks Pulisic should be upbeat for next campaign.
Lampard said: “When Christian reflects on the first season, from where he has gone in the start he should be very happy.
“We’ll get him fit and ready. If he misses the first one or two games, we’ll hopefully have him after that.”
But Pulisic could see new attacking midfielder Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz – if he arrives from Bayer Leverkusen – steal a march on him in the battle for a regular starting place.
And Lamps admitted of the 21-year-old’s likely absence: “Six weeks, I think so. We have to treat the injury right.”
The Chelsea boss also claimed that he backs his side to overturn their 3-0 deficit to Bayern Munich tomorrow.
He said: “I believe we can. We have to, the players have to. It’s a huge task. We have to understand the situation we’re in.
“Will be extremely tough. Games have turned to big degrees. We have to believe we have the opportunity to do something special. We’ve got to play with confidence.
“Can it free us up against a really good team? That’s what I expect to see from the team. We have to tackle this in the right way.”
IN THE FIK OF IT
Fikayo Tomori could be on his way to Ligue 1 with Rennes looking to secure the star on loan, according to The Telegraph.
The French side have an excellent record of bringing through youngsters with the likes of Abdoulaye Doucoure, Ismaila Sarr and Real Madrid target Eduardo Camavinga all developing at the club in recent years.
And they may have an extra edge due to the fact that it was the club Chelsea signed now-Sporting Director Petr Cech from.
Cech has fond memories of his time in France and was given a heroes’ welcome when he returned to the club with Arsenal in the Europa League.
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) August 7, 2020
CAN’T HAV EVERYTHING
Chelsea’s imminent signing of Kai Havertz means they will be priced out of a move for Jan Oblak or Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, says Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Instead, he commented, cheaper targets Andre Onana and Nick Pope are top of their list of potential goalkeepers.
Romano told the Beautiful Game podcast: “They have a list, they have a list for the goalkeeper.
“They have to consider if they are going to sign Havertz, they can spend money for too many players like they did for [Hakim] Ziyech, they did for [Timo] Werner and they hope to do for Havertz.
“If they sign Havertz, they have a list and they will consider [Andre] Onana for sure.
“Another name is [Nick] Pope, at the moment it’s so, so difficult to see a big name like Ter Stegen or Oblak to Chelsea.
“As I said, they’re going to spend so much on the team this season and to sign a goalkeeper for €120million is so difficult.
“[Jan] Oblak and [Marc-Andre] Ter Stegen are really difficult targets but I think Onana is on the list.”
BRAZIL NUTS
Frank Lampard discussed whether Willian’s impending exit will leave a big hole at the club.
He said: “He’s been here for seven seasons. When I came in and we had issues with younger players, a transitional element, we relied on him for experience and quality. He has his own decision to make.
“Eden Hazard left last year, the club continues and tries to work forward. As we have done this season.
“Player has a freedom to player whenever they want when out of contract. We have to accept that and move on.”
MIRACLE IN MUNICH
Frank Lampard is optimistic that Chelsea can overturn their 3-0 deficit to Bayern Munich tomorrow.
He said: “I believe we can. We have to, the players have to. It’s a huge task. We have to understand the situation we’re in.
“Will be extremely tough. Games have turned to big degrees. We have to believe we have the opportunity to do something special. We’ve got to play with confidence.
“Can it free us up against a really good team? That’s what I expect to see from the team. We have to tackle this in the right way.”
WILL HE OR WON’T HE?
Frank Lampard has given an update on Willian’s contract situation.
He said: “Read a headline that mentioned disappointment. That doesn’t matter. Willian remains our player at the moment, he is injured.
“He’d have given everything to play. He’s carried this injury… as a club we’ve done everything we can to explain to Willian.
“Our relationship is really close but no disappointment if he moves on. A fantastic man and fantastic player. The club have acted very well in this. If he moves on I’ll wish him well.”
PUL OUT ALL THE STOPS
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has admitted that Christian Pulisic is likely to miss the start of next season through injury.
He said: “Six weeks, I think so. We have to treat the injury right. When Christian reflects on the first season, from where he has gone in the start he should be very happy.
“We’ll get him fit and ready. If he misses the first one or two games, we’ll hopefully have him after that.”
LONDON CALLING
Chelsea’s 23-man squad have landed in Germany ahead of the Champions League last-16 second leg tie against Bayern Munich.
N’Golo Kante is part of the travelling group though Cesar Azpilicueta, Christian Pulisic and Pedro miss out through injury.
Jorginho and Marcos Alonso are unavailable due to suspension, while Willian also remains absent ahead of an expected switch to Arsenal.
CECH MATE
Petr Cech is reportedly playing a key role in the hunt for Kepa Arrizabalaga’s replacement.
ESPN claim he is attempting to convince Marc-Andre ter Stegen to join the club.
Cech played a big part in convincing the Barcelona keeper’s German compatriot Timo Werner to move to Stamford Bridge earlier this summer.
HAV SOME OF THAT
Hansi Flick has confirmed that Bayern Munich will not be making a move for Chelsea target Kai Havertz this summer.
During an interview with Sport1 the Bundesliga winning manager was asked if he would like to sign the German from rivals Bayer Leverkusen..
Flick responded: “It’s not an issue, so I don’t worry about it.”
OFF BLUE GO
“Chelsea have a manager who bleeds blue, and he is being fully backed by the desire and wealth of Roman Abramovich.hings are happening at this club.
Chelsea have a manager who bleeds blue, and he is being fully backed by the desire and wealth of Roman Abramovich.
“This summer has already seen two marquee signings arrive at the club in the shape of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner, and we are expecting a lot more activity to come.
“Chelsea need a bit of an overhaul and many players will ultimately not make it at Stamford Bridge. Here I take a look at which players I would keep around, sell, or loan out come next season.”
Read More HERE.
YOUTH BEAUTY
Chelsea’s U23 side were crowned Division One champions painting a bright future for Frank Lampard’s plans to give youth a chance.
Their U23s star man was Billy Gilmour, who is up for the Player of the Season award.
He of course broke into Lampard’s first-team before cruelly suffering a knee injury that cut short his season.
BLUES SERG NEAR
Chelsea target Sergio Reguilon has fuelled speculation of a potential switch from Real Madrid to the Premier League.
While the La Liga defender insisted his thoughts are firmly fixed on completing his loan at Sevilla, he refused to rule out a transfer to England’s top flight.
When quizzed by Marca he replied: “Who knows what will happen?”
Reguilon added: “If my year at Sevilla had not been good, then this would not be happening. These teams would not ring.
“I’ve been saying since quarantine that until the season is over I won’t be talking about my future.
“I have no complaints about anything, about the city, the club, my colleagues.
“I feel very loved. Who knows what will happen in the future.”
BLUE BEAUTY
Chelsea target Sergio Reguilon has fuelled speculation of a potential switch from Real Madrid to the Premier League.
While the La Liga defender insisted his thoughts are firmly fixed on completing his loan at Sevilla, he refused to rule out a transfer to England’s top flight.
Frank Lampard’s Blues are on the hunt for a new left-back this summer with Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell among the names reported to be on Chelsea’s target list.
And left-back Reguilon, 23, has also been strongly linked with a Stamford Bridge move.
However, the Madrid loanee and his Sevilla teammates are yet to finish their season with the club competing in the 2019-2020 Europa League contest.
Reguilon, who has enjoyed a successful loan spell at Sevilla, was named in WhoScored’s La Liga team of the season.
GIFT OF THE GAB
Former Chelsea target Gabriel is reportedly close to joining their London rivals Arsenal from Lille.
French media claim that the Gunners could sign the Brazilian defender as early as next week.
Manchester United and Everton had also been keen to snap him up.
But after Mikel Arteta’s side qualified for Europe, they have stepped up their pursuit of the centre-back.
BLUE IS THE COLOUR
Chelsea have NINE stars out as they attempt to stage a historic comeback against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
The Blues squad has been ravaged by injury and unavailability as they look to overturn a 3-0 deficit from the first leg in their Last 16 European tie.
Frank Lampard’s men will have to bounce back in some style from their FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal last weekend if they are going to progress.
The West London club are without two central players in American star Christian Pulisic and Spanish skipper Cesar Azpilicueta.
The integral duo both limped off at Wembley with hamstring problems and will not feature.
Here’s how Chelsea could line-up at the Allianz Arena..
DOUBLE DELIGHT
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 7, 2020
BLUE MOON
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 7, 2020
CECH MATE
Petr Cech is reportedly leading Chelsea’s “charm offensive” for Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
The German stopper, 28, could be nearing the Nou Camp exit door as he enters the final two-years of his contract.
It is understood that the Blues have submitted an offer to Barca to replace flop shot-stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
According to ESPN, Cech has significantly helped pull the strings of the transfer negotiations as he views Ter Stegen as a “outstanding goalkeeper” and “leader”.
The West London icon was appointed to the role of technical and performance advisor last summer.
And it has been claimed that he also helped entice Timo Werner to Stamford Bridge when he made an “undercover” trip to Germany before lockdown.
WILL I NEVER
Willian has reportedly been left ‘upset and offended’ by how his time at Chelsea has come to an end.
According to ESPN, the Brazilian – who is understood to be close to joining Arsenal – felt as though the Blues lacked the desire to keep him.
This is despite the 31-year-old rejecting a two-year deal by Chelsea to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.
Willian is keen to remain in London, choosing to sign for Arsenal ahead of Barcelona and Inter Miami.
REECE LIGHTNING
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 7, 2020
FIK OF THE BUNCH
Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori is being targeted by French side Rennes, according to reports.
L’Equipe says the Ligue 1 outfit have contacted Chelsea to begin talks over a potential deal for the 22-year-old.
The report from France suggests the nature of a deal remains unclear, but a loan move would be more likely.
Lampard rates Tomori after managing him the last two years and although he may not be in his immediate plans he would be hard-pushed to sell the centre-back.
The Athletic previously reported a permanent deal is not in The Blues’ vision.
Tomori was last month linked with a loan move across London to West Ham to help Lampard swoop for Declan Rice – with talk he sees the Hammers man as a future John Terry figure.
WILL POWER
Arsenal are set to confirm the signing of Willian on a free transfer, according to Sky Sports.
They claim the Brazilian has agreed a three-year deal, with the Gunners beating Barcelona and Inter Miami to his signature.
It has been stated that Willian wants to play under Mikel Arteta and work with his fellow Brazilian Edu at the Emirates.
KAI’S NOT THE LIMIT
Ilkay Gundogan has described Kai Havertz’s potential as “unlimited” as the German starlet gets set for a move to Chelsea.
Leverkusen are desperate to get the best out of the attacking midfielder in what would surely be his last few games for Bayer in the Europa League, starting tomorrow night in their second leg against Rangers.
The Manchester City ace told Bild: “I expect great things from him. Kai’s potential is unlimited, there are no limits.
“He brings a lot with him, and now it’s up to him to show off this enormous talent.
“He has this calm and serenity on the ball, and is a prudent type on the other side.”
WILL POWER
Arsenal’s move to sign Willian on a free transfer is reportedly close to being announced.
The Brazilian winger, 31, rejected Chelsea’s latest two-year contract extension offer – demanding three years or no deal.
The Blues have a long-standing policy of not offering players aged 30 or over any more than one-year extensions.
And Arsenal have taken advantage of the West London stand-off by handing Willian a three-year contract worth £100,000 per week, say ESPN.
Romano confirmed the deal was on the brink of going through, too – with Arteta fully on board.
His tweet continued: “Willian approved also by Arteta.
“Just a matter of time and he’ll until 2023 – confirmed.”
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