Enzo Maresca &#8211; CaughtOffside

Bayern Munich attacker is keen on Arsenal move in a major boost for Mikel Arteta

Man United target is ready to reject them as he favours a move to European giants

Chelsea in talks to offload attacker after deciding he is not in their future plans

Neto, who has had a number of injury issues over the past few seasons was limited to 20 Premier League appearances last season in which he provided nine assists and scored two goals and Chelsea will be hoping he can stay fit.

The Portuguese will train with his new team-mates this coming week and could make his debut for the club against City.

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“Impossible” for Chelsea star to stay and transfer could accelerate soon, claims expert

Mark Brus — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 05:32:43 +0000

It looks “impossible” for Romelu Lukaku to stay at Chelsea and it’s possible that a transfer deal with Napoli could accelerate soon, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his latest Daily Briefing column, Romano explained that Lukaku remains a priority target for new Napoli manager Antonio Conte, while the Belgium international also has a three-year contract ready with the Serie A giants.

The Lukaku deal has taken some time to be completed, and there had even been some speculation suggesting it couldn’t go through if Napoli are unable to sell current striker Victor Osimhen.

However, Romano insists that Lukaku potentially joining Napoli does not depend on Osimhen, so it’s clear the Italian journalist is very confident that the 31-year-old will eventually end up finalising his exit from Stamford Bridge.

Romelu Lukaku will surely be leaving Chelsea for Napoli

Lukaku went out on loan to Roma last season, and to Inter Milan the year before that, so it certainly would have been a surprise if Enzo Maresca had found a way back for him into the Chelsea first-team this term.

Lukaku transfer: Chelsea stay looks “impossible”, according to Romano

“Lukaku will not stay at Chelsea. Impossible,” Romano said.

“I keep saying it’s Napoli for Lukaku, regardless of the Osimhen story. Conte wants him, he wants to work with Conte, a three-year deal is ready and Napoli can accelerate soon. I don’t see any other option.”

Lukaku may have flopped at Chelsea, but he’s done well in his various spells in Serie A and should be an ideal signing for Conte at Napoli.

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The pair worked well together at Inter, and one imagines this is the ideal scenario for Lukaku to get back to his best and put this difficult spell with the Blues behind him.

Napoli fans may be disappointed at the likely sale of Osimhen, but Lukaku should end up being a fine replacement for the Nigeria international up front.

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Chelsea and others need to stop players from being “pimped out” – Collymore

Jason Pettigrove — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 09:23:20 +0000

This summer has again seen a high number of transfers from various clubs including Chelsea, and perhaps the most contentious was Conor Gallagher’s switch to Atletico Madrid.

The Blues captain appeared keen to stay at Stamford Bridge, but in order to stay within the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), he was eased out of West London.

A similar situation appears to be manifesting itself currently with Trevoh Chalobah but Chelsea are by no means alone, and that’s riled former professional turned outspoken broadcaster, Stan Collymore.

Chelsea and others must stop pimping out players

“We need to have the conversation about when a player is being signed by a club, he needs to understand where he can buy a house, school his kids and have a home base to settle into,” he said to CaughtOffside for his exclusive column.

“He shouldn’t be pimped out here, there and everywhere, just to be a great example of Profit and Sustainability rules in action.

“Conor Gallagher is another one. Four loans in three years before settling down at Chelsea, only to then be pushed out the door by Todd Boehly.

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has been accused of “pimping out” players by Stan Collymore

“It kills younger players to keep going out on loan and it basically leaves them like a ship that never docks. They’re constantly out and about and never find a home.

“Perhaps Gallagher will do that now at Atletico Madrid – find what it’s like to go and play for a club, anchor down and become a club legend – but he wanted to be ‘the man’ at Chelsea.”

There is, perhaps, an argument that in bringing in PSR, the Premier League’s tightening up has left some clubs that had significantly overspent previously, up the creek without a paddle.

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It appears to be a constant battle for some to stay within Financial Fair Play guidelines, and whilst it’s good business practice, in the interim, players are suffering by being used as pawns in the FFP game.

What that also does is stop any club that’s on the FFP precipice from getting any sort of continuity in terms of first-team staffing – and that can’t be good for business.

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Chelsea ace won’t be bullied by the club and “will take his time” to decide next career step

Jason Pettigrove — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 07:05:05 +0000

Transfer business at Chelsea has been as brisk as ever under Todd Boehly’s watch, with a number of deals being done over the past days.

Conor Gallagher has sealed a move to Atletico Madrid, Mike Penders has signed for the Blues and will join them in 12 months time, whilst Estevao Willian, Marc Guiu and Filip Jorgensen are others to have been secured this summer.

In order to balance the books for the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), there still need to be outgoings at Stamford Bridge, and one of those is expected to be Trevoh Chalobah.

Chelsea ace won’t be rushed into quick decision

The defender, like his former captain, Gallagher, is understood to want to stay at Chelsea, but the need to stay on the right side of Financial Fair Play is seeing the Blues ease players out of the exit door.

The 25-year-old centre-back doesn’t appear to be in any mood to play their game, however.

Trevoh Chalobah in action for Chelsea

“On Trevoh Chalobah’s situation, Crystal Palace are interested but it’s the same with clubs from abroad,” Fabrizio Romano said to CaughtOffside for his exclusive Daily Briefing.

“Chalobah will take his time to decide what will be the best opportunity for him.

“What I’m told too is that Crystal Palace also have Lacroix on their shortlist, a player that’s really appreciated by Glasner.

“So, a decision will be made once Marc Guehi’s future is clarified as talks with Newcastle are still ongoing, not done yet.”

News that the Eagles appear to have entered the race might surprise the likes of West Ham who were also believed to be interested in Chalobah.

It’s clear that the player won’t be short of suitors, so it’s only right that he does his own due diligence before making the decision that is best for him.

Chalobah not caving into the pressure and cajoling from inside the four walls at Cobham or Stamford Bridge is also refreshing indeed.

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Latest poor transfer decision from Chelsea could top the lot

Jason Pettigrove — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 04:52:50 +0000

With three weeks left until the transfer window closes for business for another few months, Chelsea still have the chance to do business that will afford Enzo Maresca the best opportunity of being able to start his managerial career in West London on the front foot.

The Blues haven’t had the best of times in pre-season, drawing 2-2 with Wrexham and losing 4-1 to Celtic, 4-2 to Man City and 2-1 to Real Madrid.

Their only win thus far (3-0) came against Club America, though the locals have a first chance to see their boys in action with the final pre-season game against Inter taking place at Stamford Bridge this Sunday.

Chelsea set to let ‘most promising’ academy star leave

The real business gets underway a week on Sunday when Chelsea face Pep Guardiola’s City side again, with the reigning Premier League champions travelling to West London.

If Maresca can begin his English top-flight campaign with a decent result in that game, it could set the tone.

Behind the scenes, work is still expected in the transfer market, though one decision that the club appears on the verge of making could top the lot.

Chelsea continue to turn their backs on academy talent

As Football Scotland note, Leo Castledine is one of the most promising players ever to come out of the Chelsea academy, however, the 19-year-old is set to be allowed to make a loan move to Scottish giants, Rangers.

A player who has previously trained under Mauricio Pochettino could be eased out of the club for the 2024/25 season, and whilst it might only be a loan with a view to him returning further down the line, it does beg the question as to why Chelsea themselves can’t see a development pathway for him at the club.

Surely one of the pillars of any club in this day and age is the consistent production of academy graduates.

Bringing them through to the first-team should be a priority above all else, and yet Chelsea under Todd Boehly are turning their backs on their best home grown talent.

Gallagher, Chalobah, Castledine…. who’s next?

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West Ham could be set to cash in on another Chelsea transfer mistake from Todd Boehly

Jason Pettigrove — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 04:19:53 +0000

Since Todd Boehly took over at Chelsea Football Club, there has never been a dull moment as far as transfer windows are concerned.

The American doesn’t appear to understand the need for continuity in a first-team squad, and on the face of it, prefers to treat all players as a commodity that should be bought or sold as required.

That’s all well and good in the world of business, but in the world of football things work a little bit differently.

West Ham primed to take advantage of Chelsea decision

Getting rid of your club captain for a profit in Conor Gallagher’s case isn’t a decision that would please the Stamford Bridge faithful by way of one recent example.

Bringing in highly-rated striker, Marc Guiu, from Barcelona only to potentially loan him out again straight away, as has happened with other Chelsea stars, might be said to be another head scratcher.

News from Sky Sports that West Ham are now seriously considering taking Trevoh Chalobah from their West London rivals when Chelsea have players in defence ahead of him such as Benoit Badiashile would appear to make little sense too.

Indeed, some Chelsea supporters seem to have taken to social media to express their feelings.

If Chelsea is serious, they will sell Benoit Badiashile immediately and recall Trevor Chalobah back to the squad.

As for Levi Colwill, he has no business starting for Chelsea and should only be a backup defender pic.twitter.com/l6f3utXbmj

— ????? (@badboy_jerry) August 7, 2024

If Boehly is intent on selling Chalobah because, like Gallagher, he would represent ‘pure profit’ in terms of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), then it clearly undermines what Enzo Maresca is trying to do at the club.

Just as it did for Mauricio Pochettino and Graham Potter before him.

If Todd Boehly truly loves Chelsea Football Club, then he needs to stop meddling and find another vehicle for his various business interests and investments.

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Chelsea star set to be named one of club’s vice captains despite video controversy

Charlie Patrick — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 23:15:56 +0000

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is expected to be named as one of the club’s vice captains according to reports.

Fernandez upset a number of his team-mates earlier this summer when he went live on Instagram chanting a racist and homophobic song about French footballers with his Argentina team-mates after their Copa America success.

Chelsea have subsequently dealt with the matter and consider it closed internally, although FIFA are thought to still be investigating the video and Fernandez could still end up with a possible ban.

Fernandez expected to be named one of Chelsea’s vice captains

The World Cup winner was handed the captains armband by Reece James in the second half of their 2-1 defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday.

After the game Enzo Maresca described the midfielder as an important player and said he was a well respected member of the squad.

“He’s one of the important players,” the 44-year-old told reporters.

“To be honest, I think when we changed Reece, he gave the ‘bracelet’ to Enzo and this shows how Enzo is respected inside the squad. I think it’s quite clear.”

Fernandez is expected to be named as one of Chelsea’s vice captains.

The Times have reported that the Argentina international is expected to be named as one of the Chelsea’s vice captain’s despite only being at the club for 18 months.

Ben Chilwell was the club’s vice captain last season, but this news would suggest Maresca is going to have several vice captains.

Fernandez arrived at Chelsea from Portuguese giants Benfica in January 2023 for a then British transfer record of £106.8m

The 23-year-old played through the pain barrier last season, but missed the final six games of the season to undergo surgery on a hernia issue which had been causing him problems.

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It’s a big season for Fernandez, who will likely be handed a key role in the middle of the park, and his partnership with Moises Caicedo will no doubt be key to Chelsea’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League.

The Blues have their final pre-season game against Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge on Sunday before they begin the season at home to Manchester City on August 18th.

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Chelsea set to complete £35m transfer and have already planned medical

Charlie Patrick — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 18:52:33 +0000

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion and are already planning his medical according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Blues have been in the market for a striker all summer and despite signing teenager Marc Guiu from Barcelona they have been keen to add another forward to their ranks.

Enzo Maresca’s men have been linked with a whole host of names across Europe but they have now settled on their man.

Chelsea to complete Omorodion deal

Chelsea were linked to Omorodion earlier in the summer and had multiple bids rejected by Atletico, with the La Liga outfit wanting in the region of €60-€70m according to some reports.

The Blues retained their interest in the 20-year-old and an opportunity presented itself with Atletico’s pursuit of Julian Alvarez meaning they would be open to letting Omorodion go.

The Stamford Bridge outfit, who have a good relationship with their Spanish counterparts moved quickly and agreed a fee of £35m for the Spain under-21 international.

Omorodion is closing in on a £35m move to Chelsea.

Romano has reported that everything is in place for Omorodion’s move and he’s set to take his medical and sign a seven year contract.

He took to X.com and said:

“Samu Omorodion to Chelsea, here we go! Deal in place for £35m as fixed fee from Atlético Madrid.

“Seven year contract for Omorodion at Chelsea, already agreed as he’s set for medical tests. Bayer Leverkusen and more clubs tried to enter race but Omorodion joins Chelsea.”

The deal is likely to be made official after the Olympics with Omorodion currently preparing for the Gold Medal Match against hosts France.

His imminent move to Chelsea represents quite the rise for the striker who joined Atletico from Granada last summer for €6m and spent the season on loan at Alaves where he scored nine goals in 36 appearances in all competitions.

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At Chelsea Omorodion will be competing with Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu for minutes if the teenager doesn’t go on loan, whilst Christopher Nkunku is also an option down the middle.

Omorodion might not be the last striker to arrive at Chelsea with the Blues in discussions with Napoli over the possibility of Victor Osimhen being part of a deal that would see Romelu Lukaku join the Italian side.

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Exclusive: How Man City helped Chelsea trigger forward transfer, according to Fabrizio Romano

Mark Brus — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 08:25:49 +0000

Chelsea are now closing in on the transfer of Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid, with Fabrizio Romano explaining how Manchester City played a key role in this deal.

Speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside, the transfer news journalist provided his insight into the details of the move, with Julian Alvarez joining Atletico proving important to trigger the sale of Omorodion.

Earlier this summer, it seemed likely that the young Spanish striker would not be sold, while he was also not desperate to leave, but it now seems clear that there is no room for him in Diego Simeone’s squad with the arrival of Alvarez.

Omorodion looks an exciting signing for Chelsea, so they’ll be delighted to finally be closing in on the deal, and it’s perhaps an added bonus that it comes with City also losing a useful squad player in the process.

Samu Omorodion is on his way to Chelsea

Omorodion transfer details explained by Fabrizio Romano

Discussing how Omorodion to Chelsea eventually came about, Romano said: “Of course, Samu Omorodion to Chelsea has also been part of these discussions, though it’s a separate deal. There was interest from Chelsea earlier in the summer, but Atletico said no as they didn’t want to sell the player, while he was also very happy with Atletico.

“However, with the Alvarez deal on top of the recent move for Alexander Sorloth, there is no more room for Omorodion, so it’s now all set for him to join Chelsea. The agreement is done with the player on a contract valid for the next seven years, while the clubs have also agreed on a fee of €35m.

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