Chelsea

Chelsea needed to sign defenders this summer and in landing Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly for around €40m, they have made a wonderful choice.

Having first arrived as a defender who was rather coy with the ball, he waved goodbye to the passionate San Paolo fans as one of the best ball-playing centre-backs in Serie A -- rarely afraid to fire pinpoint passes through crowded areas in the middle of the pitch instead of opting for an easy ball to his full-back or a central defensive partner. With centre-backs always being in the thick of the action defensively -- having to read the game perfectly and time their interventions to the split second -- the odd misjudgement comes with the territory. He plays with his head up, is calm in possession, dominates his opponents and plays with a certain "aura" -- another banned word in many analytics departments -- which is not necessarily common for modern-day defenders. Though his numbers show that he's still behind the likes of Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk overall, he compares favourably with Man City's Ruben Dias and Rudiger, who is now at Real Madrid. Not bad company to keep. Becoming a star at Napoli since his arrival from Genk for around €8m in 2014, Koulibaly has made his name in Serie A and when asked what his weak points were, one chief scout from the Italian league told ESPN: "What weak points? In an age when even the traditional top European clubs are almost exclusively looking for value and potential from new arrivals, a €40m transfer fee for a 31-year-old in the final year of his contract may appear somewhat extravagant.

The official club website wrote: “Severe weather conditions around the stadium forced a late start to Chelsea's game vs Charlotte. The match was due to kick off ...

They wrote: “Severe weather and lightning remains in the area and shelter in place is still in effect. That is where the focus will be." Gates are still closed.— Charlotte FC (@CharlotteFC) That is how I would handle it.” Severe weather and lightning remains in the area and shelter in place is still in effect. A new start time will be advised.”

Chelsea are getting increasingly closer to beating out Barcelona and finalising a deal worth around €60 million for Sevilla's Jules Kounde, but with with ...

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Sevilla want to accept Chelsea's bid over that of Barcelona as it offers straight cash while Barca were proposing players such as Memphis Depay.

Chelsea are confident of signing Sevilla defender Jules Kounde after making an improved £55million offer on Wednesday. - Chelsea are now confident of landing the Sevilla defender Jules Kounde Chelsea make improved offer of £55MILLION for Sevilla defender Jules Kounde as they look to see off competition from Barcelona... with the France star having already agreed personal terms with the Blues

Chelsea are trying to negotiate with a European heavyweight for one of their stars, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The above are just a couple of things Tuchel probably likes about his former player. He is a great defender, a leader. He is direct in the human relationship.

Chelsea could be offering Sevilla's Jules Kounde a mega wage to join the Blues over Barcelona.

The Blues have already got a new highest earner this summer after they signed Raheem Sterling from Manchester City and they look set to top that with the Kounde deal. The Blues are currently in talks with Sevilla, who are pushing for the move to happen, over a €60m deal for the Frenchman. Chelsea could be offering Sevilla's Jules Kounde a mega wage to join the Blues over Barcelona.

The departure of Marina Granovskaia has 'changed the situation' as Chelsea look to wrap up a £55million deal for a Thomas Tuchel target, it has been ...

When asked whether personal terms have already been agreed, Romano told GIVEMESPORT: “It was the case a few months ago. “But then they changed the board and the situation changed because Barcelona jumped into it, thanks to Xavi and his relationship with Jorge Mendes, who is taking care of this potential deal.” According to The Sun, Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel’s lengthy pursuit of Kounde is set to pay off after a £55million deal was agreed with Sevilla.

The 23-year-old has been the peak of Chelsea's interests since negotiations fell through with Sevilla last summer. football.london understands that the Blues ...

The departure of Christensen and possibly Azpilicueta will leave the Blues with just Trevoh Chalobah playing as a right centre-back. football.london understands that the Blues are in advanced negotiations with Sevilla over a deal that could see Todd Boehly fork out £50million for the Frenchman - which is better than the original £56 million. The Blues had turned to Ake as a choice for Thomas Tuchel as he makes up for the loss in centre-backs this summer.

Charlotte FC is the newest expansion club in MLS and it hasn't been afraid to make some bold moves in its first season in existence. Here's everything you ...

Charlotte FC may need time to become a well-established MLS force, but the Queen City's team is already making plenty of noise. "Charlotte needs an identity," said Fuchs, who spoke about how MLS as a whole doesn't quite have a trademark style of play, affording every club the chance to establish its own unique way of playing. The results have thus far vindicated what was billed initially as a rash decision, and the feeling within the club is that unity is at an all-time high from ownership down to the coaching staff. "We knew we wanted that, but the previous coach [Miguel Angel Ramirez] did not particularly rate the value of MLS as a league and MLS players." "I think what we need to be a regular playoff contender is a stability that every expansion club doesn't have," Krneta says. So Krneta made a change and canned a coach that was growing in popularity for his outspokenness and the team's style of play. Walsh came from Leicester City, who he joined in 2011 as assistant manager and head of recruitment, eventually responsible for bringing Jamie Vardy, N'Golo Kante, and much of the title-winning squad to the Foxes. Every club needs a heartbeat, from Real Madrid and Liverpool all the way down to your rec league team. We did not build a roster to try and win the league in Year One." "I think we went from not knowing each other at all, a completely new team — 25, 26, 27 new players — to finally getting going, which has shown in the last five or so games especially," club captain Fuchs said. The club has produced increasingly consistent results on the field, giving top MLS clubs tough matches and pushing into the playoff positions of the table. MLS expansion is a uniquely American experience, following the lead of other major sports like the NFL, NBA and MLB which are built on franchises or clubs which become members of a league.

Charlotte FC beat Chelsea in an international friendly soccer match at Bank of America Stadium in North Carolina. The game ended in penalty kicks.

Owen wore a customized Chelsea kit with his name on the back and a matching pair of shorts. He picked up his fandom because of Drogba, the team’s striker. Vead made her case with the star of the US Men’s National Team: Chelsea attacking midfielder Christian Pulisic. “It could be a bad game, but I’m still watching it.” A number of North Carolina natives attending the game found themselves cheering against the home team and instead took the opportunity to watch their favorite team, one they’d rarely seen play in person. Vead, 28, also spent her entire life in Charlotte and picked up the fandom from him.

Even though Barcelona are said to be very interested in the Frenchman, the Blues' intensity in this deal looks set to pay off. Yesterday, Chelsea had an ...

This source has been fairly reliable during the whole Kounde to Chelsea saga so it would not be a surprise if this was reported by more reliable journalists tomorrow. According to InfoSevillismo, via Blue_Footy, the Kounde to Chelsea operation will become official tomorrow. Reports have been relentless during the past couple of days regarding the Kounde to Chelsea deal.

Chelsea continue their preseason tour of the United States with an east coast visit to brand new MLS club Charlotte FC on Wednesday at Bank of America ...

Still, the spread is just 1.5 goals, indicating that while many expect Chelsea to emerge victoriously, there is respect for the fight Charlotte are expected to put up. 112 mins to kick: Christian Pulisic is back in his home nation, and he's exploring sights throughout Chelsea's travel across the country. Thomas Tuchel admitted his forward room is jam packed, and he will be looking to establish some continuity on the field through the season to keep his best players in form. 95 mins to kick: All eyes will be on the Chelsea attack today. 22 mins to kick: Chelsea are not the only Premier League team in the United States dealing with inclement weather. It results in a bad pass from Kovacic to Hudson-Odoi on the right flank. +61 mins to kick: The new kickoff time is in just a few minutes as lineups are announced, but the seats at Bank of America Stadium are still very sparse. A nervy moment for the Chelsea goalkeeper, but he handled the pressure with ease. Thiago Silva puts in a poor tackle on Swiderski in midfield and concedes a foul, but takes the brunt of it physically as well. A Hakim Ziyech cross from deep down the left is right in Pulisic's path, but as he comes flying in with a karate kick, he just can't reach it. When asked what his goal from the friendly is, Charlotte FC head coach Christian Lattanzio said, "I would like to have a team that competes to give a good game to Chelsea, and therefore to our supporters so they enjoy the experience. Chelsea, meanwhile, topped Club America 2-1 in the preseason opener on Saturday, needing goals from Timo Werner and Mason Mount to overcome a Reece James own goal.

Chelsea were beaten on penalties in the early hours of Thursday morning following a 1-1 draw with Charlotte FC.

Off-the-ball, it was the three-back formation but when in possession, Chelsea would then change to a four-back system. It was a defeat in the Blues' second match, but some things may have excited supporters and Tuchel alike. With just over a couple of weeks to go until the new Premier League campaign kicks off, everyone is eagerly waiting the announcement. It was a special moment for the American to score on his home soil, and he did so with a clever and delicate finish. Trevoh Chalobah was adjudged to have handled the ball and Daniel Rios scored from 12 yards – and the match went to a penalty shootout, much to everyone's bemusement. Was it worth the wait for Chelsea supporters?

Thomas Tuchel is desperate to sign another defender ahead of the new Premier League season and has revisited his interest in Kounde. Last year, Sevilla remained ...

Chelsea have now tabled a bid in the region of £51m (€60m) for Kounde and 'expect' to conclude an agreement with Sevilla today, reports suggest. Experienced Senegalese star Koulibaly has since joined Chelsea from Napoli for around £32m. The Blues apparently held an interest in former academy graduate Nathan Ake but were turned down by the now- Manchester City man. The impending arrival of Kounde at Stamford Bridge would complete Tuchel's overhaul of his defence. Chelsea 'expect' to agree a fee with Sevilla for defender Jules Kounde as their lavish summer spending continues, according to reports. He made 32 appearances as Sevilla finished fourth. The former Bordeaux man was reportedly frustrated that he was unable to join Chelsea last year but enjoyed a successful season in the Spanish top-flight.

Conor Gallagher took one of the worst penalties seen in a very long time as Chelsea were beaten in a shoot-out by Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC.

Chelsea lose on penalties to Charlotte FC— B/R Football (@brfootball) But Charlotte FC, who were only formed in December 2019, were handed the opportunity to level the scores in the dying seconds of the game when Trevoh Chalobah was penalised for blocking a shot with his hand. Conor Gallagher took one of the worst penalties seen in a very long time as Chelsea were beaten in a shoot-out by Major League Soccer side Charlotte FC.

Chelsea lost 5-3 on penalties to Charlotte FC after it ended 1-1 after 90 minutes at the Bank of America Stadium.

His decision making in the midfield was excellent, as well was his passing and distribution. After playing as a centre-back against Club America, the 21-year-old was deployed in midfield against Charlotte FC, showcasing his versatility to Thomas Tuchel. His performance did himself no harm in his wish to make it at Chelsea and be part of the first-team next season. Just like against Club America at the weekend, Thomas Tuchel made wholesale changes at half-time. A good first run out for the attacker. Daniel Rios stepped up and slotted past Edouard Mendy to take the game to, surprisingly, penalties. He made no mistake, slotting past Kristijan Kahlina to send Thomas Tuchel's side into the interval with a lead.

Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has accused his side of lacking “effort” and “hunger” in their pre-season defeat to Charlotte FC in North Carolina.

Simon Johnson Simon Johnson It was not good enough.

Christian Pulisic scored but was unable to prevent a Chelsea defeat against Major League Soccer side Charlotte as Thomas Tuchel's team lost on penalties ...

Chelsea will look to bounce back from the defeat when they face Arsenal in the Florida Cup on Saturday evening. USMNT star Pulisic opened the scoring in the 30th minute after seizing on a blocked effort from Michy Batshuayi, while Sterling showed impressive flashes after coming on at the start of the second half. Christian Pulisic scored but was unable to prevent a Chelsea defeat against Major League Soccer side Charlotte as Thomas Tuchel's team lost on penalties after drawing 1-1.

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.

But this time around, it looks like they have matched the fee that the Spanish club are asking for, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano at least. And he ...

But as Romano reports below, they have not made any offers for Kounde yet. And he even has positive news on the contract terms, suggesting that personal terms are also no problem. Unfortunately that time The Blues did not match the fee being asked by Sevilla.

Chelsea continue their preseason tour of the United States with an east coast visit to brand new MLS club Charlotte FC on Wednesday at Bank of America ...

Still, the spread is just 1.5 goals, indicating that while many expect Chelsea to emerge victoriously, there is respect for the fight Charlotte are expected to put up. 112 mins to kick: Christian Pulisic is back in his home nation, and he's exploring sights throughout Chelsea's travel across the country. Thomas Tuchel admitted his forward room is jam packed, and he will be looking to establish some continuity on the field through the season to keep his best players in form. 95 mins to kick: All eyes will be on the Chelsea attack today. 22 mins to kick: Chelsea are not the only Premier League team in the United States dealing with inclement weather. It results in a bad pass from Kovacic to Hudson-Odoi on the right flank. +61 mins to kick: The new kickoff time is in just a few minutes as lineups are announced, but the seats at Bank of America Stadium are still very sparse. A nervy moment for the Chelsea goalkeeper, but he handled the pressure with ease. A Hakim Ziyech cross from deep down the left is right in Pulisic's path, but as he comes flying in with a karate kick, he just can't reach it. When asked what his goal from the friendly is, Charlotte FC head coach Christian Lattanzio said, "I would like to have a team that competes to give a good game to Chelsea, and therefore to our supporters so they enjoy the experience. Meanwhile, the attacking ranks are overflowing, and departures may be necessary to cull the roster. Chelsea, meanwhile, topped Club America 2-1 in the preseason opener on Saturday, needing goals from Timo Werner and Mason Mount to overcome a Reece James own goal.

Chelsea Transfer News: The Blues have been linked with a move for Adrien Rabiot recently and Arsenal could stifle Thomas Tuchel's hopes of wrapping up a ...

He wrote: "In agreement with the club and for personal reasons, I will stay in Italy to finish my physical training." Amid the routine commotion of a summer transfer window, Rabiot has confirmed that he won't be joining Juventus on their pre-season tour of the United States due to 'personal reasons'. 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.

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.

Raheem Sterling scored a penalty on his Chelsea debut in Charlotte but it was overshadowed by a dreadful attempted Panenka from Conor Gallagher.

His shot barely rose more than an inch off the ground and was easily caught by sub keeper George Marks. But Gallagher's attempt to dink the ball into the net ended in humiliation. The England international was unable to mark his debut in normal time with a goal but he came close.

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.

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.

The future of Sevilla's Jules Kounde is very close to being determined, with Chelsea having reportedly placed a new bid for his services on Wednesday.

Gissing also mentions that Sevilla director Monchi is waiting on Barcelona's next step in their pursuit of the defender. The report states that the West London side have made a new bid of £52-55 million for the central defender. After their pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt petered out due to the player preferring Bayern Munich, Chelsea zeroed in on the Frenchman as an alternative.