Kai Havertz completes Chelsea medical ahead of £90m transfer

 Kai Havertz completes Chelsea medical ahead of £90m transfer

Kai Havertz has completed a medical with Chelsea ahead of his £90 million move from Bayer Leverkusen, according to reports in Germany. Chelsea have agreed a club-record fee to sign the 21-year-old this summer as they will pay Leverkusen €80m (£72m) up front plus a further €20m (£18m) in add-ons. According to Bild, Havertz had a medical with Chelsea in London on Sunday before he met up with Germany’s national team the following day. Havertz is set to become Chelsea’s sixth new arrival this summer after Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr joined the club.

Speaking on Monday, Leverkusen boss Peter Bosz admitted that Havertz is unlikely to return to training with the German club after the international break. When asked about Havertz’s imminent arrival at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger said on Tuesday: ‘Everything went well with Timo Werner, so I made my contribution.

‘And I hope that it works again now [with Havertz].’ Havertz is currently with Germany’s national team preparing for their upcoming games against Spain and Switzerland. The highly rated midfielder is expected to arrive at Chelsea next week ahead of their new Premier League campaign, which begins against Brighton on September 14.

 

Chelsea confirm signing of former PSG star Thiago Silva

The Blues have added the veteran defender on a one-year deal with the option of extending for a further season

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of veteran centre-back Thiago Silva as the Brazilian defender makes the move to Stamford Bridge after departing Paris Saint-Germain.

Silva's move to Stamford Bridge comes after his eight-year PSG stay came to an end following the club's loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.

The 35-year-old, who served as captain in that defeat, departs the French side with a joint-record seven Ligue 1 titles as well as five Coupes de la Ligue and five Coupes de France.

During his time in Paris, Silva made a total of 315 appearances, including 21 this season as PSG won a domestic treble.

Silva, who makes the move on a free transfer, has now joined Chelsea on a one-year deal with the option of extending that deal by one further season.

He becomes Chelsea's fifth major signing of the window, with Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell and Malang Sarr already snapped up.

In addition, the club has already completed the signings of Malik Mothersille, Jimi Tauriainen and Xavier Mbuyamba this summer.

Blues director Marina Granovskaia told the club's official website of landing Silva: "We are delighted to be able to add a player of Thiago Silva’s proven world-class credentials to our squad.

"Having performed at the highest level for many years, we have no doubt his experience and quality will complement the many exciting talents we already have here.

"Thiago will be an excellent fit and we hope he can add some new trophies to his impressive list of honours."

Before his trophy-laden spell with PSG, Silva emerged as a star with AC Milan during a three-year stint with the club from 2009-12.

He helped Milan claim the 2010-11 Serie A crown, becoming one of the best defenders in the world before joining the Ligue 1 club.

His move to PSG came with a reported fee of €42 million, making him the then second-most expensive defender in history at the time behind Rio Ferdinand.

Internationally, Silva has been a mainstay for Brazil throughout the last decade, earning 89 total caps while scoring seven goals for his country.

Silva has won silver and bronze at the Olympics with Brazil while also claiming the 2013 Confederations Cup and the 2019 Copa America crown on home soil.

Additionally, the defender has been a part of three World Cup squads and has also been at the Copa America on three occasions as well.

Chelsea enter the 2020-21 season after finishing fourth in the Premier League in Frank Lampard's first campaign as manager.

The Blues will open the Premier League season at Brighton on September 14.

Ronaldo sends Lionel Messi transfer message amid links to Chelsea!!

 Ronaldo sends Lionel Messi transfer message amid links to Chelsea!!

Ronaldo Nazario says Barcelona should dig their heels in over Lionel Messi.

Reports claim Messi has told Barcelona he wants to leave following an embarrassing Champions League exit and another change of manager with Ronald Koeman replacing Quique Setien.

Since reports emerged of Messi's possible exit, Chelsea and Manchester City have been linked with the Argentine superstar.

But Barcelona should be having none of it, according to Brazil legend Ronaldo.

"It’s very unlikely that he’ll be able to leave Barcelona at the moment, especially when there’s a crisis of results," Ronaldo said at a webinar hosted by Santander.

"Messi is a reference for the team and, if I were Barcelona, I wouldn’t let him leave in any situation.

"He has a great and strong relationship with the club and I don’t think he’ll stop being in love with the team."

Messi's contract at Barca still has a year remaining and he has a release clause worth more than £600m.

Though, if the Argentine genuinely wants to leave, it's likely Barcelona would allow him to leave for significantly less.

 

Chelsea open talks to sign Edouard Mendy!! 😍😍😍

Chelsea have opened talks to sign their Rennes goalkeeper Edouard Mendy this summer.

The Blues need to find an upgrade on Kepa and the 28-year-old could prove to be a solid addition to Frank Lampard’s side.

According to Football Insider, the player is valued at £45 million but Chelsea are willing to offer just £22 million instead.

It will be interesting to see if the Blues can agree on a fee with the French outfit in the coming weeks.

Chelsea have been outstanding in the transfer market so far and they have already signed the likes of Ziyech, Werner, Chilwell and Sarr. The Blues are closing in on the signing of Thiago Silva and Kai Havertz as well.

Kepa has been a major weak link for Chelsea over the past season and the Blues must look to bring in a quality keeper if they want to challenge for the title next season.

Chelsea paid a club-record fee for Kepa, but the Spaniard has been a major disappointment so far.

It will be interesting to see if the Blues can sign Mendy before the Premier League season begins.

The player is likely to be tempted to join a club of Chelsea’s stature but the Premier League side will have to convince his club with a good offer first.

Chelsea confirm signing of Malang Sarr on a free transfer as Marina Granovskaia hails 'one we could not miss'... but he'll head straight out on loan with Bayer Leverkusen an option in a Kai Havertz deal sweetener

Chelsea confirm signing of Malang Sarr on a free transfer as Marina Granovskaia hails 'one we could not miss'... but he'll head straight out on loan with Bayer Leverkusen an option in a Kai Havertz deal sweetener!!

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of French defender Malang Sarr, who will now spend the upcoming season away on loan.

Sarr becomes manager Frank Lampard's fourth acquisition for the senior side, in what has been a frantic transfer window so far.

Sarr, 21, has put pen to paper on a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge though could be set to head to Bayer Leverkusen, in a loan switch will would look to secure the signature of Kai Havertz for the Blues.

The German club are understood to be interested in Sarr, and could be set to request his services as part of their ongoing negotiations with Chelsea for wonderkid Havertz.

In 119 appearances for Nice Sarr scored three goals, before winding down his contract and leaving the club to join Chelsea on a free transfer.

On signing Sarr, Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said: ‘The opportunity to sign Malang was one we could not miss. 

'He is a tremendous prospect and we will be monitoring him closely during his loan period, hoping he will soon be back at Chelsea. We are very happy to welcome him to the club today.’ 

He joins the likes of Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Ben Chilwell as summer purchases for the Blues. 

Indeed Sarr's arrival comes just one day after the £50million capture of Chilwell from Leicester City, with more signings expected in the coming weeks. 

The Blues are also on the brink of finalising a deal for Brazilian defender Thiago Silva, after the veteran star concluded his terms with Paris Saint Germain.

Each of Silva, Sarr and Chilwell will go some way to revitalising Lampard's defence, which came under intense scrutiny last season.

The west London club also remain in the market for a goalkeeper, following Kepa Arrizabalaga's fall from grace.

The Spaniard became the world's most expensive stopper when Chelsea signing him from Athletic Bilbao in the summer of 2018, though has since lost his place to Willy Caballero following a series of high profile mistakes.

Thiago Silva’s wife sends transfer announcement hint on Instagram as Chelsea close in on signing!!

 Thiago Silva’s wife sends transfer announcement hint on Instagram as Chelsea close in on signing!!

Chelsea are closing in on their second signing in as many days.

The Blues confirmed the £50 million capture of left-back Ben Chilwell from Leicester City on Wednesday afternoon with the club expected to continue to reinforce their defence.

Chelsea are now close to doing that with the signing of experienced defender Thiago Silva, who is available on a free transfer after the expiry of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain.

The 35-year-old has agreed a one-year deal at Stamford Bridge, with the option of a second at the end of the season.

Reports suggest that the defender will sign for Chelsea today (Thursday), and the player’s wife has posted a hint on Instagram that that could be the case.

Her Instagram stories show a picture that appears to be showing an interview taking place with Silva.

The caption reads “you only see the glamour hahahahaha.”

The picture comes days after she posted a picture of her and her children getting ready to board an airplane along with the message: “Arriving the day of the decision and as always, we will be with you captain @thiagosilva, side by side !! Departed Lisbon.”

Silva has been with Paris Saint-Germain since 2012, making a total of 315 appearances for the club.

The defender posted a heartfelt goodbye to the club on Instagram ahead of his next move.

"The value of things is not in the time they last but in the intensity with which they happen,” he said.

"For this reason, they are unforgettable moments, unexplainable things and incomparable people.

"Today a cycle ends, after eight years with the PSG team I would like to thank my teammates, the whole technical team and management, the fans, my family, God and friends, for all of these happy moments we experienced in the City of Lights.”

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'Announce Messi And Havertz' - Chelsea Fans In Meltdown After Lionel Messi Makes 'Decision'

 'Announce Messi and Havertz' - Chelsea fans in meltdown after Lionel Messi makes 'decision'

Lionel Messi has reportedly informed Barcelona he wants to leave the club this summer.

Recent reports claim that the Argentine has asked to leave the La Liga side following their Champions League quarter-final humiliation at the hands of Bayern Munich.

This comes just a month after reports surfaced claiming that Messi was growing frustrated with life at the Camp Nou and wanted a new challenge.

Manchester City and Inter Milan have both been strongly linked with a move for the 33-year-old, who is said to have told the Catalan side on Tuesday evening that he is ready to quit the club.

Chelsea have also been linked with a sensational move for the six-time Ballon d'Or winner, but the Blues are currently concentrating on adding to their squad with the signing of Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kai Havertz. 

football.london understands that Chelsea are set to meet Leverkusen's £80million valuation of the player with some of the deal being paid for in add-ons.

Chelsea are now looking to finalise an agreement and seal their third major signing of the summer, after the arrivals of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech. 

Amidst the Havertz news, some Blues supporters took to social media to urge the club to make yet another statement signing - in the shape of Messi.

One fan tweeted: "Announce Havertz, Thiago Silva, Chilwell, Oblak and Messi," whilst another posted: "Chelsea abandon Havertz, let's go get Messi."

Ronald Koeman was confirmed as Barcelona's new manager last week, after Quique Setien was relieved of his duties. 

Speaking after being unveiled at the Camp Nou, Koeman was asked about Messi's future.

"It is a pleasure to have a player like Messi in the team," Koeman told Barcelona's official media channels.

"His qualities will help the team to develop. We can't be compared for our free-kick taking because he has scored so many more than me.

"I was only at Barcelona for six seasons [laughs].

"But it is important to have someone who is good at free-kicks and corners in your team."

25-year-old Chelsea target could be available for €30m this summer

 

Chelsea keen on €30m-rated Mike Maignan

According to Sky Sports, Chelsea are interested in LOSC Lille goalkeeper Mike Maignan, who could be available for a transfer fee of around €30m this summer.

The 25-year-old Maignan came through the youth ranks at PSG before making the switch to Lille in 2015 in search of regular game time. Over the past couple of years, he has developed into one of the best goalkeepers in France, becoming a key player for Lille.

Till date, he has featured 133 times for the French club, keeping 42 clean sheets, 13 of which came in the 2019/20 campaign. He conceded a solitary goal in Lille’s opening league game of the 2020/21 term.

Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation, as things stand, is a bit bleak. Kepa Arrizabalaga struggled to inspire any sort of confidence between the sticks this past season. So much so that, manager Frank Lampard axed him from the starting XI on multiple occasions.

Willy Caballero, on the other hand, is in the final phase of his career and cannot be relied upon week in week out. So securing an upgrade on our current options this summer is of great importance.

A number of names such as Nick Pope, Kasper Schmeichel have been mentioned. And Lille’s Mike Maignan has also emerged as a target for the club as per Sky Sports.

The 25-year-old former PSG academy man has been a consistent performer for Lille. And, at €30m, he would be a viable addition for the club.

 

Lionel Messi tells Barcelona he wants to leave and no transfer fee will be required!!!

It felt like the only way Lionel Messi would leave Barcelona would be as a champion, before returning to Argentina to play for a season or two at the end of his career.

Admittedly he is 33 years old so he might not have a lot of time left, but he’s also still playing at an incredible level and would be a great signing for any team in football.

Barca are at a true crossroads with an ageing team and a new manager, so you can understand it if he’s had enough and wants to go somewhere that offers him an immediate chance of silverware.

READ MORE: Barcelona to ask key quartet to review current contracts in hint at wage cuts

You can also argue that rebuilding Barcelona could be a five year plan due to the age of the squad, the lack of money to buy new players and a scarcity of youngsters who are good enough to step up.

Messi doesn’t have five years left to wait for things to turn around, and the latest report from Spain has suggested that he will be off:

Not only has he told them that he wants to leave, but that report confirms that he has a clause that allows him to terminate his contract, so he’ll be able to leave without a transfer fee too.

There’s still a financial problem for any new team in that his wages will be astronomical, so there are only a few teams in the world that he can sign for.

It’s important to wait for the player or the club to announce this officially, but all signs are pointing towards an exit.

It’s interesting that there’s a cross-sport parallel with Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, and they saw a similar situation earlier this year. He was one of the best players of all time and was completely synonymous with the team.

There was no way that anyone though Brady would ever leave, but after a disappointing season he looked at the ageing squad and decided he wanted to try something new, and it looks like Messi is doing something similar.