Chelsea shift to experience as Barco talks advance
Chelsea have held talks to sign Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi on a free transfer, aiming to beat Barcelona to the sublime centre-back.
Palmeiras winger Eduardo Conceição, 16, is eyed by Newcastle, Arsenal and Chelsea. He stresses staying grounded, models himself on Estêvão, enjoys one-on-ones, and has a £86m release clause.
Chris Kavanagh will referee Chelsea vs Man City. Chelsea, on 9 Premier League reds and 62 yellows, must tighten discipline. The Blues have 15W-3D-6L under Kavanagh; the last meeting ended 1-1 at the Etihad.
Chelsea target two Newcastle players, offering one a bigger role under Liam Rosenior, with Liam Delap potentially moving the other way.
Tosin Adarabioyo backs Cole Palmer amid injury-hit dip, calling him a top player who always has good games. Palmer captained the 7-0 FA Cup win over Port Vale but struggled vs Arsenal and PSG.
Chelsea may offer a player to Sunderland in part-exchange to lower the fee for a £60m Black Cats star, per a new report.
Spanish journalist cites Chelsea missing Michael Olise for costlier alternatives as proof of a flawed wage-first strategy, calling winger recruitment a huge failure despite the club’s strict structure.
Predictions tip Chelsea to lose 1-4 to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. Week 32 calls other results across the league, but the Blues are forecast a heavy defeat against in-form City. www.livescore.com
Round-up names Chelsea’s Liam Delap as a possible exit if a new striker arrives, with the club also admiring Adam Wharton and Valentin Barco among numerous targets across Europe.
Boca Juniors expect a solidarity payment if Chelsea finalise Valentin Barco’s move from Strasbourg in June, with the Argentine club set for around 3% of the fee and already planning how to use the windfall.
Chelsea will not sell Josh Acheampong despite limited minutes under Liam Rosenior. Interest from Bayern Munich and Crystal Palace persists, with a summer loan likely as the club pursue an experienced centre-back.
Chelsea are exploring a return for Lewis Hall if Marc Cucurella leaves, but a deal looks unlikely without a buyback and Hall unwilling. Ashley Cole has called Hall unbelievable at Newcastle.
Coventry line up Derby’s John Eustace if Chelsea re-appoint Frank Lampard. The Sky Blues view Eustace as top target amid a potential Lampard move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea will target experienced signings at centre-back, midfield and attack after player criticism. Cucurella flagged a lack of experience, Enzo Fernandez was disciplined, and Valentin Barco moves are in progress.
