Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has urged the club to make use of young talent next season if Eden Hazard leaves the club. The future of Hazard at Stamford Bridge is the subject of speculation with the attacking maestro set to publically announce his decision after the Europa League final against Arsenal later this month.
Chelsea goalkeeper Rob Green believes that Kepa Arrizabalaga has been good for the club during his first season. The Spaniard arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer and had big boots to fill as he had to serve as the replacement for Thibaut Courtois, who joined Real Madrid last summer.
Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata has insisted that he wishes to remain with Atletico Madrid beyond this summer. The Spaniard was sent on loan to the La Liga club in January after struggling to find form for the Blues during the first half of the season. Since moving to Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, Morata’s form and confidence have appeared to have improved as scored six goals and provide one assist during the second half of the campaign.
Christian Pulisic is being backed for success at Chelsea by his US team-mate Weston McKennie. The 20-year-old was signed by the Blues in January and immediately loaned back to Dortmund until the end of the season. He will join the Stamford Bridge side on a full-time basis this summer and integrated into the first team next season.
Chelsea face an interesting summer transfer window. Not only are they set to face a two-window transfer ban, they might also have to part ways with attacking star Eden Hazard. Hazard has been a key player for the Blues since his arrival at the club during the summer of 2012. He has once again been arguably its best player again this season as he has gone on to score 16 goals and provide 15 assists from 37 games in the Premier League.
Former Chelsea star Wayne Bridge is surprised that Maurizio Sarri is not yet sacked as Blues manager. The Italian was appointed as manager of the West London club last summer following the sacking of Antonio Conte. He made a promising start to life as manager of the club but things underwent a downward spiral at the end of 2018.
Chelsea legend Ashley Cole believes that Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori are ready to graduate to the Blues’ first team. The young duo were sent on loan to Derby ahead of this season. The 20-year-old Mount has been impressive in the Championship and played 36 times for Frank Lampard’s side during the season, scoring eight goals and notching four assists.
Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson has said that he is under the impression that Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi wants to be part of the Eagles’ squad next season.
Chelsea ace Eden Hazard has revealed that he thinks that the Blues are the best club from London. For much of the century, the tag of London’s premier football club has been a debate between Arsenal and Chelsea. During the early 2000s, there was no doubt that it was Arsenal. The Gunners memorably went on to win the Premier League title without losing a game during the 2003/04 campaign.
Chelsea hero Glenn Hoddle has said that he wants to see more from Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The youngster scored the opening goal for his side during their Champions League semi-final second leg clash against Eintracht Frankfurt at Stamford Bridge on Thursday. The game ended 1-1 before the Blues went on to win 4-3 on penalties. They will now play against Arsenal in the final.
Maurizio Sarri’s performances during his first season as Blues manager are largely viewed with mixed reaction from Chelsea fans. Many feel that the former Napoli boss has done well to take the club to the final of the Europa League as well as to a top-four finish. Others feel that he should have managed to challenge for other major trophies apart from the Europa League.
Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Europa League semi-final second-leg tie against Valencia, Petr Cech suggested that potentially facing off against Chelsea during the final game of his career could be “too much”. Arsenal defeated Valencia 4-2 in Spain on Thursday and recorded a 7-3 victory on aggregate. They are now set to face off against their English rivals Chelsea during the Europa League final at the end of the month.
Chelsea sealed a place in the top four and next seasons Champions League following their 3-0 win over Watford at the weekend. The season has been one of highs and lows for the Blues and there was talk that Sarri could be sacked during the low points.
Liverpool and England legend John Barnes has urged Chelsea to sell Eden Hazard this summer. Hazard’s contract with the Blues is due to come to an end at the end of next season and he has stalled on signing a new one. This essentially means that if he does not sign a new deal soon and the club decides to keep him, they could stand to lose him for a bargain fee or in the worst case scenario for free next season.
Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta has highlighted the importance of defensive midfielder Jorginho. The Brazilian born Italian who is a favourite of Blues manager Mauricio Sarri arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer along with the tactician.
Former Chelsea manager Glenn Hoddle believes that Ruben Loftus-Cheek should be a first-choice player at the Blues now. The Englishman was one of the Blues star performers during their 1-1 draw in the Europa League semi-final first leg game against Eintracht Frankfurt. After claiming a crucial away goal, the Blues will be favourites to advance to the final of Europe’s second-tier club competition with the next leg set to be played at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta has played down the impact of the club’s transfer ban on the team. In February, FIFA slapped the West London club with a two-window transfer ban after finding irregularities in their signing of young players. The ban will become effective from this summer and Azpilicueta conceded that the players are aware of it.
Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has spoken positively about his previous stint managing Chelsea. In November 2012, the Blues appointed the Spaniard as their interim boss until the end of the 2012/13 season following the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo.
As one of the world’s elite clubs, Chelsea are privileged to be able to regularly sign top talent. However, there are times when they may lose out. The following are some well-known players that the Blues nearly signed throughout recent years.
The Chelsea fans who were accused of racially abusing Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling will not face any prosecution. Fans of the Blues were accused of abusing the 24-year-old Sterling during the clubs 2-0 defeat against the Citizens at Stamford Bridge in December. The Blues went on to suspend four fans from attending games while investigating the incidents.
Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham is a target for Everton, according to a report published by The Sun. The youngster, who has spent the season out on loan with Aston Villa in the Championship, has shone as he has so far scored 25 goals from 37 appearances.
Burnley manager Sean Dyche has hit back at Chelsea defender David Luiz after the Brazilian claimed that the Clarets were guilty of anti-football during the 2-2 draw between the teams on Monday. The result would have been frustrating to the Blues even though it left them in fourth place on the standings and in contention to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has reflected on his time managing the Blues. He seems quite content with what he managed to achieve. Conte was appointed as manager of the West London giants ahead of the 2016-17 season. During his first season in charge of the club, he impressed as he managed to guide them in fantastic fashion to the Premier League title.
Nice President Gauthier Ganaye has opened the door to Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud. The 32-year-old has become a bit-part player with Chelsea and is reportedly willing to make a return to his homeland of France in order to play more regularly.
Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante has advised his team-mates to focus more on securing a top-four finish this season than on winning the Europa League. The Blues face a tough test to finish in the top four this season amidst competition from the likes of Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal.