Chelsea news: Done deal, Declan Rice 'phone call', Ugarte agreement, Felix hint

A miserable season for Chelsea has finally come to an end, so roll on the summer transfer window! While Mauricio Pochettino may be considering ways to bolster his side – whether it be Victor Osimhen or Manuel Ugarte – he mustn't forget to trim down the bloated squad.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech all face uncertain futures too, so Pochettino will certainly have his hands full once he gets his feet under the table. In the boardroom it's still as busy as ever.

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When quizzed on Manuel Ugarte's future by O Jogo, Ruben Amorim said: "I cannot comment on this issue, because it is beyond me. Now, we know that it is difficult to keep players like Ugarte. Not only one club is interested, but several.

"Our objective is to sell, knowing that we missed the Champions League and it makes everything more difficult. I know what I want for the team and I have already conveyed that to the management."

The Sporting midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea for a while now, but the Blues face tough competition from PSG...

Arsenal and Chelsea could both be blown away by Bayern Munich in the race to Declan Rice. The West Ham captain has been heavily linked with an exit from the London Stadium for a while now and a big summer move is on the cards...

Christian Pulisic may have played his last game for Chelsea as the two parties look set to go in different directions this summer. After a two-minute final day appearance at Stamford Bridge against Newcastle, the end of the road is in sight.

It has been a tough year for Pulisic professionally. He was part of a disappointing and disjointed pre-season tour of America with the Blues which was meant to be a landmark moment for player and club under new American ownership heading into a World Cup year for USMNT.

In reality, there was little to cheer and failed transfers away from Stamford Bridge for Pulisic set the ball rolling for yet another year of footballing purgatory. His eight starts in the league is the lowest for a single season since he made his Bundesliga debut aged 16...

Read the full story here.

With the uncertainty surrounding Mason Mount, it appears as though clubs are starting to make their moves when it comes to trying to sign the midfielder. According to the Telegraph, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is personally stepping up the approach for the England international in the coming weeks.

The head coach is said to view the Cobham academy star as a huge part of his team for the future, with the desire to overhaul the midfield ranks. He won't be alone in his pursuit though as Arsenal and Liverpool are also said to be in the race to land Mount in the transfer window.

Both are looking to bolster their central ranks too as football.london understands that Declan Rice is a top priority for the Gunners. Whether they, or any other team adds Mount will remain to be seen though as the situation continues to be open for all those involved.

Joao Felix has sent a cryptic Chelsea transfer hint after his final game on loan at the club. The 23-year-old has ended his initial term away from Atletico Madrid but still faces an uncertain future.

With four goals to show for his five months in London, Felix's temporary move has proved to be a mixed bag. After a bright and promising start was cut short by a straight red card on debut against Fulham, his impact has been less than hoped.

Signed to help Chelsea progress in the Champions League, Felix failed to score in any of the four knockout games he featured in, missing key chances away to Borussia Dortmund in the 1-0 loss. He did find himself a tad unlucky, though, hitting the woodwork three times as well in four matches.

Read on here.

Mauricio Pochettino is yet to address his decision to join Chelsea with the club confirming a deal had been agreed for him to start next month.

Pochettino will officially begin work at Stamford Bridge on July 1, per the club's statement, with Jesus Perez, Miguel D'Agostino, Toni Jimenez and Sebastiano Pochettino joining him on Chelsea's coaching staff. In a statement released by Chelsea on Monday afternoon, the club said that a contract of two years has been agreed with Pochettino with the option for a further year held in their favour.

Pochettino returns to the dugout for the first time since he left Paris Saint-Germain last July. He was dismissed on July 5, a year after signing a contract extension that would see him remain at the Parc de Princes until June this year.

There's a possibility that Pochettino cannot discuss his move to Chelsea until the day it becomes official, which would explain the lack of an interview on the club's website and his social media silence. He's not officially the club's head coach yet and may also be respectful to interim head coach Frank Lampard and be aware that the season, a torrid one for the Blues, has only just finished.

Read on here.

Todd Boehly continues to learn on the job as Chelsea co-owner after Mauricio Pochettino was confirmed as the new head coach for the upcoming season. After a deal was agreed between the two parties earlier in the month, the Argentine was finally announced less than 24 hours after Frank Lampard's last game as interim boss.

Pochettino, who became the preferred candidate for the job after Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique were ruled out of the running during an exhaustive and thorough process, will now have a full pre-season to prepare for a big summer. Chelsea are expected to go through major change with a mass exodus of players following the announcement of the new manager.

It is a process of clearing out the heavily bloated squad that many will say needed to happen last year. Since then, Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter have been moved on as the Stamford Bridge hot seat looked as unstable as ever. There has been a distinct change of direction here, though.

Read on here.

Tottenham fans were far from happy as former favourite Mauricio Pochettino was announced as new Chelsea head coach on a two-year contract, with the option of an extra year. The Argentinian coach is tasked with taking the Blues forward after a dismal Premier League season has seen them finish mid-table, though with plenty of promising youth at Cobham.

Pochettino will likely look to calm stormy waters at Chelsea, who have undergone plenty of change in the past year from ownership to management to the playing staff. Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, told the official website: "Mauricio’s experience, standards of excellence, leadership qualities and character will serve Chelsea Football Club well as we move forward.

"He is a winning coach, who has worked at the highest levels, in multiple leagues and languages. His ethos, tactical approach and commitment to development all made him the exceptional candidate."

However, from a Tottenham perspective, there will naturally be a sense of "what if" as well as some resentment towards the decision makers at the club. Spurs are on the hunt for a head coach of their own and given that the manager who guided them to a Champions League final and, arguably, wasn't handed enough time before his dismissal was available, many aren't happy.

Read on here.

Chelsea Football Club is pleased to confirm Mauricio Pochettino will become head coach of the men’s team from the beginning of the 2023/24 season.

The Argentine will begin his new role on 1 July 2023 on a two-year contract, with a club option of a further year.

Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, said:'Mauricio’s experience, standards of excellence, leadership qualities and character will serve Chelsea Football Club well as we move forward. He is a winning coach, who has worked at the highest levels, in multiple leagues and languages. His ethos, tactical approach and commitment to development all made him the exceptional candidate.'

The Argentine will join the Blues from 1 July. Owners Todd Boehly, Behdad Eghbali, José E. Feliciano, Mark Walter and Hansjörg Wyss added: 'The sporting team conducted a diligent and thoughtful process that the Board is proud of. We are delighted that Mauricio will be joining Chelsea. Mauricio is a world-class coach with an outstanding track record. We are all looking forward to having him on board.'

Pochettino is a coach renowned for his sides’ high-energy and eye-catching style and he has built a reputation for helping young players realise their full potential within a strong squad ethos.Welcome to Chelsea, Mauricio!

Welcome to Chelsea, Mauricio!

The 51-year-old has several seasons of Premier League experience in addition to coaching in Spain and France. He was most recently in charge at Paris Saint-Germain and guided the club to a Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France.Mauricio’s staff will include Jesus Perez, Miguel d’Agostino, Toni Jimenez and Sebastiano Pochettino.

Chelsea have confirmed Mauricio Pochettino's appointment as the club's new manager. The Argentine has signed a contract until 2026 and will take over managerial duties from caretaker boss Frank Lampard.

Pochettino has been without a job since leaving Paris Saint-Germain following their Ligue 1 title success at the end of the 2021/22 campaign. The 51-year-old will be joined by his coaching staff including assistant Jesus Perez, goalkeeper coach Toni Jimenez and his eldest son Sebastiano, who worked on his staff at Spurs and PSG.

Read on here.

News expected imminently it seems...

A host of Chelsea's stars have replied to Mason Mount's end-of-season message on Instagram. The 24-year-old was unable to play at Stamford Bridge due to injury meaning that he may have had his final farewell from the club already should a transfer happen this summer.

His contract has just over 12 months left to run but with interest from Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich, Chelsea are expected to sell him if a new deal cannot be agreed. After months at loggerheads and no significant movement, the prospect of the two-time player of the season is very real.

The contract issues have been confounded with his worst run of form since making his debut in 2019. This season brought about just three league goals but his six assists were still more than any other player despite not playing in six weeks or a full 90 minutes since January.

Read on here.

Mauricio Pochettino could be announced as Chelsea manager today!

football.london understands the Argentine has agreed a deal to join the Blues with reports suggesting he has signed a three-year contract.

Told Chelsea announcement to unveil Mauricio Pochettino as new head coach is now imminent, matter of hours. #CFCPochettino signed a contract valid from July 1 — and it will be until June 2026. pic.twitter.com/L2165dIMIp

No sooner has the curtain fallen on the Premier League season for 2022/23, predictions are already being drafted for the upcoming 2023/24 campaign. The division underwent plenty of change over the year just gone as Manchester City lifted the title for a third-time in a row, but this time were challenged by a resurgent Arsenal.

Manchester Untied fought their way back into the top four and were joined by Newcastle United, who will look to make their mark amongst Europe's elite. Liverpool endured a tough campaign and will be joined by Brighton in the Europa League, while Aston Villa took the final continental space with the Europa Conference League, meaning Tottenham miss out alongside Chelsea after dismal seasons.

The relegation battle went down to the wire, but it was Everton that lived to fight another day, relegating Southampton, Leeds United and Leicester City to the second tier. In their place, Burnley and Sheffield United are welcomed back to the Premier League, while Luton Town will be newcomers to the top flight, featuring in the final season of the first division before it became the new format.

Read on here.

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has given his verdict on a potential triple transfer swoop for England trio Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Mason Mount this summer. The Red Devils are looking to build upon their first season under Erik ten Hag, which has seen a third-placed finish in the Premier League, a Carabao Cup and the potential to add an FA Cup to the mix.

The need to strengthen could see them cross paths with a host of their top six rivals such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham in the coming weeks. Kane is the one that has been heavily touted with a switch to Old Trafford this summer, with the need for a striker as the England men's team captain reaches the final 12 months of his contract with Spurs.

There's also a view to the midfield, with Rice and Mount said to be on United's radar to help bolster the central ranks. Both are approaching the final year of their contract too, with expectation arising that the pair will be allowed to leave both West Ham and Chelsea respectively.

Read on here.

During Chelsea's season farewell following the 1-1 draw against Newcastle, N'Golo Kante dropped a hint over his future at Stamford Bridge. The Frenchman's contract is set to expire this summer with talks over an extension yet to reach an agreement.

A fan shouted at Kante, “we will see you next season” and he replied “We’ll see” before waving. (@iamrahmanosman)

It has been revealed when Mauricio Pochettino is expected to be unveiled as the next Chelsea manager. The former Tottenham boss has been heavily linked with filling the vacant head coach position at Stamford Bridge for a while now, and an official announcement is said to be imminent.

football.london understands that Pochettino agreed a deal earlier this month to become the Blues' new manager at the end of the season. After weeks of positive talks, the two parties finally reached an agreement just hours after the west Londoners' draw against Nottingham Forest.

Pochettino is expected to sign a three-year contract at Chelsea – and that is still the case. In fact, according to The Telegraph, the Argentine has put pen to paper on a deal and a formal announcement will be made in the next 48 hours.

But, before Pochettino gets his feet under the table at Cobham, he has a job to do at Old Trafford first. He's recently been unveiled as the new Soccer Aid World XI manager ahead of the annual charity match on Sunday June 11.

The former Paris Saint-Germain boss is set to manage a side which includes Roberto Carlos, Francesco Totti and Nani. Pochettino will also be managing non-football stars such as Usain Bolt, Kem Cetinay and Noah Beck.

Read on here.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Pochettino has approved a move for Ugarte as he looks to add a new midfielder to the Chelsea squad. The Blues are now pushing to sign the Uruguay international with talks planned with the player and Sporting CP.

Uruguayan transfer insider Franco Fernandez claims that Chelsea are the frontrunners to acquire Ugarte's services and that a deal could be thrashed out as early as next week. He tweeted: "Manuel Ugarte was on the bench [against Vizela], he did not see minutes waiting for his future for the transfer period. His arrival at Chelsea could be confirmed next week."

Sporting boss Ruben Amorim has already admitted it is hard for the Portuguese club to keep hold of Ugarte this summer with clubs across Europe registering an interest in signing the midfielder. The 22-year-old has a £52million release clause in his contract which PSG and Chelsea are willing to match, according to the Express.

"I cannot comment on this issue, because it is beyond me. Now, we know that it is difficult to keep players like Ugarte," Amorim told Ojogo.

"Not just one club is interested, but several. Our objective is to sell, knowing that we missed the Champions League and it makes everything more difficult.

"I know what I want for the team and I have already conveyed that to the management."

Your morning Chelsea transfer round-up on Monday, May 29.

Osimhen hint

Following Napoli's 2-2 draw with Bologna, which saw Victor Osimhen net twice, Luciano Spalletti was quizzed on the striker's future by DAZN. As quoted by Football Italia, he said: "When players start working in a certain way, you identify their characteristics and find paths to give them service.

"Osimhen is good in open spaces, in the air, with the ball passed to his feet. He will have an important future, no matter what team he plays in, and is above all a good lad too.

"His teammates love him, he helps them out and resolves situations rather than complains. He will become even more of a top player in future."

Read more Chelsea transfer news here.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek appeared to bid farewell to Chelsea fans at Stamford Bridge after he was substituted against Newcastle. The 27-year-old midfielder, who has been heavily linked with an exit recently, was replaced by Carney Chukwuemeka at the hour-mark and received a standing ovation from the home support.

As the fourth official punched his number into the interactive board, Loftus-Cheek began to make his way over to the dugout; he hugged Enzo Fernandez and Cesar Azpilicueta before clapping the fans. As the England international neared the touchline he turned around and gave a little wave, suggesting that he could leave this summer.

Read on here.

Mauricio Pochettino will be under no illusions as to the size of the task he is taking on at Chelsea. The Argentine has held positive negotiations with Todd Boehly in the last two months and is expected to be confirmed as the Blues' new head coach this week.

football.london understands Pochettino agreed a deal with Chelsea earlier this month with reports suggesting he has now signed a three-year contract with the club. Frank Lampard oversaw just one win in his 11 games as caretaker manager as he now prepares to assist Pochettino in the hand over ahead of next season.

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards believes Pochettino will improve the Blues and finish inside the top-four next season. Speaking to Sky Sports, Richards said: "I think Chelsea are going to be really good next season under Poch.

"I think top four. Chelsea top four, challenging a little bit maybe more.

"The players that they’ve got, they need a striker. Nkunku’s coming in, they’ll get that sorted - but I think Chelsea will be challenging big next season.

"Nkunku’s coming in, he will make a difference. They’re only going to get better, though. They’re not going to get worse, are they?"

football.london understands Christopher Nkunku has already signed a pre-contract agreement to join Chelsea this summer. The Frenchman will play his final game for RB Leipzig this weekend in the DFB-Pokal final against Eintracht Frankfurt after winning the Budnesliga Golden Boot award.

Ben Chilwell comforted a visibly emotional Mason Mount following Chelsea's draw against Newcastle United. The 24-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with an exit from Stamford Bridge recently having entered the final 12 months of his contract.

football.london understands that the Blues have been in talks with Mount over a new deal for a while now, but they've only recently reopened negotiations. It's said that conversations have been complicated, with the proposed length of contract and wage packet proving to be an issue.

The England international is far from a top earner at Cobham despite notching nearly 200 appearances for the club. If an agreement isn't reached then Mount will become a free agent in June 2024 and, until then, he'll be on the market for a cut-price fee.

With a move well on the cards, football.london understands that Liverpool are long admirers of the midfielder – as are Manchester United and Manchester City. While there hasn't been an official announcement declaring Mount's future, his reaction at full-time on Sunday afternoon was very telling.

Read on here.

Noni Madueke has all but confirmed Mauricio Pochettino's appointment at Chelsea.

football.london understands the Argentine has agreed a three-year deal to take over Chelsea's first team. However, the club are yet to announce the decision themselves but it should happen in the very near future now that the Blues' season is over.

We await the club's official announcement but it should happen very soon. The likes of Madueke will be looking to really benefit from the Argentine's appointment as Chelsea look for a much-improved 2023/24 season.

Madueke was also asked about what the side need to do to make sure the above does happen. He replied: "Just cohesion and pulling in the right direction.

"I think next season we need to go back to basics. The new manager needs to come in and everyone needs to get behind him in training for him and Chelsea to be successful and there’s no reason why we can’t be with the talent in his squad."

Read on here.

Following his final Bundesliga fixture for RB Leipzig, Christopher Nkunku has sent a message to supporters ahead of the DFB-Pokal final next weekend. The German giants will take on Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday, June 3, in what will be the Frenchman's last appearance before he completes a reported £52million move to Stamford Bridge.

The 25-year-old wrote on Instagram: "The best way to end this season at home with a W and the @bundesliga top scorer award *love heart emoji*. Thank you guys for the incredible support. "Time for @dfb_pokal final *fist bump emoji*. #TeamCNK #CnkSpirit."

Pochettino is said to want a new striker this summer which may be in addition to the arrival of Nkunku. Romelu Lukaku is set to return to Stamford Bridge this summer, whilst it remains to be seen whether Chelsea look to sign Joao Felix on a permanent or loan deal next season.

Read the full story here.

Following Napoli's 2-2 draw with Bologna, which saw Victor Osimhen net twice, Luciano Spalletti was quizzed on the striker's future by DAZN. As quoted by Football Italia, he said: "When players start working in a certain way, you identify their characteristics and find paths to give them service.

"Osimhen is good in open spaces, in the air, with the ball passed to his feet. He will have an important future, no matter what team he plays in, and is above all a good lad too.

"His teammates love him, he helps them out and resolves situations rather than complains. He will become even more of a top player in future."

Read the full story here.

Ruben Amorim has already admitted it will be hard for Sporting CP to hold onto Manuel Ugarte this summer with several clubs across Europe considering bids. The 22-year-old has a £52million release clause in his contract, which PSG and Chelsea are willing to match, according to the Express.

However, Uruguayan transfer insider Franco Fernandez claims that the Blues are the frontrunners and a deal could be wrapped up as early as next week. He tweeted: "Manuel Ugarte was on the bench [against Vizela], he did not see minutes waiting for his future for the transfer period. His arrival at Chelsea could be confirmed next week."

Pochettino is expected to take over at the end of the season and he will likely have a key say on which players he would like to bring in, and more importantly which of their huge amount of players he would like to keep. Ugarte's agent has already admitted his client is expected to leave Sporting this summer and a move to Stamford Bridge could be on the cards.

Read the full story here.

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