8am Chelsea transfer news LIVE: Declan Rice LATEST updates, Giroud linked to Atletico move, Donnarumma talks
CHELSEA's transfer plans have been thrown into disarray with West Ham refusing to consider selling Declan Rice until at least the summer.
Meanwhile Atletico Madrid are said to be interested in signing Olivier Giroud to replace Diego Costa, just as Chelsea did in 2018.
Follow all the latest from the Bridge below…
- William Pugh
GOOD MORNING CHELSEA FANS
Frank Lampard has said he is keen to remain in charge of Chelsea for as long as possible.
And the Blues boss admits he has been embracing the pressure of his job which has seen the club spend £200million on signings under his tenure last summer.
Lampard told reporters: “The first person that puts pressure on me is me. I do that all the time, for good and for bad. I take it on. I don’t mind it. That’s how I am.”
Meanwhile, the Blues are rumoured to be eyeing a move for AC Milan keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma despite adding Edouard Mendy to their ranks last year.
The 21-year-old Italian is due to be out of contract at the end of the season.
And Chelsea have also been linked with a swoop for Strasbourg defender Mohamed Simakan.
Le Sport10 claims the club have been in contact with the Ligue 1 outfit over the possibility of a move for the £13.5million rated star.
The Strasbourg ace has also been a target for AC Milan, Burnley, Tottenham and West Ham.
And TalkSport’s Tony Cascarino reckons Declan Rice could offer Chelsea more security in midfield.
The former Blues ace believes his old side should consider a move for the West Ham star.
- Sandra Brobbey
SIMAKAN PLAN
Chelsea have reportedly made contact with Strasbourg over a move for Mohamed Simakan.
Le Sport10 claim the Blues have been in touch with the French club about the possibility of a swoop for the £13.5million rated player.
The defender has been a regular starter for the Ligue 1 side in playing 17 games so far this season.
It is thought Frank Lampard is eyeing Simakan as a potential long-term replacement for Thiago Silva who is 36.
The Ligue 1 star has also been a target for AC Milan, Burnley, Tottenham and West Ham.
Mohamed Simakan's performances have reportedly sparked interest from Chelsea - Sandra Brobbey
RICE PRICE
Tony Cascarino reckons Declan Rice could offer Chelsea added security in midfield.
Frank Lampard is thought to be keen on the West Ham player.
But the Blues gaffer was reportedly unable to make a move after the club spent £200million in the summer.
It is thought Chelsea will need to stump up a sizeable bid to buy Rice who is valued around £80million.
Cascarino told TalkSport: “Declan Rice can protect people.
“I learnt this early on in my career, one of the biggest skills you can have is do the simple things really well and if you can, you’ll be one hell of a player.”
- Sandra Brobbey
BLUES BLOCKED
Real Madrid are reportedly ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign Bundesliga star David Alaba.
The Austria defender is due to be out of contract with Bayern Munich at the end of the season, after failing to agree on a new deal with the club.
Chelsea are among the Prem sides thought to be keen on a potential move for the player.
However Marca claims Madrid have tabled a four-year contract worth £8.9million per year to tempt the Munich star.
Real Madrid are reportedly leading the race to sign David Alaba - Sandra Brobbey
DONNA RUMOUR
Chelsea have reportedly made contact with AC Milan stopper Gianluigi Donnaruma despite adding Edouard Mendy to their ranks last summer.
Mendy has enjoyed a fine start to his Blues career keeping ten clean sheets in 17 Premier League and Champions League appearances.
However, it's rumoured Chelsea could be set to launch a surprise move for Donnauma, with the 21-year-old out of contract at the end of this season.
Juventus and Inter are also thought to be in the race to sign the Italy international keeper.
AC Milan keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is reported a Chelsea transfer target - Sandra Brobbey
OLI OFF?
Olivier Giroud has reportedly fuelled further speculation concerning his future in a Chelsea shirt.
The France star, who has recently become a West Ham target, has made just six starts across all competitions this term.
And the Blues frontman has been heavily linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge this month.
Giroud told Sky Sports: "I am the happiest man when I am on the pitch.
“We will see what happens in the next few months but I just want to keep my efficiency high. When I am not on the pitch, I just try to be a part of the team.
“I really want the best for this team and I really believe we have a big opportunity to win something at Chelsea with this great squad. I will just carry on like this and try to keep it up.”
Olivier Giroud is keen to get more game time ahead of the Euros - Sandra Brobbey
TRIPLE TITLE THREAT
Jermaine Jenas believes Chelsea are level pegging with Manchester United and Tottenham when it comes to the club's chances of pinching Liverpool's title crown.
The former Spurs ace believes his old side are still in with a chance along with the Blues.
Chelsea have the chance to go level with Tottenham on points if they beat Manchester City on Sunday.
Jenas told BT Sport: "It's there for a lot of teams, to be honest. It was only a couple of weeks ago or a month ago that we were having a go at Manchester United and Ole’s job was on the line going into that game against Everton.
"He’s turned it around to the point where they’re joint-top of the Premier League.
"The situation here at Tottenham is the same. They’ve had a bit of a blip. Chelsea have had a bit of a blip and now the question marks will be with Frank – can they come out of it?"
- Sandra Brobbey
ETERNAL BLUE
Frank Lampard has pledged that he will never walk away from Stamford Bridge and admits to embracing the pressure of spending £200million, according to reports.
The Chelsea midfield icon has seen his side experience a slight dip in form towards the end of 2020 with two losses from their last three games in December.
However the Blues boss insists he is thriving on the demands of his role.
Lampard told reporters: “I enjoy pressure. If I didn’t enjoy it I would not have got back into this, or I would walk away at the first chance, and that’s never ever going to be something that I would do.
“The first person that puts pressure on me is me. I do that all the time, for good and for bad.
“I take it on. I don’t mind it. That’s how I am. Maybe my wife will tell you how I react to pressure better than I do. But I don’t kick the dog!”
- Sandra Brobbey
BLUES BOOST
Frank Lampard reckons his players could do with a mental pick-me-up ahead of Man City's visit to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues, who have been by some as potential title contenders. However, they have been defeated in three of their last five games including a surprise loss to Arsenal.
And they are currently sixth in the table and tied on 26 points with City and Aston Villa.
Before the City clash, Lampard said: "It's significant because it's a game we want to win, against a very good opposition.
"To be up there with them even without a decent run of form in the last few games is a plus and an opportunity to win a game against a competitor.
"We come off the back of a few games where we've not been at our best and we've dropped some points. It's important for us mentally because we need to start winning games regularly. City will be hard to do that against."
- William Pugh
WERN YOUR MONEY
Frank Lampard thinks Timo Werner has the quality to hurt Manchester City ahead of their visit to Stamford Bridge tomorrow.
He said: "We have generally found some low-block teams against us over the last period that we haven’t broken down well enough when actually we were earlier in the season so there are little tweaks we need to make to that.
"Timo’s attributes can be very powerful on the counter-attack but there are lots of things that we need in the game against Manchester City on and off the ball.
"He’s always a huge weapon on that and I think he will become a huge weapon against low blocks as well.
"It’s not that he can’t play against that – he’s sharp and he can finish so sometimes the onus is on us to get the ball into the right areas."
- William Pugh
TIMO WILL TELL
Frank Lampard has backed Timo Werner to start racking up the goals for Chelsea.
The German has not scored for eight Premier League games but his manager says his work rate will see him come good soon.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea's game against Man City, Lampard said: "Every player goes through tough times in front of goal and I always found that work at the training ground was the only way to turn that.
"It’s about simple work, repetition of finishing, which Timo is doing now, and when you work like that then it’s a matter of time.
"His natural attributes will get him in front of goal, get him away from defenders and get him those chances again. The beauty is that he’s been getting chances because that’s definitely a positive.
"If his confidence is low from missing a couple, that’s only natural and it’s my job to help push him in a positive direction. I feel the goals will come."
- William Pugh
CAN HE HAK IT?
Chelsea host Manchester City on Sunday having won just one of their last six games in all competitions.
The Blues began December in the title conversation, but their poor form has seen them slip to sixth – beneath the likes of Aston Villa.
Frank Lampard’s side could get back on track, however, with a morale-boosting win over Man City at Stamford Bridge.
This fixture last season saw the Blues help Liverpool clinch the title, with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Pep Guardiola’s stars.
Currently level on points with underachieving City, Chelsea could desperately do with a win this time around to halt their side.
- William Pugh
FEEL THE BURN
Fulham's game against Burnley has been postponed after more coronavirus cases were confirmed within Scott Parker’s squad.
The Cottagers were unable to face Tottenham earlier in the week due to a coronavirus outbreak at the club.
Fulham were scheduled to be back in action at Turf Moor on Sunday, with kick-off set for midday. But the match has been called off after the latest batch of testing revealed more positive results.
A statement from Fulham read: “Following further new positive results returned from the most recent Covid-19 tests, the Club can confirm that this Sunday’s away at fixture at Burnley has been postponed after discussions with the Premier League and advice from the medical teams.
“Those who tested positive are self-isolating in line with UK Government and Premier League guidance.
“The welfare of our players, staff and their families continue to be of paramount importance, and we wish those who have tested positive a safe and speedy recovery.”
- William Pugh
KAN'T STOP THOSE
Chelsea took to Instagram to remind Blues fans of N'Golo Kante's rocket against Manchester City in 2018.
The two teams meet at Stamford Bridge tomorrow and fans of the West Londoners will be hoping for more of the same from their midfield maestro.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Chelsea FC (@chelseafc)
- William Pugh
…
A Spurs statement read: “We are extremely disappointed and strongly condemn this image showing some of our players with family and friends together at Christmas…
“Particularly as we know the sacrifices everybody around the country made to stay safe over the festive period.
“The rules are clear, there are no exceptions, and we regularly remind all our players and staff about the latest protocols and their responsibilities to adhere and set an example.
“The matter will be dealt with internally.”
West Ham released their own statement, saying: “The Club has set the highest possible standards with its protocols and measures relating to Covid-19 so we are disappointed to learn of Manuel Lanzini’s actions.
“The matter has been dealt with internally and Manuel has been strongly reminded of his responsibilities.”
- William Pugh
COVIDIOTS!
Four Premier League stars have been condemned by their clubs after they appeared to break Government Covid guidelines.
Argentine Giovani Lo Celso hosted the bash which was attended by his Tottenham team-mates Sergio Reguilon, Erik Lamela and West Ham ace Manuel Lanzini.
A picture first posted on social media shows the quartet and their families at an indoor Christmas celebration – despite living in Tier 4 London.
The image is claimed to have been uploaded to Instagram by one of the family members – with the account quickly made private.
The party in question could have taken place last month, with Lanzini posting another picture of himself in a smaller group to his own Instagram wishing fans a happy Christmas on December 25.
In total it is believed there were 18 people present – the four players, 11 other adults and three children.
- William Pugh
AL OR NOTHING
Premier League clubs look set to miss out on David Alaba as Real Madrid are reportedly ‘close’ to signing him.
The Austrian superstar, 28, is set to leave Bayern Munich on a free transfer when his contract expires in the summer.
According to Marca, Real Madrid are keen to seal the deal with Alaba as ‘soon as possible’.
The La Liga giants have offered him a four-year deal worth around £9million-per-year.
Madrid are ‘close’ to securing Alaba’s signature despite interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United.
Alaba also revealed he is an Arsenal fan in the past which had seen the Gunners linked with a move.
- William Pugh
DON'T BLUE-K BACK IN ANGER
Chelsea posted a teasing throwback video of the time they beat Manchester City 6-0 ahead of the meeting between the two sides tomorrow.
Frank Lampard's men take on Pep Guardiola's City at Stamford Bridge and the men from Manchester will not want to watch this footage before the game.
Goals from Joe Cole, Michael Essien, Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Andriy Shevchenko gave the West Londoners the resounding win in 2007-08.
- William Pugh
CAN'T CIT BACK
Frank Lampard urged his team to grab the bull by the horns and beat impressive opponent Manchester City at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.
Both teams are level on 26 points with the Blues ahead on goal difference, and Lampard said: "It’s a game we want to win against a very good opposition.
"They’re always going to be there or there abouts so to be up there with them, even with our recent run of form in the last few games, is a plus and an opportunity to win a game against a competitor.
"It’s important because we come off the back of a few games where we’ve not been at our best and we’ve dropped a few points.
"Fortunately we had a long unbeaten run before that so the league table doesn’t look too bad, we’re very close to the top four positions.
"It’s important for us mentally, because we need to start winning games regularly."
- William Pugh
TO BE FRANK
Frank Lampard is confident his team can beat Manchester City at Stamford Bridge tomorrow but urged his players to improve on their performance against Arsenal.
He said: "Arsenal was probably in my opinion the worst performance of the season, because of our first half, not the second.
"Against Villa we had more energy and we had opportunities where we should have won the game, but we have to keep those energy levels up.
"It was slow against Arsenal, it needs to be quick against Manchester City. It also needs to be disciplined against them defensively. So I want to see a lot of discipline in how we defend and a lot of speed in our game when we attack.
"I’m confident in us as a team because I know when we play as well as we can, particularly at Stamford Bridge, we have an opportunity to beat anybody. So I’m confident in us, but I know we need to be at our best to win because of the level of opposition.
"They’re a very strong outfit, very well managed, they don’t concede many, they have lots of threats in attacking areas. So we’ll have to focus on ourselves and be at our best."
- William Pugh
BEST OF 2020
Chelsea posted a selection of their best goals from 2020 on Twitter.
The montage included screamers from their men's and women's team with special focus on Marcos Alonso's screamer against Tottenham.
- William Pugh
KARREN BRADY – EXCL COMMENT
I was confused this week when I read Premier League clubs were considering a two-week 'circuit breaker' in the season over fears of Covid-19 outbreaks causing chaos.
It was complete nonsense. It has never been discussed or been raised by ANY club in any of our multiple PL meetings and there are no plans to discuss it.
Our fixture list is already congested and our priority is to finish the season as long as it is safe to do so. And we ALL think it is safe to do so.
All clubs have excellent Covid-19 protocols which allow us play our games behind-closed-doors — and our protocols continue to have the full backing of Government.
Some fixtures have been postponed but this is mainly because Public Health England are closing down training grounds, which means that while clubs still have the required 14 players to complete the fixture, they have nowhere to meet, train and prepare for the fixture.
And that’s simply unfair and wrong so, quite rightly, the PL have suspended the game, a decision I fully support.
- William Pugh
GOOD MORNING CHELSEA FANS
Boss Frank Lampard has hinted at some possible out-goings in the January transfer window.
Lampard said: "We have a big squad, we will see if that changes – if there are opportunities for players that aren't playing so much.
"That will be a conversation for the player, club and myself.
"Then we will see if we feel we can strengthen in the right way but we are not jumping up and down to do so.
"My focus this year is purely on work, because we have new players, because we have young players. I'm focusing on that. But we'll see. It's a long month."
Chelsea are plotting an audacious move for AC Milan wonderkid Gianluigi Donnarumma, according to respected Chelsea blogger Simon Phillips.
The Blues would face stiff competition from Juventus and AC Milan, but they are believed to have already made contact.
Donnarumma’s contract is set to expire in the summer and the player is free to speak to other clubs over potential pre-contract agreements.
The shot-stopper made his Milan debut at the tender age of 16 and has been a regular feature ever since.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Declan Rice may have to wait until the summer, reports suggest.
Ian McGarry claims the Blues may find it hard to land Rice in the winter as West Ham will not sell until at least the summer – and even then he could yet stay.
McGarry said in the latest episode of The Transfer Window Podcast: “That chase will be upped in this window upcoming, however, the expectation at Chelsea is that perhaps West Ham prefer to sell in the summer and not in the January window.
“However, Chelsea will continue to pursue it in both windows and with the player, as they understand it, intimating that he would certainly be very attracted to a move to west London, then that’s something they will continue to pursue.”
- Joshua Mbu
HASSELBAINK RETURNS
Former Chelsea striker, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, has been announced as the new Burton Albion manager.
Hasselbaink returns to Burton five years after leaving for QPR.
Speaking to the club after his reappointment, Hasselbaink said: “It’s great to be working with Ben Robinson again. We had a really good working relationship last time and hopefully we can get that back on track.
“Burton Albion is a club which is very close to my heart and a really special club for me and my family.
“The job is totally different from the first time, but we are coming in to try as quickly as possible to get us up the league and keep ourselves in League One – that’s our aim and first and foremost that’s what we will be trying to do.
“We know there is enough quality in the playing squad but that’s not reflected in where we are in the table so there is a lot of hard work to be done.”
Credit: Getty Images - Joshua Mbu
CAPTAIN AMERICA
Christian Pulisic was on top form when Chelsea met Man City in June. Fantastic individual performance!
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