Chelsea transfer news LIVE: Kalidou Koulibaly SIGNS contract, Kimpembe and Ake lined up next, Sterling joins Blues squad

Good morning Chelsea fans

Kalidou Koulibaly has signed his Chelsea contract and is undergoing a medical.

The Senegal superstar will join in a £34million move.

Transfer target Cristiano Ronaldo has turned down a mega move to an unnamed Saudi Arabian club.

United were offered £25.4m for Ronaldo and the player would’ve been paid £233m across the next two seasons.

However, Ronaldo has turned a move to Saudi down in favour of staying in Europe.

Former Aston Villa captain Gabby Agbonlahor has urged Chelsea to sell Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech.

Neither player has managed to nail down a first-team starting spot at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to TalkSport, Agbonlahor said: “Sterling coming in is going to guarantee you goals and assists.

“But they need that striker, don’t they. Look at Spurs, Manchester City, Liverpool, they’ve all got top strikers now. Ziyech, Pulisic, for me not good enough and they’ll probably try and get rid of them.”

And finally, Paris Saint-Germain will demand that Chelsea pay £42million to sign Presnel Kimpembe.

Juventus are also reportedly keen on Kimpembe but he is more keen on a move to London than Italy.

The 26-year-old has worked with Tuchel before during his PSG days and he is thought to be a key influence in the player’s preference.

Fabregas to join Serie B club

Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cescc Fabregas is set to join Serie B club como.

The Spaniard will join on a free transfer following his release from Monaco.

Fabregas will be under contract at Como until the summer of 2024.

Blues hero Joe Cole delighted with Sterling

Joe Cole believes that Chelsea could get “the best years” out of Raheem Sterling.

The England international, 27, moved to Stamford Bridge in a £50million move from Manchester City this week.

And Blues legend Cole insisted to supporters that his former Liverpool team-mate Sterling can deliver big things.

He told Chelsea’s website: “He's a great man now but was a great kid.

“He was very mature, very driven and a fantastic talent. He was one of those where you expected him to become a player.

“The longevity he has had is incredible and he’s still young. Arguably, Chelsea could be getting him in his best years.

“Raheem is a leader, a quiet leader and he gives us experience in that area of the pitch.” 

Koulibaly signs Chelsea contract

Kalidou Koulibaly has signed his Chelsea contract and is undergoing a medical today.

Fabrizio Romano tweeted: "Kalidou Koulibaly signs his contract as new Chelsea player following the main part of medical tests already completed today.

"Official statement pending, then it will be completed - second signing after Sterling."

Andrew Dillon: Moyes & Rice running on different timeframes

Moyes doesn’t rush things and prefers players with promise for tomorrow rather than grabbing what’s available like a panic buyer in lockdown.

But Rice is focused on today. And this is the crunch.

There are teams out there who could offer the genuine chance of silverware within the next 12 months – including the one which jettisoned Rice aged 14, Chelsea.

Moyes insists he wants to build a team around his new captain which is an exciting policy but one which requires patience.

There is no gentleman’s agreement between Rice and the club for him to stay another year then leave.

Rather, he is too much of a gentleman to kick up a fuss for now about West Ham not matching his ferocious desire to win shiny stuff – and soon. It is also World Cup year and nothing will shake his focus on that.

If Moyes wants to cling on to any dream of keeping Rice beyond next summer and moulding him into the next Bobby Moore, he needs serious backing to do big business immediately.

Andrew Dillon: Moyes changing Hammers culture

It’s a massive task for Moyes: the biggest challenge of his managerial career since trying to follow in the footsteps of Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

The Scot is trying to change the reputation of West Ham from cult hero failures to serial contenders.

But the son of a Glasgow docker steadfastly refuses to be mugged off in the transfer market. Fair enough.

So far there are three confirmed signings: the most recent a £12million deal for Swansea midfielder Flynn Downes. Prior to that, £30m for Moroccan defender Nayef Aguerd from Rennes.

The third is turning last year’s No 2 keeper Alphonse Areola’s loan from PSG into a permanent deal for roughly £8m.

Two of those transfers have ‘next year’ written all over them. A highly-rated Championship player and a fancied but untried centre-half from the team which finished fourth in the French first division.

Andrew Dillon: Rice and Co have eyes on incoming transfers

No doubt it is getting harder to win things for clubs that do not spend big or act quick when opportunity knocks.

Nobody is more aware of that than the man who is taking ownership of the skipper’s armband for keeps.

In that respect, current Hammers manager David Moyes is approaching pinch point with regard to the fortunes of a club which every so often threatens to mount a sustained challenge for honours only to recoil as if stepping too close to a fire.

A second successive season of European football, hard earned and thoroughly deserved for Rice and his pals, suggests things are warming up again in the east end of London.

There is talent, youth and ambition in the squad. Jarrod Bowen is now an England winger, mature Rice is tipped as a future England captain.

Both of these young men are watching their club’s transfer business in the summer like hawks.

If West Ham harbour even the slightest hope of holding onto players like rock-steady Rice, they must make signings during this window that can win trophies between now and next June.

Andrew Dillon: How West Ham can keep Rice

Declan Rice is about to start a new job for which he will incur significant extra responsibilities for not a penny more in wages.

Placing another feather in his already large cap, the midfielder is officially taking over the captaincy of his team West Ham.

At 23, he is following in the footsteps of World Cup winner Bobby Moore and one-club legends Billy Bonds and recently retired Mark Noble.

Extra duties include negotiating with the board over player bonuses, becoming a moral compass for his team-mates, being a figurehead on the pitch and acting as the public face of West Ham.

Moore won the FA Cup in 1964 and the now defunct European Cup Winners Cup the following year. ‘Bonzo’ lifted the FA Cup twice. Noble has two Championship play-off medals.

Cristiano Ronaldo breaks silence

Wantaway Chelsea target Cristiano Ronaldo broke his silence with a tantalising hint – as he posted a training picture wearing just MANCHESTER UNITED shorts.

Ronaldo’s physical condition and gruelling commitment to fitness looked more obvious than ever despite him missing United’s return to training and their pre-season Asia tour for family reasons.

And his choice of outfit sparked speculation he might rethink his future.

Ron’s words alongside the topless gym shot offered little further clue, though, as he merely posted “HARD WORK” .

Redknapp on Sterling

Jamie Redknapp reckons Raheem Sterling's £47.5million move to Chelsea from Manchester City is a great move for all involved.

He said: "Sterling is a great signing.

"Guaranteed goals. 

"I don’t think in terms of the price it’s an extortionate amount, it feels a really good signing for Chelsea. He’s a leader. 

"I was surprised Man City let him go to such a close rival and Pep Guardiola obviously feels it wasn’t a problem to do it but you’re going to enhance another team. 

"Sterling probably thought he wasn’t going to get games at Man City, now they’ve signed Haaland. It feels like a good move all round. 

"He gets in at the back post, scores goals, he's hungry for goals, and with the likes of Mason Mount around him, he’s going to add tremendous experience to that squad." 

Ronaldo’s close pal hints at next club

Cristiano Ronaldo's close pal Edu Aguirre has hinted at a transfer to Chelsea for the Portuguese ace.

The Manchester United star wants to leave Old Trafford this summer in order to compete for trophies, with the Blues a leading contender for his signature.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Ronaldo's friend Aguirre has just started following Chelsea on Instagram.

While a link may seem far fetched, Aguirre has form for predicting CR7's moves.

In 2018, the El Chiringuito host broke the news that Ronaldo wanted to leave Real Madrid after nine years.

Possibly for this reason, eagled-eyed fans jumped on his decision to start following Chelsea.

One wrote on Insta: "Thanks for confirming that CR7 is going to Chelsea with your follow."

Chelsea urged to sell two stars

Former Aston Villa captain Gabby Agbonlahor has urged Chelsea to sell Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech.

Neither player has managed to nail down a first-team starting spot at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to TalkSport, Agbonlahor said: "Sterling coming in is going to guarantee you goals and assists.

"But they need that striker, don’t they. Look at Spurs, Manchester City, Liverpool, they’ve all got top strikers now. Ziyech, Pulisic, for me not good enough and they’ll probably try and get rid of them."

Arsenal ‘join Levi Colwill race’

Arsenal have reportedly joined the race to sign promising young Chelsea centre-back Levi Colwill.

It’s claimed Kalidou Koulibaly’s imminent arrival, plus Nathan Ake and Presenal Kimpembe potentially joining the Blues, has led to Colwill wanting to leave.

The 19-year-old is keen to play regular football after playing a starring role on loan at Huddersfield last season.

And the possibility of three new centre-backs signing for Chelsea has led to him considering an exit.

Arsenal are one of a number of Prem clubs interested in snapping up the England U21 talent, according to the Evening Standard.

But the Gunners cannot offer guaranteed playing time with Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White established as Mikel Arteta’s starting centre-backs.

PSG ‘slap £42m price-tag on Chelsea target'

Paris Saint-Germain will demand that Chelsea pay £42million to sign Presnel Kimpembe, according to reports.

The Blues are getting nearer to completing deals for Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly and Manchester City's Nathan Ake.

And Chelsea's shopping list of centre-backs is still not over as Kimpembe is wanted as well as the other two.

The Independent are reporting that PSG have slapped a £42million price-tag on the Frenchman but currently Thomas Tuchel's side are £17million away from their valuation.

Juventus are also reportedly keen on Kimpembe but he is more keen on a move to London than Italy.

The 26-year-old has worked with Tuchel before during his PSG days and he is thought to be a key influence in the player's preference.

Azpilicueta trophy count

Chelsea club captain Cesar Azpilcueta is subject to transfer interest from Barcelona.

Here's his trophy haul.

Everton ‘targeting Chelsea wonderkid Anjorin'

Everton boss Frank Lampard is reportedly targeting a move for Chelsea wonderkid Tino Anjorin.

The Toffees gaffer is eyeing his former club for potential transfers.

Everton are looking at making a swoop for Anjorin after having a £25million bid rejected for Wolves ace Morgan Gibbs-White.

Lampard and Co are exploring a move for the talented attacking midfielder, according to Sport Mail.

The 20-year-old is being considered as an option if Everton fail in their pursuit of Gibbs-White.

Clarets welcome Maat to Turf Moor

Burnley are preparing to take young Chelsea ace Ian Maatsen on loan for the season.

Vincent Kompany immediately identified the Dutchman as a priority signing upon joining the Lancashire club as manager.

The former Manchester City star intends to use the youngster as left-back as the Clarets look to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

The 20-year-old Maatsen impressed last season while on loan at Coventry, scoring three goals in 40 appearances.

Blues search for James cover

Chelsea show no sign of slowing down in their recruitment drive.

The Telegraph report that new co-owner Todd Boehly has promised Thomas Tuchel at least six new arrivals, and that includes a right-back to provide cover and competition for Reece James.

Captain Cesar Azpilicueta would often fill in for the England international last season, but the Spaniard looks set to make a move to Barcelona.

Raheem Sterling has already arrived as a new signing at Stamford Bridge, and he is expected to be joined through the door in the coming days by Kalidou Koulibaly and Nathan Ake.

Mount buzzing to play with Sterling

Mason Mount is so excited by the future at Chelsea that he's willing to pen a new deal, and one of the reasons why is the capture of Raheem Sterling.

The midfielder revealed that he was delighted to see the Blues bring in his England colleague, and hopes to learn a lot from his arrival.

"He's someone that I've got to know more and more over the last few years. The way he is as a person and the way he is on the pitch, he’s someone who demands the highest level from himself and the players around him," Mount told the club's official website.

"He's been a leader and captain a few times when I've played so he's someone that I've definitely learned a lot from.

"I’ve been lucky enough to play with him for the last couple of years with England. He’s scored a lot and he creates a lot because he’s dangerous anytime he has the ball.

"When he doesn't have the ball, he’s a massive threat so for him to now be with us, we're delighted. We’re buzzing to play with him. He's going to bring a lot to the group so it's exciting times.

"He has plenty of years left in him to win stuff and to keep pushing his level."

Serge to stay at Bayern

Bayern Munich ace Serge Gnabry had been linked with a return to the Premier League the summer, but he now seems certain to remain in Germany.

The winger – who turns 27 today – had been a target for both Chelsea, and his former club Arsenal.

With just a year left on his current deal at the Allianz Arena, Bayern were preparing to cash in.

However, Sky Sports Germany now understand that Gnabry will pen a contract extension with Julian Nagelsmann’s men.

Colwill on the way out?

Chelsea's pursuit of centre-backs with experience of the European stage is likely to push another of their promising youngsters out of the Stamford Bridge exit door.

The Blues look set to wrap up the signings of Kalidou Koulibaly and Nathan Ake, and remain in the market for a third despite the return to the club of the highly-rated Levi Colwill.

The 19-year-old enjoyed an excellent season on loan at Huddersfield last term, helping the Terriers to the Championship play-off final.

Many expected the England U21 international to be in and around the Chelsea first team this season, but the imminent arrivals have sparked speculation that Colwill wants to leave.

A host of Premier League clubs are interested in the defender including Arsenal, Fulham, Leicester and Southampton.

Johnson: Blues should sign Lewandowski

After Thomas Tuchel refused to comment on speculation linking Chelsea with Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski, one former Stamford Bridge star has urged the club to snap up the latter.

Glen Johnson, the first signing of the Roman Abramovich era, believes the Polish ace would carry an instant goal threat in the Premier League.

“If you’re choosing a player to improve the starting eleven, then I’d go for Robert Lewandowski over Cristiano Ronaldo, all day long," Johnson told Bettingodds.com.

"If it’s commercial, then I can understand if you opted for Cristiano Ronaldo.

"If I could only take one, then I’d take Lewandowski as he can improve the team straight away and I do believe Chelsea need a striker.”

Tuchel tightlipped on Ron and Rob

Thomas Tuchel has refused to rule out Chelsea making a bid for either Cristiano Ronaldo or Robert Lewandowski.

The two legendary hitmen have both been linked with a surprise move to Stamford Bridge this summer.

However, a good-humoured Tuchel would not be drawn on the details of any deals when speaking on the Blues' pre-season tour in Los Angeles.

"I will not comment on them, their careers speak for themselves," he told Sky Sports News.

"It is not needed that I comment and put rumours out there that don't help anyone. We will announce when we are ready to announce.

"I would not rule out [another striker], but it is not our priority at the moment."

Dembele to pen Barca deal

Ousmane Dembele will sign a new deal that will keep him at Barcelona until 2024.

Fabrizio Romano reports that the French forward's contract extension will be officially announced by the Catalans later today.

The 25-year-old had looked set for a move to Chelsea on a free transfer, but has instead been convinced to stay at the Nou Camp.

Romano tweeted: "Xavi wanted both Dembele and Raphinha. He will end up with both Dembele and Raphinha."