Chelsea transfer news latest: Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Mason Mount, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Nathan Ake

Maurizio Sarri is considering a swoop for the teenager who became a subject of such controversy during his tenure

Tom Kershaw
Thursday 04 July 2019 14:33 BST
Comments
Five contenders to succeed Maurizio Sarri as new Chelsea manager

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Chelsea have sealed Frank Lampard‘s return to the club as head coach and Didier Drogba may soon join him, according to TalkSport.

Drogba would work alongside Petr Cech and Claude Makelele, who is also set to return to the Blues, while Jody Morris and Chis Jones accompany Lampard from Derby.

However, Chelsea are still facing a challenge to keep hold of 18-year-old starlet Callum Hudson-Odoi, with Tuttosport in Italy claiming that Maurizio Sarri wants to bring the teenager to Juventus when his contract expires at the end of next season.

Chelsea are ready to offer Hudson-Odoi a five-year deal worth £100,000-per-week to fend off interest from the Italian champions and Bayern Munich, after the German side had a fourth bid rejected for the winger.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has reportedly agreed a new five-year deal, according to The Mirror, and has been convinced that he can build on his great spell of form towards the end of last season before rupturing his Achilles.

And the Standard claim Mason Mount is the latest player to be targeted over a long-term deal, due to his close relationship with Lampard after their time at Derby.

With two years remaining and the potential for Mount to finally break into the first team squad at Stamford Bridge, the move is likely to benefit both parties.

Former Blues star Nathan Ake is being linked with a move to Manchester City, with the Dutch international impressing since his permanent move to Bournemouth.

Mason Mount impressed at Derby last year
Mason Mount impressed at Derby last year (Getty)

In a £20m move in 2017, Dutch newspaper Telegraaf claim the Blues secured a £39m buy-back clause, but with Pep Guardiola stepping up interest, the Blues must decide whether to rival them for the 24-year-old or not.

Chelsea confirmed the £40.3m signing of Mateo Kovacic last night with the deal concluded just in time before the player’s registration transferred back to Real Madrid.

Due to his previous loan spell, which included an option to buy, Chelsea were able to complete the deal before their transfer ban came into effect.​

Loftus-Cheek is also set to commit his future
Loftus-Cheek is also set to commit his future (EPA)

Tiemoue Bakayoko, who spent last season on loan at AC Milan, is set to return to the club, but his route into the first-team is now less clear with Kovacic’s confirmation, while Lampard is likely to favour Ruben Loftus-Cheek when the Englishman returns from injury.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in