Costa Drama
Diego Costa hit the headlines earlier this week. In an interview, Costa hit out at Antonio Conte over the text that all-but ended his Chelsea career. The striker is in exile in his native Brazil, with the Blues expecting him to honour his contract and return to training. After he failed to return to pre-season training last month, Chelsea have already fined him and want him to return to England. Costa wants a return to Atletico, but a deal is still not close. Unibet have Costa at 6/4 to remain at Chelsea.
Oxlade-Chamberlain Offer
Recent reports have suggested that Chelsea have made an offer for Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The 24-year-old has a year left on his contract at the Emirates, and is yet to agree terms on a new deal. Chelsea believe Arsene Wenger would be willing to sell the player to Stamford Bridge, with a reported fee of £35 million enough to bring him to Chelsea. SkyBet are offering 7/4 on the deal going ahead, as opposed to the 1/2 on him remaining at the Emirates.
Kenedy Delay
Kenedy’s proposed loan move to Newcastle has been delayed, as Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has concerns about the size of his first team squad. The Brazilian, who recently hit the headlines for his antics in China, is set to sign for Rafa Benitez’s side for the 2017/18 season. Although the move is likely to be completed, the deal will take longer to go through as Chelsea continue to search for depth in their squad.
Youth Problems
The Chelsea hierarchy are reportedly disappointed with Antonio Conte, and the fact that the Italian has not used many youth players in his squad. A number of promising players have left the Blues this summer, with the likes of Nathaniel Chalobah, Nathan Ake, and Dominic Solanke all leaving on permanent deals. Whereas, Tammy Abraham, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Lewis Baker have all departed the club on season-long loans. The odds on Conte seeing the season out are falling, and you can take advantage of this by looking for free bets no deposit through our friends at Free Bets,
Rahman Loan
Another player, and another loan. Ghanaian left back Baba Rahman is set to rejoin Schalke on a season-long loan. The German club are currently in talks with Chelsea to bring the defender back to Gelsenkirchen, after he spent the 2016/17 season on loan at the Bundesliga side. Rahman made 13 league appearances for Schalke last season, and the side want to keep him for another season.