Which striker looks most likely to sign?
After missing out on Romelu Lukaku and with Diego Costa looking surplus to requirements, which striker will be leading the line next season? There are strong links around the Blues attempts to lure Sergio Aguero away from Manchester City, however, City are in no mood to sell the Argentinian, but with his first-team place in question last season he may want to force a move to the champions.
William Hill is considered the best bookmaker for football betting and you can see the latest odds for Sergio Aguero moving to Stamford Bridge here.
With a lack of quality options outside Aguero available, it boils down to another three possible targets, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Andrea Belotti and Alvaro Morata. Of these, Morata looks to be the best bet. Real Madrid are willing to sell the striker but as Manchester United found out they will not move from their £70 million valuation. If Chelsea can pay this fee then there should be no delay in agreeing terms with the Spaniard. Borussia Dortmund, however, are not looking to sell their star Aubameyang. Their Director Michael Zorc said:
“The transfer window is closed as far as he is concerned.” As for Belotti, the Torino forward is reportedly close to agreeing terms with AC Milan.
Conte signs new deal
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte put pen to paper on a new contract to end speculation that he could move away. With interest from other top European sides, fans were growing concerned that he could exit the club. It has been widely speculated that he wanted to move back to his home land in Italy for family reasons. The new contract, however, does not keep him at Stamford Bridge any longer than the existing one. When he arrived in London last season the manager, who turns 48 later this month, signed a three-year deal. The one he has now signed is a two-year contract but the fact he signed it shows he is still committed to the club. The major difference is his salary has now increased to around £9 million per year. Given the volatile nature of a managers position, it is perhaps wise of the club to not grant an extended period with the contract to save on the amount of payoff needed to break it.
Players absent from China tour
As the squad arrived in Beijing ahead of their preseason matches there were some notable absences from the 25 man squad. Amid rumours surrounding their future at the club, Diego Costa, Nemanja Matic, and Kurt Zouma did not travel with the team. All three have doubts over their involvement next season and are subject to transfer speculation. Eden Hazard also did not travel as he continues his recovery from injury.
Muller not for sale
Bayern Munich have stated that their star forward Thomas Muller is not for sale. This is amid speculation of bids from top Premier League sides including Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United. Bayern Chief Executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insisted the forward was simply not for sale saying ‘he is still a football player we will not sell. He fits perfectly for Bayern.’ Speculation about Muller’s future increased after James Rodriguez’s loan move to the German giants but Rummenigge insists he is not a replacement for Muller.
New connectivity partner announced
Chelsea have announced that Ericsson will be the new connectivity partner for Stamford Bridge. This means fans will have access to Wi-Fi while at the stadium and able to keep in contact with the club and other fans. Chelsea FC commercial director Chris Townsend said ‘We look forward to a rich partnership with Ericsson which will directly assist the thousands of fans who come regularly to Stamford Bridge. Ericsson leads the way in providing innovative digital solutions and we welcome them to the Chelsea family.’