Here are your latest football.london Chelsea headlines on Sunday, September 18.
Boehly eyes Bellingham transfer
Chelsea are said to have joined Manchester United and Liverpool in the race to sign Jude Bellingham next summer, according to The Sun. The 19-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from the Signal Iduna Park as he continues to impress at Borussia Dortmund.
The report states that the Blues face tough competition from Liverpool and United for the teenage sensation. However, Bellingham is believed to be valued at upwards of £100million after Dortmund signed him for just £20million two years ago.
But, a move could be difficult to engineer with the starlet committing his future to the German side. Speaking ahead of Dortmund's Champions League clash with Manchester City on Wednesday night, Bellingham said, "The club have done loads for me and made me feel very welcome since I first came and gave me the opportunities to develop even further. To look past that and into the future would be disrespectful."
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AC Milan star advised against Chelsea switch
AC Milan star Rafael Leao has been advised against joining Chelsea due to Graham Potter's team selection headache. The 23-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer as Thomas Tuchel looked to bolster his side's frontline.
And, even after the German's sacking, the Blues are said to still be monitoring the forward's situation at the San Siro. But, according to former Rossoneri striker Jean Pierre Papin, Leao should steer away from penning a deal in west London, with the newly-appointed Chelsea boss already treated to a wealth of attacking options which poses a problem.
In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, as quoted by Football Italia, he gave his thoughts on the speculation regarding the Portuguese star's future. Papin said: "Maldini said that if he wants to become even stronger, he must stay. I agree with Paolo.
"Leao must look at Chelsea's squad and ask himself: 'How much space would I find as a starter? At Milan, he is untouchable," the former Milan striker added. "He knows how to express himself, and he knows his teammates perfectly. Staying and growing in the Rossoneri is the best choice."
Lukaku future uncertain
Graham Potter has issued Romelu Lukaku an ultimatum regarding his future at Chelsea as the striker edges closer to an exit. The 29-year-old was heavily linked with a permanent move from Stamford Bridge after falling out of favour under Thomas Tuchel.
According to Calcio Mercato, the west London club does not want to take back a striker who doesn't fit the profile of what Potter typically demands. However, the report states that Lukaku doesn't want to return to Cobham training ground upon the end of his loan at Inter.
It's said that initial contact has been made between Chelsea and the Italian giants regarding a solution, with the Belgian set to likely stay at the San Siro beyond the agreed season-long loan. In what capacity remains to be seen.
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