Live Blog
- 17:00, 28 Mar 2022
- Updated: 17:00, 28 Mar 2022
CHELSEA star Ben Chilwell has been criticised by animal rights groups after a video emerged of him having a tug of war with a tiger.
Attention towards animal welfare issues has been heightened in Premier League football recently after SunSport exclusively revealed a video of ex-Blue Kurt Zouma kicking his cat.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that the Ricketts family have become the first of Chelsea’s FOUR bidders to accept the £1 billion future investment.
However, the West London outfit will give the other potential suitors a chance to stake their claim.
Chelsea’s Women beat Leicester 9-0 in a stunning win at the King Power Stadium with SIX different scorers getting in on the act.
And Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher impressed alongside Mount for the Three Lions before mentioning that joining Crystal Palace in the summer was the right thing for his career.
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Cascarino calls Rashford ‘not clinical’
Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino says Marcus Rashford is ‘not clinical’ enough to lead the line for Arsenal.
United forward Rashford is reportedly a transfer target for Mikel Arteta’s Champions League-chasing Gunners.
Cascarino told talkSPORT: “I’m not sure if Marcus is a solution for Arsenal because Marcus is not clinical.
“He doesn’t particularly lead the line well and that’s one of the two traits you need if you’re going to play in an Arteta team.”
Pulisic insight into ‘worm’ celebration
Christian Pulisic says his ‘worm’ goal celebration – after he scored for the USA in their 5-1 win over Panama – was for a young fan with cancer.
The Chelsea winger revealed it was for 15-year-old Mason Ogle, who has osteosarcoma and was the USA’s matchday ambassador for the game.
Pulisic said: “I met someone really special yesterday.
“His name was Mason and his one request was that if I scored, he wanted to see a worm celebration. That’s what that was for.”
Werner finds comfort in country
Chelsea striker Timo Werner has admitted that he feels more comfortable playing football for Germany than he does at Stamford Bridge.
The 26-year-old has struggled to make an impact in the Premier League since joining the Blues for £47million two years ago, scoring just seven times in 49 appearances.
However, Werner hasn’t lost his touch in front of goal when it comes to the international stage, and was again on the mark on Saturday when the Germans defeated Israel 2-0 in a friendly.
Werner has netted six times in his last six appearances for his country, and afterwards said: “I’m a striker and always want to score.
“Things aren’t going the way I’d like at Chelsea so it’s all the better that things are going well here under Hansi Flick.
“I really enjoy playing football, no matter where I’m playing. There are differences in the style of play between football at Chelsea and here.
“Maybe the national team suits me better. Here, I always have scoring chances, I can score goals. I feel very comfortable here.”
No Real deal for Tchouameni – yet
Premier League pair Chelsea and Manchester United have been handed a boost by the news that – contrary to reports – Aurelien Tchouameni has not agreed to sign for Real Madrid.
Spanish media had claimed a deal had been done, but Tchouameni’s agent insists that no such move has been confirmed.
The two English clubs have been monitoring the 22-year-old’s development at Monaco, and both see the player as the ideal midfielder to build their side around for years to come.
However, Madrid remain very interested despite the press jumping the gun, as do Ligue 1 big-spenders Paris Saint-Germain.
Tchouameni scored his first international goal for France on Friday, heading home a stoppage time winner against Ivory Coast.
Credit: @WhoScored Twitter Blues bidders to learn fate
The four parties still in the running to buy Chelsea will discover which has the backing of Raine Group next month.
The bank overseeing the sale of the football club has told the remaining bidders that it intends to present their preferred bid to the government and the Premier League during the week of April 18.
Sky News understands that a letter has been sent to those on the shortlist, indicating that the government will also be approached to issue a licence enabling a quick sale that could be completed by the end of the season.
The remaining contenders were told over the weekend that they had until April 11 to refine their final offers.
Blues monitoring contract rebel Marquinhos
If Romelu Lukaku is to head to Paris this summer, then at least one player may be heading in the opposition direction.
It is understood that Chelsea have been keeping a close eye on Marquinhos’ situation at PSG, and are prepared to make an offer for the defender as soon as they receive the green light from their new owners.
The 27-year-old has two years to run on his deal in the French capital, and, according to L’Equipe, is no closer to signing a new contract with his club.
However, the Brazilian defender supposedly wants a significant increase in his salary – currently thought to be around £250k-per-week – and it remains to be seen whether Chelsea in a post-Roman Abramovich era could afford such wages.
PSG ready to rescue Romelu
Paris Saint-Germain are preparing to end Romelu Lukaku’s Chelsea nightmare by bringing the striker to the Parc des Princes.
The Football Insider understands that the Ligue 1 club hope to take advantage of the Belgian’s unhappiness at the Bridge to pick him up on the ‘cheap’.
Lukaku cost the Blues £97m last summer when returning to the London club for a second spell.
The 28-year-old insisted that it was his dream move at the time, but it has since turned sour due to a series of below-par performances and misguided interviews.
The former Manchester United forward has netted just five Premier League goals this term, and only two since early September.
PSG view Lukaku as the best option to replace Kylian Mbappe, who is widely expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Thiago Silva tight-lipped on future
Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has refused to comment on the rumours of a possible return to Fluminense.
Despite signing a one-year extension with the Blues, the 37-year-old has recently been linked with a move back to the Brazilian club he represented between 2006 and 2008.
The centre-back was speaking to the press after captaining Brazil to a 4-0 win over Chile in World Cup qualifying.
According to Netflu (via Sport Witness), the player was asked about a possible move back to the club where he is so fondly remembered.
Thiago Silva has made no secret of his desire to play again for Fluminense before he retires but, on this occasion, he simply smiled and replied: “Next question.”
Chelsea and Chilwell stay silent
Ben Chilwell and Chelsea Football Club have so far failed to comment on the emergence of a video that showed the Blues left-back taking part in a tug-of-war with a tiger.
The Sun broke the news yesterday after obtaining the footage of the England defender taking part in the ‘tiger tug’ at Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Animal Welfare groups have condemned the theme park’s attraction. The RSPCA said: “We don’t feel this activity promotes respect for these wild animals and should not be marketed for public entertainment.”
Media sources have contacted both Chelsea and Chilwell for reaction, but are yet to receive a response.
Pulisic hits hat-trick for USA
Christian Pulisic scored a hat-trick to leave the United States on the verge of qualification for the World Cup.
The Chelsea star converted two penalties against Panama in Sunday evening’s Concacaf qualifier and then completed his treble in style as USA cruised to a 5-1 win.
The result means Gregg Berhalter’s team have all but made it to Qatar 2022, needing only to avoid a defeat of six goals or more to Costa Rica on Wednesday, and will join fellow North American country Canada at November’s finals.
Good Morning Chelsea fans
Chelsea’s takeover saga will drag on for another fortnight with the four remaining bidders given until April 11 to submit their final proposals.
The Raine Group have whittled contenders down to a quartet, with an emphasis placed on committing £1billion in future investment into the West London club.
Each will have until April 11 to potentially up their bids, before the Raine Group will make their final decision.
Jorginho has left Italy duty early to return to Chelsea, and could soon announce his retirement from international football altogether, according to reports.
The midfielder was part of the team that were embarrassed by minnows North Macedonia and knocked out of the World Cup play-offs.
Despite the disappointment, Roberto Mancini’s side still have a friendly to play against Turkey on Tuesday.
But Corriere dello Sport claim Jorginho has already left the international camp and will not play a part in the match, with rumours he could call time on his international career.
And finally, Mason Mount admits that the Chelsea players are in the dark about the future of the club.
Speaking on England duty he said: “I’ve been at the club since I was six-years-old and something like this has not happened before, so it can be a concern.
“At the beginning, and even now, we don’t really know where it’s going and what’s happening the next day. So it’s difficult.
“But we focus on our football and what we can do is try and win as many games as we can.
“When I go back to Chelsea next week, I’m sure we will be informed about what’s going on because I haven’t heard anything recently.”
More on Chilwell tiger criticism
Animal welfare charity The RSPCA condemned Ben Chilwell after a video of him playing tug-of-war with a tiger was made public.
They said: “We don’t feel this activity promotes respect for these wild animals and should not be marketed for public entertainment.
“Zoos often state that their aim is to educate the public and have a positive influence on visitor behaviour in ways that will directly benefit conservation.
“Whilst we understand zoos which do this may feel that a ‘tug-of-war’ provides physical enrichment for big cats, there are many alternative ways of doing this.”
Chelsea declined to comment on concerns that their £20million-rated star could have further damaged his knee.
Chilwell’s people did not respond to comment requests.
Done and dusted
Jorginho has left Italy duty to return to Chelsea, and could soon announce his retirement from international football, according to reports.
The midfielder was part of the team that were embarrassed by minnows North Macedonia and knocked out of the World Cup play-offs.
Roberto Mancini’s side still have a friendly to play against Turkey on Tuesday.
But Corriere dello Sport claim Jorginho has already left the international camp.
The report goes on to suggest the 30-year-old could soon retire from international football altogether.
Exclusive – Chilwell blasted for tiger tussle
Chelsea star Ben Chilwell has been rapped by animal welfare chiefs over a tug-of-war challenge with a tiger.
The £190,000-a-week ace, who has a knee injury, was seen grinning with three pals during their tussle with the caged beast at a theme park.
With meat attached to a rope they heave while a 20-stone white tiger pulls them towards the cage.
It is believed to have been filmed at Busch Gardens, Tampa, Florida, where Chilwell, 25, is enjoying a break.
A source who passed the footage to The Sun said: “It’s animal abuse.
“They’re not treating the tiger with respect. It’s just fun to them. It’s probably winding up the poor animal, who is being used for entertainment.”
Gallagher eyeing World Cup spot
Conor Gallagher already has eyes on a World Cup spot, despite playing just two games for England.
The on-loan Chelsea man impressed against Switzerland on Saturday, having done the same at club level for Crystal Palace.
Gallagher said: “Of course it would be amazing to be in the World Cup squad.
“It’s still a good few months away, so I just need to focus on my club football and take every game as it comes.
“But hopefully, if I do well enough and impress the manager enough, I can have a shot.
Enrique lauds Chelsea youngster
Spain boss Luis Enrique was full of praise for Armando Broja after his side beat Albania thanks to a 90th minute Dani Olmo winner.
Former Barca manager Enrique though was left impressed by Broja, who has excelled on loan at Southampton this season.
Enrique said: “Broja is very strong. If you look at him at Southampton he causes problems for the best central defenders in the world.”
Arsenal and Chelsea eye Araujo
Chelsea and Arsenal are both claimed to be keen on a move for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo.
Chelsea face the prospect of losing Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen AND Cesar Azpilicueta this summer, and are subsequently keen to add a defender.
And according to the Express, Arsenal are also interested in the 23-year-old.
Araujo is out of contract at the end of next season, and has already rejected an offer from Barcelona for an extension.
The club are keen to tie him down to fresh terms, but if not both Prem clubs are waiting in the wings to pounce for the Uruguayan international.
Credit: AP Juve all out for Rudiger
Antonio Rudiger will be billed as the new ‘Chiellini’ to help lure him to Juventus this summer.
The Chelsea defender is out of contract at the end of this season and the Italian giants want him to lead their defence into a new era.
Their plan for him to ultimately take over from club legend Giorgio Chiellini as the heartbeat of the back line is an added incentive.
Rudiger has already been offered a deal worth around £5.5million-a-season over five years to tempt the athletic Germany centre-back.
The 29-year-old is attracting interest from Europe’s leading clubs as he winds down his contract at crisis-torn Chelsea.
Action packed April
Chelsea have SEVEN games in April, in three different competitions.
The Blues have an FA Cup semi-final and Champions League quarter-final to attend to, as well as four Premier League games.
There are some MASSIVE games in there.
- April 2 – Brentford (h)
- April 6 – Real Madrid (h)
- April 9 – Southampton (a)
- April 12 – Real Madrid (a)
- April 17 – Crystal Palace (FA Cup)
- April 20 – Arsenal (h)
- April 24 – West Ham (h)
Nevin not listened to
Former Chelsea man Pat Nevin has revealed he tried to persuade Chelsea to sign Kieran Tierney from Celtic.
But the Blues opted against a move, and instead signed Ben Chilwell.
As per Metro, Nevin said: “I tried to get Chelsea to buy him four years ago but they didn’t listen and ended up signing Ben Chilwell from Leicester City for twice as much as Kieran would have cost them
“He hasn’t peaked yet, which is quite frightening.
“When I first met him he was a confident boy but he’s subsequently gone beyond that to have this total and utter belief in himself and you can see it by the way he carries himself on the pitch: you just think: ‘He’s got it’.”
Werner comments on Chelsea tactics
Timo Werner has admitted there are “differences” in the tactics used at Chelsea to that in the German national team.
Werner scored in Germany’s 2-0 win over Israel yesterday, but is in poor form at club level.
And after the game, he said: “I’m a striker and always want to score.
“Things aren’t going the way I’d like at Chelsea, so it’s all the better that things are going well here under Hansi Flick.
“I really enjoy playing football, no matter where I’m playing. There are differences in the style of play between football at Chelsea and here.
“Maybe the one at the national team suits me better. Here, I always have scoring chances, I can score goals. I feel very comfortable here.”
Tony tips Gallagher for Liverpool
Former Chelsea man Tony Cascarino has labelled Conor Gallagher as a perfect fit for Liverpool.
He told talkSPORT: “Conor Gallagher is an outstanding attacking midfielder who always looks like he’s going to get a goal or make an assist.
“I like him because I don’t think there’s too many of his type around. Liverpool, for me, if they had a player like that as well adding him behind their front three, with his ability to get goals.
“Chelsea would never sell him to Liverpool, but they’d do really well with him. Conor Gallagher will get goals. Whether or not he will get his chance at Chelsea, I don’t know.
“No one at Chelsea can do what he does, but it depends if Thomas Tuchel wants to play that kind of player in his system. I hope he does give him a chance.”
Tuchel in for double trouble
Thomas Tuchel has been warned by Gareth Southgate that playing Conor Gallagher and Mason Mount together could lead to defensive issues for Chelsea.
Speaking to Sky Sports after England beat Switzerland, Southgate said: “We feel that Mount and Gallagher are very good at pressing and are two attacking 8s.
“But we know that that system can leave you a bit vulnerable to the switches to the opposite full-back and the Swiss worked that out very well – which is why we made the change of shape in the second half.
“But we had an idea of what we wanted to do, and although we would have liked to have Bukayo Saka and a couple of the other wing-backs to look at that, I still think it was worth seeing.”
Tchou the man
Chelsea have been handed a boost in the race to sign Aurelien Tchouameni after his agent denied they have an agreement in place with Real Madrid.
Reports suggested Tchouameni had a deal in place to sign for Real.
But according to his agent, who was speaking to Le Parisien, there is no agreement on personal terms between the two camps.
Tchouameni’s agents’ comments will be news to Chelsea’s ears, but the Blues may also have to fend off a challenge from Paris Saint-Germain for the France international’s signature.
