Here are your Chelsea evening headlines for Sunday, June 14.
Chelsea wonderkid impressing Lampard in ‘preseason’
Frank Lampard’s faith in youngsters this season has been clear to see with the likes of Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and, more recently, Billy Gilmour appearing regularly.
A total of eight first team debuts have been handed out by the Chelsea manager since the start of the season and there will most likely be more to come from the academy.
Chelsea are expected to use players from the academy to bolster their squad when the Premier League resumes with a number of academy players impressing during training and none more so than Henry Lawrence.
The 18-year-old is said to have impressed at right-back during the club’s mini pre-season to get back up to match fitness after being given the opportunity to train more regularly with the senior setup.
Highlights from Chelsea’s behind-closed-doors friendly with Reading earlier this week showed Lawrence as a key figure on the right and even managed to add a goal to his name.
Both Reece James and Cesar Azpilicueta are believed to still be above Lawrence in the right-back rankings at Stamford Bridge, but continued progression will force Lampard to make a decision on his future sooner rather than later.
Sancho at risk of being left behind as Chelsea interest decreases
Borussia Dortmund’s high asking price for Jadon Sancho could be viewed as a stumbling block ahead of his next major destination.
The 20-year-old has been the source of much transfer speculation, including a move to Chelsea, but the current financial climate means that very few clubs will be able to afford the triple-figure fee quoted by Borussia Dortmund.
For Chelsea, such a high asking price for the winger has resulted in their interest decreasing in Sancho and moving elsewhere.
Links with Kai Havertz and Ben Chilwell have increased in recent weeks as well as the high likely signing of Timo Werner from RB Leipzig.
Whilst Manchester United and Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Sancho, the likelihood of him leaving Borussia Dortmund this summer appears to be decreasing.
As a result, he could well play in the Bundesliga for another season before a high profile move to the Premier League becomes possible.
Financial blow leaves Abramovich with tough financial decision
The prospect of further investment ahead of the next transfer window has been dealt a blow for Chelsea who have reported an operating loss over the 2018/19 season.
According to Deloitte, the Blues are the only club in the Premier League’s traditional top six to report an operating loss with a total deficit of £2million.
While those figures exclude any profit on player trading, transfer fees or finance costs, Roman Abramovich will have a decision to make on whether or not further investment will be allowed for the first team squad.
The Blues have been linked with high profile names ahead of the next transfer window and, whenever that may be, the club’s hierarchy will have some key business decisions to make.
