Here are your Chelsea evening headlines for Friday, August 7
Willian upset with Stamford Bridge exit
Brazilian winger Willian is believed to be upset at the way his time at Chelsea has come to an end.
That is according to ESPN, which states the 31-year-old is on the verge of signing a three-year deal at London rivals Arsenal after talks over a new deal at Stamford Bridge failed to progress.
Willian has spent seven years at Chelsea but failed to come to terms over a contract to extend his stay as the Blues only put a two-year offer on the table.
The winger will get his wish of a three-year deal that he had pushed for at Chelsea, but will instead be playing for the club’s close rivals Arsenal under Mikel Arteta.
Bayer progress delays Havertz transfer
Chelsea will be made to wait longer a little longer to secure the signing of Kai Havertz after Bayer Leverkusen advanced into the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
Havertz’s side overcame Steven Gerrard’s Ranger 1-0 on Thursday night – 4-1 on aggregate – to reach the next stage of the competition and that could impact the Blues’ pursuit of the attacker.
Leverkusen chief Rudi Voller told reporters last month the German international won’t be able to leave the club until Leverkusen’s run in the European competition draws to a close.
He said: “Maybe I'm too old-fashioned or romantic but for me it is a matter of course that a player ends the season no matter when it ends.
"There is no discussion at all for me to consider… Could I possibly hurt myself? Or take a little vacation? Then some should have withdrawn two months ago.
"Whether it's the Europa League or the Champions League, if it's wanted by the player, the host and the club, I couldn't understand if a player didn't want to [play]."
With that in mind, Chelsea could be forced to wait until August 21 if the Bundesliga side reach the Europa League final this month.
Tomori linked with Ligue 1 switch
Fikayo Tomori is in talks with Ligue 1 side Rennes ahead of a potential move away from Stamford Bridge.
According to L’Equipe, via GFFN, the 22-year-old has attracted interest from Rennes with the possibility of a loan or permanent switch on the table.
The central defender was a mainstay at the back under Frank Lampard early in the 2019/20 campaign but lost his place in December and struggled to secure regular football.
A permanent move away from Chelsea would prove a stark contrast to the high hopes Blues supporters had held for the centre-back one year ago.
Nevertheless, he will be eager to earn regular time on the pitch to continue his development, and being down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge may not help that.
