Good evening, Chelsea fans. Here are your evening headlines for Saturday, October 3.
Lampard: Hudson-Odoi in my plans
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard says Callum Hudson-Odoi is in his first-team plans but concedes the winger could leave before the transfer window closes amid interest from Bayern Munich.
The 19-year-old started against Crystal Palace today and produced an impressive display against the Eagles. And after the 4-0 win, Lampard was asked about the future of the Blues academy graduate.
“Callum is absolutely part of my plans here. We have [Christian] Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech injured before Christian came back in today. We need options and what Callum showed today and the second half against West Brom is exactly what he needs to show. I am pleased with him.”
However, Lampard later added when asked if he could definitively rule out Hudson-Odoi leaving: “There is no definitive answer.
"By Monday we will know the answer. They might have declared their interest, which is one thing, but as I have just said there in terms of the squad, everything that happens by Monday will be things that are firstly good for us as a club because Callum is our player, and what Callum wants comes into consideration.
“It has to be right for everybody. At the minute I want Callum as part of my squad, especially with what he offered up today and the second half against West Brom. That is where I am at.”
Lampard explains Abraham penalty controversy
After Kai Havertz was felled in the penalty area and Chelsea were awarded their second penalty of the afternoon against Crystal Palace, Tammy Abraham attempted to wrestle the ball away from Chelsea's designated penalty taker, Jorginho, who had already scored from the spot.
Cesar Azpilicueta had to step in and ensure that Jorginho took the spot-kick, which the midfielder then converted.
And after the victory, Lampard was asked about Abraham’s behaviour.
“Yes, I can clear it up, I think Tammy with maybe his youthful exuberance and the performance that he had in the game that was very good, made a bit of a mistake and he wanted to take the penalty,” he said.
“It is not [right]. We have a designated penalty taker and you saw it with the first penalty. It has been dealt with in the dressing room but no problem either.”
Napoli on verge of Bakayoko loan
Napoli are reportedly on the verge of signing forgotten Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko.
Per Sky Italia, via the Daily Mail, an agreement has been hashed out between Chelsea and the Italian club regarding a season-long loan for the 26-year-old, who signed by Chelsea from Monaco in 2017 for £40 million.
Bakayoko spent the last two seasons on loan at AC Milan and Monaco, and ample reports claimed that he would return to Milan this summer.
The Rossoneri, however, are said to have rejected Chelsea’s desire to have an obligation to buy, rather than an option.
Napoli, however, have agreed to a simple year-long loan which will reunite Bakayoko with former Milan manager Gennaro Gattuso.
