Good evening, Chelsea fans. Here are your evening headlines for Thursday, August 13.
Ballack tips Lampard to improve Havertz
Michael Ballack has tipped Kai Havetz to thrive under former Chelsea team-mate and current Blues boss Frank Lampard.
Bayer Leverkusen and the Premier League side have been in talks for several weeks over a deal for the 21-year-old German international, who is valued at £90 million.
While no deal has yet been struck, Havertz is expected to become a Chelsea player this summer. And Ballack says he will only improve under Lampard.
“I firmly believe that Lampard would be 100 percent behind Havertz,” Ballack told Bild, via Goal.
“He likes players who are very dangerous in front of goal and there aren’t many of those.
“Havertz is a player that Lampard would help further develop, not least because he himself was a midfielder with an eye for goal, who was always moving into dangerous areas, looking to finish off a chance.”
Voller issues Havertz update
Bayer Leverkusen managing director Rudi Voller says Havertz can leave the Bundesliga club this summer, but only if certain conditions are met.
Chelsea have been in talks with the German side for several weeks, yet there was no chance of Havertz leaving Leverkusen while the club were still in the Europa League knockout stages.
However, after Bayer were eliminated by Inter Milan on Monday, Blues supporters were hopeful a move could soon be completed.
“No decision has been made yet," Völler told Kicker via BuLinews. “There is nothing new in this regard.
"I’d like to repeat myself by emphasising that we’re talking about a wonderful footballer.
“We have a clear and mutual agreement with him and his representatives that he can only leave under certain conditions.
"Otherwise, he will stay.”
Granovskaia proven right about Pasalic
Whenever a talented player leaves a club, there is always a tinge of disappointment among supporters.
While they may not have succeeded, if they have shown talent, fans are always wary of what might be in the future.
Chelsea have experienced this more than most thanks to Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, and Romelu Lukaku.
However, while Mario Pasalic enjoyed an excellent season for Atalanta, culminating in scoring the opening goal in their Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain, Marina Granovskaia was right to let the youngster leave.
Pasalic spent six years at Chelsea, but in that time he completed five loan moves away and made no appearances for the Blues.
He was finally sold this summer after two impressive seasons on loan at Atalanta.
Pasalic is flourishing as a result of his rounded, versatile skill set that is ideal for Atalanta’s unique system.
But, as explained in greater detail here, if the 25-year-old was dropped into Chelsea’s midfield, the desired consequences might not be found.
