Here are the Chelsea morning headlines for Saturday, August 29.
New goalkeeper rumours arise
It’s no real secret that Chelsea are looking for a new No.1, with Frank Lampard tired of Kepa Arrizabalaga’s continued inconsistencies.
The Spanish goalkeeper is the world’s most expensive signing in his position, but hasn’t come close to living up to expectations and looks set to be replaced after two years.
A list of goalkeepers the Stamford Bridge club supposedly want instead has been long and ever-changing, including Jan Oblak and Dean Henderson, while a link from Football Insider now claims Chelsea have turned their attention to AC Milan’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.
There has also been an attempt recently to sign Edouard Mendy from Rennes, but the Ligue 1 club want double the £22million Chelsea were prepared to offer - so they’re onto Donnarumma.
He would similarly cost around the £50m mark, the report suggests.
Preparation ahead of first friendly
Chelsea trained at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, ahead of their first friendly of the summer on Saturday against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Lampard took the decision to get the team match-ready, with the start of the season drawing close.
Several players were not involved in the session as they self-isolate, but Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech are likely to be involved.
Those two are the only new arrivals who will be playing, with Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr all only having joined this week.
Brighton are also the opponents for Chelsea’s first Premier League game of the season.
The centre-back set to depart after Silva arrival
The arrival of Thiago Silva from Paris Saint-Germain means Chelsea have an excess of centre-backs at Lampard’s disposal for the season ahead.
While not the worst situation ever, Lampard is keen to maintain a balance in his squad and so one may be allowed to leave.
Fikayo Tomori is the most likely candidate, with a loan exit possible to ensure he doesn’t miss out on game time.
Everton and Fulham are among the clubs keen to take the centre-back, who signed a five-year deal at Chelsea last December.
Malang Sarr has also just arrived, but Chelsea have already confirmed he will similarly head out on loan for 2020/21.
