Here are your Chelsea morning headlines for Tuesday, August 4.
Chelsea ‘target’ Ginter responds to speculation
While most of the Chelsea transfer business has so far centred on attackers, it’s widely acknowledged they need to beef up the defence, too.
Borussia Monchengladbach defender Matthias Ginter has been one of those linked with Stamford Bridge as Frank Lampard looks to improve a leaky back line, but the German star says the rumours are wide of the mark.
“I'm definitely staying in Gladbach," Ginter told Kicker, per the Star.
“Of course I heard of the enquiries and was flattered by this attention, but I've said often enough how good things are for me in Gladbach.”
Gladbach have repeatedly stated their aim to keep the team growing together, after a generally young and exciting side qualified for next season’s Champions League with a top-four finish in the Bundesliga.
Havertz boost for Chelsea after Bayern rule themselves out
Chelsea have been relentlessly linked with Bayer Leverkusen attacker Kai Havertz over the past few months, with the 21-year-old one of the most sought-after youngsters in Europe.
Two of the clubs thought most likely to challenge the Blues for his signature were Liverpool and Bayern Munich; while the Reds have already signalled their intention to not spend hugely this summer, it still left the German champions as a potential obstacle.
But now Bayern have similarly ruled themselves out, leaving Chelsea a clear path.
"I am sure that after Leroy Sane there will be no major transfers this year," honorary president Uli Hoeness told German outlet FAZ.
"This has nothing to do with the quality of Havertz. We all think he is a very, very good player. But in the corona period after a transfer of almost €50million, one of €70-80million or more, I can't imagine making unless we secure counter-financing through player sales.”
Chelsea to listen to offers for Kante - report
One of the biggest dilemmas for coaches at Chelsea over the past couple of seasons has been how to handle N’Golo Kante and which role to play him in to get the best out of the ball-winner.
Now, between that issue, his ongoing injuries and advancing age, it seems Lampard is keen to make it someone else’s problem, with reports that the Blues will listen to offers for the World Cup-winner.
Lampard wants a defensive overhaul, and that apparently extends to the players who will protect that defence, including Kante, according to The Times.
