Here are your Chelsea morning headlines for Wednesday, April 29.
Onana puts Chelsea on alert after confirming Ajax exit
Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana has admitted he has reached an agreement to leave the club this summer amid interest from several big clubs, including Chelsea.
Frank Lampard is reportedly looking for a new number one following some unconvincing performances from Kepa Arrizabalaga since his £72million arrival from Athletic Bilbao in 2018.
Onana is one of the most in-demand goalkeepers in Europe, and following the Eredivisie’s decision to end the Dutch season it looks like he has already played his last game for Ajax.
“It was five great years here. But now my time has come to take a step,” he told Fox Sports .
“We made that appointment last year. I don't know yet what will happen, but my ambitions and agreements are clear.”
Chelsea will reportedly face competition from Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Tottenham Hotspur.
Bakayoko future in doubt after French Ligue Un season ends
The plan for Chelsea’s on-loan midfield Tiemoue Bakayoko has been changed following the decision in France that prevents the top two divisions from resuming the 2019/20 campaign.
Bakayoko has been enjoying his loan at AS Monaco, featuring 20 times in the league, and the club have an option to sign him for £30million. However, the financial impact of Ligue Un’s suspension could scupper a deal for Bakayoko.
Lampard will reportedly look to sell the midfielder to another club this summer should Monaco end their interest. The 25-year-old, whose contract runs to 2022, is not part of the Chelsea manager’s plans.
Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly been watching his progress and could be interested.
Ziyech looking forward to challenge and names Chelsea legend as inspiration
New Chelsea signing Hakim Ziyech, who will join the club this summer from Ajax, has revealed his childhood love for the Premier League and his excitement at the prospect of arriving at Stamford Bridge.
The 27-year-old is looking forward to the challenge, and named Didier Drogba as one of the players that has influenced him.
“The Premier League is a great competition, especially because of the fast thinking, technical players," he said, per the Evening Standard .
“As a kid, I've always dreamed about this. I watched the games Chelsea, Arsenal and Man Utd played and players like Didier Drogba, Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and David Beckham, you name them. I want the same thing.”
But Ziyech knows that adjusting to life in England won’t be easy.
“Is it the best competition in the world? I don't know. I also admire La Liga, but the Premier League is definitely the most intense,” he said.
"I don't like to take the easiest way, because you're not challenging yourself when you do. I like challenges. Those make me stronger and keep me sharp."
