Here are your Chelsea morning headlines for Saturday, October 3.
New Blues defender sends message to Lampard
Thiago Silva has no interest in treating his season at Chelsea as a chance to explore London’s tourist sites.
The Brazilian defender – who joined the Blues on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer – is looking to add an English trophy to a cabinet containing two-dozen major trophies from Italy, France and on the international stage.
Silva’s leadership skills have already been praised by Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.
And, despite his error in last week’s draw away against West Bromwich Albion, the presence of a serial winner has been noted in the dressing room.
“I think it’s true I’ve got a lot to offer in that respect,” Silva said in today’s match programme for the game against Crystal Palace .“I even had the chance to share the field with my new coach when we played each other at the Maracana in 2013.
“I’ve told him I’m here to help and that he can count on me every step of the way.”
Chelsea left to rue previous sales
Chelsea’s outgoing transfer business in recent years cannot be mentioned without hearing three names: Mohammad Salah, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne.
Kristian Heneage reports in football.london how the Blues could have protected their investments by inserting buy-back clauses in the deals that took Salah, De Bruyne and Lukaku to Roma, Wolfsburg and Everton respectively.
He writes : “It is impossible to land on the right side of every deal, and so it’s about attempting to limit the mistakes and risks. Had Chelsea been afforded the chance to re-sign the trio above they could have done.
“Furthermore, it maintains a strong relationship with the player.
“It was said that Lukaku was open to returning to Chelsea, and by inserting a buy-back clause in these deals it sends a message to the player that Chelsea believe they have potential, but activating that potential will require them to leave the club.”
Lampard wants Partey time at Chelsea
Chelsea are ready to hijack Arsenal’s transfer plans by making a move to sign Thomas Partey.
According to the Telegraph , Blues head coach Frank Lampard wants a new defensive midfielder, with West Ham United’s Declan Rice his priority.
But the Hammers have slapped an £80 million price tag on the 21-year-old’s head, which means Chelsea could now turn their attention to Atletico Madrid’s Partey, whom they have been monitoring over recent months.
Any new defensive midfielder arriving at Stamford Bridge could spell the end for Jorginho.
The Italy international could head to Arsenal, who have been holding talks behind the scenes.
