Here are your Chelsea morning headlines for Thursday, April 2.
Griezmann offers Giroud defence
Antoine Griezmann has said he "loves" Olivier Giroud amid criticism from Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema of the Chelsea striker.
Benzema made headlines this week after offering an unflattering comparison between himself and Giroud during an Instagram Live.
When asked about the man who replaced him in the France squad, Benzema said: “You don't confuse Formula One with go karting. And I'm being kind. Next… and I know I'm F1.”
But Griezmann showed the view of Giroud within the French camp is somewhat different after the Chelsea forward helped lead the country to its second world title two years ago.
"I can't answer all that, that could get me into trouble,” the Barcelona star told his followers on Twitch, according to the Daily Mail .
"I love Olivier Giroud, he's a good player and he helped us win the World Cup. And that's important in life.”
Blues missed out on Alisson because of Courtois
Chelsea were in advanced talks to sign Alission Becker from Roma last summer but missed out on a move for the Brazilian because they believed they could convince Thibaut Courtois to stay at Stamford Bridge.
That’s according to a report in The Athletic, who claim that the Blues were deep into negotiations with the 27-year-old but their hesitance to pull the trigger on a move allowed Liverpool the opportunity to swoop in.
Courtois had already made it clear he hoped to join Real Madrid and instead Chelsea were left to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga from Athletic Club in Bilbao.
Sarri keen on Willian reunion
Former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is keen to bring Blues winger Willian to Italy with him and could even land the Brazilian on a free transfer this summer.
According to Italian publication Tuttosport, the Serie A giants are keeping a close eye on Willian, with a three-year contract possibly enough to tempt him to Turin.
The 32-year-old’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the season and his age means Chelsea are unlikely to want to give him anything more than a two-year deal, leaving the door open for Juve - or another rival - to swoop in.
