A round-up of news and gossip relating to Chelsea over the past 24 hours.
Just before Friday 6pm, the FA charged John Terry over alleged abusive and threatening behaviour towards Anton Ferdinand with reference to race. John Terry has denied the charge and has requested a personal hearing. The charge issued by the FA is the same as that which Luis Suarez faced and for which he received an 8 game ban. The Crown Prosecution following a trial in early July cleared John Terry of racially aggravated abuse. In their statement, the FA clarified that Terry would be eligible for England in the meantime.
The charge comes after the player told The Guardian that he was excited about the start of the new season and was relieved to have been cleared of racial charges. News of a fresh FA charge will come as a blow for Terry and Anton Ferdinand himself who have been embroiled in the story since the incident question in October 2011.
Chelsea’s bid for Cesar Azpilicueta took a step forward as Marseille sporting director admitted that the club would need to sell before making new acquisitions. The 22-year-old right-back is on Olympic duty with the Spain squad and the player has already revealed he has been flattered by interest from the Champions League winners.
According to Spanish media reports, Atletico Madrid are keen to ward off interest from Chelsea for youth midfielder Oliver Torres. The young Spaniard is thought to be attracted at the prospect of joining idol and namesake Fernando Torres who likewise began his career at Atletico Madrid. Oliver Torres was thought to have caught the attentions of Manchester United earlier in the year.
Napoli’s Edinson Cavani has affirmed that he will not leave the club this summer. Speculation on a move to Chelsea peaked earlier this week after the striker’s wife was mugged at a Naples airport. The player did concede that he would one day consider playing in the Premier League but was for now happy at Napoli.
Arsenal and Belgium international Thomas Vermaelen has warned Premier League defenders of the quality of compatriot Eden Hazard. Vermaelen spoke highly of his international colleague’s attributes: “Technically, he is very good. He is quick with the ball. He’s a little bit like the way Messi plays. He’s small with a low centre of gravity and has some good tricks.”
Chelsea fans will hope £35m signing Hazard can lead the charge for Chelsea this upcoming season.
The Mirror pick up on Ashley Cole’s dwindling contract situation with the left-back only having one year left on his contract. No talks have been scheduled with the club and the player may be prepared to let his contract run down.
images: © Julian Mason, © Julian Mason
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