A round-up of news and gossip relating to Chelsea over the past 24 hours.
Chelsea’s pre-season tour of America ended with a second successive defeat to AC Milan on Saturday night. The game was played at the Miami Dolphins’ Sun Life Stadium and saw Di Matteo name a strong starting eleven. John Terry, Ashley Cole and Raul Meireles started their first game of pre-season after joining up late with the squad due to their participation in the European Championships. The game finished 1-0 as AC Milan Dutch forward Emanuelson scored in the 68th minute and Di Matteo will be concerned by Chelsea’s lack of firepower. Neither Lukaku nor Torres showed any penetration as Chelsea’s best chances again came from set pieces. Chelsea now play Brighton before facing Manchester City in the Community Shield.
Chelsea chief-executive Ron Gourlay confirmed that the club were still looking for players to improve the squad. The club have already spent £70m this summer but this admission will see that figure rise. The club have been linked with right-back Cesar Azpilicueta and Wigan’s Victor Moses as Chelsea look strengthen the squad before the start of the new season.
Chelsea are believed to be in the hunt for relegated Blackburn’s Martin Olsson. The Swedish defender is seeking a move from the Championship club and Chelsea could make a move for the player who they see as additional cover for the defensive positions. Blackburn value the player at £4m but Chelsea are prepared to only offer £1.5m for the 24-year-old.
Local rivals Fulham are chasing Chelsea midfield Yossi Benayoun as Martin Jol looks to add creativity to his team. With the future of Liverpool target Clint Dempsey unclear, the team is in need of attacking midfielders. Arsenal’s Arshavin has also been identified as a target for Chelsea’s rivals.
image: © Jason Bagley
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