Ranking the top ten Chelsea strikers signed in the past 15-years

Chelsea’s striker recruitment over the past 15-years has been rather hit and miss. No pun intended.
From the good, Didier Drogba, to the bad, Mateja Kezman, to the ugly, Diego Costa – it’s been a rollercoaster ride.
With Chelsea desperately in need of a new centre-forward, again, the club ought to learn from the mistakes of the past before deciding who’s the best man for the job.

We’ve decided to give them a hand, picking our top ten strikers signed in the Roman Abramovich era. Do you agree with us? Leave a comment, let us know!

10 – Romelu Lukaku

This may seem a strange choice, considering that he only ever made 15 appearances for the club, but it’d be difficult to leave out a player who’s currently one of the hottest strikers on the planet.
He proved his credentials as a world-class frontman at this summer’s World Cup. Maurizio Sarri will no doubt be left ruing his sale.

9 – Michy Batshuayi

Batshuayi’s Chelsea career is yet to kick into full swing, but that’s not to say that he hasn’t made an impact during his time as a Blue.
He gave us one of the most memorable moments of last season with his match-winning goal against Atletico Madrid. He also scored the goal that signed and sealed the Premier League title the season prior.
If we opt against recruiting a new striker, we’d be confident heading into the season with Batshuayi carrying the goal-scoring burden.

8 – Demba Ba

You have to love Demba Ba. If not for his ability as a footballer, then for his (probably unhealthy) obsession with strawberry syrup.
We’ll always remember Ba fondly for his dramatic goal against PSG in the Champions League.
The Telegraph reported at the time that we paid just £7M to sign him from Newcastle. What a bargain!

7 – Salomon Kalou

You may think it harsh for a player who made over 250 appearances for Chelsea to be so low down here, but we wouldn’t consider Kalou’s time here an overwhelming success on a personal level.
He failed to fulfil his full potential, yet showed sporadically the talent that he possessed. A total of 36 Premier League goals over a six-year period is pretty poor, but an eight-trophy haul isn’t bad at all.

6 – Samuel Eto’o

Eto’o is arguably the most under-appreciated striker we signed under Abramovich. On his day, he was superb.
His link-up play, his finishing, age wasn’t on his side but he still possessed some of the qualities that made him one of the world’s best strikers.
If we’d signed him five-years earlier, he could be occupying the number one spot on here.

5 – Fernando Torres

Forget the figure we paid for him, forget the fact that he was previously one of the best strikers on the planet. Torres was a great servant to Chelsea football club, there’s no denying it.
It wasn’t his fault that Chelsea paid what the BBC reported to be a £50M fee to sign him. All he could do was give us everything he had, and he did, consistently, even if he played like he had his boots tied together.
He won the corner which resulted to Dider Drogba’s equaliser in Munich – that and the goal at the Nou Camp is good enough for us.

4 – Hernan Crespo

ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images

To this day we rue the fact that Crespo wasn’t here longer. He’s one of the most talented strikers Chelsea have ever had the pleasure of housing.
Kicking things off with that goal against Wigan, Crespo began as he meant to carry on. He came, he scored, and he conquered, winning the Premier League in the only season he ever spent in England.
If we could turn back time, we’d make sure things ended differently…

3 – Nicolas Anelka

Anelka was fielded as a right-winger for much of his time as a Blue, but he ranks highly in our list of strikers largely due to his Premier League Golden Boot win in 2008/09.
He pipped Cristiano Ronaldo to the post to win the award, even though he scored only 19 goals in the league!
The man had ice running through his veins. If only he could pass that attribute onto Alvaro Morata…

2 – Diego Costa

Clive Rose/Getty Images

It’d be a shame for Diego Costa to be remembered for his unprofessional conduct towards the end of his Chelsea career. He was superb for us.
Costa was influential in Premier League title triumphs in 2014/15 and 2016/17. He left his mark on both the English game and Martin Skrtel’s ankle.
If there’s another player like Costa out there, we have to make sure we get him. Warriors like him have a connection with the fans like no other.

1 – Didier Drogba

Who else? The king. The greatest striker we’ve ever had, and one of the best ever to grace the Premier League.
Drogba was the man for the big occasion. He wasn’t phased by anything. He stepped up to the mark and delivered for his team.
His 2009/10 campaign will probably never be topped by a striker playing in a Chelsea shirt. He was unplayable, scoring 29 goals in 32 league games.
Not to mention what he did in Munich…

Chelsea player wanted by Serie A giants, move looks unlikely

Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko is reportedly attracting attention from AC Milan.
Bakayoko arrived at Stamford Bridge with high expectations following a superb campaign at the heart of Monaco’s midfield.
He failed to justify his hefty price-tag during his debut season as a Blue, though. His performance against Watford was a memorable low for the Frenchman.

He’s not an archetypal Maurizio Sarri midfielder, which leaves a question mark over his future as a Chelsea player.
It’s unlikely we’d be prepared to sell him without recouping a large chunk of what we paid for him last summer.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Milan are considering making a move to sign Bakayoko in the final weeks of the summer window.
The issue is, Milan have already been punished for breaking FFP regulations. It seems unlikely they’d be willing to match our valuation of the 23-year-old.
It’s at this point unclear what the future holds for Bakayoko.

Chelsea star is going nowhere – this latest news confirms it!

Real Madrid have reportedly ruled out making a move to sign Chelsea winger Eden Hazard this summer.
Hazard has been linked with Real Madrid for several years now, but this summer felt different. We worried that the move could actually materialise.
He’s 27 now, time’s running out if he does want to play for Los Blancos at some point in his career. It could really be a matter of now or never.

With the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, Real also are left with a void to fill in attack. Hazard looks well-equipped to fill it.
However, according to AS, Real have decided to search for a solution within their squad, opposed to spending a huge amount on a new attacker.
Florentino Perez is thought to have ruled out making a move to sign Hazard this summer, which essentially confirms that he will be staying at Chelsea.
We’re excited to see what Maurizio Sarri can do with him.

Chelsea could soon have a new captain, these three players are in contention

Chelsea are reportedly prepared to promote Eden Hazard to club captain in hope of convincing him to stay.
Hazard has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid. He has flirted with the idea of making the move, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure increasing speculation.
The Belgian is Chelsea’s most important player, and arguably the most talented we’ve ever had. Losing him would be nothing short of a disaster.

Chelsea will no doubt be desperate to keep hold of him. We’d give a limb to see him remain here for a few more seasons.
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea won’t be sacrificing arms or legs, but could hand the 27-year-old the captain’s armband to convince him to stay put.
Hazard is very much in contention for the captaincy, while Cesar Azpilicueta and Cesc Fabregas are also being considered for the role.
Either way, it doesn’t look like Gary Cahill’s reign as Chelsea captain will be going on for much longer.

Chelsea's Rugani bid confirmed

Chelsea’s bid for Daniele Rugani is “pretty big” but Juventus do not want to sell the Italian defender.
The player’s agent Davide Torchia has clarified the situation as things stand.
“I can tell you the truth about Daniele,” Torchia told Radio Vecchia Signora. “Sarri holds the player in very high esteem.
“Chelsea have put their support behind this transfer the manager is asking for, and they have made a pretty big offer, which Juventus are aware of. On the other hand, Juventus have several times so far been very clear and have repeated their resolve not to sell the player because they deem him important.
“And they have consistently done this throughout these past years.”

(Image: AFP/Getty)

Sporting demand compensation for Martins

Sporting Lisbon are demanding compensation after Gelson Martins left the club to join Atletico Madrid.
The 23-year-old forward is one of nine players to quit Sporting following an attack by fans at their training ground in May.
As a result, Martins was a free agent and on Wednesday the Portugal international signed a five-year deal at Spanish giants Atletico.
But Sporting are unhappy with the LaLiga club’s “unacceptable behaviour” in Martins’ transfer and want FIFA to act.
A statement on Sporting’s official website read: “The board of directors of Sporting Clube de Portugal Futebol SAD decided unanimously to present... FIFA with a compensation claim to the athlete and the club, and request... sports sanctions to both.”

Gelson Martins is interesting several Premier League clubs

Darmian wants to leave Man United

Matteo Darmian admits he wants to leave Manchester United with Jose Mourinho open to the idea of the full-back’s sale.
United boss Mourinho said on Wednesday that the Italy international could leave Old Trafford “but not at any price”.
The 28-year-old, who has struggled to cement a starting place since joining from Torino in 2015, then confirmed his intention to seek a new club.
Speaking to a number of national newspapers, Darmian said: “I want to play more regularly. Last season, I didn’t play much, that’s my objective and my ambition.
“That’s why I spoke with the manager and also with the club about my future. I want to leave but we will see what happens because we don’t know.”
Darmian, who started just five Premier League games last season, has been linked with a return to Italy.
When asked if Serie A would be his preferred destination, he said: “It’s an option. Yes, probably.
“We will see what happens. Honestly, I’m waiting. If I stay, I stay and I do what I did up until now. If I go, it is because the offer that another team makes will be good.”
Darmian’s potential departure could leave Mourinho short of a right-back ahead of the new season with Antonio Valencia and new signing Diogo Dalot both injured.

(Image: Man Utd via Getty Images)

Muto to join Newcastle

Yoshi Muto has agreed a £9.5million transfer to Newcastle.
The Japanese striker was on Tyneside on Friday and agreed personal terms to leave Mainz and become Rafa Benitez’s most significant signing of the summer so far.
Muto says he is keen to test himself at a higher level and has set himself a ten goal target in the Premier League.
Benitez is pushing Newcastle to ensure two or three more arrivals before the transfer deadline, including another striker and a full-back. The Spaniard is convinced the club has the resources to afford £16.5m West Brom striker Salomon Rondon.
That deal could see no 9 Dwight Gayle switch to the Hawthorns.
However Gayle is settled in Newcastle, wants to prove he can score in the top flight and it would take an offer he can’t refuse to force his move.

(Image: Xinhua News Agency)

Boateng holds talks with PSG

Jerome Boateng has held talks with Thomas Tuchel over a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
And Bayern Munich has insisted that they are prepared to let the Germany international leave.
“At the moment there is no direct contact between the clubs,” Bayern CEO Karl-Heinze Rummenigge told reporters.
“But there is contact between his agents and PSG. We have to wait, if we could find a basis for a transfer.
“Now we have to wait and see whether at the end of the day we find a basis on which we can agree on a transfer. We have to find a transfer fee that would be acceptable for both.
“In principle, we have enough players at this position, even if Jerome leaves.”

(Image: Stuart Franklin - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Courtois 'agrees terms with Real Madrid'

Thibaut Courtois has reportedly agreed terms with Real Madrid over a move from Chelsea.
Real are looking to replace Keylor Navas and now look set to complete their move for Belgian international Courtois within the next week.
The 26-year-old has made it clear that he wants to leave Chelsea in favour of finding Champions League football after the Blues missed out of the top four last season.
Maurizio Sarri looks unlikely to be able to convince him to stay, which will mean he has just two weeks to find a new No.1.
No agreement is yet in place between Chelsea and Real Madrid over the deal.
But the Daily Mail claim that personal terms have now been agreed.

(Image: REUTERS)

Rojo fearing for United future

Marcos Rojo is fearing for his Manchester United future.
The Argentinian defender is facing a battle for his place in the United team with Jose Mourinho looking to bring in a new face at the heart of the back line.
But Rojo now believes that his future could lie away from Old Trafford, as a new defender would push him further down the pecking order.
It is, however, unlikely that United would let him leave this summer.

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

Bailey puts Arsenal and Chelsea on alert

Arsenal are on red alert after Leon Bailey made it clear he intends to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
The Jamaica international is also on Chelsea’s radar after a fine season in the Bundesliga.
The 20-year-old is valued at £40m, report the Sun, with his contract until 2022 allowing the Germans to effectively stand firm and name their price.
The Premier League deadline for transfers is fast approaching on August 9, and Unai Emery is keen to add more signings despite excellent work earlier in the summer to land Bernd Leno, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
The Gunners will go head to head with their London rivals, with the Blues highlighting Bailey as a potential replacement for Willian

(Image: REX/Shutterstock)

N'Zonzi's father holds the key

Steven N’Zonzi’s dad holds the key if Arsenal want to sign the Sevilla midfielder for under his £36million release clause.
The Gunners are hopeful of landing the French international but are hoping to secure a cut-price deal for his services.
So far Sevilla have insisted that the break fee must be met if he is going to be allowed to leave.
But reports in Spain claim that the La Liga club would be willing to reach a compromise - if a unique clause in his current contract is forfeited.
N’Zonzi’s father is reported to hold a personal sell-on clause for his son, which Sevilla would rather not pay.
But according to Estadio Deportivo, they will allow N’Zonzi to move for less than the £36m they want if his dad will scrap his agreement.

(Image: REUTERS)

Batshuayi to Valencia picking up pace

Michy Batshuayi’s move to Valencia is picking up pace, according to reports in Spain.
The Chelsea striker is expected to leave before the end of the transfer window, having flourished on loan at Borussia Dortmund in the second half of last season.
Cadena COPE are claiming that Valencia are in talks with Chelsea over the move, which is expected to be a season-long loan if it is indeed done.

(Image: AFP)

Schurrle talks about Fulham move

Schurrle has been talking about his move to Fulham.
He said: “I’m so happy to be here, I can’t wait to get started.
Fulham were the first club that showed interest in me - that was something that I appreciated a lot, and one of the reasons I wanted to come here.
“I love ball possession, I love attacking, and I love making runs, so I think it could be perfect. I have to fight for my place and I have to show my quality so that I can be a member who really helps the team.”
Fulham chairman Tony Khan added: Tony Khan added: “I’m thrilled to announce that the Fulham Football Club has signed Andre Schurrle on loan from Borussia Dortmund.
“Andre has been a top target for us, as he has for other clubs throughout Europe, so I’m very happy that our pursuit was successful.
“He has vast experience, having played in the Premier League, the Bundesliga and with the German national team, including the squad that won the World Cup in 2014.
“We’re ecstatic that we have reached an agreement to add Andre, given his impeccable credentials and his tremendous skill, and can’t wait to see him in Fulham colours.”

(Image: REX/Shutterstock)

Fulham boss reveals Sessegnon plans

Ryan Sessegnon looks set to remain at at Fulham for the coming season.
His boss, Slavisa Jokanovic, says that he is confident that he can keep him for another year.
Speaking to Marca, he said: “Yes, there is a lot of interest in him, but I think he’s going to stay. The club is not going to put him on the market. He is happy to stay another season with us and I think it’s good that he’s not in a hurry.
“He has just turned 18 and has already played almost 100 games in the second division… If he stays and plays with Fulham in Premier League he will be even better prepared to make the jump to one of the best teams in Europe.
“He is an incredible player project, with a fantastic physical capacity. People compare him to Bale, for me it’s a mix between Marcelo and Bale. I’ve used him lately in a more offensive role, but he’s ready to be left-back of a big team that constantly attacks. He still has a lot of room for improvement.”

(Image: Getty)

Golovin snubs Chelsea

Aleksandr Golovin has snubbed Chelsea in favour of a move to Monaco.
The Russia international had an offer to join the Blues, but the CSKA midfielder is heading to France in a £27m deal
And the Russian club’s vice-president has explained just why the 22-year-old knocked back Maurizio Sarri’s side.
“Monaco and CSKA finally finally agreed on the transfer of Golovin,” Vadim Vasilyev told Sport Express.
“It’s a standard five year contract. Honestly, until the last moment I wasn’t sure we’d be able to complete this transfer.
“In addition to Chelsea, Golovin was also wanted by Juventus. At a meeting with one of the directors of the Turin club in May this year, I heard that Golovin’s move to them was a done deal.
“However, our main competitor was Chelsea. I believe Monaco offered more favourable conditions for the club and a more understandable sports project for Golovin. Chelsea – this is a top club, which I treat with great respect. However, the midfield in the English team is overloaded.
“In my opinion, Golovin will definitely play in any of the leading clubs in the world. But it will him some time, a transition stage.”

(Image: PA)

Leicester win race for Hirst

Leicester City have won the race to sign teen hot-shot George Hirst.
The 19-year-old has signed for Belgian Second Division club OH Leuven – managed by former Foxes’chief Nigel Pearson.
Leuven are the sister club of the former Premier League champions and ex-England youth international Hirst will be developed under Pearson’s watchful eye.
It appears as though Sheffield Wednesday will miss out on a significant fee for the player as Leuven come under the umbrella of a foreign football association.
The long-term plan will be for the player to move to Leicester – potentially even this January.

George Hirst celebrates scoring England's opening goal (Image: Rex Features)

Leicester join Bolasie hunt

Leicester City are in the hunt to land Everton winger Yannick Bolasie.
The 29-year-old, who joined Everton for £25million from Crystal Palace in 2016, is back to full fitness after returning from a serious knee injury – but new Everton boss Marco Silva is looking to move him out.

(Image: Getty)

Rabiot would be "perfect" for Barcelona

Barcelona are chasing a move for PSG midfielder Adrien Rabiot.
And legend Xavi reckons the Frenchman would slot in “perfectly”.
Xavi told Mundo Deportivo:

“He’s a player of an excellent level technically.
“He could play perfectly as a central midfielder at Barca. He could contribute a lot, but that’s already entering the realms of speculation.”

(Image: AFP)

Yann Sommer in ‘advanced talks to join Arsenal’

Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Yann Sommer, according to reports from Spain, writes Mirror Football’s Jake Polden.
Unai Emery has already made five signings this summer as he looks to take the Gunners in a new direction during his first season in charge of the north London club.
One of the five players he has signed is goalkeeper Bernd Leno, meaning the club now have three shot-stoppers - Petr Cech and David Ospina included - capable of commanding the number one role next season.
Cech has been linked with a move back to Chelsea in recent weeks, as Real Madrid step up their pursuit of the Blues’ number one Thibaut Courtois.
While Ospina - the least likely of the three to be Arsenal’s first choice keeper this season - is keen on securing regular football elsewhere.
According to Spanish publication Marca, Emery has identified Sommer - who performed remarkably well for Switzerland in the World Cup - as the perfect man to keep Leno on his toes, and do a job at Arsenal.
And the paper is reporting that the club are in an advanced stage to land him.

Yann Sommer was great between the posts for Switzerland (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

Anthony Martial to stay at Manchester United as Red Devils prepare to trigger extension clause in his contract

Manchester United are ready to trigger Anthony Martial’s contract extension clause – keeping him with them until 2020.
Martial looked to be heading out of United this summer after his agent revealed the striker’s sense of disillusionment under Jose Mourinho.
United forward Martial, signed from Monaco for £36million in 2015, missed out on a place in France’s World Cup-winning squad because of a lack of game-time under Mourinho last season.
That led to a growing belief Martial would be on his way this summer, with Juventus and Tottenham having expressed interest in signing the 22-year-old.
But United are understood to have no intention of offloading him, with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward ready to trigger the extension clause.
Martial is set to lead United’s attack at the start of the new season, with Romelu Lukaku and Marcus Rashford on extended breaks following the World Cup.

(Image: Manchester United)

Chelsea warn Real they will not be bullied into selling Hazard

Chelsea have told Real Madrid they will not be bullied into selling Eden Hazard – even for £170million.
The brilliant Belgian is on Real’s wishlist and it is understood that the Spanish giants are willing to pay the second biggest fee in transfer history to land their man.
But the Blues do not want to lose the ­playmaker and are ­adamant that, given he still has two years to run on his contract, they will not be forced into a deal.
New boss Maurizio Sarri said: “He’s one of the top ­European players. I hope I can improve him but this will be difficult because he has reached a very high level.”
But following Belgium’s third-place play-off victory over England at the World Cup, Hazard suggested he was ready for a new challenge after six years in south-west London.

(Image: REX/Shutterstock)

Arsenal 'in talks' with Barca over Gomes switch

Arsenal are in talks with Barcelona over a move for midfielder Andre Gomes.
That is according to RAC1, who say the Gunners are reluctant to pay the asking price of £26.8million for the Portugal international.
Gomes has struggled for regular starts at the Nou Camp and has a number of suitors interested in signing him ahead of the new campaign.
Arsenal have reportedly offered a season-long loan with the option for the deal to become permanent, while Gomes is supposedly keen on a switch to the Emirates.

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Barca 'concerned' Man United could hijack £65m Willian move

Barcelona are concerned that Manchester United will hijack their £65million move for Chelsea winger Willian.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who say the Blaugrana are fearful the Red Devils could yet usurp them in the race to sign the Blues flier.
Willian looks likely to leave Stamford Bridge following the arrival of Maurizio Sarri after Chelsea failed to finish in the top four last term.
Barca reportedly upped their offer to £65million on Saturday and are determined to lure the Brazilian to the Nou Camp.

(Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

RB Leipzig to tempt Everton with THIRD Lookman bid

Everton have a serious decision to make over Ademola Lookman with RB Leipzig set to offer £17million for the winger.
Lookman, 20, spent the back half of last season on loan at the Bundesliga club, who want to sign him on a permanent basis.
They’ve already seen two bids knocked back by the Toffees, who are keen to give the England under-21 star a chance this season.
Now, they’re set to return with another offer, according to reports.
RB Peipzig coach Ralf Rangnick said: “I would imagine it is well known that we would like to see the player with us.
“But he’s Everton’s, and as long as we can not reach an agreement with them, he’s still part of Everton.
“It does not help us to give any developing reports. We have to see if it works. “

Ademola Lookman of Everton (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Everton have a serious decision to make over Ademola Lookman with RB Leipzig set to offer £17million for the winger.
Lookman, 20, spent the back half of last season on loan at the Bundesliga club, who want to sign him on a permanent basis.
They’ve already seen two bids knocked back by the Toffees, who are keen to give the England under-21 star a chance this season.
Now, they’re set to return with another offer, according to reports.
RB Peipzig coach Ralf Rangnick said: “I would imagine it is well known that we would like to see the player with us.
“But he’s Everton’s, and as long as we can not reach an agreement with them, he’s still part of Everton.
“It does not help us to give any developing reports. We have to see if it works. “

Ademola Lookman of Everton (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Chelsea 'eyeing England duo' - if Courtois is sold

England goalkeepers Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland could reportedly be the subject of transfer interest from Chelsea - if Thibaut Courtois is sold.
Belgian Courtois, who has just one year left on his current deal at Stamford Bridge, continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid after the Blues’ failure to qualify for this season’s Champions League.
Courtois’ children live in the Spanish capital with his ex-wife and the 26-year-old formerly played in Madrid with Atletico.
He is understood to be keen on a return to the city, and that would likely force Chelsea into the transfer market for a goalkeeper.

(Image: REUTERS)

Bayern give James update

James Rodriguez will remain at Bayern Munich this season - despite reports linking him with a move away.
That’s according to the club’s chief executive, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who dismissed the transfer speculation as “not true”.
Rodriguez, 27, is halfway through a two-year loan from Real Madrid.
The Colombian impressed for the Bundesliga outfit last season, particularly in the Champions League.
It’s given rise to rumours that Real are set to recall him to their ranks, while Los Blancos’ La Liga rivals, Barcelona, have also been linked with a move for the playmaker.

Everton in pole position to land Mina

Everton are the most serious contenders in the race to sign Yerry Mina - but the player’s first choice is to remain at Barcelona.
The centre-back’s agent issued an update as speculation mounts over a move to the Premier League, with the Toffees reportedly facing competition from Wolves for his signature.
Mina, 23, only joined the Catalan giants in January, in a £10.4m deal from Palmeiras in Brazil.
However, he starred at the World Cup for Colombia, scoring three goals.
With Barcelona facing restrictions on the number of non-EU players they can use - a maximum of three is permitted - Mina has been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp.

(Image: David Ramos - FIFA)

Ronaldo gives Serie A much-needed shot in the arm

Juventus have always had an obsession with the Champions League and the stunning £88m acquisition of Cristiano Ronaldo only emphasises their relentless pursuit of glory.
Such an investment in Ronaldo, with €120m committed in wages alone, would usually be considered an enormous risk at 33 years old.
But fresh from a seventh straight title, Juve can be forgiven for gathering up their chips and going all in. While their intentions are purely selfish, Ronaldo’s arrival cannot help but resurrect what was once the world’s greatest league.
By association, this is a golden opportunity that Italy’s biggest clubs must seize, even if a title race fails to blossom in the short-term. The focus is back on Serie A with Jose Mourinho immediately proclaiming it to be the most important championship in the world.

(Image: Juventus/Twitter)

Iwobi's new Arsenal deal

Alex Iwobi is on the verge of signing a new long-term Arsenal deal.
Iwobi has agreed terms on an improved contract following talks which have been ongoing since the end of last season.
Iwobi’s previous deal, signed in 2015, ran until 2020.
But the 22 year-old attacking midfielder is set to extend his stay at Arsenal until 2022 when he puts pen-to-paper on his new agreement.
And Nigeria international Iwobi will commit his future to the Gunners despite interest from Lazio, AC Milan and Everton.
Having left contract renewals until too late in the past, Arsenal have been on a drive this year to tie down some of their players.
Mesut Ozil, Mohamed Elneny, Granit Xhaka, Calum Chambers, Rob Holding and Ainsley Maitland-Niles have all penned fresh deals in 2018 and academy product Iwobi will be next.
The future of Aaron Ramsey remains uncertain though as he has now entered the final year of his contract.

(Image: PA)

Miralem Pjanic NOT joining Manchester City

Pep Guardiola is not trying to sign Miralem Pjanic after again being linked with the Juventus midfielder.
Manchester City have rejected reports from Italy, claiming they have offered £89million for the Bosnia star.
City continue to be linked with midfielders after missing out on Italian international Jorginho to Chelsea.
However Guardiola is happy with his current midfield options and City say they will not be spending big on a midfielder this summer.
The Premier League champions have been relatively quiet this summer and say Riyad Mahrez, signed for a club record £60million, will be their only big-name arrival.

(Image: Action Images via Reuters)

Fulham eying up Schurrle

Premier League new boys Fulham made a stir when they nabbed Seri in front of the rest of the league.
Now they are looking to bring in Andre Schurrle in another coup.
The Borussia Dortmund winger is being offered out to clubs in Europe, as he was left out of the German’s tour to the USA.
And the Daily Mail are reporting Fulham are heading the queue, which also includes Everton, Crystal Palace and Lazio.

(Image: REUTERS)

Development in Fekir case

Liverpool’s move for Nabil Fekir is completely dead, reports Le Progres - but other parties could be set to move.
The Reds remain admirers of the French international, whose Anfield move fell through before the World Cup.
It had been claimed that they could make a move late in the window, but it’s reckoned that they have no pulled their interest completely for this summer.

It comes after OL president Jean-Michel Aulas said last week: “I do not think that Fekir will leave.
“He’s one of the best in France – and in the world, since he’s a world champion. He’s a Lyonnais [player], so he’ll be there next season.
“Although in football, nothing is ever certain. I haven’t had the impression that he absolutely wants to leave.”

(Image: AFP)

United have alternatives to Maguire

Manchester United have alternate options if they fail to land top target Harry Maguire this summer.
Jose Mourinho is determined to land the England World Cup star from Leicester, but it could cost him up to £65million.
The Daily Mail are reporting that AC Milan defender Leonardo Bonucci and Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld are on their transfer wish list.
Whoever United decide to land, they will likely have to pay a huge transfer fee.
Alderweireld is being valued at £75million by Spurs, while Bonucci is expected to cost in a similar region.

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Cech 'to be given offer from Roma'

Petr Cech could be handed an Arsenal escape route, with Italian side Roma reportedly considering him as a replacement for new Liverpool stopper Alisson.
The Giallorossi need a new goalkeeper after cashing in on the Brazil No.1, for whom they pocketed £67million.
And according to The Sun, veteran Cech is being targeted by the club’s sporting director, Monchi.
Cech, 36, looks set to lose his place as No.1 at the Emirates following the £22million summer arrival of Bernd Leno.
As such, a move to the Stadio Olimpico could make sense for all sides.

Chelsea weighing up Willian offer

Chelsea are considering whether to accept a £65million bid from Barcelona for Willian.
The Daily Mail report that the unsettled Brazilian has been the subject of the offer from Spain, while Manchester United remain interested.
Chelsea chiefs will speak to manager Maurizio Sarri during the week to decide what they want to do.
Willian is believed to be keen on a move to Barcelona.

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Sommer 'set for Arsenal'

Arsenal could yet land another goalkeeper this summer.
Yann Sommer of Borussia Monchengladbach is reportedly in advanced talks to join the Gunners.
It would pave the way for Petr Cech to leave Arsenal, leaving Bernd Leno and Sommer to battle it out for the No.1 spot.

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Barcelona to wait De Jong

Barcelona will have to wait to see if they can land Frenkie De Jong from Ajax.
The midfielder, 21, is wanted by Barca but Ajax are standing firm on whether they will sell.
If Ajax make it through the play-off round and into the group stage of the Champions League, they will reportedly hold on to their prized asset.

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Milan keen on Higuain

AC Milan are reportedly ready to launch a bid for Gonzalo Higuain if they can’t land Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata.
The Argentina striker could leave Juventus after the Serie A champions signed Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid.
And Milan, who are believed to have held talks with Morata’s representatives, are considering a move.
The club was recently taken over by the Elliot Fund while Milan have been cleared to play in the Europa League following an appeal to CAS.

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Leon Bailey 'puts Arsenal and Chelsea on red alert'

Arsenal are on red alert after Leon Bailey made it clear he intends to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
The Jamaica international is also on Chelsea’s radar after a fine season in the Bundesliga.
The 20-year-old is valued at £40m, report the Sun, with his contract until 2022 allowing the Germans to effectively stand firm and name their price.
The Premier League deadline for transfers is fast approaching on August 9, and Unai Emery is keen to add more signings despite excellent work earlier in the summer to land Bernd Leno, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
The Gunners will go head to head with their London rivals, with the Blues highlighting Bailey as a potential replacement for Willian.

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