Tag: Chelsea

Nicolas Jackson scored twice as Chelsea condemned lacklustre West Ham to a third consecutive home defeat in the Premier League.

Chelsea took a fourth-minute lead after West Ham’s players switched off at a free-kick which allowed Sancho to send Jackson clear on the left.

Jackson left Edson Alvarez trailing in his wake then cut inside on to his right foot and threaded a low shot through the legs of Alphonse Areola.

The Hammers’ lack of intensity was in evidence again 14 minutes later as Moises Caicedo was afforded time to slip the jet-heeled Jackson in again.

This time Jackson left behind Max Kilman and produced a deft finish with the outside of the boot, with Areola caught in no-man’s land.

Chelsea effectively wrapped up the points two minutes after half-time as Jackson turned provider.

A swift counterattack culminated in the Senegal striker outfoxing the retreating West Ham defence with a clever reverse pass, and Cole Palmer fired emphatically beyond Areola.

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West Ham had earlier felt aggrieved when a strong penalty appeal – checked by VAR – was turned down after Crysencio Summerville went to ground following a tussle with Wesley Fofana.

Mohammed Kudus, West Ham’s most likely source of a goal, had the ball in the net before half-time but was flagged for offside while Aaron Bowen forced Robert Sanchez to save well at his near post after the break.

Chelsea’s victory puts them within two points of Premier League leaders Manchester City, while West Ham are left languishing in the bottom half, three points above the relegation zone.

BBC

New Chelsea’s signing Neto has been given the squad number of Raheem Sterling. 

The 29-year-old winger is no longer in the club’s plans and has expressed a preference to leave permanently before next week’s transfer deadline.

The new managers straightforward approach has seen Sterling excluded and training separately from the squad.

“I am not saying Raheem is not a good player, but I prefer different kinds of wingers,” head coach Enzo Maresca said.

Neto arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier this month and was unveiled as Chelsea’s No 19 on their social media channels.

A week later, the Portuguese made his debut for the club in the Premier League defeat by Manchester city and wore the No 19 when coming on from the bench, but will now switch to seven for the remainder of the season.

 Sterling had worn seven since joining Chelsea from City in the summer of 2022 and was a key player under former coach ,Pochetino.

MSport, Africa’s leading online gaming and betting platform, has officially announced a new partnership with Chelsea FC, positioning itself as the Official Betting Partner in Africa for the prestigious football club. 

This partnership represents a significant milestone for both MSport and Chelsea FC, emphasizing their shared vision of excellence, innovation, and a deep connection with fans.

MSport has become a household name across Africa, particularly in markets like Nigeria and Ghana, thanks to its advanced technology, innovative features, and a commitment to providing a superior user experience.

The platform is recognized for its unique User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX), which have set it apart in the online gaming industry. 

With this new alliance, MSport is poised to further expand its presence across the continent, bringing fans closer to the action through enhanced engagement opportunities.

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The partnership aims to leverage Chelsea FC’s strong ties with Africa, building on the club’s rich history with African players and its extensive fan base across the continent. 

Fans can look forward to exclusive opportunities and experiences that bring them closer to the game they love, powered by MSport’s cutting-edge betting platform.

Chelsea Football Club’s Chief Revenue Officer, Casper Stylsvig expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating: “We’re delighted to partner with MSport in their commitment to delivering exceptional experiences and driving innovation. Africa continues to be an important region to the Club, underpinned by our large following of committed and passionate fans. This partnership underscores our shared ambition to expand our legacy in the African region and provide fans with an engaging and immersive experience.”

MSport’s Sportsbook Director, Adrian Cheka echoed this enthusiasm, noting, “We are thrilled to announce this new partnership with Chelsea FC. This collaboration goes beyond just business; it’s about celebrating and strengthening the natural bond between two winning entities. Chelsea FC has a rich history with African players and fans, and together, we aim to push boundaries and set new standards of excellence in the African market.”

MSport is a leading online gaming and betting platform in Africa, known for its innovative features, exceptional service quality, and dedication to providing a superior user experience. 

As the Official Sports Betting Partner of several major football clubs, MSport focuses on enhancing fan engagement and setting new standards in the industry. The platform continues to expand its footprint across the continent, driven by its commitment to trust, agility, and exciting promotions.

Chelsea Football Club, founded in 1905, is one of the world’s top football clubs. The club has a storied history of success, including winning the FIFA Club World Cup in 2021, the UEFA Champions League twice (most recently in 2021), and numerous domestic and international titles. 

Saudi Arabia top club Ittihad have joined English team Chelsea in hunt for Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman signature and are prepared to offer close to €40m.

Atalanta have said they are discussing a formal bid from Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad for the player.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, the club will discuss the bid with the player. “We have received an official offer (for Lookman) from Al Ittihad,” the Italian club were quoted as saying.

“We will see what’s best for the player and discuss it with the club.”

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Last week at a meeting in Dubai, a verbal offer of around 40 Million Euros was made by the Saudi Arabian club for the Super Eagles forward to his Italian club.

This is coming after Manchester United indicated interest in signing Lookman this summer, and are willing to put in an offer of €60m to get him, according to reports in Italy.

It’s been reported that Chelsea are looking to sign two attacking players this summer and they have been linked with a whole host of names from across Europe.

Chelsea are clearly in the market for a wide player, having been heavily interested in Michael Olise, before pulling out of a deal because they believed the finances were beyond their reach.

Chelsea have signed defender Tosin  Adarabioyo from Premier League rivals Fulham on a free transfer.

The 26-year-old former Manchester City trainee, who has agreed a four-year deal, will move on July 1 after the expiry of his contract at Craven Cottage.

 “Chelsea is a huge club and this is a full-circle moment for me,” centre-back Adarabioyo said in a Chelsea statement. “I was born three miles away from Stamford Bridge and made my professional debut there. I’m very excited and looking forward to helping push the club in the direction we want to go.”

Co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart said: “We are delighted to bring Tosin to Chelsea.

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“Throughout his career, he has showcased his maturity and defensive qualities and has gained a wealth of experience in the Premier League in recent seasons.”

Adarabioyo, who joined Fulham in 2020, is Chelsea’s first signing since Enzo Maresca was announced as manager on a five-year deal earlier this week. The Italian replaced Mauricio Pochettino, who left by mutual consent following the end of the league season.

Adarabioyo’s arrival follows the departure of veteran centre-back Thiago Silva, who has joined Brazilian club Fluminense.

Chelsea have appointed Leicester manager Enzo Maresca as their new boss on a five-year contract with the option of an extra year.

The Italian replaces Mauricio Pochettino, who left by mutual consent on 21 May after just one season at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca, 44, took charge of the Foxes in June 2023 and led them to the Championship title last term.

“To join Chelsea, one of the biggest clubs in the world, is a dream for any coach,” he said. “It is why I am so excited by this opportunity.

“I look forward to working with a very talented group of players and staff to develop a team that continues the club’s tradition of success and makes our fans proud.”

Maresca, who will begin his new role on 1 July, is Chelsea’s sixth managerial appointment in five years and the fourth since American investor Todd Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake Capital bought the club in May 2022.

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Chelsea endured a mixed 2023-24 but won their final five games to end the campaign in sixth and qualify for the Europa Conference League.

The Blues also finished runners-up in the Carabao Cup and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

Several candidates were on a shortlist following Pochettino’s departure, including former Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi, Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna and Brentford’s Thomas Frank.

Chelsea’s co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart said Maresca “deeply impressed us in our discussions leading up to his appointment” and his “ambitions and work ethic align with those of the club”.

The Chelsea players not on international duty this summer are scheduled to return to the club for pre-season under Maresca on 4 July as they prepare for a tour of the United States.

Maresca’s coaching staff at Leicester, including former Chelsea goalkeeper Willy Caballero, will work alongside him at Stamford Bridge.

Nigeria-Eligible defender Tosin Adarabioyo is on the brink of sealing a transfer to former Premier League champions Chelsea, Soccernet.ng reports.

Adarabioyo joined Fulham from Manchester in 2020, in a deal worth €1.95 million. He has been important for the club since then, helping them gain promotion from the Championship to the Premier League in his second season.

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He proved to be an important member of the team until last season when coach Marco Silva started to ease him out after he refused to extend his contract. The 24-year-old made just 20 league appearances for Fulham last season.