Locals saw Baku final for free, Times reports

Stories in Saturday’s newspapers involving Chelsea…

Many local fans reportedly attended the Europa League final for free.

The Times reports that authorities in Baku ordered turnstiles to be opened to the public during the first half of the match between Chelsea and Arsenal because they were embarrassed by the thousands of empty seats.

The newspaper say the decision was taken without authorisation from Uefa, who have faced criticism for the choice of venue for the final.

Both clubs returned some of their small allocations of tickets and those fans who did travel faced an awkward journey.

Meanwhile, The Guardian say Chelsea are waiting for a formal approach from Juventus for Maurizio Sarri.

It comes amid reports that head coach Sarri has told Chelsea he wants to leave the club.

The Guardian say Juve will probably have to pay £5m in order to secure Sarri’s release.

The Daily Mail say Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia will hold talks with Real Madrid with a view to completing a deal for Eden Hazard to join the Spanish club.

Gary Cahill, who is leaving Chelsea this summer, is wanted by Aston Villa, The Sun reports.

And the Daily Star continue to link Chelsea with a possible move for Barcelona’s former Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho.

Barca are said to be ready to listen to offers for the Brazilian, who has also been linked with Manchester United.