Player exodus likely at Chelsea – Daily Star
Stories involving Chelsea in Saturday’s newspapers…
The Daily Star declare there could be a “mass exodus of players” as Chelsea look to balance the books following the signings of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech.
Chelsea are set to complete the signing of Werner from RB Leipzig for around £50m, having previously clinched a big-money deal for Ziyech.
The Star suggest eight players could go in addition to Alvaro Morata, who is set to join Atletico Madrid on a permanent deal following his loan spell.
Willian and Pedro are tipped to leave as their contracts are expiring, while the newspaper also say Kurt Zouma could go along with Michy Batshauyi, Marcos Alonso, Emerson Palmieri, Davide Zappacosta and Tiemoue Bakayoko.
The Star also reckon Chelsea are braced for a bid from Real Madrid for N’Golo Kante and that Tottenham’s former Blues boss Jose Mourinho could be interested in Zouma if the price is right.
Werner to Chelsea
Several newspapers cover the story of Werner’s expected move from RB Leipzig.
The Germany international had been linked with Liverpool but a deal has been struck for him to move to Stamford Bridge.
The Times say Werner was persuaded to join after receiving regular phone calls from Frank Lampard.
The Daily Telegraph say manager Lampard and the Blues’ technical and performance adviser Petr Cech “made an undercover pre-lockdown trip to Germany” that helped convince Werner to sign.
And The Sun declare that Chelsea’s big-money signings mean they will struggle to persuade their players to accept a pay cut the club were reportedly planning in response to football being suspended because of the coronavirus crisis.
Chilwell speculation continues
Meanwhile, The Guardian say Chelsea have stepped up their apparent interest in Ben Chilwell but that Leicester want at least £60m for him.
The Telegraph, on the other hand, reckon Chilwell is not for sale and that Leicester are ready to reject any offer for the England international.
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