Chelsea

Sassuolo winger Jeremie Boga has said he could return to former club Chelsea amid speculation the Blues may trigger his buyback clause. 

Boga told The Athletic (h/t Goal's Chris Burton) that he left due to the fierce competition for places but was open to a return to Stamford Bridge:

"When I was there, it was Willian, [Eden] Hazard, Pedro. When Jose Mourinho was there, it was [Mohamed] Salah.

"There were a lot of good wingers. For me, it has always been if I can't play, then I will try to go on loan or try to go somewhere to improve, then maybe come back one day."

Boga joined Chelsea in 2015 but was sent out on loan to Rennes, Granada and Birmingham City before signing permanently for Sassuolo in 2018.

The 23-year-old has impressed with the Serie A club and is renowned for his dribbling ability:

Jeremie Boga has completed 32 more dribbles than any other player in Serie A this season (97)

The former Chelsea graduate ranks fourth - just behind Lionel Messi - across Europe's top five leagues pic.twitter.com/P0itUmZz1f

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) February 12, 2020

He has scored eight goals in 24 league appearances for Roberto De Zerbi's side, with four of those coming in his last six outings in Italy's top flight.

The Blues are considering activating the £12.8 million buy-back option in his contract in the summer to bring him back to west London, according to Ben Nagle for MailOnline.

La Liga champions Barcelona and Serie A side Napoli are also interested in the youngster, according to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport and Le10 Sport (h/t Sport).

Yet Boga could be tempted to return to Chelsea given how boss Frank Lampard has shown his commitment to youth by handing regular game time to players such as Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori. 

The Chelsea boss is reportedly set to spend big in the summer transfer window and will splash out £150 million on several new players, according to Matt Law at the Telegraph.

Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has warned the Blues against trying to sign Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona when the transfer window reopens.

The World Cup winner told ESPN (h/t Kate McGreavy for MailOnline) he did not know what the Brazilian would add to Frank Lampard's side.

"Coutinho has been good with Liverpool, so far poor with Barcelona and Bayern Munich. I would have lots of question marks seeing him coming to Chelsea, to bring what?

"We have young players, very talented, who are very promising. We have good midfield players with [Mateo] Kovacic and Jorginho, to organise the game.

"I don't know where his place would be. If I was the chairman, if I was the coach, I would be very hesitant to pick him up."

Chelsea have contacted Barcelona to discuss the possibility of signing Coutinho on loan with an option to buy, according to Sport's Lluis Miguelsanz.

The Brazilian is currently on loan at Bayern Munich, but Barcelona may allow him to leave on another temporary deal "because no one is willing to pay the €90 million asking tag," per the report.

Coutinho joined Barcelona from Liverpool in January 2018 for a club-record fee of €160 million but has struggled to live up to expectations at the Camp Nou.

Opta highlighted just how impressive Coutinho was in the Premier League:

97 – Since his debut in February 2013, Philippe Coutinho has been directly involved in more goals in all competitions than any other Liverpool player (54 goals, 43 assists). Impact.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 6, 2018

The Brazilian enjoyed a bright start to life in Spain but only scored five La Liga goals in 2018-19 for Barcelona and was subsequently loaned to Bayern. The deal includes an option to buy for €120 million.

Coutinho has eight goals and nine assists for the Bundesliga champions this season and has lit up the German top flight at times:

🇧🇷 Samba Sensation 🇧🇷@Phil_Coutinho was unstoppable against Hoffenheim 🔥#TSGFCB #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/efBBf9QgLd

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) March 2, 2020

The midfielder is not a guaranteed starter at the Allianz Arena but said in December he would "really like to stay" at Bayern, per the Bundesliga.

Yet Bayern have offered no assurances they will look to sign him permanently, while comments from manager Hansi Flick and CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge have suggested the club aren't sold on the idea.

Flick told reporters in February that Coutinho is trying too hard at Bayern and making incorrect decisions, while CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has said the Brazilian seems "inhibited," per Sport Bild (h/t Matt Porter for MailOnline).  

Chelsea full-back Reece James spoke to Bleacher Report in an exclusive AMA, discussing his dream starting XI for the Blues as well as his admiration for L.A. Lakers star LeBron James.

The 20-year-old also revealed the toughest wingers he has come up against in the Premier League and named the one Chelsea player he would like to bring back to Stamford Bridge the most.

Here are the best parts of the chat.

@gingergoat8: Your chelsea dream team starting 11:

Cech

Azpilicueta, Terry, Luiz, Cole

Willian, Kante, Lampard, Hazard

Drogba, Costa

     

@ModricHazard: What's the hardest game you've played in? And what players, past or present, would you have in your all-time XI?

Toughest game was Bayern at home not too long ago. It was really difficult and we wanted to win but didn't get the result we wanted.

       

@oroz20: If you could bring one ex-Chelsea player back, who would it be?

Eden Hazard. I just loved the way he played. I still love him. He'll go down as one of Chelsea's best players ever.

       

@JShoots: Who was your biggest inspiration growing up playing football?

Growing up it was Drogba. I was a striker and he was scoring all the goals at Chelsea.

          

@JDizzle9: Who's been the toughest winger to defend this season?

Raheem Sterling or Zaha. Both are skilful and quick.

   

@Mturnington: De Bruyne or Salah - who would you rather have return to Chelsea?

I'd probably have De Bruyne. Both are great at their position. There's no major reason for De Bruyne over Salah. Just like his style of play.

     

@Romithehomie: Who is your favourite non-football athlete?

LeBron James...I've always liked him since I was young because we have the same surname.

      

@Imnotabandwagon3: What's your favourite NBA team?

Lakers.

      

@MarshawnsChicken: How are you spending your time right now?

I'm just chillin. Not much to do. Just trying to stay fit and playing Fortnite.

       

@Vedantapte: Where did you go, and what did you do on your very first date?

I can't really remember. Maybe out for some food.

      

@AJK: Hey Reece, excellent season so far. How does it feel to have a sibling doing it for a big rival like Man Utd?

It's obviously great seeing her do so well.

     

@Sgeo250: Do you have a crazy football superstition?

James: I don't have one. Things change from game to game.

       

@Alejo10289: Who is the funniest guy in the dressing room?

Zouma. He's a massive guy, big stature, but just a big kid, always playing around.

      

@99monkey: How does it feel to have a body like Hulk?

Hahaha. I don't really know how to answer that. He's obviously a very strong player.

       

@CoolKuba99: Messi or Ronaldo?

For me, I go Ronaldo. Growing up I've always liked the way he's done things.

       

@MeyersLegend: Who's next out of Chelsea's academy? Billy Gilmour's off the table!

Be on the look out for Tino Anjorin. He's debuted already but one who can break into the first team.

       

@JShoots: Who is your best friend in the Chelsea squad?

I don't have just one. We have a tight group. When we're not on the pitch, we're all together.

     

@Bomstein1114: Hey Reece! Thanks for your smooth transition and prolific work as a young part of our team this season. Do you see yourself staying at RB or could you see yourself playing in another position?

I don't know. I played half and half last season while on loan. RB is my main position, but if I'm needed somewhere else, I would do it.

     

@Jobo93: Would you play in MLS if given the opportunity at some point in your career?

I'll never say never. MLS is a great league and other players have gone later in their career.

     

@JerryCasasola: If you were ever to move to the US, what city are you picking and why?

I don't know. I've been to Florida and Boston, but I really want to check out NY.

      

@Alejo10289: Who's the best dribbler in the squad?

Willian or Christian or Callum….all very tough to get the ball off. But if I had to pick, it's Willian.

    

@Prezeent393: Are you friends with Pulisic?

Yeah, we're both still young and similar age. We get on really well and are good friends.

        

@Noah_Dudley: Why do you wear No. 24?

Last season Gary Cahill wore it, and of the options given to me, it was the best one.

         

@CR7GOAT7: What's it like being managed by a Chelsea legend?

The minute I found out I was very grateful...it's great to work under him.

    

@Max123456789: What was it like when Lampard came in? Did the mentality of the team change?

I think everyone that came in before didn't have experience at the club. He came through and changed how we felt right away.

         

@LFCpeters: How has Frank Lampard impacted your development?

He understands the game as well. If you're doing well he'll tell you, if you're not, he'll make sure you know it and he'll show you how to improve. I've improved a ton under him.

       

@Levitheg: What's your favourite pre-game meal and song/artist?

I always have salmon and pasta. I don't have a particular song...it changes game to game. I'm listening to a ton of Travis Scott right now.

           

@MADRIDISTA10: If you could play with one player who's not on your team, who would it be?

Ronaldo or Messi. They're both massive icons.

       

@Rileyvarisco: How did you defeat the nerves in your first game when you came on for Mount?

It was obviously tough. I never experienced playing in front of a huge crowd and it's nerve-wracking, but once you get into the flow, you're good.   

Willian's contract discussions with Chelsea have been delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Brazil international's deal expires in the summer, allowing him to leave Stamford Bridge as a free agent.

Speaking to Esporte Interativo (h/t Ben Pringle of the Daily Express), Willian said he's prepared to play in Chelsea's remaining games, even if they happen after his contract expires:

"My contract really ends, I think in July.

"And if I had to play on those dates, in these months, I think it would be no problem for me to end the league in a way which would be loyal to the club, as they always were with me. Regardless of a signed paper.

"But it's clear that this is not a certainty, we don't know what can happen. But without a doubt, as always, I will always be ready to give the best to my club regardless of my contract situation."

According to Pringle, Willian is keen to remain in London, but he wasn't satisfied with Chelsea's reported offer of a two-year extension. The 31-year-old is seeking a three-year contract and a pay rise from the Blues.

When asked if there have been further developments in contract talks with the club, Willian said: "No, nothing new, No news. Especially after what's happening [with the coronavirus pandemic], everything stopped. But so far no news about anything."

Willian has remained an important contributor to Frank Lampard's squad, with Chelsea holding fourth in the Premier League after a difficult spell.

The attacking midfielder has made 35 appearances for Chelsea in the Premier League and Europe, while Lampard has bedded in a young team during his first season as coach.

Lampard has three other members of his squad who will be out of contract with Willian. Olivier Giroud, Pedro and Willy Caballero are rapidly approaching the end of their deals, per Pringle.

However, Willian would be the biggest loss, and his versatility would be difficult to replace at the end of the campaign if he opts to leave.

Chelsea lack experienced characters in their dressing room, and Lampard might be forced to spend aggressively during the next transfer window.

Chelsea have made their Millennium Hotel at Stamford Bridge available to National Health Service staff for free for the next two months amid the outbreak of COVID-19.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Blues announced club owner Roman Abramovich would be covering the staff's accommodation costs.

"Many of the medical staff will be working long shifts and may not be able to travel home or would otherwise have to make long commutes. Local accommodation helps maintain the health and well-being of these crucial personnel at this critical time."

The availability, which could extend to every room in the hotel depending on demand, is for asymptomatic staff and will be reevaluated in two months, based on how the pandemic unfolds.

Goal's Nizaar Kinsella and sports journalist Paul Brown welcomed the decision:

This is wonderful https://t.co/EGdk8gRXMa

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) March 18, 2020

Brilliant gesture from #CFC - making Millennium Hotel at Stamford Bridge available to #NHS staff for at least the next two months with costs covered by Roman Abramovich 👏 https://t.co/K35XeuDpB5

— Paul Brown (@pbsportswriter) March 18, 2020

More than 7,900 people have died from over 198,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus worldwide, per CNN.

On Tuesday, the number of confirmed cases in the United Kingdom reached 1,950, with a death toll of 71.

However, the government's chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, said a "reasonable ballpark" figure would be that around 55,000 people have been infected, per The Independent's Andrew Woodcock and Lizzy Buchan.

On Friday, the Premier League suspended fixtures until at least April 3 following the outbreak. 

Chelsea, who are fourth in the table with nine matches remaining, have been in self-isolation after winger Callum Hudson-Odoi tested positive for the virus.

Callum Hudson-Odoi is progressing well following the Chelsea winger being diagnosed with COVID-19. Hudson-Odoi's manager Frank Lampard provided an update on the 19-year-old's recovery on Tuesday, the same day the Blues reopened the club's Cobham training base. 

Lampard said Hudson-Odoi "has made great progress and almost feels his usual self, which is obviously the news we all want to hear," per the club's official website.

Hudson-Odoi tested positive for the virus on Thursday, becoming the first player in the Premier League to do so. The England international was quick to assure people he was feeling well and was following guidelines to stay in isolation for at least a week:

Thank you for all your good wishes, as I said in the video I’m feeling good and hope to see you all soon!!🙏🏾❤️ pic.twitter.com/hn5d0ikm60

— Callum Hudson-Odoi (@Calteck10) March 13, 2020

Chelsea also posted a video of Hudson-Odoi training at home and working his way back to full fitness:

.@Calteck10 looking 💪 pic.twitter.com/WJnoacRGvk

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 17, 2020

Working and training within club facilities is now an option for all staff and players who are not infected. The official website detailed how Cobham had undergone deep cleaning and is now open for those who are not self-isolating, while exercise bikes have been sent to all first-team players.

Chelsea employees who have been in contact with Hudson-Odoi will remain in isolation, and Lampard has talked up the importance of following recommendations to help delay the spread of the virus: "Social distancing can leave us feeling isolated, however, we can continue to support each other even if that means doing it remotely."

Following protocol has become a key issue since all Premier League matches were suspended until at least April 3. Hudson-Odoi's team-mate Mason Mount apologised to club brass after being spotted playing football in public with best friend and West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, per the Press Association (h/t Sky Sports).

Clubs across England's top flight are continuing to react to the concerns and challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic. The World Health Organisation has charted over 184,000 cases in 159 countries worldwide.

Hudson-Odoi was enduring a disjointed season before play was brought to a halt. He had found it difficult to get back to his best following recovery from a ruptured Achilles suffered last April.

He'd scored three goals and assisted five more during 25 appearances across all competitions. Hudson-Odoi had made just 12 starts, though, amid intense competition for places on the flanks, with Lampard still able to rely on Willian and Pedro, as well as summer arrival Christian Pulisic.

Callum Hudson-Odoi vs. Nottingham Forest:

• most successful take-ons (5)
• most chances created (5)

Bagged a goal and was unlucky not to have a couple of assists. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/cMJ3xLBHYL

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 5, 2020

The latter has been dealing with an adductor injury, but he shared a post on Instagram showing him working with the ball in his back garden while Chelsea players remain in isolation, per Football.London's Amie Wilson.

Pulisic and Hudson-Odoi represent the future for the Blues on the wings, since Pedro and Willian are both out of contract this summer.

Chelsea are reportedly set to fine Mason Mount after he appeared to leave self-isolation to have a game of football with West Ham United's Declan Rice.  

The Blues announced on Thursday that their first team would be isolating themselves after Callum Hudson-Odoi tested positive for COVID-19.

However, per the Mirror's Andy Rose and Alex Richards, Mount was pictured in public playing football with Rice at the Trent Park Football centre in Barnet on Sunday:

EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea fury as Mason Mount leaves self-isolation for park kickabout with Declan Rice #coronavirus https://t.co/GuzkIMxi8q pic.twitter.com/ThYJ0yaWsA

— Mirror Football (@MirrorFootball) March 15, 2020

Chelsea are said to be angry with the 21-year-old and are set to issue a fine, having "reminded Mount of his responsibilities."

It's reported manager Frank Lampard is likely to be unhappy with the starlet, too.

A man who had taken his 14-year-old son to the centre for a training session recognised Mount and Rice, who were playing "five- or six-a-side."

He said: "They were wearing snoods, but it wasn't obvious whether they were using them to protect other people or so they wouldn't be noticed."

"It looked like none of them were taking the situation very seriously," he added. "I would imagine their clubs would be horrified."

Hudson-Odoi provided an update on his condition on Friday:

Thank you for all your good wishes, as I said in the video I’m feeling good and hope to see you all soon!!🙏🏾❤️ pic.twitter.com/hn5d0ikm60

— Callum Hudson-Odoi (@Calteck10) March 13, 2020

According to Rose and Richards, West Ham are not self-isolating and said they had no issue with Rice participating in the game.

Hammers boss David Moyes was self-isolating after coming into contact with Arsenal counterpart Mikel Arteta—who has tested positive for COVID-19—on March 7, but he ended it on Saturday having passed the seven-day isolation period without showing symptoms.

More than 169,000 people have been infected by the coronavirus, from which 6,513 people have died. In the UK, the death toll is 35 from 1,372 confirmed cases.

Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi has tested positive for the coronavirus, the team announced on Thursday.   

Chelsea provided the following update on the 19-year-old:

"Callum displayed symptoms similar to a mild cold on Monday morning and has not been at the training ground since then as a precaution. However, his test came in positive this evening and he will undergo a period of self-isolation. Despite testing positive for the virus, Callum is doing well and looking forward to returning to the training ground as soon as it is possible."

The team also announced that Chelsea personnel that came in "recent close contact" with Hudson-Odoi will begin self-isolating.

Hudson-Odoi provided an update on Friday morning, confirming he was recovering but would continue to self-isolate:

Thank you for all your good wishes, as I said in the video I’m feeling good and hope to see you all soon!!🙏🏾❤️ pic.twitter.com/hn5d0ikm60

— Callum Hudson-Odoi (@Calteck10) March 13, 2020

The men's team building will remain closed during this time, but Stamford Bridge and the remainder of Chelsea's facilities will stay open.

Chelsea also announced that it will discuss its upcoming schedule with the Premier League on Friday.

The Blues are scheduled to host Aston Villa on Saturday as the league decided to continue play this weekend. However, those plans were subject to change prior to the Hudson-Odoi news because of word that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for the coronavirus.

"In light of Arsenal’s announcement tonight confirming that their first-team coach Mikel Arteta has tested positive for COVID-19, the Premier League will convene an emergency club meeting tomorrow morning regarding future fixtures.  

"The Premier League will make no further comment until after that meeting."

Per CNN, over 125,000 people have been infected with the coronavirus worldwide, and over 4,600 people have died.

Chelsea winger Willian has said he unsure if he will stay at Stamford Bridge as talks over a new deal have stalled before his contract expires this summer.

Willian told ESPN Brazil (h/t Jack Rosser at the Evening Standard) that he has asked for a new three-year deal but has only been offered a two-year extension.

"I still don't know. There's nothing with any [other] team. There's no offer from any team," said Willian, who had been linked with Barcelona in January. "My negotiation for now is with Chelsea. There's still nothing concrete from any team. And the situation with Chelsea is still that way. Chelsea offered me two, I demanded three, and it stopped there. There's nothing much."

Willian also responded to an Instagram post made by his wife that hinted at a possible move to Arsenal, per ESPN's Joao Castelo-Branco:

WILLIAN TO ARSENAL?
His wife just dropped a massive hint! Family going Chelsea wearing red: “going to game, not been easy, days are numbered... but god is marvellous, good things on the way...” asks daughter if she likes London. “Love London? Yes” #PremierLeagueNaESPN pic.twitter.com/ONlV8Ldd4X

— Joao Castelo-Branco (@j_castelobranco) March 8, 2020

The 31-year-old made it clear he is happy living in the English capital and is hoping his situation with Chelsea can be resolved before the end of the season:

“We really like London, I've said this many times. It's a city that my family and I love to live in, we love the city. We love the city and I really don't know why she posted it. It really is because the situation of the contract here isn't easy. But I hope that in the next few weeks or months this can be sorted. And then you'll know if I'll stay or not. But what I can say is that I'll always try to do my best for the team."

Willian arrived at Chelsea from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013 and has gone on to win two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, League Cup and the UEFA Europa League.

The midfielder will turn 32 in August but remains an important member of Frank Lampard's squad. He has been a regular this season, contributing five goals and five assists in the Premier League.

Sports lawyer Jake Cohen highlighted how productive he's been for the Blues:

Over the course of his Chelsea career, Willian averages a goal or assist every 179 minutes played.

Additionally, he’s been one of the best two-way players in the league.

The lengths some Chelsea “fans” will go in order to try and cut down one of their own players. 🤨 https://t.co/de9NUeDESl

— Jake Cohen (@JakeFCohen) March 8, 2020

Yet it remains to be seen if he will be able to find an agreement with Chelsea. The west London club have tended to only offer players over the age of 30 one-year extensions, which may not be enough to keep Willian at the club.

Olivier Giroud's well-taken goal to help Chelsea beat Everton 4-0 in the Premier League on Sunday didn't just continue a fine recent run for the striker, it also earned praise from his manager Frank Lampard.

Asked about Giroud's role in the team, Lampard identified the Frenchman's value, both physically and mentally:

Lampard says we played to Olivier Giroud's strengths today and he is 'playing really well' at the moment. 'He is a personality and we need that'. #CHEEVE

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 8, 2020

The idea Chelsea played to what Giroud does best was summed up by how effectively he held the ball up and brought others into the game. Chelsea were content to go long to Giroud and let wide forwards Pedro and Willian run off the target man.

Both scored and assisted to help highlight arguably Chelsea's most impressive performance on Lampard's watch. It's no coincidence it came with Giroud leading the line.

The former Arsenal man often goes unappreciated, but his record illustrates a frontman who has consistently delivered at the highest level and deserves more respect for his efforts.

His goal nine minutes into the second half against the Toffees was Giroud's second in three matches in England's top flight, following his finish to help beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 last month.

⚽️ Olivier Giroud is the 50th player to score 80+ PL goals
60 goals in 137 starts
20 goals in 92 sub apps pic.twitter.com/CDl5SWF6k5

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) March 8, 2020

Giroud's performances have helped Lampard's squad cope during the absence of the injured Tammy Abraham. The latter has usually been Lampard's first-choice striker this term, faith the 22-year-old has repaid with 13 league goals to his credit.

Yet despite his promising performances, Abraham's future at Stamford Bridge has reportedly become a doubt. Chelsea's No. 9 has rejected the offer of a new contract, according to Neil Moxley of the Daily Mirror, who said Abraham wants wages on a par with the £180,000-per-week paid to Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Abraham's apparent reticence about signing new terms brings the issue of Giroud's future into focus. The 33-year-old is out of contract this summer, but he did say "Yeah, of course," when asked whether he would sign a new deal to stay, per Jack Rosser of the London Evening Standard.

Those words represent a significant about face from Giroud, who also told Telefoot (h/t Kieran Jackson of MailOnline): "Even I saw myself elsewhere to be honest. I went through six complicated months. That's why I tried to leave in January."

Giroud named Inter Milan, Lazio and even Chelsea's London rivals Tottenham Hotspur as suitors who expressed interest during the winter window. Ultimately, Giroud stayed and now Lampard is reaping the benefits of trusting a player who has proven himself time and time again.

The sweet finish against Everton showcased the underrated quality as a finisher Giroud has always possessed.

Chelsea get a FOURTH 😳 pic.twitter.com/Tv4Iw7Rji3

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) March 8, 2020

"It's horrendous defending by Everton."

Chelsea are running riot at Stamford Bridge! 🔥

📺 Watch on Sky Sports Premier League
📱 Follow #CHEEVE here: https://t.co/JelZyWqE5t
📲 Download the @SkySports app! pic.twitter.com/bcF2Kjow9n

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 8, 2020

It's a talent that's helped the ex-Montpellier star enjoy a decorated career at both club and international level. A Ligue 1 title, FIFA World Cup and three FA Cup trophies were all won before he joined Chelsea in 2018.

Another FA Cup soon followed, before Giroud's 11 goals powered the Blues to the UEFA Europa League trophy at Arsenal's expense last season.

Giroud is an experienced and consistent winner, whose determination, aerial power and finesse on the deck would be invaluable qualities for any top club. Lampard has been rebuilding Chelsea based on youth, but he would be wise to underpin a young core with a trustworthy veteran like Giroud, at least for another season.