Lewis Hamilton CONFIRMS Chelsea takeover bid, Real Madrid ‘expect to complete Rudiger transfer’ – latest updates
LEWIS HAMILTON has confirmed that he is part of Sir Martin Broughton's consortium who are bidding to buy Chelsea.
But the Stevenage-born F1 icon also admitted that he is an ARSENAL fan, thanks to the influence of his sister.
Hamilton commented: "When I was young, I used to play football as a kid around the corner and I really wanted to fit in. I was the only kid of colour there.
"All the kids supported someone different and I remember switching between these teams and when I'd get home my sister would basically beat me, saying you have to support Arsenal!
"At five, six years old I supported Arsenal but my uncle Terry is a big Blues fan, so I've been to so many games with him to watch Chelsea and Arsenal play."
Meanwhile Real Madrid are said to be confident of signing out of contract Antonio Rudiger after the Blues centre-back reportedly dropped his wage demands.
Keep up to date with all of the latest updates from the takeover in our live blog...
Repeating History?
Chelsea are looking to avoid an unwanted 29-year streak when they welcome Arsenal to Stamford Bridge tonight.
If Mikel Arteta’s top four-chasing team that are successful, then that would make some unwanted history for the Blues.
It would be the first time since 1993 that they would have lost three successive home matches in all competitions.
And the third game of that run was also against Arsenal.
Both Alan Smith and Ian Wright were on the scoresheet that day nearly three decades ago.
However, Chelsea are also looking to record their first Premier League double over Arsenal since the 2015/16 season.
They triumphed 2-0 at the Emirates back in August.
Taking the Mik
Thomas Tuchel has told Mikel Arteta to pipe down after moaning about Arsenal's fixture pile-up - with Chelsea having played 16 MORE matches this season.
Ahead of Wednesday night's clash, Tuchel said: “He must have reasons if he felt this way - but he also cannot compare to us in minutes.
“We can use it as an excuse, they can use it. You use the situation how you want.
“You can use it to feel tired and say we feel the challenge mentally and physically.
“And from there it is a given to be used as an excuse if things go wrong.
"Or just accept it - this is what we try to do."
Tuchel continued: “I was not happy when Tottenham went out of the Europa Conference League...
"I know what Antonio Conte can do with teams when they are focused and he can train them physically.
“The same for Arsenal when they went out of the FA Cup.
"This would be a huge boost for them because they have a very young and talented team, to focus on one thing can be an advantage.”
Credit: Andy Hooper-The Daily Mail Feeling Blue
Chelsea loanee Emeron Palmieri has revealed he would have "no problem" staying at Lyon beyond the end of the campaign.
The left-back joined the French outfit last summer on a season-long switch.
And he now feels at home in the south of France.
The Italian international, 27, has suggested he would be open to quitting Chelsea this summer.
Emerson was quizzed on Tuesday regarding his future, and didn't rule out a permanent transfer to the Ligue 1 side.
He said, as quoted by : "Of course, yes, I have no problem saying that I can stay at Lyon.
"It's a pleasure to be here. There are different factors. It's not just up to me."
Credit: Alamy
Double Swoop
Crystal Palace want to extend Conor Gallagher’s loan from Chelsea - while they may also move for his team-mate Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Loftus-Cheek has recently enjoyed a revival at the Blues, playing a number of different positions, and is hoping to secure more regular action.
Steve Parish, chairman of the Eagles, has revealed that he will make an attempt to bring Loftus-Cheek back should he fail to keep Gallagher.
When quizzed on whether competition for places at Chelsea could help them to retain Gallagher, Parish told : “Of course. But the player is the number one person.
“He knows exactly what his priorities are and he knows exactly what he’s doing.
“I’m sure at the end of the season. Conor will work out what he thinks the best thing for him is and that will be the catalyst for it.”
Parish added: “If there’s an opportunity to get him or even Ruben Loftus-Cheek then of course.
“These are top players and it’s been brilliant having him here this year, not just because of what he does on the pitch.
“Also because of the way he is around the place, the way he is with the media and supporters and because of how special a lad he is.”
"The game is for spectators and supporters"
There will be a reduced crowd at Stamford Bridge this evening as only season ticket holders will be allowed entry.
This is due to the sanctions that have been placed on the club.
When speaking about the issue at his press conference, Thomas Tuchel said: "It's not an advantage. We want to play home matches in front of a full stadium.
"The game is for the spectators and supporters so that’s bad news actually. I was not aware of it. Maybe someone told me and I forgot it, this is possible. But let's turn things around on it.
"Maybe everybody (the supporters) are aware of this and push a little bit more because we lack quantity but should not lack quality of support.
"I can only remind everybody of the match against Leicester last season of the Covid situation – it was first occasion spectators were allowed at the Bridge. There was like 15,000 and all the players said it felt like a full stadium.
"Hopefully, we can be the spark to bring everybody into that kind of mood to give a little bit more than normal."
Chilwell returns to training
Thomas Tuchel has confirmed that Ben Chilwell will gradually return to training in the next few weeks.
He will start with the academy before eventually integrating back into the first team by the end of the season.
In yesterday's press conference, Tuchel said: "I don’t think we will rush this. Ben will now be in the transition to join academy training, to have team training but not on the physicality level like with us.
"This will be his next steps in the next weeks. Hopefully he can join our training at the end of the season but no matches on that level."
Chilwell suffered a partial ACL tear during Chelsea's Champions League group stage match against Juventus last year.
Credit: Getty Tuchel: Don't complain about game time Mikel
Thomas Tuchel has told Mikel Arteta Arsenal's fixture congestion is nowhere near that of Chelsea's, revealing the Blues have played 16 MORE games than tonight's opponents.
Tuchel said: "He must have reasons if he felt this way but he also cannot compare to us in minutes.
"We can use it as an excuse, they can use it. You use the situation how you want.
"You can use it to feel tired and say we feel the challenge mentally and physically.
"And from there it is a given to be used as an excuse if things go wrong. Or just accept it this is what we try to do.
"I was not happy when Tottenham went out of the Europa Conference League because I know what Antonio Conte can do with teams when they are focused and he can train them physically.
"The same for Arsenal when they went out of the FA Cup this would be a huge boost for them because they have a very young and talented team, to focus on one thing can be an advantage."
More Tuchel on Lukaku
"It is disappointing for him and not what we expected but it is still not finished and we will not give in.
"We never give in with any players and we never give up.
"We will push him, we will push as far as we can.
"And as long as the player stays involved in the mentality that is needed to bring a team forward, he can still be a crucial player."
Tuchel eager to keep trying Luk
Thomas Tuchel wants Romelu Lukaku to keep his mind on the job to save his Chelsea career, writes ANDREW DILLON.
The misfiring striker, 28, comes full circle tonight in the home clash against Arsenal.
Club-record signing Lukaku kicked off his second stint at the Blues last August with a goal in a 2-0 win that triggered a blistering run.
But the return game sees the £97.5million Belgian fighting for his future after a string of important misses and no Premier League goals this year.
Boss Tuchel said: "For us it is clear, we can play with Romelu, we can be very strong with Romelu, we proved it.
"We will prove it again if he is involved and keeps involved mentally.
"If he stays involved in the situation to get through this, he can grow from it and come back stronger."
Good morning Chelsea fans
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has given injury updates on three of his players ahead of tomorrow’s London derby with Arsenal.
The German told a pre-match press conference: “Kova (Mateo Kovacic) is out for the game with a ligament injury. Hopefully, he will not be longer than two weeks out.
“This is a long time for us in terms of games. Hopefully, as short as possible.
“Callum Hudson-Odoi is out for this game, and Ben Chilwell is out for the game.
“There are some players in doubt which we need to examine, but hopefully the rest are OK.”
Tuchel also admitted it is unfortunate they will have a reduced crowd at Stamford Bridge tomorrow for the visit of Arsenal.
Sanctions placed on the club mean the number of fans will be limited to about 25,000 season ticket holders in the 40,000-capactiy ground.
The German tactician told a pre-match press conference: “It’s not an advantage. We want to play home matches in front of a full stadium.
“The game is for the spectators and supporters so that’s bad news actually.”
Meanwhile, Mason Mount has been told he talks too much by ex-Liverpool star Jose Enrique after the Chelsea star claimed the Blues will beat the Reds in the Fa Cup final.
Enrique said of Mount: “This guy talks a lot. He did it to Toni Kroos as well [prior to Chelsea’s exit in the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid].
“Let’s see what happens in the final. At the moment you already lost one against us this season. Come on Reds!!!”
Elsewhere, Chelsea will fly out to America in July as part of their pre-season plans and face Arsenal in Orlando.
The Gunners will face London rivals Chelsea in a pre-season friendly on July 23 for the pre-season run-in.
The two teams will challenge for the Florida Cup at Camping World Stadium, which is a candidate to host games during the 2026 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Conor Gallagher has admitted that he was disappointed at not being allowed to play for Crystal Palace against parent club Chelsea.
He said: “It was quite difficult to watch. I got over the fact that I wasn’t playing, but watching the game I was just wanting to be on the pitch and to be playing.
“You always feel part of it even when you’re not playing and not in the squad.
“I’m proud of the boys, It was a good game to watch. Chelsea played well and they were the better team on the day.”
Finally, Chelsea loanee Emerson Palmieri has revealed he would have “no problem” staying at Lyon beyond the end of the campaign.
Emerson was quizzed on Tuesday regarding his future, and didn’t rule out a permanent transfer to the Ligue 1 side.
He said, as quoted by FootMercato: “Of course, yes, I have no problem saying that I can stay at Lyon.
“It’s a pleasure to be here. There are different factors. It’s not just up to me.
“There are six matches left to play and after that I will have an answer for you all.”
Tuchel's plea to Chelsea fans
Thomas Tuchel told Chelsea fans to pump up the volume on Wednesday night and make up for the missing thousands against Arsenal.
Stamford Bridge will have 10,000 fewer Blues fans than normal as sanctions against Russian owner Roman Abramovich prevent Chelsea from selling home tickets.
Boss Tuchel admitted: “I was not aware of it. Maybe someone told me and I forgot it. But let’s turn things around.
“Maybe everybody can push a little bit more because we lack quantity but should not lack quality of support.
“Hopefully, we can be the spark to bring everybody into the kind of mood to give a little bit more than normal.”
Abraham thanks Ian Wright
Tammy Abraham has thanked Ian Wright after the striker’s assist for Roma against Napoli.
Wright praised Abraham for his contribution on Twitter.
And the ex-Chelsea ace responded: “Thanks big Unc.”
Tuchel labels Reece James brilliant
Thomas Tuchel has labelled Reece James brilliant.
He said: "He can play both positions brilliantly. We only have him once so we need to decide but that’s the reason at the moment.
"I love him in both positions. I’m not sure (what his best position is).”
Tuchel should let Gallagher leave
Thomas Tuchel should turn a blind eye and offload Conor Gallagher to Crystal Palace for £30million.
That's the opinion of Noel Whelan, who told football insider: "It will be hard to ignore a player like that for Thomas Tuchel. You just can’t turn a blind eye when he’s putting in performances like that.
"I’m sure he’ll be rewarded in some way at Chelsea - and I’m sure he’ll get the opportunity to show his worth in pre-season.
"And if things don’t work out then Chelsea have still made themselves £30m. It’s a win either way."
Pagliuca meets Chelsea fans
Chelsea bidder Stephen Pagliuca has reportedly met with the club's fans.
Other interested parties in buying the Blues including Todd Boehly have already visited Stamford Bridge.
And now Pagliuca has put his best foot forward also, according to Goal.
The fan groups Pagliuca's liaised with previously slammed him for not making an effort with them.
Werner's happy with performances
Timo Werner feels like he's back to his best after his recent Chelsea performances.
Werner said: “Since the Southampton game, I feel something different. The speed is back, the physical game is a bit back. So, everything is a bit back.
“So, it helps a lot to bring this performance. I’m happy, I work hard for the whole season and I will try to keep this momentum going.”
Emerson Palmieri speaks on future
Chelsea loanee Emerson Palmieri has revealed he would have "no problem" staying at Lyon beyond the end of the campaign.
Emerson was quizzed on Tuesday regarding his future, and didn't rule out a permanent transfer to the Ligue 1 side.
He said, as quoted by : "Of course, yes, I have no problem saying that I can stay at Lyon.
"It's a pleasure to be here. There are different factors. It's not just up to me.
"There are six matches left to play and after that I will have an answer for you all."
Chelsea and Arsenal's quality differences
There's a huge gap in quality between Chelsea and Arsenal, according to Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Hasenhuttl believes the Blues' superiority will give them the edge over Arsenal when the London sides clash on Wednesday.
The Saints boss said: "It is a Champions League winning team [Chelsea] and I think they are still a step forward from a team like Arsenal.
"They [Arsenal] have also shown some good moments this season, but I think there is still a gap to the Chelsea team from the quality - I must say this is why we could defend against them a little bit better."
Gallagher speaks on FA Cup absence
Conor Gallagher has admitted that he was disappointed at not being allowed to play for Crystal Palace against parent club Chelsea.
He said: "It was quite difficult to watch. I got over the fact that I wasn’t playing, but watching the game I was just wanting to be on the pitch and to be playing.
"You always feel part of it even when you’re not playing and not in the squad.
“I’m proud of the boys, It was a good game to watch. Chelsea played well and they were the better team on the day."
Tuchel's decision making questioned
Former England goalie Paul Robinson has questioned Thomas Tuchel's decision to play Reece James as a centre-back.
He told Football Insider: "It is a strange one because he gives you so much going forward.
"What he gives you in regards to his delivery, dribbling and range of passing far outweighs what you get from him at centre-half.
"The only rational I can think of is that Tuchel possibly doesn’t think Azpilicueta is physical enough to be a centre-half in that game. There was going to be an aerial threat from Palace and maybe Tuchel took that into consideration.
"Moving forward Chelsea need to get Reece James in more advanced positions on that right-hand side."
Does Mount owe Lampard?
Mason Mount owes his Chelsea career to former Blues boss Frank Lampard.
That's the opinion of Super agent Rob Segal, who claims Lampard gave Mount his big shot.
Segal told CaughtOffside: “If you look at Mason Mount – he went out on loan to Derby County and had a great season there.
"But every player on Chelsea’s books at that level is a good player so then the manager of Derby County comes back to Chelsea and of course, he had a season’s worth of knowledge and takes Mount back to London with him and plays him.
"But it makes me wonder if Frank Lampard hadn’t gone back to Chelsea would Mount had got his chance?”
Chelsea to face Arsenal
Chelsea will face Arsenal in a pre-season friendly ahead of next season.
The Blues will go up against the Gunners in America during the FC series.
The clash between the Prem rivals will be held in America.
Gullit warns Man United
Ruud Gullit has urged Man United not to sign Ajax star Jurrien Timber.
The ex-Chelsea boss told Ajax Showtime: “I think Timber is a very good player, but whether he can be a defender in England.
“You also play against Burnley and West Brom. The top seven strikers are all world-beaters.
“I think he is a very good footballer, but I have my doubts about whether he is a good defender.”
Matic and Mourinho reunion?
Jose Mourinho is close to signing Nemanja Matic for a third time.
Ex-Chelsea midfielder Matic is reportedly in contract talks with Mourinho's Roma after announcing he will leave Manchester United on a free transfer this summer.
Italian outlet say Matic's representatives are already in negotiations with the Italian club.
Mourinho himself hinted at a reunion with his reply when Matic revealed on Instagram he would be moving on at the end of this season.
The one-time Special One responded: “Proud to be part of your history.”
Rudiger future plan
Antonio Rudiger has given himself a two-week deadline to decide his future, reports claim.
Rudiger will be a free agent this summer if he doesn't agree a new deal with the Blues soon.
A number of clubs including Barcelona and Man United are interested in the defender.
And he'll announce his future plans at the end of April, the Daily Mail claim.