Hakim Ziyech row between Chelsea and PSG escalates with Silva close to new deal
Chelsea start a new era when they host rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League later today, with the army of new recruits available to play for Graham Potter’s side.
The Blues signed Enzo Fernandez, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Joao Felix, Benoit Badashile, Malo Gusto, Andrey Santos, Noni Madueke and David Datro Fofana in an extremely busy January transfer window. Now it’s time to put that recruitment to use and climb up the table.
Potter’s side are currently languishing in 10th place in the Premier League and their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Fulham is still fresh in the memory from last month. Now that he’s been backed in the transfer window, the pressure is on Potter to deliver.
In the meantime, here are the latest Chelsea headlines.
PSG hit out over Ziyech
The January transfer window is disappearing into the distance in the rear-view mirror, but the argument after Hakim Ziyech continues to gather pace.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rushZiyech was in the French capital on deadline day to try and complete a move to Paris Saint-Germain. But it all went went, with crossed wires meaning the deal did not get completed before the deadline, despite Ziyech personally texting Todd Boehly to plead with him.
Chelsea have insisted the fault was not on their part, while PSG believe the Blues’ focus on signing Enzo Fernandez was to blame. PSG boss Christophe Galtier has now spoken about the mess.
“We wanted to replace [Pablo] Sarabia, with a player able to evolve on the right side,” he said. “Unfortunately, Ziyech was not done and these are the hazards of the transfer window. It must be accepted. The responsibility does not lie with PSG, as I know.”
Read more here.
Silva to sign new Chelsea deal
Thiago Silva has been a rock at the heart of the Chelsea defence ever since he arrived on a free transfer from PSG in the summer of 2020.
The 38-year-old veteran has made 105 appearances for the club – and isn’t ready to leave, or retire, this summer.
He told ESPN: "We are negotiating. Everything will probably happen in the next few days. My intention, and that of the club as well, is to stay together. I know that the club needs me right now.
"I am here to be able to help, they are young players, anyway. I know that, with my experience, I can help in this process of rebuilding the club, I'm here for that, willing to do this, however, I know that my responsibility is very great."
Read the full story here.
Hudson-Odoi to leave
Callum Hudson-Odoi will be among the players who Chelsea will look to sell once the summer transfer window opens.
Hakim Ziyech brutally denied deadline day transfer as PSG furious at ChelseaChelsea spent north of £300million on transfers in January to take their total spend since Todd Boehly’s consortium completed their takeover in May to over £500m, with 16 permanent arrivals and two loanees signed.
The Blues need to offload players to balance the books, with UEFA tightening its rules on amortisation this summer. That means several players will be on their way, with Hudson-Odoi, Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang expected to be among them.
Arsenal are targeting Hudson-Odoi, who is currently on loan with Bayer Leverkusen and will have just one year left on his deal when he returns.
Read the full story here.