Antonio Conte’s men were put through their paces at their home ground in front of some of the club’s supporters as the Blues continue their preparations for the new Premier League season.
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The central defender is available for £25million but it looks as though he would prefer to stay where he is when saying: “I love Benfica, so I will stay”.
Kalidou Koulibaly’s agent, Bruno Satin, has said the Napoli defender’s future will be resolved imminently amid rumours Chelsea have made a €40 million bid for him. “But I can tell you that in the space of two days, or three at the most, there will be some developments and everything will be settled”. Also, his agent has confirmed that Chelsea are still interested in the Senegalese defender.
Conte only has three players at center back at the moment, with team captain John Terry, who had previously expressed his desire for lesser playing time in his 19th professional season, Gary Cahill, and Branislav Ivanovic as his only options at the position.
Brazilian side Santos are asking £15m for the young defensive midfielder Thiago Maia, which Chelsea are reportedly ready to pay to sign the highly praised wonder-kid.
According to Evening Standard Santos president Modesto Roma is in London for talks on Maia’s transfer, as there is Chelsea are waiting to launch an official bid after the Games.
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Drilling his new players for up to six hours on the training pitch in the blazing California heat during Chelsea’s pre-season tour, the 47-year-old’s ferocious work ethic quickly became clear.
