Chelsea Forum (Stamford Bridge)

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Blues snap up Royals kid


Chelsea have signed 14-year-old academy prospect Thomas Lyskov from Reading.

The richly-talented left-sided player, who has been at the Royals for four years, is believed to have signed a five-year deal with the Stamford Bridge side.

Assistant manager Eamonn Dolan is sad to have lost Lyskov but insists the club intend to reach a financial settlement with Chelsea following the youngster's move.

"We will be seeking appropriate compensation from Chelsea for a player with such massive potential," he told the club's official website.
 

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No Chelsea move for Torres


Atletico Madrid may be closing in on a deal to land Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman but club president Enrique Cerezo insists that striker Fernando Torres will not be part of the deal.

The 21-year-old Spain international is thought to be a target of Premiership champions Chelsea, but Cerezo says the two clubs have not discussed the future of the young striker.

"There is nothing in relation to Torres. We too could be interested in certain Chelsea players, but I can't talk about any reunion because I wasn't at it," said the Atletico president in reference to a reported meeting which took place between representatives of Atletico and Peter Kenyon in Marseilles on 19 June.

"The person who has to decide on playing matters is our director of sport Toni Munoz, but Fernando Torres is an Atletico Madrid player and he will continue to be so for many years.

"(Chelsea owner Roman) Abramovich can forget about Torres."

Meanwhile Torres' agent Jose Antonio Martin also expressed his surprise about reports of the meeting.

"I know nothing about any meeting in which they either talked about selling Fernando or giving Chelsea an option to buy him in the future," said Martin.

"I am very surprised and the fact is that Atletico have not said anything to us. If anything had taken place, I am certain we would have been told."
 

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Blues keen to keep Crespo


AC Milan's general director Ariedo Braida claim Chelsea are keen to keep Hernan Crespo at Stamford Bridge next season, scuppering any chances of a permanent move to Italy.

The Argentina international was in scintillating form last term in his season-long loan at the San Siro, helping the Rossoneri to the Champions League final and to second place in Serie A.

Milan have made no secret of their desire to sign the striker on a permanent basis but with Chelsea struggling to attract a world-class frontman, it appears boss Jose Mourinho will need Crespo's services after all.

"We are still working to bring Hernan back next season and I think the situation will be resolved in around a week," Braida told Corriere dello Sport.

"Either Crespo manages a spilt or stays at Chelsea. There is an agreement for the renewal of the loan so either he goes through with it or unfortunately, Crespo will not play for Milan next season.

"Chelsea are trying to convince him to stay in London."
 

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Atletico agree Kezman terms


Primera Liga side Atletico Madrid have agreed personal terms with Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman.

The Serbia and Montenegro hitman met with club officials in Madrid on Tuesday where he agreed to sign a three-year contract, subject to a medical on Wednesday.

Atletico president Enrique Cerezo confirmed they have also come to an agreement with Chelsea for the 26-year-old although Kezman still needs to resolve some details with his club.

"We have an agreement with the player and with Chelsea," he said in a statement on Atletico's website.

"The deal still lacks a few details between the player and Chelsea before the transfer is closed. Kezman's contract will be for three seasons."

Kezman was a bit-part player as Chelsea won the English Premiership last season, scoring four goals in 24 league appearances, although 18 of those were as substitute.

He joined the London club for £5m last summer from PSV Eindhoven, where he scored almost a goal a game in his four seasons in Holland.

He has 14 caps for Serbia & Montenegro, scoring eight goals.
 

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Zola hangs up his boots


Former Chelsea and Italy playmaker Gianfanco Zola has quit football a week before his 39th birthday.

Zola had a good season in Serie A with Cagliari, leading to speculation he might play on for another 12 months.

However, the former Napoli and Parma star confirmed today he was quitting for good.

"It was not an easy decision, but I felt an ever stronger desire to dedicate myself to things that I have neglected over these years," said Zola.
 

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Kezman seals Atletico move


Striker Mateja Kezman has completed a £5.3m move from Chelsea to Atletico Madrid, signing a three-year contract with the Spanish club.

The 26-year-old, who joined Chelsea in a £5m move from PSV Eindhoven last summer, had a disappointing season with the Blues and scored just four goals in 25 Premiership appearances.

He will be introduced as an Atletico player at a 2pm press conference at the Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid on Wednesday afternoon.

And upon arriving at his new club, he was quick to point the finger at his previous employers, vowing to help Atletico relive their glory days.

"I'm happy to have come to a club that was once bigger than Chelsea and that will be bigger than them again in the future," he said.

"It's a pity for Chelsea that I didn't get the chance to play and that's why I decided to move."
 

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Kenyon salutes 'legend' Franco


Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has paid tribute to former Blues star Gianfranco Zola, who has decided to quit the game.

After playing for Cagliari in Sardinia last season, the 38-year-old feels it is time to call an end to his playing days and announced his decision at a press conference today.

"I think this is the right thing to do," he explained. "Some time has passed since the end of the season but I needed to reflect.

"It hasn't been an easy decision but I felt the need to dedicate myself to those things that I have neglected in all these years."

The former Parma forward was a massive hit during his time in England and was voted Chelsea's greatest-ever player by their supporters in a recent poll.

On hearing of Zola's retirement, Kenyon hailed him as a Chelsea legend and hoped he would return to take part in the club's centenary celebrations this coming season.

He said: "Gianfranco Zola is a true Chelsea football club legend, considered by most fans to be the club's greatest all-time player. He provided us with so many special moments and was a true gentleman on and off the pitch.

"On behalf of everyone at the club I'd like to wish Franco a happy retirement and we all hope to see him again soon in London to commemorate Chelsea's 100-year history and to thank him again for his unforgettable contribution."
 

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Crespo to thrash out future


Hernan Crespo is to meet with Chelsea officials at the end of the week in a bid to sort out his future after so far failing to seal his AC Milan return.

The striker, who spent last season on loan to AC Milan from the Premiership champions, is due back in training at Cobham with the rest of the first-team squad on 6 July.

The Argentinian, who scored two goals in the Champions League final defeat by Liverpool, wants to stay in Italy and has offered to take a substantial cut in wages in order to do so.

But left-back Kakha Kaladze's failure to secure a move to the Blues has worried Crespo and he now fears his hopes of staying with the Serie A side are under threat.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and chief executive Peter Kenyon want Crespo back at Stamford Bridge, but the player feels his interests are best served by staying in Milan.

The Blues could punish Crespo should he fail to return to the club, while a move to a Serie A rival cannot be ruled out.

However, the 29-year-old is now due to meet with club officials on Friday in a bid to thrash out the differences.
 

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Owen not for sale, say Real


Real Madrid have moved to end speculation on the future of Michael Owen by insisting the England striker is not for sale.

The 25-year-old former Liverpool star has been linked to a host of Premiership clubs including top three Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United.

But Real director of football Arrigo Sacchi told the Daily Star: "Owen is not for sale because he is part of our coach Wanderley Luxemburgo's plans.

"Chelsea have not been in touch with us to make an offer for him, or in recent times for any of our players.

"Some of the things written about who is coming to, and who is leaving Real Madrid, are almost as incredible as science fiction.

"Owen has not told us he is unhappy or that he wants to leave and that is what really matters to us, not what stories appear in the press.

"He has signed a contract and he is a very professional player. Since I have been at Madrid I have never heard him complain - not even when he was not in the first team and, like all players, wanted to play more minutes."
 

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Kaladze pens Milan deal


Kakha Kaladze's proposed move to Chelsea now appears to be off after the Georgia international agreed a new long-term contract with AC Milan.

The news that 27-year-old Kaladze had signed was announced by the Rossoneri's transfer supremo Ariedo Braida when he spoke to journalists as he arrived at a meeting of the Lega Calcio.

The www.gazzetta.it website reported Braida as saying Kaladze had agreed a deal that would keep him at the San Siro until June 2010.

Braida did not say how negotiations between Chelsea and AC Milan were progressing with regards to Hernan Crespo.

Argentinian forward Crespo is a Chelsea player but wants to play at Milan next season. The former Parma, Lazio and Internazionale forward flourished on loan at the San Siro last season.

"As far as Crespo is concerned I have no news to give you," Braida said.
 

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I owe fans - Kezman


Chelsea reject Mateja Kezman has admitted he "owes more goals" to the Blues supporters after bringing his difficult spell at Stamford Bridge to an end this week.

The Serbia & Montenegro striker joined Atletico Madrid earlier this week after failing to live up to his potential during a mixed season in the Barclays Premiership.

The former PSV Eindhoven striker scored only four goals in 25 appearances but won both the league title and a Carling Cup winners' medal after arriving in London for £4m last summer.

After his move to Spain - Chelsea made a profit of more than £1million from the transfer - Kezman blamed a shortage of first-team opportunities for his lack of goals.

"I'm very happy and proud of my time in Chelsea in one year, but now it is behind me," he told Chelsea TV.

"I'm very sad because of all the supporters in Chelsea, but it was a year with a lot of stress. For one year they were all behind me, giving me support in the stadium and on the street as well.

"I owe them more goals - one day it might happen, I might be back to Chelsea, you never know. But for now I want to play and (manager Jose) Mourinho wasn't going to give me a chance.

"I will keep in touch, I love the people around the club, I love the supporters, and when I will be coming to London like a tourist I will be coming to Chelsea."

Kezman netted the winner in the Carling Cup final against Liverpool in Cardiff - something he claims his critics forget.

"I'm very happy because I scored one of the most important goals, I scored in the final and helped bring Chelsea a trophy after many years, and I played against Barcelona and showed what I can do. But after that I was on the bench again."

Kezman was even more scathing about his former employers upon completing his move to Spain, saying at his presentation: "I'm happy to have come to a club that was once bigger than Chelsea and that will be bigger than them again in the future."
 

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Robinho wants Madrid move


Brazil star Robinho has made it clear he wants to play for Real Madrid next season, snubbing suitors Arsenal's bid to land the midfielder.

The 21-year-old, currently contracted to Santos in his home country, has been also been linked with Chelsea but has already agreed personal terms with the Spanish club, who are hoping to present him as a 'Galactico' before the squad jets off to tour the USA and the Far East in mid-July.

However, Santos and Madrid have yet to reach agreement on a fee for the player many consider to be the most exciting player in South America, leading to speculation that Robinho could be forced to spend another season playing in Brazil.

Robinho said: "My desire is to play for Real Madrid. It is the best place in the world for a Brazilian to play. I know (Real coach) Wanderley Luxemburgo and his work and the time has come for me to leave Santos."
 

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Owen not for sale, say Real


Real Madrid have moved to end speculation on the future of Michael Owen by insisting the England striker is not for sale.

The 25-year-old former Liverpool star has been linked to a host of Premiership clubs including top three Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United.

But Real director of football Arrigo Sacchi told the Daily Star: "Owen is not for sale because he is part of our coach Wanderley Luxemburgo's plans.

"Chelsea have not been in touch with us to make an offer for him, or in recent times for any of our players.

"Some of the things written about who is coming to, and who is leaving Real Madrid, are almost as incredible as science fiction.

"Owen has not told us he is unhappy or that he wants to leave and that is what really matters to us, not what stories appear in the press.

"He has signed a contract and he is a very professional player. Since I have been at Madrid I have never heard him complain - not even when he was not in the first team and, like all players, wanted to play more minutes."
 

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Kezman: Blues snub hurt


Mateja Kezman claims Jose Mourinho's selection policy shattered his confidence and was the reason his spell at Chelsea has been judged a failure.

The Serb striker completed a move to Atletico Madrid earlier this week after an indifferent season in the Premiership.

The former PSV Eindhoven frontman scored only four goals in 25 appearances but won both the league title and a Carling Cup winners' medal after arriving in London for £4m last summer.

Kezman, though, claims the Blues fans did not see the best of him due to a lack of first-team opportunities.

"I owe the supporters because they didn't see maybe 20% of me," he said. "I lost my confidence after six games. I had a good pre-season but then didn't get the chance to play. I didn't show anything of what I can do.

"The best example is Diego Forlan at Manchester United who didn't get the chance to show what he can do, and went to Spain (to Villarreal) and scored 25 goals and I think I can do the same."

After his move to the Spanish capital - Chelsea made a profit of more than £1m from the transfer - Kezman blamed Mourinho for his lack of goals.

"I am very happy and proud of my time in Chelsea in one year, but now it is behind me," he told Chelsea TV.

"I am very sad because of all the supporters in Chelsea, but it was a year with a lot of stress. For one year they were all behind me, giving me support in the stadium and on the street as well.

"I owe them more goals - one day it might happen, I might be back to Chelsea, you never know. But for now I want to play and (manager Jose) Mourinho was not going to give me a chance."
 

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Joaquin buy-out fee set by Betis


Real Betis have warned Europe's big spenders that anybody wanting to sign their star winger Joaquin will have to pay around £40m.

The Spain international was strongly linked with a move to Premiership champions Chelsea and La Liga giants Real Madrid earlier this year.

But Betis say they don't want to sell, and anybody putting in a bid will have to trigger an escape clause in the player's contract, which is a whopping 60million Euros (around £40m).

Club president Manuel Ruiz de Lopera told Marca Betis aren't a selling club, and he would only consider a deal for Joaquin if the escape clause was triggered.
 

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Lyon raise Essien stakes


Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has insisted that Chelsea's reported £26m bid for Ghanaian international midfielder Michael Essien is not enough.

Essien, 22, is one of the most coveted players in Europe with Chelsea and Manchester United among the clubs linked with him.

Saturday's Sun claimed United boss Sir Alex Ferguson boss had got the go-ahead to bid £17m for Essien.

But that doesn't look like being enough with French daily L'Equipe claiming Chelsea have already lodged a 38million euros (£26m) bid for the African.

And even that is not enough for Aulas who told the paper: "Even at 38million euros I will not sell Michael Essien. The offer will have to be considerably higher."

Aulas, meanwhile, is confident of hanging on to 30-year-old Brazilian midfielder Juninho who is also attracting the interest of top clubs in Europe.

Juninho, considered by some the top free-kick specialist in the world, will stay with Lyon, according to Aulas.

"He (Juninho) can not refuse the deal we are offering," said Aulas.

"Juninho at OL (Lyon) is like (Diego) Maradona at Napoli. I think he will end his career at Lyon."
 

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Betis - You must be Joaquin


Real Betis claim to have turned down a number of bids for their coveted winger Joaquin, who is wanted by Chelsea and Real Madrid.

The 23-year-old Spain star has been linked with moves to both Madrid and Stamford Bridge - but Betis are determined to keep him in Seville.

Joaquin inspired the club to Spanish Cup glory last season, and Betis also qualified for the Champions League.

Club president Manuel Ruiz de Lopera confirmed offers have been received - but would not reveal who made them.

Joaquin is thought to have a clause in his contract allowing him to depart if any club offers a fee thought to be in the region of £40m.

Ruiz de Lopera told Spanish newspaper Marca: "Things are not calm. It is just that we are not commenting on the offers that we are receiving.

"Why should we if Joaquin is happy?

"The offers that we have been receiving are not like those that other clubs get for their players. But we will only begin to contemplate an offer if it is close to the buy-out clause."
 

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Gerrard's Anfield sale fears


England midfielder Steven Gerrard feels Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez wants to sell him to fund his Anfield revolution, according to reports.

The Reds finished their season on a high note thanks to their dramatic Champions League victory over AC Milan in Istanbul.

But Benitez's troops were a huge disappointment in their league campaign, finishing fifth and a massive 37 points behind champions Chelsea and 25 behind second-placed Arsenal.

Reds skipper Gerrard admitted immediately after Liverpool's night of European glory that he wanted to sign a new contract at Anfield.

But talks have so far gone nowhere and are believed to be at breaking point, with both Real Madrid and Chelsea waiting in the wings with a £30m bid.

Benitez knows he has a natural successor to Gerrard's role in the classy Xabi Alonso - and could use the money from the 25-year-old's sale to make sweeping changes to his playing staff.

The Spaniard won the La Liga title with Valencia before moving to Merseyside - and is prepared to show a ruthless streak in order to put his side back on the map as a Premiership force.
 

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Reds reassure star Gerrard


Champions League winners Liverpool remain determined to keep skipper Steven Gerrard - a target for Chelsea and Real Madrid - at Anfield.

Widespread reports have surfaced claiming Gerrard feels he is being forced out of the club because Reds chief executive Rick Parry has failed to open contract negotiations as quickly as he hoped.

The influential midfielder indicated his desire to stay at Anfield in the immediate aftermath of Liverpool's stunning European Cup triumph over AC Milan - and thought the issue would be dealt with almost instantly.

Instead, just 10 days away from Rafael Benitez's men beginning the defence of their trophy against Welsh minnows Total Network Solutions, Gerrard is no nearer agreeing a new deal.

The 25-year-old has two years remaining on his contract and Parry knows unless his future is resolved one way or another this summer, his vast market value will begin to plummet.

Chelsea and Real Madrid are both rumoured to be monitoring developments, although Liverpool spokesman Ian Cotton insists the Merseyside giants do not want to lose their talisman.

"Our position is very clear," he said. "We want Gerrard to stay at the club."

As a lifelong Liverpool fan, Gerrard would be reluctant to leave Anfield, although he does know he could probably land a more lucrative contract elsewhere such would be the demand for his services.

With seemingly no end to the impasse in sight, it will be interesting to see whether Benitez selects Gerrard for the first leg of the TNS clash.

Even though the Spaniard knows his side should comfortably see off the Welsh champions with or without their captain, Gerrard's absence would almost certainly be interpreted as an attempt to retain his current £30m value by not getting him cup-tied.
 

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Blues use Crespo as AC bait


Chelsea could use Hernan Crespo as their trump card in the race to beat AC Milan to the signature of Parma striker Alberto Gilardino.

The Premiership champions have turned their attention to Gilardino after failing in their bid to lure Samuel Eto'o from Barcelona.

But Milan are also interested in the 22-year-old hitman, who has been rated in the £35m bracket.

Chelsea, however, know that Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti is desperate to retain the services of Argentina striker Crespo, who spent last season on loan at the San Siro and helped them reach the Champions League final.

And Blues chief executive Peter Kenyon will only sanction Crespo's return to Italy if Milan step out of the race to land Gilardino.
 
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