In our look at the latest Chelsea-related news stories from the media, Chelsea have reportedly turned down offers from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid for Willian, Napoli fans tear down a plaque dedicated to Maurizio Sarri after he leaves Chelsea for Juventus and Harry Redknapp believes Frank Lampard is set to become the new manager of the Blues.
These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.
Blues reported to have rejected Willian bids
Sky Sports is reporting Chelsea have turned down offers of £35m from Barcelona and Atletico Madrid for Willian.The 30-year-old, who is currently on international duty with Brazil at the Copa America, is entering the final year of a four-year contract he signed with the Blues in July 2016 and there has been long-standing interest from Barcelona who had made offers for him in the previous two transfer windows.According to the Sky Sports report: ‘The Brazilian winger has entered the final 12 months of his deal at Stamford Bridge and, despite facing the possibility of losing him for free next summer, Chelsea are keen to keep hold of him next season.‘The Blues may be able to avoid losing Willian for free next summer if they can reach an agreement over a new two-year deal.’Signed from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013, Willian has played 292 games and scored 52 goals for the Blues and was the club’s Player of the Year in the 2015/16 season.
Napoli fans tear down Sarri plaque
According to The Independent, Napoli fans have torn down a plaque in Naples dedicated to Maurizio Sarri following his move from Chelsea to Juventus.
The 60-year-old was a popular figure with Napoli supporters during his time in charge of his hometown club from 2015 to 2018 and the plaque, which read ‘Hasta siempre Comandante’ (Farewell, Commander), was placed at the building where he was born following his departure for Chelsea last year.
However, his move to Napoli’s Serie A rivals Juventus has not gone down well with fans in the city, who have forcibly taken down the dedication.
This action may have been the work of the Laboratorio Politico Iskra group, who explained their reaction on their Facebook page.
‘We never wanted to confuse politics and support but our hearts are crying to read the bitterness of so many people, like us, who believed and had put their trust in someone to continue to believe in football,’ read their statement.
‘A trust that is regularly broken by market laws. When will we decide to no longer be client-subjects and will we begin to be consciously inhabitants and fans?
‘How many more would we like to become attached to and then be disappointed by their choices?’
Napoli finished runner-up twice in three seasons during Sarri’s spell at the club with Juventus winning the Scudetto on each occasion.
Redknapp believes Lampard will become Chelsea boss
Former West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp has told the BBC that his nephew, Frank Lampard, looks likely to become Chelsea’s new head coach, a move which he believes would be a boost to the Blues’ young players.
Media reports indicate Lampard is the favourite to succeed Maurizio Sarri at Stamford Bridge and Redknapp feels he will take the job if it is offered to him.
‘If Chelsea come calling, it's a difficult one for him to turn down," said Redknapp of the Derby County manager.
‘In my personal opinion, he'll be the manager of Chelsea. It looks to me like it's going to happen.
‘He's a true legend at Chelsea, one of the greatest players in the club's history. It may not come along again, you never know in football, the opportunity is there for him to go back now.
‘He has a house around the corner from the training ground, his wife works in London.’
Lampard made his Premier League debut at West Ham under Redknapp and the 72-year-old feels that he will give Chelsea’s youngsters an opportunity to make their mark with the Blues.
‘Maybe it's time for someone who is going to be bold enough to play those young players. He went to Derby, he brought young players in, Derby got to the play-off final with a few kids,’ added Redknapp.
‘It could be an interesting time for Chelsea, they are going to have to play some of their kids, give them a go.
‘We keep talking about how good these kids are, they're playing for England Under-17s, Under-19s, so get them in the first team, let's see them play.
‘Chelsea have a great group of young players, it might be a good chance to throw three or four of them in. You may have something special there.’