Chelsea news and transfers recap – Victor Osimhen advice, Ivan Toney swoop, Nkunku and Lavia return

Sutton expects City to win...

Chris Sutton wasn't as optimistic as Paul Merson and tipped Man City to run riot in west London this weekend. In a column for BBC Sport, the former Chelsea striker said: "Chelsea's Nicholas Jackson scored possibly the worst Premier League hat-trick there has been last time out against Spurs, but it is still a hat-trick and it might boost his confidence a bit.

"The same could be said about the impact of that win on the rest of the Chelsea team too. It doesn't matter how they did it, they won when not many people gave them much of a chance.

"This result really depends on how City play, though, rather than what Chelsea try to do. Pep Guardiola's side have a few injuries to contend with but it doesn't really make much difference who comes in or out of their team. Their squad is just so strong.

"Guardiola also has a nice problem in terms of who to pick on the left, Jeremy Doku or Jack Grealish. You never know with Pep - because Doku has been playing so well, he will probably leave him out for the next six games. Whoever plays, City are just relentless. They will win by two goals, it's only really a question of whether Chelsea will score or not."

Merson prediction

In a column for SportsKeeda, Paul Merson conceded that Man City have numerous 'game-changers' in their ranks but backed Chelsea to secure a draw. The former Arsenal midfielder said: "I was bullish last week when I said Chelsea were going to beat Tottenham.

"I said it because Chelsea like teams coming at them. I think there'll be some outstanding battles all over the pitch. Chelsea will cause City problems and vice versa. But I still don't see the Blues winning this one. I'd indeed be shocked if they won this one.

"That's only because Manchester City have so many game-changers on their side. They are spoilt for choice as always. I just don't see how any team will finish above Manchester City this season. I'm hoping that Chelsea get a draw here."

Lavia update

On Friday afternoon, either before or after he headed outside to the training pitches at Cobham, Lavia posted a selfie to his Instagram story. The youngster also accompanied the image with a picture of his tied football boots, with a smiley face and blue heart emoji as his caption.

Lavia has been nursing an ankle issue since he arrived at Stamford Bridge and he's still yet to make his debut for the Blues. Last month, the Belgian was dealt a major setback on his road to recovery, pushing his return date back to late November, maybe December.

Osimhen advice

Speaking to LordPing, William Gallas said: "Victor Osimhen joining Chelsea would harm the confidence of players like Nicolas Jackson. You have to be careful and really think about bringing in a new striker. As I said before, I think Chelsea should finish the season with Jackson and see how many goals he gets.

"We also need to see how he improves. He has the quality to do so. Chelsea need to let Jackson get to work. Scoring goals will always boost the confidence of a striker, and Jackson's hat-trick against Tottenham will definitely boost him, and we'll see that confidence carry over into his next games.

"Chelsea need a striker who'll score at least 20 goals a season. I don't know if Jackson will do that, but at least he's scoring. I hope more goals come for him. I think Chelsea should stick with the squad they have. They've bought so many players, and the squad needs to get to know each other.

"It's looking like Chelsea are slowly starting to improve. I said a few months ago that the Chelsea squad isn't ready to fight for the title or qualify for the Champions League. They will, however, improve from last season. I'm sure that they'll be very strong next season and the one after."

Was selling Mount a mistake?

Speaking to LordPing, William Gallas said: "In my opinion, Chablobah leaving Chelsea wouldn't be a mistake. He's played a lot of games for Chelsea, but he had the chance to cement himself in the starting 11, and I don't think he gave what the board or manager would have expected.

"That's why he's been in and out of the starting 11. Perhaps Chalobah doesn't have the quality for a club like Chelsea, and the club letting him go would be a completely different context to someone like Mason Mount.

"I think people understand why Mount left, even if his transfer to Man United was a mistake. His performances haven't been great. Mount was a Chelsea boy, but they couldn't find a solution. It was a mistake."

Gallagher talks

Chelsea are preparing to 'step up' contract talks with Conor Gallagher following his strong start to the season. The 23-year-old had been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge in the summer, with Tottenham, West Ham and Liverpool all touted as interested parties.

According to 90min, Pochettino is backing the club's plans to extend Gallagher's deal beyond 2025. Chelsea executives are hoping to tie the academy graduate down to a fresh long-term deal before the winter transfer window opens on January 1.

Read the full story HERE!

Kevin De Bruyne update...

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Pep Guardiola revealed how the former Chelsea midfielder is getting on. He said: "I spoke to him two days ago and he feels really good but he isn't training with us, not running much.

"I think, I don't know, these kind of injuries it's better not to put pressure. When he feels good and the doctors are confident we can take the next step. You don't want to go too early and have to go back again. Kevin was a tough injury, surgery, so step by step."

Will Chelsea make top-four?

Betfair: Premier League top four finish 2023-2024

Tottenham 4/6

Newcastle 11/10

Aston Villa 7/2

Man Utd 9/2

Brighton 9/2

Chelsea 11/2

Check out more HERE!

Silva's future is in doubt

Fluminense president Mario Bittencourt has confirmed that the Brazilian outfit are hoping to sign Thiago Silva once his contract at Chelsea expires at the end of the season. The 39-year-old defender faces an increasingly uncertain future at Stamford Bridge and it remains to be seen whether or not he'll be offered an extension.

Speaking to TNT Sports earlier this month after the Brazilian side won the Copa Libertadores for the first time in their history, Bittencourt confirmed his desire to sign Silva.

"I continue with this desire to bring him in. For the brilliant player he is, for his high performance at his age. That he’s a great Tricolor. I’m sure that one day he could play for Fluminense again."

Toney verdict

Glen Johnson has insisted that Chelsea should pay no more than £80million for Ivan Toney. The 27-year-old striker was heavily linked with an exit from Brentford at the end of last season but, after receiving an eight-month ban for breaching Football Association betting rules in the summer, a transfer collapsed.

In an interview with Betfred, the former Chelsea defender said: "It’s probably a case that that’s what they’re hoping for, opposed to what they’ll actually get for Ivan. Brentford know that they’re only going to get one chance to sell Ivan Toney and they will want to receive as much as they possibly can for him.

"I don’t think his price will drop too much because of the ban because it’s not as if Ivan’s been injured for the past six months. If it was an injury we were talking about, then Brentford surely couldn’t demand such a fee for Ivan. Once Ivan is match fit, then there will be no problems going forward but I still believe that £80million to £100million is too much for him anyway."

Presser notes

Mauricio Pochettino was in a jubilant mood when he entered the press conference room at Cobham on Friday afternoon. His Chelsea side are facing their toughest challenge of the season so far on Sunday when they take on Manchester City.

You would not be able to tell that, though, with the Argentine seemingly very chilled and relaxed as he faced a host of questions from journalists. Another battle with Pep Guardiola is on the horizon and Pochettino is relishing the challenge.

As well as this, the Chelsea head coach faced some questions on the chaotic Monday Night Football win over Tottenham in north London. You have the feeling, though, that Pochettino loves the chaotic games.

Read the full story, here.

Pochettino on James...

"I think, never it is the decision of the player," said Pochettino. "It is about assessing, the medical staff, the coaching staff, the players do not make decisions. He is desperate to go to the national team.

"I think it's good for the national team to have communication with the club to do what is best for the player. Reece is desperate to go but always it is two parts, the national team and the club that take the decision for him.

"I am happy he is going to be with us because it's two weeks to work again..."

Nkunku update

Mauricio Pochettino has opened up on talks he has had with star player Christopher Nkunku. The Frenchman is still yet to make his competitive debut for the club but is getting closer to a much awaited appearance in blue.

"We had some conversation and he said to me I want to be ready for after the international break, Newcastle," Pochettino said on Friday when asked about the 25-year-old. Chelsea face Manchester City on Sunday but then have two weeks without a game during the international break, the perfect time for Nkunku to continue his recovery.

The fixture list doesn't get much easier though with games against Brighton and Manchester United as well as a league and Carabao Cup double header against Newcastle United. Although it's not clear just which Newcastle game Nkunku was targeting, reports have suggested that the cup clash on December 19 is more likely.

Read more, here.

Haaland fitness update

Chelsea fans are understandably concerned for their team's chances this weekend as they welcome league leaders Manchester City to Stamford Bridge this season. Pep Guardiola's side have scored three or more goals this season in nine matches already, that's just one less than the games the Blues have managed to score a single goal in.

The Citizens are back to the summit of the league and in no mood to give up their place either after hammering in 15 goals in their past four games alone. In a week that has seen them progress to the Champions League knockout stages at the earliest possible opportunity there is just one more challenge before the international break.

Mauricio Pochettino's men come into the game full of confidence themselves though after beating Tottenham 4-1 last time out. The issue is that Chelsea will be all too aware that a similar performance on Sunday and they might not be as lucky.

A piece of good news for the hosts is that the in-form Erling Haaland has never scored against Chelsea. Although the two sides met four times last season - Guardiola's men winning 8-0 on aggregate - Haaland wasn't one of those to get in on the action. On the flip side it may well make him hungry to change that fact this weekend.

Read more, here.

Double injury boost

Chelsea have released their latest injury update ahead of Mauricio Pochettino's press conference looking forward to the meeting with Manchester City on Sunday. The boss is set to explain the fitness of his squad in detail but the club have once more listed out the current absecentees.

After beating Tottenham on Monday there were still a few issues to be addressed with Reece James playing 75 minutes but not taking the call to be a part of Gareth Southgate's England squad. "I was hoping to call up Reece James but he doesn’t feel he’s quite ready," the manager explained on Thursday.

"I understand that, he’s had a long path back from a number of injuries. He’s probably a bit cautious in that respect, but I can understand why."

Read the full story, here.

Cucurella stance

"I'm not happy with my first season, but I can learn a lot, especially in the bad moments."

"I can learn when I need to manage the head because that is so important in football. Before I came here, I always played and played well and never had problems like this.

"But here when I came, I didn't play at my level, I'm a little bit frustrated and I can learn to manage this. Now I can show them that I'm very happy here and all the things I learnt last season, I can put here in this season.

"I think this season is better. I'm very good mentally and I think this is one of the important things because if you are good mentally and in your life, I think you can you can play better, you can help the team and you can enjoy this."

Wolves fixture statement

The Chelsea Supporters' Trust have shared details of a meeting with the Prmemier League and Wolves 1877 Trust:

The opposition to this fixture change was made clear 6 days before the final announcement, yet these concerns were consistently ignored by the Premier League. We are disappointed that our early request to reschedule the fixture was rejected. It is important to note Saturday, December 23 [20:00] is an available slot – but this was also refused.

Last season, 15.2m supporters attended Premier League matches – a new competition record. Despite these exceptional attendance figures, the Premier League has once again demonstrated that it will put the requirements of the broadcasters ahead of matchgoing supporters by breaking its own 28-year-old precedent and scheduling Wolves v Chelsea on Christmas Eve.

Our message is clear – stop treating matchgoing supporters with total disrespect. Decisions like these make a mockery of CEO Richard Master’s own words when he launched the league’s ‘Fan Engagement Standard, where he said:

“It is vital we ensure the voices of supporters are not only heard in the stands but also when it comes to having a say on key issues relating to their clubs.”

Fixture changes like these are key issues for all of us, and we must have a genuine say in decisions about them. Meaningful consultation only happens during the decision making process, the Premier League has failed to deliver against its own Fan Engagement Standard.

Decisions like these also risk stadia becoming lifeless, soulless, and without passion.

Our concerns that supporters were not at the forefront of the decision-making process were not allayed during our recent meeting. While the Premier League has acknowledged our views on this issue, we strongly urge officials to publicly address the very strong supporter concerns on scheduling and similar issues. A very clear behavioural shift is required.

A better balance between supporters inside the ground and fans watching on TV is required. This is the responsibility of all 20 Premier League Clubs and the Premier League itself.

England Under-21s squad

Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer are in the squad for Lee Carsley with Chelsea loanee Bashir Hunphreys also involved.

Ferguson contract

Reported Chelsea transfer target Evan Ferguson has signed a new contract with Brighton until 2029.

Head coach Roberto De Zerbi said, “Evan deserves this new contract and he has a very big future ahead of him.”

Technical director David Weir added, “Evan is a brilliant young talent and we are delighted for him.

“He’s shown his ability at club and international level, after breaking into the team at the start of the year, and we are looking forward to working with him and watching his continued progress.”

James warning

Reece James has been warned that his place at Euro 2024 is far from assured after he decided against accepting Gareth Southgate's England call-up for the November internationals. The Chelsea captain has only started three games this season, just two of those coming in the league, and won't be part of the Three Lions squad facing Malta and North Macedonia next week.

After two years full of injury setbacks and issues James has only made nine appearances for his country since Euro 2020 (played in 2021). In that time he has been ruled for 44 club games as well as missing the World Cup in 2022 after a knock picked up away at AC Milan in October last year.

Read the full story, here.

Toney warning

Glen Johnson has insisted that Chelsea should pay no more than £80million for Ivan Toney. The 27-year-old striker was heavily linked with an exit from Brentford at the end of last season but, after receiving an eight-month ban for breaching Football Association betting rules in the summer, a transfer collapsed.

In an interview with Betfred, the former Chelsea defender said: "It’s probably a case that that’s what they’re hoping for, opposed to what they’ll actually get for Ivan.

"Brentford know that they’re only going to get one chance to sell Ivan Toney and they will want to receive as much as they possibly can for him. I don’t think his price will drop too much because of the ban because it’s not as if Ivan’s been injured for the past six months.

"If it was an injury we were talking about, then Brentford surely couldn’t demand such a fee for Ivan. Once Ivan is match fit, then there will be no problems going forward but I still believe that £80million to £100million is too much for him anyway."

Fernandez boost

Chelsea fans can breathe a small sigh of relief ahead of welcoming league leaders Manchester City on Sunday as the third point of their key midfield axis looks set to be fit. After going off before the 65th minute against Tottenham, Enzo Fernandez was a noticeable absence in the centre of the park.

As most players appeared to panic for 15 minutes while Spurs' high-line spooked Chelsea's young side, Fernandez's composure and quality on the ball would have been quite the asset for springing the most springable of offside traps. As it happened, Mauricio Pochettino was made to go on without his keystone.

Fernandez, who is yet to really impact the team in terms of goals and output, has been one of the most reliable performers this season and regularly keeps things ticking over. He has formed a relationship alongside Conor Gallagher and Moises Caicedo that promises to be central - in more ways than on - to Pochettino's plans moving forward.

Read more here.

Bellingham comparison

Chelsea could have their own Jude Bellingham in their ranks, according to journalist Suleyman Ozturk.

Speaking to Voetbal Zone, Ozturk has claimed that Kendry Paez is the greatest talent in South America. “He is next level. I’ve really rarely seen that. Kendry Páez, and he has been signed by Chelsea. And that is the greatest talent in South America. I went to take a look at them to see who Chelsea actually signed.

“I just didn’t know what I saw. You have Bellingham, you have Zaire-Emery, but that Páez… He is next level. I really rarely have that. I once had it with Mbappé, during his Monaco days.

“And I have that with Páez too. That’s really not normal. You’ll just have to remember that name. These are boys who are 16, but they could also have been 26.

“You had that at Bellingham too. He was already a starter for England at the age of 17, and we thought that was normal at the time. But that is not entirely normal for a seventeen-year-old boy to be the boss in midfield. And that also applies to Páez, for example.”

Wonderkid battle

Liverpool are said to have joined the battle to sign Corinthians star Gabriel Moscardo. The wonderkid has been linked with a move to Chelsea and Arsenal in recent months.

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are prepared to go to battle with Barcelona and Chelsea for the Brazilian.

Chiesa interest

Sterling omission explained

England boss Gareth Southgate has denied claims that a breakdown in his relationship with Chelsea star Raheem Sterling is the reason behind the forward's exclusion from the Three Lions squad.

Sterling, 28, was left out of Southgate's squad for the upcoming European Championship qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia on Thursday. Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka were all named in England's squad, leaving no place for Sterling.

"The door is 100 per cent open not only for Raheem but also other players who aren't in this squad," he explained. "

Read what he had to say here

Good morning

Hello and welcome to today's dedicated live blog on football.london for all things Chelsea. Stay with us for regular updates throughout the day ahead of the Premier League clash with Manchester City this Sunday.