Latest news with #Blues
Metro
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Metro
Chelsea learn price after 'fresh talks' to sign Arsenal & Liverpool target
Chelsea have discovered what it would take to sign Jorrel Hato after opening fresh talks to sign the young Ajax defender. The Blues have set out their stall in the summer transfer market, bringing in Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr for a combined fee of around £190million. But Stamford Bridge bosses are determined to further strengthen Enzo Maresca's squad and attentions have turned to bringing in defensive reinforcements, as well as a high-class replacement for the error-prone Robert Sanchez. Widespread reports earlier this summer suggested Chelsea had made initial enquiries to gauge Hato's potential availability on the back of the left-back's outstanding season with Ajax. Hato – a product of Ajax's academy – made 50 appearances in all competitions for his boyhood club last term and the 19-year-old's stellar performances across the campaign saw him win the Eredivisie Talent of the Season award. Premier League giants Liverpool and Arsenal have also been credited with a strong interest in the highly rated teenager, who has already been capped six times the Dutch national team. According to talkSPORT, Chelsea have held fresh discussions since their initial round of talks and Hato's versatility is said to be hugely appealing to the Club World Cup winners – with the full-back also comfortable playing at centre-half. The report claims Ajax have been quoting potential suitors a price of £60million for Hato, but the Eredivisie outfit could be prepared to do business should they receive an offer of just £40m. Hato's current contract with Ajax runs through to June 2028. In an interview with Ajax's official website last month, Hato opened up on the goals and ambitions he wanted to achieve in his career. However, the youngster was keen to stress that he still had plenty to learn, while declaring that Ajax still felt like 'home'. 'The smartest thing is to look ahead to pre-season, that's what I do,' he said. 'Of course you want to achieve things in the end: the Champions League, a World Cup and a European Championship, I still have plenty of time. I don't think I absolutely have to win the Champions League in two years. 'In the Dutch league, you have to show how good you are against the big clubs. Ultimately, I have to continue to develop the things I am already good at, so that it becomes top. 'How do I describe my time at Ajax? Ajax is home for me. I just feel at home here.'
New York Times
8 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
McTavish an offer sheet candidate, Canes should let Ehlers cook: NHL offseason notebook
The threat of an offer sheet didn't carry much weight in recent years, until last summer. Aside from some sparks between the Canadiens and Hurricanes, first over Sebastian Aho (whose offer sheet was matched by Carolina) and then Jesperi Kotkanemi (who left Montreal for Carolina), there hasn't been much traction on that front in the last 10 years. Advertisement And then the Blues disrupted the norm last summer, with not one but two offer sheets targeting the Oilers. Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg emerged as key players in St. Louis and helped fuel their turnaround. Their success was a reminder of the power of an offer sheet. It's a mechanism that can give a team with draft capital and cap space a competitive advantage if general managers are willing to rattle their opponents. Many wondered if the Blues would inspire a new trend and willingness to shake up the restricted free agent class. Whether it was the threat of an offer sheet or general managers wanting a better salary cap picture ahead of free agency, teams got to work earlier on RFA extensions this summer. The Maple Leafs locked up Matthew Knies early. Edmonton extended Evan Bouchard, and the Rangers re-signed Will Cuylle. JJ Peterka, Noah Dobson, and K'Andre Miller have all been traded and extended by their respective new teams. And then more names, including Lukas Dostal, Bowen Byram, and Gabriel Vilardi, came off the board when players (and teams) elected for arbitration. Before general managers start daydreaming early about a stacked 2026 class of RFAs, there are still a few offer sheet-eligible players worth keeping an eye on this summer. That list starts with Mason McTavish. Unlike Edmonton last summer, the Ducks have a ton of cap space at their disposal to easily match any offer thrown McTavish's way. So a mid-tier deal won't fly. An offer has to have some oomph behind it — at least to a tune of a $7.02 million cap hit — to stump Anaheim. Via Puckpedia The Ducks don't need the draft pick compensation associated with the higher tiers. Their pipeline is stocked, and eventually Anaheim needs to turn those picks and young up-and-comers into actual NHLers to turn the corner. That's why keeping McTavish makes the most sense, especially after moving on from Trevor Zegras. But on the flip side, the Ducks may not want to make a commitment of that magnitude just yet. McTavish hasn't established himself as a true top-six center yet, and some of his comps, like Max Comtois, Max Domi, and Casey Mittelstadt, add some question marks on just how much substance there is in his game. As much as the Ducks have short- and long-term financial flexibility, management still may not want to clog up the books too early with a hefty McTavish extension. Anyone willing to roll the dice on McTavish has to see a little Dylan Strome in him — a late-bloomer who needs the right opportunity. For some eligible teams, like the Canadiens, Bruins, Flames, and Red Wings, it's worth throwing a dart this summer. At worst, it rattles Pat Verbeek in Anaheim, who easily matches an offer. At best, it lands a team a 22-year-old center who could thrive in a new environment. Advertisement Speaking of unsigned RFAs, there's Luke Hughes in New Jersey. Unlike McTavish, he isn't offer sheet eligible, so there isn't that same pressure on the Devils to get a deal done sooner rather than later. But his extension could have a domino effect on the Devils' roster, depending on what he signs for. Evolving-Hockey projects a six-year deal worth $7.52 million a year. It's a contract that projects to age well, if he follows the path of comps Seth Jones and Noah Hanifin (and not Tyson Barrie or Dmitry Kulikov). A contract of that value could lead to some subtractions to balance the books. The easy answer is flipping the last two years of Ondrej Palat's contract. But management could consider a bolder change on the blue line, too. If Seamus Casey or Simon Nemec look ready for a full-time NHL role, their entry-level contracts would help offset Hughes' extension. But someone would have to step out of the starting six. That's why Dougie Hamilton's name has surfaced this summer; as of July 1, he officially has a modified no-trade clause (instead of a full NMC), which could help facilitate a change. Hughes proved in Hamilton's absence that he could quarterback the top power play unit and be a two-way difference in key minutes. It just depends on whether there is a market for the last three years of Hamilton's contract. A potential Hamilton trade is easier said than done because the defense market has been in a bit of a standstill, hinging on Bowen Byram. The Sabres were prepared to match any offer sheets for Byram, but took away that option after filing for arbitration. Then on Monday night, Buffalo extended the RFA for two years, at $6.25 million a year.. Evolving-Hockey projected a longer-term extension — an eight-year deal worth almost $8 million a year on average. While a contract of that length could have opened the door to long-term savings, it was a risky play. As is, a $6.25 million cap hit is pricey relative to two-year projections and his market value. Byram showed in Colorado that he can crush third pair minutes. In Buffalo, he looks like somewhat of a passenger in a top-four capacity. While he isn't expected to be the driver of a pair with Rasmus Dahlin, his struggles away from the Sabres' number one sparked some concern. Maybe he just looked that exposed due to who he paired up with, otherwise. Until there is clarity on his true ability, the team can't afford to potentially overpay Byram, not with lefties Dahlin and Owen Power already locked up long-term. A short-term contract lets Byram show exactly what he is capable of — and whether he can follow the path of comps like Brandon Montour, Ryan Pulock, and Travis Sanheim, or if he is destined to be the next Jamie McBain or Zach Bogosian. But it's far from a perfect solution for either side because Byram's value could tank over the next two years. The Sabres could also lose him for nothing, since this contract walks him to unrestricted free agency. So while this contract can quiet some trade buzz, it won't outright silence it. Because if the Sabres decide he isn't a long-term fit, management is officially on the clock to find a trade partner to ensure he doesn't leave for nothing. The team could take a more aggressive approach and use this contract as cost certainty for interested teams. A potential match like the Blues, who have an opening after waiving Nick Leddy, no longer has to worry about acquiring Byram and signing him for maximum value this summer. Advertisement After trading Cody Ceci last year at the deadline, trading Henry Thrun, and buying out Marc-Edouard Vlasic, the Sharks needed two things: bodies on the backend and more salary to reach the cap floor. Two free agent signings (Dmitry Orlov, John Klingberg) and a waiver claim (Leddy) brought in three NHL-caliber defensemen and $12.5 million in cap space. With those additions and Shakir Mukhamadullin pushing for a mainstay role at the NHL level, the Sharks can consider a Mario Ferraro trade. Ferraro has a year left on his contract and could also be packaged as a deadline rental in March. But teams would likely jump at the chance to add a 26-year-old with a $3.25 million cap hit, especially after defensive prices spiked this summer. That cap hit comes in clutch for an acquiring team and San Jose; the Sharks should be able to save their last retention slot for the deadline to get maximum value on one of those newly-added veteran defensemen. The Rangers could still use help on the left behind free agent signing Vladislav Gavrikov. If Byram is off the trade block, the Blues should be in the market for a lefty, too. The Jets may want a third-pair upgrade. The Red Wings' depth is far from perfect. The demand should be there, as long as teams are willing to gamble on a Ferraro glow-up outside of a challenging environment in San Jose, similar to Hampus Lindholm when he left Anaheim for Boston. As much demand as there could be for a lefty like Ferraro, the right side is a coveted position. That could benefit the Devils if Hamilton officially goes on the trade block and the Penguins, who could flip the last two years of Erik Karlsson's contract. But Rasmus Andersson doesn't come with that same baggage, since he only takes up $4.55 million on the cap for another year. As the offseason market has evolved, the number of landing spots for Andersson has dwindled. But there are still teams seeking right-handed reinforcements. If the Stars or Lightning can clear space, Andersson could be a solid fit for either team. The Red Wings need a lot more help on the right than on the left. The Bruins' depth is still suspect. But the Golden Knights still look like the strongest fit, considering the Alex Pietrangelo situation and Andersson's chemistry with Noah Hanifin. Add in Andersson's willingness to extend there, which can help juice the Flames return, and it could all click — if Vegas can clear space for this year, and beyond. After Andersson's current contract expires, he is in for a raise. Evolving-Hockey projects something in the $8 million range. Even if the Golden Knights can get him to something more team-friendly, it will still take some maneuvering for Vegas, as it coincides with Jack Eichel and Pavel Dorofeyev also needing new deals. Advertisement The Penguins recently absorbed Matt Dumba's cap hit from Dallas and can afford to take on more. So can the Blackhawks, Flames, Blue Jackets, and Kraken. The Ducks and Sharks outright need to add more salary. There should be a handful of buyers with space, because teams outside of the playoff picture were a bit less active in free agency this year. So the Golden Knights, and other contenders looking to shed contracts, should be able to move salary out if necessary. The goalie market seriously underwhelmed this summer, which added some intrigue to a potential trade candidate in Arturs Silovs. Between his waiver-exemption ending and the Canucks extending Thatcher Demko a year early, it seemed like his time in the organization was coming to an end. Over the last couple of seasons, he put in the work to raise his stock, between his experience at the NHL level and in the 2024 playoffs and his recent MVP honors after winning the Calder Cup with Abbotsford. The Penguins, before acquiring Silovs on Sunday, didn't need a third goalie. Joel Blomqvist looks poised to play more, plus Tristan Jarry has another three years on his contract. With Silovs, Pittsburgh has a less-than-desirable three-goalie situation to navigate — unless another skate is about to drop. Pittsburgh has all three salary retention slots open, so management can afford to commit one to Jarry for the next three years in the right trade. The problem is that he is incredibly streaky, so that multi-year commitment could still be dicey. Just take his swing from saving 12.4 goals above expected in 51 games in 2023-24, to last year's lows that saw him spending time in the AHL. And he doesn't have much pedigree, either. So while the Oilers seem like an obvious target considering their unstable crease, Jarry might only add to that volatility. The Hurricanes' system is both a blessing and a curse, in some ways. Few teams have managed to turn a playing style into an outright identity and maintain it despite roster turnover. But sometimes, that system can also bite the Canes when there isn't a willingness to depart from it. As much as the Canes have a knack for maximizing players within their system, not everyone fits perfectly. Mikko Rantanen didn't. Neither did Marty Necas. So when those situations arise, the question is whether the player should change their game to blend in more or if the coaches should let those players color outside the lines. The answer can be somewhere in the middle, as long as it doesn't suppress what someone like Nikolaj Ehlers can bring to the lineup. Do your thing, Ehlers 👀 📺: Jets vs. Panthers on SNW📲: Stream on Sportsnet+ — Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 17, 2024 Ehlers is a dynamic and creative forward who can electrify a team's offense. It's exactly what a team like the Hurricanes needs, around staples like Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis, and Logan Stankoven, who are perfect stylistic fits. But Ehlers' game does carry some risk, which could be why he was rarely deployed like a true top-line talent in Winnipeg. So will Rod Brind'Amour and the Canes' staff embrace all that Ehlers brings, and allow him to go against the grain from the standard that's been set? It could be the key to adding some dimension to Carolina's quintessential style. Data via Evolving-Hockey, HockeyViz, HockeyStatCards, All Three Zones, TheStanleyCap, and Natural Stat Trick. This story relies on shot-based metrics; here is a primer on these numbers. (Top photo of Mason McTavish: Gary A. Vasquez / Imagn Images)
Evening Standard
8 hours ago
- Business
- Evening Standard
Noni Madueke: Arsenal FC shirt number options as imminent £52m signing could follow in Thierry Henry's footsteps
The Spaniard is set to be joined in N5 by Madueke after Arsenal struck an agreement with the Blues to sign the England international in a deal that could be worth up to £52m if certain add-ons are met.
Metro
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Metro
Alan Shearer rates Chelsea title chances and predicts £48m star will leave
Alan Shearer has credited Enzo Maresca with doing a 'magnificent' job at Chelsea and believes the club have to be considered a genuine Premier League title contender for next season. The Blues picked up where they left off after ending last season on an almighty high, sweeping aside Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday's one-sided Club World Cup final to secure a second trophy in the space of just two months. Stamford Bridge bosses have also put down a marker in what has been a busy start to the transfer window, with Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr signing on the dotted line in west London. Finding a high-class goalkeeper to replace Robert Sanchez remains a priority for the summer, while the likes of Noni Madueke, Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix and Axel Disasi could all be set for the exit door over the coming weeks. There were some doubts amongst the fanbase as Chelsea experienced a drastic decline in results across a difficult winter period last season, in which Maresca's men went on a miserable run of just three wins in 12 matches. Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro's Football Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link we'll send you so we can get football news tailored to you. But just six months on, there are plenty of reasons for supporters to be cheerful again – and legendary ex-England striker Shearer is backing the club to be a genuine force when the Premier League returns. 'I think it would take a very, very brave person to say that Chelsea would not be involved in the title hunt next year because of what they've achieved this season, what they've just achieved [winning the Club World Cup], who they've signed, who they will sign,' Shearer said on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football. 'I think you have to say that they will be involved in the title race.' Ignoring Chelsea's dip midway through last season, Shearer was been massively impressed with the club's transformation since Maresca took over the reins from Mauricio Pochettino. Reflecting on Chelsea's 3-0 win over PSG, Shearer said: 'It was a masterclass from Maresca because PSG went in, their football has worked all season and why not? Why should they change anything? 'But I think the little tweaks from Maresca, they're pressing high and all those things, and I just think it worked perfectly for them and he deserves huge credit, not only for the job he's done in this competition, but for the whole season. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 'I don't think anyone knew what to expect because you know what happens at Chelsea, it's happened before: if you don't win things, you know exactly what happens. 'You're in there for a reason and know how it's going to work. 'He's done a magnificent job, he really has.' Speaking ahead of the Club World Cup final, Shearer predicted Nicolas Jackson's days at Chelsea were numbered following the recent arrivals on Delap and Pedro from Ipswich and Brighton respectively. The former Newcastle forward reiterated his point once again after Chelsea's triumph in New Jersey, saying he wouldn't be shocked if the club had already been offering the Senegalese out to rival teams. It's understood Chelsea would be prepared to do business for Jackson should they receive an offer of €55-60million (£48-52m) this summer. He added: 'As soon as Pedro came in and scored the two goals and Delap's already there, if there's one person that's going to be shifted out then my guess it would be Jackson. 'It wouldn't surprise me if they've already offered him to other football clubs and they've enquired about it.' According to Shearer, Cole Palmer was the 'pick of the bunch' after scoring twice and assisting Pedro to put Chelsea out of sight against PSG at MetLife Stadium. 'To do it on that stage, to do it against those players who have been magnificent, PSG, and basically dominated Europe for the year…' Shearer – the Premier League's all-time top scorer – said of Palmer's performance. 'We've spoken so much about PSG's midfield and everything else and how brilliant some of their players have been and rightly so, but he [Palmer] was the pick of the bunch by an absolute mile. 'I thought he was absolutely outstanding.' Will Chelsea challenge for the title next season? For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Arsenal star Leandro Trossard responds to Bayern Munich transfer approach MORE: Gary Lineker tops BBC salary list again with over £1,300,000 paycheck after controversial exit MORE: Man Utd consider surprise move for Chelsea star with Liverpool also admirers
Daily Mirror
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Chelsea lifted fake Club World Cup trophy and Donald Trump is to blame
US President Donald Trump caught the eye following the Club World Cup final as he stuck around for Chelsea's celebrations with the tournament trophy after presenting the award Donald Trump made sure he was a firm part of Chelsea's trophy celebrations after they won the Club World Cup in the United States on Sunday. And the nation's President has revealed the Blues were not even parading the original tournament's trophy as it's actually in his possession. Enzo Maresca's side put in an impressive display to spring a shock victory of Paris Saint-Germain as they pulled off a 3-0 win at the MetLife Stadium. A Cole Palmer brace and goal from Joao Pedro handed Chelsea success in the global tournament as Trump watched on alongside FIFA chief Gianni Infantino in the stands. And the businessman-turned-politician was on duty to hand out awards on Sunday, ahead of the US hosting the World Cup in 12 months time. Trump was not about to miss out on a photograph opportunity as he lingered when Chelsea prepared to raise the trophy for the first time. It has emerged that Reece James was only handed an imitation of the original piece of silverware however. Trump revealed he was gifted the award to keep at the Whitehouse. Speaking in an interview with DAZN, Trump said: 'They said, 'Could you hold this trophy for a little while?' We put it in the Oval Office. 'Then I said, 'When are you going to pick up the trophy?' He says, 'We're never going to pick it up. You can have it forever in the Oval Office. We're making a new one.' 'And they actually made a new one. So that was quite exciting. It's in the Oval right now.' Members of Chelsea's squad were left perplexed by Trump's continued presence as they lifted the trophy, as the bizarre visual was broadcast around the world. "They told me that he was going to present the trophy and then exit the stage. I thought that he was going to exit the stage but he wanted to stay," Blues captain James said of the situation. Asked what Trump said to him, the academy product added: "To be honest, it was quite loud. I couldn't hear too much. "He just congratulated me and the team for lifting the trophy and told us to enjoy the moment." Man-of-the-match Palmer, who was also awarded the player of the tournament by Trump, was equally caught off guard. "I knew he was going to be here but I didn't know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy," he said. "I was a bit confused, yes." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
