ROMAN ABRAMOVICH is conducting an auction for the sale of Chelsea after announcing he is parting company with the club.
And Turkish billionaire Muhsin Bayrak says he is in talks to buy the club, adding: "The Turkish flag will fly over London!"
But more surprisingly, UFC star Conor McGregor is said to be exploring a potential takeover of Chelsea by forming a consortium with other investors.
And Abramovich is said to have rejected a £2.5bn offer for the West Londoners.
And there are concerns that Wyss has little interest in football, only wants to buy the club to spite Abramovich and will not splash out on transfers the way the Russian has.
Follow ALL of the latest updates and transfer gossip from Stamford Bridge right here…
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- Justin Lawrence
Abramovich nearly brought Arsenal
Roman Abramovich could have bought Arsenal instead of Chelsea— but he was mistakenly warned off the Gunners by ignorant Swiss bankers.
The stunning revelations have been made in book, The Club, penned by two Wall Street Journal writers.
They spoke at length with executives from leading Premier League clubs.
The book claims in 2003, Abramovich hired Swiss bank UBS to examine the economics of English top-flight football.
One of its findings was that ‘Arsenal were categorically not for sale’.
The book also says former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein believed the club’s owners would have cashed in if Abramovich had offered.
- Justin Lawrence
McGregor ‘forms consortium’ to buy Chelsea
Conor McGregor has reportedly linked up with several other interested parties to make his dream of buying Chelsea come true.
McGregor's allegedly grouped with the owners of the Chicago Cubs MLB team and property mogul Nick Candy to form a consortium with the hopes of acquiring the Blues from Abramovich.
- Justin Lawrence
Death brawl on football pitch
Two people have been killed and more than 20 more taken to hospital after a bloody riot broke out during a Mexican football match between Queretaro and Atlas.
The brawls broke out about an hour into the top-flight clash at Corregidora Stadium on Saturday.
It was initially feared that multiple fans may have been killed after local reports in Mexico claimed as many as 17 were dead.
But officials from the Coordination of Civil Protection of the State of Querétaro later clarified that 22 people were transported to hospitals, with two in critical condition.
“The rest are stable. It should be mentioned that all of those injured are male and at this moment it’s been confirmed that four were from the state of Jalisco.”
- Justin Lawrence
Zinchenko's gratitude for Ukraine support
Oleksandr Zinchenko admits he breaks down in tears every time British schoolkids tell him they are praying for Ukraine.
Manchester City’s left-back expressed gratitude to his club and people of the UK for the support he has received since Russia invaded his homeland.
Zinchenko, who has won 48 caps for his country, said: “Even outside the club, when I am walking in the street, little guys who are maybe ten-years-old from school come to me and say ‘we are praying for your country.’ Tears come from my eyes straight away.
“Everyone in Ukraine feels all of the world is standing with us.”
- Justin Lawrence
Kante speaks on Abramovich's departure
Chelsea star N'Golo Kante admitted he and his team-mates were 'not prepared' for Roman Abramovich's shock departure statement.
The Frenchman told Sky Sports: "It’s something we were not prepared for, it came quickly.
"But the only thing we can do, because we don’t control these things, is to do the best that we have always done.
"Which means that playing football at the best [possible level], for us, for the club, for the fans and see how the things are going and it’s the only thing we can control.
"It’s sad to see things like this [the invasion of Ukraine]. We can hope that it finishes as quickly as possible and in the best way."
- Justin Lawrence
Ronaldo's jet-set lifestyle
Cristiano Ronaldo bought a Gulfstream G200 twin-engine jet in 2015 for £20million.
He and partner Georgina Rodriguez have been seen making the most of the luxury transport.
Originally named the 'Astra Galaxy', the G200 is capable of reaching a top speed of 560mph.
Its range is up to 3,910 miles with four passengers in tow, so it's ideal for quick flights from his new base in England to hubs around Europe.
But the G200 offers a generous seating configuration, and can fit as many as eight to 10 passengers for one flight.
- Justin Lawrence
Don't worry about it
Jack Grealish has been told by Pep Guardiola to stop being ‘stupid’ for worrying about his poor scoring record.
Guardiola said: “If he is frustrated about his number of goals, he is a stupid man.
“That is not necessary to be frustrated about scoring goals. He has to play, and play good and try to do his best, that’s all he has to do. If he scores a goal, good. If not, next game."
- Justin Lawrence
Keeping up with Jones
Man United are reportedly one of a host of clubs tracking Middlesbrough starlet Isaiah Jones.
The 22-year-old has gone from non-league unknown at Tooting & Mitchham to one of the Championship’s brightest stars in over the past two years.
Jones shone again last Tuesday at wing-back as Boro dumped Tottenham out of the FA Cup.
And 90 Min claims that his display led to Tottenham ‘asking to be kept informed’ over his future.
But United are allegedly ready to battle Spurs for any potential swoop should Chris Wilder’s side decide to cash-in.
- Gary Stonehouse
Morning footy fans
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has slammed his own fans for chanting Roman Abramovich’s name while Turf Moor paid tribute to Ukraine before their Premier League match.
“It’s not the moment to do this. Listen, if we show solidarity, we show solidarity, and we should do it together,” Tuchel said after the game.
“We take the knee together, and if an important person from our club or another club unfortunately dies, we show a minute of respect. It’s not the moment to give other messages. It’s the moment to show respect.
“We do this because this is what we are also as a club. We show respect as a club, and we need our fans to commit to this minute of applause.
“At this moment, we do it for Ukraine, and there is no second opinion about the situation there. They have our thoughts and our support. We should stand together as a club. It’s not the moment for other messages.”
Chelsea have reportedly set a transfer fee for on-loan striker Armando Broja.
The 20-year-old striker has scored nine times for Southampton this term, where he has been shining on the South Coast.
And his form has alerted Arsenal and West Ham to his potential availability.
Now, Tuttomercatoweb claim the Blues are willing to accept offers in the region of £58million for the Albanian international.
- Jon Boon
Pep wants huge striker
Pep Guardiola told Manchester City they must splash the cash on a striker this summer.
The Etihad club are desperate to snap up a forward with long-term targets Harry Kane and Erling Haaland top of the wishlist.
City boss Guardiola was knocked back four times last summer for England captain Kane, with Spurs demanding £160million.
But the Spaniard, who has hinted to stay beyond 2023 when his contract is due to run out, said any forward planning must include a top goalscorer.
He said: "I think the club needs a striker. Definitely."
- Jon Boon
Teen wonderkid Stones chase on
Wigan and Blackburn are checking out Guiseley teenager Josh Stones.
The striker, 18, is catching the eye in the National League North after only signing his first pro deal in October.
Stones has made 11 appearances so far this term, scoring once.
But he could now be set for a stunning move up the leagues, with Wigan and Blackburn both keen.
Stones was promoted to Guiseley’s first team earlier this season.
That’s after he netted nine times in just five games for their youth side.
- Jon Boon
Eagles join Kamara hunt
Crystal Palace have joined the race to sign Marseille's Boubacar Kamara.
The midfield enforcer, 22, is a free agent this summer and has already held talks with Newcastle and West Ham.
Manchester United were also linked with a cut-price move in January.
Kamara's salary demands are huge but the Eagles’ ambitious backer John Textor is ready to splash the cash to build on a good campaign under boss Patrick Vieira.
Palace are also tracking Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez, 24.
The Mexico star is first choice but his £30million-plus price tag might mean Palace focus on Frenchman Kamara, even though his wages will be higher.
- Jon Boon
Tammy to the rescue
Tammy Abraham was the difference for Roma – scoring the winner against Atalanta in Serie A.
The win kept Jose Mourinho's side in the hunt for a Champions League place.
Afterwards, Abraham revealed his delight playing for the Italian club.
“I’m loving AS Roma – I give my best for this club, they trusted me in difficult moment of my career and lifted me up," he said as per Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
"I enjoy my time here, I feel like home”.
- Jon Boon
Hammers chase Lille wonderkid
West Ham are after Lille midfield star Amadou Onana.
Hammers boss David Moyes checked out the Belgian, 20, in last month’s Champions League clash at Chelsea.
Lille will want £20million plus for their man.
But Moyes has cash to spend on the powerful young prospect.
The French side have brought Onana into their squad this term after signing him last year.
He spent his youth career in Germany and made his professional debut for Hamburg in September 2020.
And the Hammers are keen to land Onana at this early stage rather than wait for his price to rocket as he develops further.
- Jon Boon
Tuchel slams fans
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has slammed his own fans for chanting Roman Abramovich's name while Turf Moor paid tribute to Ukraine before their Premier League match.
Abramovich is selling the Blues after a backlash following Russia's invasion of the Ukraine, with the sporting world supporting the victims.
But a section of the away fans interrupted the sign of the respect ahead of the game by signing their owners' name instead of clapping.
"It's not the moment to do this. Listen, if we show solidarity, we show solidarity, and we should do it together," Tuchel said after the game.
"We take the knee together, and if an important person from our club or another club unfortunately dies, we show a minute of respect. It's not the moment to give other messages. It's the moment to show respect.
"We do this because this is what we are also as a club. We show respect as a club, and we need our fans to commit to this minute of applause.
"At this moment, we do it for Ukraine, and there is no second opinion about the situation there. They have our thoughts and our support. We should stand together as a club. It's not the moment for other messages."
- Jon Boon
Havertz praises Tuchel
Kai Havertz has heaped praise on Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel after the German manager masterminded four second-half goals at Turf Moor.
The Blues came out a different side after the break and eased to a 4-0 win following a lacklustre first half display.
After the game, Havertz said: "We're very pleased. The result is very good for us. We needed these goals and the clean sheet.
"It was difficult, especially in the first half. It was important that we scored early in the second half.
"We switched our formation a little bit [at half-time] – I think that helped us. Reece’s goal was brilliant and it helped us a lot. We’re pleased about these four goals.
"The confidence is there. I think after the loss in the Carabao Cup final it was a little bit hard to come back, but we showed great character in the FA Cup.
"The first six months of the year were hard, especially the winter when we had a lot of injuries. We’re on a good run again and we want to keep that going."
- Jon Boon
Broja transfer scramble
Chelsea have reportedly set a transfer fee for on-loan striker Armando Broja.
The 20-year-old striker as scored nine times for Southampton this term, where he has been shining on the South Coast.
And his form has alerted Arsenal and West Ham to his potential availability.
Now, Tuttomercatoweb claim the Blues are willing to accept offers in the region of £58million for the Albanian international.
- Jon Boon
Havertz the hero
In what was a week to forget for Chelsea, Kai Havertz was the Blues hero in a 4-0 defeat of Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday.
The German midfielder hit a quick-fire double to put the game out of reach for the hosts.
And he was delighted with his two strikes, as per an interview with the BBC.
"It’s always very difficult when you don’t score, but these goals help," he said.
"Sometimes you have to wait a bit to get them. I always want more and more."
Havertz also reserved praise for Reece James, who opened the scoring for the visitors.
"He’s a special player for us, a very important player for us," Havertz continued.
"He’s a full-back, but he also scores. He’s a great character and a very good player."
- Jon Boon
Declan Rice blow
West Ham will face off against Liverpool at Anfield in the Saturday evening kick off, but will be without talisman Declan Rice.
The team news has revealed that the England midfielder is missing from the squad after reportedly coming down with illness before the game.
Here's how the Hammers will line up.
- Jon Boon
Liverpool team news
The Reds are facing West Ham in the 5:30pm kick off at Anfield.
And the team news is in for Liverpool. Here's how they will line-up
- Jon Boon
Xavi confident on Haaland transfer
Barcelona boss Xavi is confident his club can secure the signature of Erling Haaland.
The former Spanish midfielder has lifted Barca into the top four in the LaLiga table after a disastrous start to the season.
And as they look to secure Champions League qualification for the 2022/23 campaign, they have been linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund superstar Haaland.
Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea are among the other European giants interested in bringing the 21-year-old Norwegian in.
And a deal for Haaland becomes even more enticing when you consider he has a release clause of £64million.
Yet despite the widespread monitoring of the young striker, Xavi cut a confident figure when asked about a possible transfer.
He said: "I haven't seen a player yet who doesn't want to sign for Barca. Everyone is excited to come to Barca.
"Then it depends on clauses and more, but no one is turning down Barca."
- Justin Lawrence
Christensen's transfer situation
Andreas Christensen has turned down offers from English clubs out of 'respect' for Chelsea, according to reports.
The Dane's Stamford Bridge contract is set to expire this summer, putting a number of clubs on red alert.
The defender's potential suitors include some of Chelsea's Premier League rivals.
But according to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Christensen isn't considering offers from England because of his loyalty to his current employers.
Rather than staying in the Prem, the 25-year-old is edging towards a move to Barcelona.
Romano describes the agreement as being 'really close' – with a meeting scheduled for next week to iron out the final details.
- Justin Lawrence
Chelsea fans chant for Abramovich
Chelsea fans marred a standing ovation in support of victims of the Ukraine invasion by chanting for Roman Abramovich.
All Premier League supporters were asked to rise and applaud in a show of solidarity just before the kick offs this weekend.
Hoardings around the ground were switched to blue and yellow, the colours of the Ukraine flag, throughout the minute’s ovation.
Yet Chelsea supporters opted to chant the name of Russian owner Abramovich instead – which was met with a chorus of boos from the other three sections of the ground.
They continued to belt out their support for him at various times throughout the game…and on each occasion Clarets supporters reacted with boos.
- Justin Lawrence
Terry hits back at MP
John Terry has hit back at Labour MP Chris Bryant after the Chelsea legend came under fire for his tribute to Roman Abramovich.
Terry seethed on Twitter: "The same MP that claimed fortunes in expenses of the tax payers money.
"Also the same MP who voted that we invade Iraq," followed by a clown emoji.
- Justin Lawrence
Higuain comes under fire
Gonzalo Higuain has been labelled 'pathetic' and 'terrible' by a fellow MLS star.
The Argentine veteran drew a blank in Inter Miami's season opener against the Chicago Fire this week.
And his 'negative' body language has been savaged by Chicago ace Fabian Hebers.
Hebers fumed: "F*** that guy, man.
"This guy is so pathetic. Obviously, he's a presence on the field and every time a team-mate of his makes a wrong pass or something or doesn't pass the ball exactly to him, he's just standing there looking in a negative mood.
"His body language is just terrible. I wouldn't want to be a team-mate of his. I'm over it. F*** that guy. I want nothing, no part of it."
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