Chelsea

Minute-by-minute report: Will Nottingham Forest start the year in positive fashion against Chelsea? Join Rob Smyth to find out.

[Chelsea](https://www.theguardian.com/football/chelsea) both move up a place, to 18th and 8th respectively. Boly won the second ball and headed it towards Aurier, lurking with intent on the left side of the six-yard box. 67 min Forest have been outstanding since the break – and they’ve shown that they have more than one way to skin a defence. 75 min “Donut Mystery,” is the subject of Joe Pearson’s email (and the name of my solo jazztronica project). “I think the word in question (58 min) is ‘gogosar’. 68 min Lodi’s awkward cross is controlled superbly by Awoniyi at the near post, but he then mishits a left-footed shot. They certainly don’t look right at the moment, and it’s slightly strange to think that they are the current world club champions because they are palpably in transition. 87 min Gibbs-White, such a classy, elusive player, slips Gallagher neatly in midfield to lead another Forest break. Chelsea started well and scored through Raheem Sterling, but they struggled to live with Forest’s greater intensity in the second half and Serge Aurier’s equaliser was well deserved. We’ve started the year well and now we have to continue to fight together to stay in the Premier League. But the summer was the summer and you have to look at where we are now. The manager told us at half-time to believe in ourselves a bit more.

Chelsea have agreed a £35m deal to sign Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile; the 21-year-old will undergo a medical with the Blues on Monday; Badiashile has ...

I thought it may stop a little, it looks like Todd Boehly is scouting the air for players and I expect them to be busy." It seems to take me back to when Roman Abramovich first came in and I thought with him leaving the club, it might be the end of that. I wouldn't say he's as 'Premier League ready' as some of the players we've seen come from France to Premier League sides in the past.

Chelsea dropped more points in their quest to climb back up the Premier League standings as Serge Aurier earned Nottingham Forest a 1-1 draw with Graham ...

"We're in control of our destiny and we have to keep building." They nearly broke the deadlock in just the second minute as Mason Mount fired over from a good position. The second half we didn't control it well enough."

After the anomaly of a mid-season 'pre-season', new Chelsea manager Graham Potter can now shape the Blues squad in his image during the January transfer ...

However, a sharp downturn in form before the World Cup break means Potter and new owner Todd Boehly probably have more work on their hands than they bargained for - especially after the lavish summer outlay on the likes of Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana. Having already had the unusual benefit of a six-week period to work closely with those players who were not involved in the World Cup in Qatar, away from scrutiny and the public eye, recently-appointed Chelsea manager Graham Potter now has an opportune transfer window to fine tune his squad.

Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement with Monaco to sign Benoit Badiashile, with the Frenchman now set to complete a £34 million move.

[GOAL understands that Chelsea are also close](https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/chelsea-near-deal-to-sign-brazilian-wonderkid-andrey-santos-from-vasco-da-gama/blta1f824bb25beb86e) to finalising a £12m deal with Vasco da Gama for Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos. The centre-back was left out of Monaco's squad to face Brest in Ligue 1 on New Year's Day as officials from Chelsea continue to work on the transfer. [The Athletic](https://twitter.com/David_Ornstein/status/1609493545374588930), the two clubs have reached a "total agreement" for the transfer of the 21-year-old, and Chelsea are now scheduling his medical ahead of an official announcement.

Chelsea lost more ground in the race for the top four as they dropped points in a entertaining draw with Nottingham Forest to start 2023.

Forest showed excellent grit and determination to stay in the game, [ and drew level an hour in courtesy of a poacher's finish from Serge Aurier](https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/aurier-volleys-nottingham-forest-level-against-chelsea/blt3bf8e976ce0367c1). The attacker caused Kalidou Koulibaly all sorts of problems today, however, providing a constant threat to the right hand side of Chelsea's defence. [Willy Boly scorpion kicked the ball onto his own bar for Raheem Sterling to tap in](https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/watch-sterling-tap-in-gives-chelsea-lead-nottingham-forest/blt8a8fddb030aed9c0).

Lukaku wants permanent Inter transfer · Hints Tuchel issue led to summer loan · Set to return to Serie A action.

He has appeared in only five matches for Inter, scoring twice, and clocked just 54 minutes for Belgium at the 2022 World Cup as his team crashed out of the group stage. But we need to find a way with Chelsea." The 29-year-old also appeared to confirm that his initial exit from Chelsea came as a result of an issue with the club's former manager Thomas Tuchel.

Chelsea's spluttering Premier League campaign took a turn for the worse as Serge Aurier's equaliser gave lowly Nottingham Forest a 1-1 draw on Sunday.

It was Sterling's first league goal since August and only the sixth in all competitions for the England forward since his close-season move from Manchester City. Chelsea are languishing in eighth place after failing to win for the sixth time in their last seven league games. But Ivory Coast right-back Aurier levelled after the break and Chelsea were fortunate to escape without an embarrassing defeat after Forest dominated for long spells in the second half.

Chelsea were lucky to leave City Ground with a point as the visitors struggled to deal with the physicality of Nottingham Forest in a 1-1 draw.

[Cesar Azpilicueta](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/97770/César-Azpilicueta), 5 -- Put in a great block to deny [Morgan Gibbs-White](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/243396/Morgan-Gibbs-White) and had a shot of his own from range deflected wide. [Kepa Arrizabalaga](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/169532/Kepa-Arrizabalaga), 7 -- Stood up well to save Johnson's shot after the [Wales](/soccer/team?id=578) international had broken through. Made a fairly comfortable save to deny [Taiwo Awoniyi](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/194686/Taiwo-Awoniyi), then denied Johnson again moments later. Struggled in the second half as he couldn't keep up with Johnson when he ran behind, then got booked for a foul on [Renan Lodi](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/245858/Renan-Lodi). [Raheem Sterling](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/156366/Raheem-Sterling) opened the scoring in the 16th minute, after a ball contested by [Willy Boly](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/152349/Willy-Boly) and [Kai Havertz](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/231182/Kai-Havertz) came back off the woodwork and fell to the feet of the [England](/soccer/team?id=448) international to tap in, although the Blues were unable to build on that momentum. Hit a weak shot from a promising position and was outjumped by Boly for the equaliser. Was dispossessed by Boly then gave away a free kick on the edge of his own box as he faded out of the game. Made a great block to deny Gibbs-White. [Serge Aurier](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/143576/Serge-Aurier) equalised shortly after the hour mark, and the visitors were forced to settle for a point, which leaves them eighth in the [Premier League](/soccer/league/_/name/eng.1) table. His triple change shifted the momentum again, but it wasn't enough to earn a winner. There were periods when it was far too easy for the hosts to break forward and get behind Chelsea's defence, with the second half being especially concerning as Forest eventually got level. Chelsea built up some lovely passages of play from the very beginning, even if they didn't always lead to goal-scoring opportunities.

Nottingham Forest have released a statement regarding alleged 'offensive' chanting from their fans during the 1-1 draw against Chelsea.

[The chant in question](https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/chelsea-rent-boys-chant-football-homophobia-racism/blt3e65d03245f74fa5) has been heard around English stadiums for a number of years, despite attempts by the footballing authorities to stop it. The incident was reported and Forest subsequently released a statement via their Twitter account. During the first half of Nottingham Forest's draw against Chelsea, some supporters at the City Ground broke out into homophobic chanting in response to going behind to a Raheem Sterling strike.

NOTTINGHAM, England (AP) — Nottingham Forest gave its Premier League survival hopes a boost with a 1-1 draw against Chelsea, whose troubles on the road ...

A deserved leveler came in the 63rd from an unlikely source as Aurier scored his first goal since January 2021. Forest started the second half well and had a chance just four minutes in. Sterling was waiting eagerly to fire home the rebound for his first Premier League goal since August.

Nottingham Forest drew 1-1 with Chelsea at the City Ground but might have taken all three points after dominating the second half of an absorbing game.

Aurier pokes home after Boly heads a corner to him on the edge of the six-yard box. The technique for his volley against the bar was exquisite and deserved more luck. A ball-controlling central midfielder in the transfer window would be ideal but even with the current playing squad, Steve Cooper will feel he has enough to save the team from relegation back to the Championship.

Chelsea had to settle for a point in a game of two very different halves on our first Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest for nearly 24 years.

It was a composed strike to end his wait for a Premier League goal, having not found the net in that competition since the end of August. A busy start to the year means Chelsea are back in action in a mouthwatering double header in four days' time. Pulisic did well to play a quick one-two and beat his man with skill out on the left to make space to deliver a cross towards Havertz at the near post. As Morgan Gibbs-White lifted the ball over our defence on the halfway line, it allowed Brennan Johnson’s pace to take him clear between Thiago Silva and Cucurella. The Blues seemed eager to make up for lost time as we started on the front foot, with Mount smartly bringing down a ball over the top from Kalidou Koulibaly, but he couldn’t find the target with his powerful shot. However, things were very different after the break, as Nottingham Forest came out for the second half looking like a completely different team and determined to find an equaliser.

Chelsea are languishing in eighth place after failing to win for the sixth time in their last seven league games.

It was Sterling's first league goal since August and only the sixth in all competitions for the England forward since his close-season move from Manchester City. But while it is surely too early for Potter to be worried about losing the first high-pressure job of his career, the 47-year-old needs an uptick in results in the new year to avoid putting Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly in an awkward position. Chelsea are languishing in eighth place after failing to win for the sixth time in their last seven league games.

Match report and highlights as Nottingham Forest come from behind to claim 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea; Raheem Sterlings close-range finish gave the ...

On the basis of that, a point is the least we deserve. "They used the atmosphere and, certainly in the second half, put us under a lot of pressure. "Our performance level wasn’t good enough to take the three points. We should take a bit of spirit from the performance.” You can't just go after the ball against Chelsea because you'll get played through and you're too open, but you've got to get up to the ball at the right time. Time to call this out - the game is live on Sky Sports. The matter will be fully investigated." The Blues then travel to the Etihad for a rematch with City in the FA Cup third round on Sunday - kick-off at 4.30pm. Chelsea had to expect a reaction after half-time from a Forest side playing in front of a boisterous support, but the way in which they were dominated by opponents who ended the day still in the relegation zone was hugely concerning. A tweet from Chelsea Pride read: "We totally condemn the chant that can be heard at the City Ground. But the Blues were forced to accept a point that does far less for their hopes of finishing in the top four than it does for Forest’s chances of avoiding a return to the Championship. But Graham Potter's side produced a dreadful display in the second 45 minutes that saw them hand the initiative to Forest and leave themselves eighth in the Premier League before a daunting trip to Manchester City on Thursday.

Chelsea set to win bidding war for 21yo prodigy; $173m Blues flop wants out: Rumour Mill.

[According to ](https://theathletic.com/4047377/2023/01/01/alexis-mac-allister-brighton-argentina/) [The Athletic](https://theathletic.com/4047377/2023/01/01/alexis-mac-allister-brighton-argentina/) [, ](https://theathletic.com/4047377/2023/01/01/alexis-mac-allister-brighton-argentina/)Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United are keen on snapping up the Argentinian midfielder, who is set to return to his club in the coming days. The 29-year-old returned to Inter on a season-long loan for the 2022/23 campaign and bagged a goal and an assist in his first two appearances, but has sat on the sidelines for the majority of the season with a hamstring injury. “We will talk to Chelsea at the end of the season to find a solution.” However, Lukaku claims he is settled in Italy and hopes the club can thrash out a deal with Chelsea so he can remain with Inter for the long term. [According to ](https://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/borussia-moenchengladbach/wende-verzichtet-borussia-moenchengladbach-auf-die-thuram-millionen-82399840.bild.html) [BILD](https://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/borussia-moenchengladbach/wende-verzichtet-borussia-moenchengladbach-auf-die-thuram-millionen-82399840.bild.html) [,](https://www.bild.de/sport/fussball/borussia-moenchengladbach/wende-verzichtet-borussia-moenchengladbach-auf-die-thuram-millionen-82399840.bild.html) the Frenchman is only interested in moves to a big team, namely one of Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain or United. Although United could get him on a bargain deal should they swoop for him now, the Red Devils are reportedly set to operate only in the loan market in January. However, the German club may be tempted to cash in on the 25-year-old talent now to save them losing him for free at the end of the season. [as ](https://theathletic.com/4049143/2023/01/01/chelsea-benoit-badiashile-monaco-transfer/) [The Athletic ](https://theathletic.com/4049143/2023/01/01/chelsea-benoit-badiashile-monaco-transfer/) [reports ](https://theathletic.com/4049143/2023/01/01/chelsea-benoit-badiashile-monaco-transfer/)AS Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile will join the club in January. Thuram, whose contract with Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach expires in the summer, is free to talk to clubs across the world ahead of a switch in the summer. [per the ](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11589015/Manchester-United-keeping-tabs-France-Borussia-Monchengladbach-star-Marcus-Thuram.html) [Daily Mail](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11589015/Manchester-United-keeping-tabs-France-Borussia-Monchengladbach-star-Marcus-Thuram.html) [.](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11589015/Manchester-United-keeping-tabs-France-Borussia-Monchengladbach-star-Marcus-Thuram.html) The Blues were in the hunt for a left-sided centre back in the summer but failed to land a desired target. Chelsea appear to have won the race for a 21-year-old French talent, Brighton’s World Cup hero is a man in significant demand and Manchester United have reportedly cast their eyes toward a new target after missing out on Cody Gakpo.

Nottingham Forest will investigate a “minority” of its fans for discriminatory chants during the club's 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

Premier League

Graeme Souness, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Jamie Redknapp analyse the issues at Chelsea; Blues eighth in Premier League table and seven points off the top ...

"He's had a lot of injuries, you need to give him time. It looks this year like they're going to be out of the Champions League… "I think they are too far from the top four. "They didn't cover themselves in glory, Lukaku and Werner, but are they a better team without those two? Are they more of a goal threat without those two?" I hope they're sitting him down and he's part of the conversation.

A shocking stat reveals just how off the pace Chelsea were against Nottingham Forest as they limped to a 1-1 draw in their opening fixture of 2023.

Chelsea registered just one shot in the whole of the second half in their uninspiring 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest. The Blues now face Manchester City twice in quick succession. Fulham and Chelsea currently sit on the same points, but the Blues have played a game less than their west London rivals.

Nottingham Forest said they are investigating allegations of homophobic chanting directed at Chelsea supporters during Sunday's 1-1 draw in the Premier ...

Chelsea Pride, the London club's LGBTQ supporters group, described the chanting as a "hate crime". Forest's LGBTQ supporters group said they were "embarrassed and ashamed". "The club are aware of reports concerning chants aimed at Chelsea supporters from a minority of fans this evening and do not condone any type of discriminatory or offensive behaviour," Forest said in a statement.

Catch all the biggest Chelsea headlines including updates on Benoit Badiashile, Enzo Fernandez and Youssoufa Moukoko.

[Chelsea ](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/transfer-news/chelsea-arsenal-tottenham-mac-allister-25874529)appear to be moving closer to landing Benfica star midfielder Enzo Fernandez in the January transfer window, but there's still some uncertainty surrounding a move. The second half wasn't quite as kind to the Blues though as former Tottenham full-back Serge Aurier equalised. [Todd Boehly](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/transfer-news/chelsea-closer-enzo-fernandez-transfer-25874717), Chelsea co-owner and interim sporting director, looks set to continue his squad overhaul as the new ownership's philosophy is implemented. They would have hoped to go into that run with a much-needed win over struggling Nottingham Forest on the first day of January. The French defender's medical is in process of being scheduled by the club. [Graham Potter](https://www.football.london/all-about/graham-potter) after yesterday's draw with Nottingham Forest. Considering the stardom of Leao, and Arsenal’s need for a winger, Edu can throw his hat in the ring, as he did previously. That hasn't led to much consistency for the Blues though, who have also had a change of manager with Graham Potter appointed. [Chelsea ](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/graham-potter-chelsea-january-window-25875383)got their 2023 underway with a difficult away game against Nottingham Forest, who had earned 11 of their 13 points at home before the clash. [Chelsea ](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/transfer-news/chelsea-closer-enzo-fernandez-transfer-25874717)look set to break several records over the winter market as the club have informed Benfica they are prepared to break their transfer record to secure the signing of World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez, football.london understands. No, they came from the mouth of [Thomas Tuchel](https://www.football.london/all-about/thomas-tuchel) back in August after Chelsea were defeated by Southampton. The Blues got their 2023 off to a far from idea start, as they only managed to draw 1-1 with relegation threatened Nottingham Forest yesterday.

Nottingham Forest's Ivorian Coast defender Serge Aurier (left) shoots to score their first goal. PHOTO: AFP. Updated. 1 min ago. Published.

It doesn’t matter how, you need to come here, bottom of the league, and win.” Forest’s LGBTQ supporters group said they were “embarrassed and ashamed”. “Our performance level wasn’t good enough to take the three points. We’re in control of our destiny.” It would help to get players back, the key ones and then you can build consistency in key places,” Potter said. “We need to be more consistent.

Chelsea transfer news: The Blues are desperate not to miss out on key target Enzo Fernandez as Liverpool pile on the pressure with a transfer move of their ...

The Reds are interested in the same group of players as Chelsea but may have made a vital step towards taking one away from the Blues with German publication Bild writing that they are set to reach a €70million (£62million) deal with Brighton for Moises Caicedo. Liverpool, who were one of the teams hoping to sign the Benfica star, have reportedly made progress in their own attempts to sign a midfielder. With a massive release clause and wider competition for his signature, Chelsea are under pressure to complete the signing. Although some good proactive work has been done to add youth to the squad in an attempt to shore up future squads there is a more pressing need for players. [With Chelsea losing out on this one their is even more need for them to push on with completing a move for Fernandez ](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/chelsea-enzo-fernandez-transfer-timeframe-25871531)in order to bolster their squad in the right way. [With Enzo Fernandez now the main priority for the window Chelsea are moving quickly to get a deal done for the 21-year-old World Cup star.](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/chelsea-enzo-fernandez-transfer-debut-25876081) He has become their top target for the winter but isn't an easy move to get over the line.

Chelsea are closing on an agreement to sign Enzo Fernandez, while Fabrizio Romano has lifted the lid on Liverpool thoughts over a transfer hijack.

Indeed, reports have suggested they could look to match Chelsea’s offer to sign the young Argentine. As a result, he insists that reports they could bid for him are ‘fake news’. Part of a Benfica side that are top of the Portuguese league by five points, they also have a great chance to reach the Champions League quarter-finals. Thankfully, as far as Benfica are concerned, they have a significant and vast exit clause in his deal. Fernandez’s performances had already brought him to the attention of a number of top Premier League sides anwyay. A relative unknown six months ago, his summer move to Benfica has helped catapult him into the limelight.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Chelsea invested heavily in the summer of 2022 – bringing in the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly, Wesley Fofana and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – ...

It’s normal and it’s a part of modern-day football that we have to deal with.” WHAT THEY SAID: Potter could do without any distractions at this stage, as Chelsea scratch around for consistency, and has said of the rumours that continue to rage around his squad: “It’s part of the season that we all have to deal with so I won’t complain about it. Potter is said to be in the hunt for another centre-half and forward, as he looks to put his own stamp on a squad inherited from Thomas Tuchel, while the likes of Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and [Jorginho are seeing possible exits mooted](https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/jorginho-hoping-napoli-return-chelsea-contract-expires/blt56fe10603542aa49).

Graham Potter has had to contend with a number of injury issues since being appointed Chelsea head coach at the beginning of September but the Blues boss ...

football.london has been told the hope is Chilwell can be reincorporated into Potter's squad following next week's clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage. [Loftus-Cheek was forced off inside the opening five minutes](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/breaking-loftus-cheek-injured-newcastle-25502089) of the 1-0 defeat at St James' Park on November 12 and undertook the majority of his recovery work during the World Cup break. Chilwell has been absent since being helped off the Stamford Bridge pitch during the 2-1 victory over Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on November 2. [Chelsea player ratings vs Nottingham Forest as Silva shines, Havertz dire, Koulibaly struggles](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/chelsea-player-ratings-nottingham-forest-25874776) [First Chelsea January transfer signing spotted in crowd for Nottingham Forest clash](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/transfer-news/chelsea-january-transfer-signing-spotted-25875004) [Chelsea 'closer' to Enzo Fernandez transfer deal but 'board divided' over new £100m offer](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/transfer-news/chelsea-closer-enzo-fernandez-transfer-25874717) [Enzo Fernandez signs, Mateo Kovacic return: Graham Potter's dream Chelsea midfield after January](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/transfer-news/enzo-fernandez-chelsea-transfer-kovacic-25855769) [Loftus-Cheek](https://www.football.london/all-about/ruben-loftus-cheek) featured regularly in midfield following Potter's arrival but is unlikely to be rushed back after seven weeks on the sideline. He was included in the squad that travelled out to Abu Dhabi for warm-weather training but was not involved in the sessions put on by [Potter](https://www.football.london/all-about/graham-potter) and his coaching staff in the Middle East.

Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku said he is hoping to put his injuries behind him and return to form in a bid to discuss a permanent move from Chelsea.

"He has the respect of all the players, he has won everything. "For me Henry is the next coach of Belgium. "I want to stay here and do things right.

Romelu Lukaku hopes Chelsea and Inter will come to agreement on his permanent transfer to the Serie A club.

[only for Belgium to crash out in the group stage](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/dec/01/croatia-belgium-world-cup-group-f-match-report). “For me Henry is the next coach of Belgium. Belgium’s campaign in Qatar ended with the striker being consoled by the assistant coach, Thierry Henry, and Lukaku said the former France international was the “ideal” candidate to take over from Roberto Martínez, who “I want to stay here and do things right. I’m fine, Inter always has ambition to keep growing. I’m nearly 30, my son started school here and plays in the Inter academy.

Chelsea are closing in on a €37 million deal to sign Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile, sources have told ESPN.

Chelsea signed [Kalidou Koulibaly](https://www.espn.com.au/football/player/_/id/150312/Kalidou-Koulibaly) and [Wesley Fofana](https://www.espn.com.au/football/player/_/id/270190/Wesley-Fofana) but it remains to be seen whether this is Thiago Silva's final season at Stamford Bridge. [Andreas Christensen](https://www.espn.com.au/football/player/_/id/186430/Andreas-Christensen) and [Antonio Rudiger](https://www.espn.com.au/football/player/_/id/169438/Antonio-Rüdiger) on free transfers last summer. [RB Leipzig](/football/team?id=11420)'s [Josko Gvardiol](https://www.espn.com.au/football/player/_/id/299910/Josko-Gvardiol), who had been the club's top defensive target but the two clubs have so far not been able to agree a fee. [Chelsea](/football/team?id=363) are closing in on a €37 million deal to sign [Monaco](/football/team?id=174) defender [Benoit Badiashile](https://www.espn.com.au/football/player/_/id/282585/Benoit-Badiashile), sources have told ESPN. [France](/football/team?id=478) at senior level, although he missed out on a place in Didier Deschamps' World Cup finals squad in Qatar. [Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)](/espnplus/schedule/_/type/upcoming/categoryId/119cfa41-71d4-39bf-a790-6273a52b0259/channel/ESPN_PLUS)

Chelsea are closing in on a €37 million deal to sign Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile, sources have told ESPN.

Chelsea signed [Kalidou Koulibaly](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/150312/Kalidou-Koulibaly) and [Wesley Fofana](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/270190/Wesley-Fofana) but it remains to be seen whether this is Thiago Silva's final season at Stamford Bridge. [Andreas Christensen](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/186430/Andreas-Christensen) and [Antonio Rudiger](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/169438/Antonio-Rüdiger) on free transfers last summer. [Chelsea](/soccer/team?id=363) are closing in on a €37 million deal to sign [Monaco](/soccer/team?id=174) defender [Benoit Badiashile](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/282585/Benoit-Badiashile), sources have told ESPN.

Chelsea have spent £274m on new players, yet somehow contrived to make their team worse. Is it owner Todd Boehly or manager Graham Potter to blame?

They also are prepared to trigger 21-year-old [Enzo Fernandez](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/285450/Enzo-Fernández)'s £106m release clause at [Benfica](/soccer/team?id=1929) after the [Argentina](/soccer/team?id=202) midfielder starred at the World Cup. Potter has been hired to coach the team and leave the player recruitment to others, so he will have to work with what he has and what those above him believe he needs. That left Chelsea without a recognised goal scorer until the last-minute decision to sign 33-year-old [Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/122260/Pierre-Emerick-Aubameyang) for £10m from Barcelona at the end of the summer transfer window. Under Boehly, Chelsea have overpaid for the majority of their signings, and none of them have yet done enough to justify the outlay. Potter will inevitably pay the price if Chelsea don't learn that lesson, but he won't be solely responsible if it doesn't work out for him at Stamford Bridge. [RB Leipzig](/soccer/team?id=11420) technical director Christopher Vivell to a similar role at Chelsea should bring expertise to the football department, but in the immediate term, Potter is still having to deal with the hand he has been dealt by Boehly: an imbalanced squad which is overloaded with defenders and desperately short of goal scorers. Boehly was also helpless to stop the defenders leaving the club, but the new owner did sanction the loan departure of £97.5m striker [Romelu Lukaku](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/139437/Romelu-Lukaku) to Inter Milan and [Timo Werner](https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/191088/Timo-Werner)'s £25m permanent return to RB Leipzig. [Manchester United](/soccer/team?id=360), will be under no illusions that his fate will always be directly linked to results on the pitch. The old Chelsea of Roman Abramovich, which saw managers hired and fired as often as they won big trophies, had apparently been consigned to the past. And that isn't far from the reality. When Potter arrived from Brighton as the successor to the sacked Thomas Tuchel in September, the Chelsea hierarchy, led by co-owner Boehly, sold him their vision of a new Chelsea. That is some achievement by the club's new owners, a consortium led by Los Angeles Dodgers part-owner Todd Boehly.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST are investigating homophobic chanting by fans during Sunday's Premier League game against Chelsea. Chelsea's official LGBTQ+ supporters ...

We have a problem and an issue when our own fans think this type of chant is acceptable and it makes us question how welcome we actually are at our own club. “Along with racist slurs we have reconfirmed that homophobic chants are unacceptable and could be subject to prosecution if there is sufficient evidence after a police investigation. Money from shares contributes directly to keep our paper thriving. The matter will be investigated.” “We continue to work closely with the CPS, as well as the UK Football Policing Unit, in relation to the use of this term.” An FA statement at the time read: “The FA strongly condemns the use of the term ‘rent boy’ and we are determined to drive it out of our game.

World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez is facing disciplinary action at Benfica after missing two training sessions with the club.

Fernandez [has agreed a move to Chelsea](https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/chelsea-fernandez-very-inclined-leave-benfica-january-manager-exit-admission/bltc99fb59608057ce1), with the Blues preparing a huge offer for the 21-year-old. The midfielder is yet to return and looks set to be sanctioned by the Portuguese side. Fernandez returned to Argentina to spend New Year's Eve in his homeland after Benfica's defeat to Braga on December 30.

Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea is now reportedly a done deal. The player will join Chelsea from Benfica finally after a week of negotiations between the two ...

Fernandez will bring some much needed steel and quality to the Chelsea midfield. Benfica originally planned to lose him in the summer but could not turn down a deal like this from Chelsea. Chelsea will pay €120+£10million for the player. Enzo will join Chelsea in January. The deal has now reportedly been fully agreed and signed. It is a massive statement from Chelsea to sign a player of the quality of Enzo Fernandez.

Chelsea news: Injuries continue to mount for Potter as he looks for his side to bounce back from a draw against Nottingham Forest.

Fingers crossed but it is an awkward one.'' Having made quite the impression under Potter, it was a sad blow for the former Southampton loanee. It doesn’t look positive at the moment but it’s too early to say. It’s a surgery, so it’s a minimum period of four months. Having missed most of the season so far, former Leicester man Welsey Fofana's influence at the back has been somewhat felt. Expected return date: Early January He felt something there and we will have to find out the extent of it and keep our fingers crossed." Expected return date: Mid-February He has a problem with his bone [around his shoulder] that he picked up at the World Cup. The home side seemed much more likely to earn all three points come the end, but were unable to find the breakthrough as both teams settled for a point. [Chelsea ](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/graham-potter-chelsea-january-window-25875383)got their 2023 underway with a difficult away game against Nottingham Forest, who had earned 11 of their 13 points at home before the clash. We'll have to see over the next 24-48 hours.

Enzo Fernandez has risked angering Benfica after defying orders not to travel home for New Year, with the star 'increasing unlikely' to remain at the club ...

There are no exceptions to that.' The club have recognised the World Cup winner’s head has been turned by the attraction of moving to London in a lucrative deal. ‘Happy New Year everyone and stay positive from now on.’ Enzo Fernandez may have played his last Benfica game as Chelsea push to sign the star [Chelsea](/sport/teampages/chelsea.html) seek to sign the World Cup winner. - Chelsea have made a 'substantial offer' to sign the 21-year-old World Cup star

Enzo Fernandez has reportedly accepted the contract offered to him by Chelsea. The deal has been described as advanced.

Fernandez has now given the green light and accepted the bid which is a massive step in the deal. [Felix Johnston ](https://twitter.com/FelixJohnston_)claimed earlier tonight that the deal has been officially completed. The deal is now moving very quickly and it now looks to be a matter of time before it's a done deal. The deal has now been described as advanced. The Blue's wanted to avoid paying the release clause in order to pay the fee in a more favourable fashion. Financial fair play was on the clubs mind when doing this.

Cesar Azpilicueta has admitted the Chelsea are 'really far' from their targets for the season after their draw with Nottingham Forest saw them fall seven ...

'We know that it's not the most pleasant time but in these difficult moments we need everybody to stick together, to work hard to improve. This is the reality that we face and we have to stick together. 'Every point matters and of course today we lost two points,' Azpilicueta said.

Chelsea are understood to have made a £112million offer to Benfica for Enzo Fernandez. Portuguese sources say the fee would be paid in three instalments of ...

Enzo Fernandez may leave Portuguese side Benfica as Chelsea increase their offer to £112m [Chelsea](/sport/teampages/chelsea.html) are understood to have made a £112million offer to Benfica for Enzo Fernandez. - Chelsea have made a £112m offer to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica

Chelsea news: The latest Blues gossip and headlines with updates on Enzo Fernandez and a big choice for Graham Potter to make.

We continue to work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service, as well as the UK Football Policing Unit, in relation to the use of this term. Read the full story, If talks advance rapidly then Fernandez would need to be registered by 12pm on Wednesday in order to meet league regulations for new signings. If Chelsea act quickly they can still sign Enzo Fernandez in time for their next Premier League clash against Manchester City on Thursday. [here](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/tuchel-potter-chelsea-erling-haaland-25875811#comments-wrapper). [here](https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/chelsea-enzo-fernandez-transfer-debut-25876081).

Nottingham Forest say they will be investigating alleged homophobic chanting from supporters during their Premier League match against Chelsea.

An FA spokesperson added: “We strongly condemn the use of the term ‘rent boy’ and we are determined to drive it out of our game. “Part of our work in this area has been to provide the relevant authorities with impact statements from LGBTQ+ supporters, detailing how chants of this nature affects their experience and feeling of inclusion at football matches, so that a clearer stance and understanding on the chant can be established. The FA is also aware of the chants and will be investigating the events with both clubs and relevant authorities.

Chelsea will pay the fee to Benfica in three installments, according to the report, while Benfica are also closing in on Fernandez's replacement in Carlos ...

Striker David Datro Fofana has joined from Genk, while the Blues are also close to securing a £33m move for Financial Fair Play concerns ensured that if Chelsea were to pay the entire fee for Fernandez up front, they could be hampered down the line in future dealings. [Graham Potter's](/latest/graham-potter) side have been attempting to sign the Argentine in January, but were not prepared to pay his £103m release clause.

Enzo Fernandez is now very close to joining Chelsea after the west London club agreed a payment structure with Benfica over a £112m deal.

[check our sport page](https://metro.co.uk/sport/). [Graham Potter reacts to Chelsea draw and plays coy on Benoit Badiashile deal](https://metro.co.uk/2023/01/01/graham-potter-reacts-to-chelsea-draw-and-plays-coy-on-badiashile-deal-18023412/?ico=more_text_links) [Who have Chelsea signed so far during the January transfer window 2023?](https://metro.co.uk/2023/01/01/who-have-chelsea-signed-so-far-during-the-january-transfer-window-2023-18022834/?ico=more_text_links) [though Fernandez has already agreed personal terms with the club](https://metro.co.uk/2023/01/02/enzo-fernandez-agrees-personal-terms-with-chelsea-but-benfica-playing-hardball-18027994/). [Privacy Policy](https://metro.co.uk/privacypolicy/) [Enzo Fernandez](https://metro.co.uk/tag/enzo-fernandez/?ico=auto_link_sport_P1_LNK1) is now very close to joining [Chelsea](https://metro.co.uk/tag/chelsea/?ico=auto_link_sport_P1_LNK2) after the west London club agreed a payment structure in principle with Benfica over a £112million deal, according to reports.

Enzo Fernandez appears to be edging closer to a Benfica exit - and the 21-year-old has now been ordered to show up for training on Tuesday amid reports that ...

[Let us know here.](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/liverpool-matheus-nunes-transfer-latest-28860308#comments-section) [Join the debate!](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/chelsea-benfica-enzo-fernandez-ultimatum-28860426#comments-section) Do you think Fernandez would be a good signing for Chelsea? While Benfica have refused to comment on how Fernandez will be disciplined, the playmaker has been warned that he 'must show up for training' on Tuesday. The fee, which is slightly higher than Fernandez' release clause, would be paid in instalments if the final formalities can be wrapped up in the coming days. The midfield maestro, who was crowned as the Young Player of the Tournament, reportedly has a huge €120million (£105.6m) release clause written into his contract - but that hasn't deterred several interested suitors. [Thomas Tuchel](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/thomas-tuchel) was axed back in September and the German's predecessor, [Graham Potter](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/graham-potter), was always likely to be handed funds in the New Year to stamp his own mark on the Blues squad. [Todd Boehly](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/todd-boehly) was expected to splash the cash again in January after spending in excess of £250m in the summer. [Argentine media](https://tinyurl.com/my6h6mhj) last week but he stopped short of ruling out a big January switch. [Premier League](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/premier-league) history. [Liverpool](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc) and [Manchester United](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/manchester-united-fc) have also been [credited with an interest in Fernandez' services](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/enzo-fernandez-man-utd-liverpool-28819740); and it appears that the youngster is edging closer to an exit. [Benfica](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/benfica) after the [Chelsea](https://www.mirror.co.uk/all-about/chelsea-fc) target returned to Argentina without the club's permission on New Year's Eve. [Argentina's recent World Cup triumph](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/breaking-argentina-france-worldcup-final-28762994).

Chelsea want to pay the transfer fee for Fernandez in instalments as they bid to stay in line with UEFA financial fair play rules. After spending £273million in the summer, Chelsea are among four Premier League clubs on a UEFA financial watch list.