Your Chelsea morning digest on Wednesday, September 7.
Aubameyang struggles
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struggled during Chelsea’s loss to Dinamo Zagreb, a match in which the new striker made his debut.
Thomas Tuchel’s side once again conceded despite being heavily on top in the match and failed to react to Mislav Orsic’s opening goal.
Aubameyang did have a bright start, but decided against shooting on multiple occasions, something which hasn’t gone down well with Chelsea fans as the former Arsenal star could only watch his team fall to defeat, further increasing the pressure on Tuchel.
Chelsea dealt subtle dig by Colwill
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill has dealt his parent club a subtle blow while out on loan to Brighton and Hove Albion. In an interview with The Argus, the 19-year-old has reflected upon his maiden months on the south coast as he seeks first-team opportunities.
Despite the Cobham graduate’s limited game time at the Amex Stadium, he’s said to be enjoying the challenges of adapting to new surroundings. And, in the process of detailing his first weeks at Brighton, Colwill dealt Chelsea a subtle blow claiming that he’s training with ‘better players’.
“There are better players around,” the defender said. “Everyone in the team is such a good player. I’ve got to get better and level up. It’s a big jump, being with them everyday and training with them. The standards are higher, you can’t let them drop.”
Mendy turns down first Chelsea offer
Edouard Mendy has handed Chelsea a major blow as Todd Boehly rolls out a fresh round of new contracts. Reece James has already penned a six-year extension at Stamford Bridge this week and Mason Mount looks set to follow suit amid ongoing talks.
According to the Evening Standard, Mount and Mendy are the Blues’ next priorities. It’s said that preliminary discussions have taken place between the club and the former, who has two years remaining on his current deal in west London.
The report adds that Mount, who is happy at the club, is set to become one of Chelsea’s highest earners alongside fellow Cobham graduate James, but he’s yet to receive a formal offer. While talks to retain the midfielder look promising, the same can not be said about Mendy’s future.
The Evening Standard state that the Senegal international has already turned down an initial offer from Chelsea. Mendy, whose deal expires in 2025, is said to be one of the club’s lowest earners.
Dembele addresses future amid Chelsea interest
Ousmane Dembele has provided an update on his future at Barcelona amid interest from Arsenal and Chelsea. The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League this summer as clubs queued up for the chance to sign one of Europe’s most exciting wingers free of charge.
football.london understood that the Blues were interested in the France international and considered making a move for him. Despite Thomas Tuchel known to be a big admirer of Dembele, with the pair having worked together at Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea’s efforts proved unsuccessful.
Speaking to Spanish outlet ‘Sport’, as quoted by Marca, the winger said: “My relationship with Xavi is special, I want to stay by his side for a long time. Undoubtedly, Xavi has been key to continue. Also the president, I talk a lot with both of them. I’m fine. Everyone is happy now.”
