All of the latest Chelsea headlines including updates on the club's potential points deduction, Petr Cech's new role and Mauricio Pochettino's efforts to bring the best out of his players
Chelsea face Premier League point deduction
Chelsea is set to face even more questions about their success under former owner Roman Abramovich after leaked documents appear to show a string of payments that potentially breached Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, as well as other strict laws of the game.
Through a joint investigation by the Guardian and a group of international outlets including the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) and Germany's Paper Trail Media, files have been uncovered relating to a series of payments spread out over a decade worth ten of millions of pounds.
These payments are reportedly 'routed through offshore vehicles' which belong to the Russian billionaire, who was forced to sell the club in 2022 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine saw sanctions imposed on his UK assets. The transactions are believed to be for Chelsea's benefit, with some questioning whether the governing bodies were made aware of the accounts.
Petr Cech new role confirmed ahead of Chelsea transfer questions
Ever since Chelsea legend Petr Cech departed the club in 2015 after an incredible 11-year stint with the Blues, the goalkeeping position is one that they've struggled to fill.
First it was Asmir Begovic and Thibaut Courtois that shared responsibilities in between the sticks but both would be out of the club within the next two years, with the latter leaving under poor circumstances in a move to La Liga giants Real Madrid. The summer of 2018 marked the arrival of the world's most expensive goalkeeper - a then-24-year-old Kepa Arrizabalaga who was backed up by experienced Premier League veteran Willy Caballero.
The Spaniard's time with the club was tarnished by a few mistakes which were often held under a microscope by both supporters and the media, mainly down to his enormous price tag of £72m. The most famous of those incidents came in his first season with the club, when he refused to be substituted for Caballero in the 2019 EFL Cup Final against Manchester City.
The Chelsea star Mauricio Pochettino has unlocked
If there was ever to be an unsung hero at Chelsea over the past few years, it'd be Conor Gallagher. Where some that have come up through the academy have left for bigger pay checks, and others have seen the bright lights at Premier League rivals or giants across European football's biggest leagues, it's been the 23-year-old that has stuck with the Blues without a second thought.
After what can only be described as a comedy of errors both on an off the pitch last season, one of the only constants was Gallagher who led the line in the heart of the midfield consistently well under Graham Potter and Frank Lampard. Despite that, his use throughout the season was dogged by some supporters who called for the star to be sold in the summer amidst plans for a dressing room overhaul with the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino.
However, the Argentine was adamant that he was to be part of his plans from the get-go, with the England international even being selected as captain against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup second round win. After heavy rumours linked him with a move to local rivals Tottenham, Pochettino was clear about his stance on the 23-year-old's place in the squad.
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