Chelsea news: £71m Man Utd transfer duel as Mateo Kovacic delivers Borussia Dortmund claim
On Saturday afternoon, Chelsea managed to beat Leeds in the Premier League, giving the fans at Stamford Bridge something to be happy about.
The game’s only goal was scored by Wesley Fofana, who headed in a corner from Ben Chilwell early in the second half.
This win was Chelsea’s first since 15 January and provides hope that they can overturn a 1-0 deficit against Borussia Dortmund to advance to the Champions League quarter-finals.
Borussia Dortmund will be traveling to London for the last-16 second leg on Tuesday night after their 2-1 victory over RB Leipzig on Friday. Here are the latest headlines from Stamford Bridge.
Blues eyeing Abraham
Chelsea are keeping a close watch on Tammy Abraham, despite having sold him to Roma almost two years ago.
The 25-year-old English international was sold for £34million and has since scored 34 goals in 86 appearances across various competitions.
Abraham played a key role in helping Roma secure the Europa Conference League title under Jose Mourinho in the previous season, and he still has many admirers at Stamford Bridge
. Chelsea included an €80million (£71m) buy-back clause in the striker’s contract, which can be activated from July this year.
According to The Athletic, Abraham is highly valued not only for his goal-scoring abilities but also because he is a product of Chelsea’s youth academy.
Manchester United are also interested in the 11-times capped England international and have dispatched scouts to monitor his performances in Roma’s matches.
Kovacic looks ahead
According to Mateo Kovacic, Chelsea can approach the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash with Borussia Dortmund with confidence following their important Premier League win.
Chelsea managed to beat Leeds on Saturday, with Wesley Fofana scoring a header in the second half, providing some relief for Graham Potter.
The win has given Chelsea some positive momentum to carry into their second leg against Dortmund, who currently hold a 1-0 aggregate lead and are set to play in west London on Tuesday evening.
“The three points were important for us to lift the confidence to go into Tuesday with a positive mind,” Kovacic said. “Unfortunately, the ball does not want to go in at the moment, but in the end, we scored and we’re happy with the points. But we need to continue now with this is a step forward.”
Fofana revels in goal
Wesley Fofana expressed his delight at scoring his first Premier League goal for Chelsea and described it as an incredible feeling. However, he quickly shifted his focus towards the upcoming Champions League game against Borussia Dortmund.
“The feeling is incredible,” the centre-back said. “After my goal, the stadium was crazy. Everybody was all together, and the goal was for the whole club. On Friday, at the training ground I worked on set-pieces, the timing of my run, and then I scored.
“It’s perfect. The injury for four months, it was hard emotionally, but when I scored, everything was leaving me. I scored, the team won, and a clean sheet as well; it was a very good day and now we’re focused for Tuesday.”
Chelsea news: £71m Man Utd transfer duel as Mateo Kovacic delivers Borussia Dortmund claim
