Lukaku transfer knock-on effect at Chelsea as Dembele delays decision

Inter Milan may have to move players on to facilitate the loan signing of Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea, while Ousmane Dembele is said to be taking his time over a decision on his future

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Lukaku paid tribute by Martinez ahead of 100th Belgium cap

A new era for Chelsea will begin with a chance to end one of their most frustrating Premier League sequences.

The Blues will travel to Everton in Week 1 of the campaign, with the match picked for the late kick-off slot on the Saturday. It means Chelsea are likely to face a raucous atmosphere similar to their 1-0 loss at Goodison Park last season – that was their fourth defeat at the Toffees in a row.

Manager Thomas Tuchel will be hopeful that some new faces help refresh the team after their jaded end to the campaign. With key players moving on and gaps in the squad to fill, there is plenty of work to do before the season kicks off on Merseyside.

Mirror Sport has all of your latest Chelsea news.

Will Chelsea end their disappointing run of defeats at Everton on the opening day? Let us know in the comments section below!

Lukaku deal to have knock-on effects

According to reports, Inter Milan’s potential loan signing of Romelu Lukaku could have significant knock-on effects for the likes of Newcastle United and Spurs.

After struggling on his return to the Blues last season, Lukaku is seemingly poised to return to Italian football with the Nerazzurri on loan. The Belgium international was a huge favourite at the San Siro, having helped the team win the title under Antonio Conte in 2020-21.

With Inter likely to have to pay a significant loan fee for the forward, they will also have to move players on to balance the books.

That means that Lautaro Martinez – who has been linked with Tottenham and Atletico Madrid – and Joaquin Correa – a reported target of Newcastle and Marseille – may be shipped out.

Read the story in full HERE.

Dembele delay

Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele is ready to delay a decision over his long-term future.

The France international’s contract at the Camp Nou is set to expire in the coming days, meaning he has long been free to discuss terms with clubs overseas. Chelsea are one of a number of outfits to have been linked with the former Borussia Dortmund man.

Despite an apparent clamour for his signature, Dembele is said to be ready to wait before making a decision on where he will be playing his football next season.

“That means nothing has yet been decided, nothing has been signed or agreed with any club and that leaves the door open for Chelsea to pursue him and potentially go head-to-head with PSG,” it’s added by John Cross in his report..

Read the story in full HERE.

Blues face tough start to 2023

Should they overcome the Toffees in their opening fixture, then Chelsea will have the chance to build up some early momentum in the new season.

They host Tottenham in what should be a tasty first game of the campaign at Stamford Bridge. Following that are games against Leeds, Leicester, Southampton, West Ham and Fulham.

Things will arguably be toughest for Chelsea early in the new year. In January, the Blues are scheduled to face last season’s runaway top two in Manchester City and Liverpool, either side of a London derby with Crystal Palace.

It is a spell of matches that will go a long way towards determining whether or not the Blues can make it a three-horse race for the title this term.

Read the story in full HERE.