Here is your Chelsea morning digest for Monday, July 25.
Ake opens up
Manchester City defender Nathan Ake has spoken about his future after his proposed move to Chelsea fell through earlier this month Speaking to The Mirror, Ake said: “I’m very happy to be at the club and 100 percent focused.
“I will try to improve and make sure I get minutes, but my focus was not affected by the talk of a move. It was all in the holiday period anyway. When I arrived back at the club I was very happy to be there straight away and to see everyone. When I started training my head was 100% focused on City.
"I haven't really spoken to Pep Guardiola, except about normal stuff like holidays. Just private stuff. It's all been good and I'm just ready to kick on. Obviously you get information as well but during this holiday I tried to enjoy it and keep away from it. You only have two-and-a-half weeks or so. It's not easy but I try to do that.”
READ MORE : Thomas Tuchel delivers honest verdict on Mikel Arteta's Arsenal following Chelsea defeat
Transfer update
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel spoke about the need for his side to sign more players during the summer transfer window after the Blues lost 4-0 to Arsenal on Sunday morning. "There is no update, no update", the German coach said when asked if there was any update on the west Londoners' pursuit of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
"The analysing of the season does not change because of this game. Unfortunately, it proved my point and the last week proves my point. I would prefer to not be right and I did everything to prove myself wrong, but at the moment I feel I was right when I look at the last season and at the parts of the game where we struggled and how we struggled.
"We got sanctioned and players left us, we know that some players are trying to leave us, and this is where it is. We had an urgent appeal for quality players and a huge amount of quality players. We've got two quality players – that is no doubt – but we are not competitive like this and unfortunately, we could see it today."
Read more here.
De Jong hint
Barcelona president Joan Laporta may have accidentally hinted that Chelsea have made an offer for playmaker Frenkie de Jong, who has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in recent weeks. Speaking about the Dutch international to ESPN, Laporta said: "Frenkie is our player, we really like him. We received some offers for Frenkie but we didn’t accept as of now, as we want to talk with him and know exactly what he wants. We need to clarify some aspects of his situation."
"Some offers" means clubs other than United have lodged bids and Chelsea are another team who have been mooted as a potential destination for de Jong.
Read the full story here.
READ NEXT:
Jules Kounde to Chelsea transfer: Latest twist, Barcelona battle, verbal agreement
Jules Kounde responds to Barcelona and Chelsea requests with telling transfer statement
Ivan Rakitic reveals Jules Kounde transfer status with Chelsea close to £55m ace amid Blues deal
Jules Kounde joins Sevilla pre-season training 'unannounced' amid £55million Chelsea transfer
Chelsea can make biggest statement of intent yet under Todd Boehly with Jules Kounde transfer
