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Transfers: Chelsea sign highly-rated German Havertz

Last updated on: September 05, 2020 17:56 IST

'He has proven pedigree in one of the best leagues in Europe, he plays for the German national side, and he is an exciting, dynamic talent.'

IMAGE: Kai Havertz with manager Frank Lampard after signing for Chelsea. Photograph: Chelsea FC/Twitter

Chelsea have signed Germany’s highly-rated attacking midfielder Kai Havertz from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen on a five-year contract, the Premier League club announced on Friday.

 

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed but British media reported the fee for the 21-year-old was in the region of 71 million pounds.

"I'm very happy and proud to be here. For me it's a dream come true to play in a big club like Chelsea and I can't wait to meet all the players and the trainers," Havertz said in a statement.

Havertz left the German national team camp on Friday to complete his medical before signing for the London club.

Havertz, who had two years left on his Leverkusen contract, scored 46 goals with 31 assists in 150 games for the club.

"He has proven pedigree in one of the best leagues in Europe, he plays for the German national side, and he is an exciting, dynamic talent," Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said.

"We are delighted to be able to add his versatility and quality to the squad before the season begins."

Having been barred from signing players last year due to a FIFA transfer ban, Chelsea have gone on a spending spree this year as manager Frank Lampard rebuilds his squad ahead of the new season.

Havertz's signing follows the arrivals of full back Ben Chilwell, striker Timo Werner and winger Hakim Ziyech, with the overall outlay totalling more than 200 million pounds.

The club have also signed defenders Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr as free agents.

Chelsea, who finished fourth last term to qualify for the Champions League in Lampard's first campaign in charge, begin the new season at Brighton Hove & Albion on September 14.

Real Madrid's Ceballos returns to Arsenal for second loan spell

Dani Ceballos

IMAGE: Dani Ceballos played a key role in Arsenal's FA Cup title run, scoring a late winner in their quarter-final victory at Sheffield United. Photograph: Michael Regan/Reuters

Arsenal have re-signed Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos for a second season-long loan after a successful first spell last term, the Premier League club announced on Friday.

Ceballos played 37 times for the north London club last season, sealing his place as a key midfielder in the starting lineup in the second half of the campaign following the appointment of Mikel Arteta as coach.

The 24-year-old Spain international also played a key role in the club's FA Cup title run, scoring a late winner in their quarter-final victory at Sheffield United.

"Dani was an integral part of our team last season and finished the season in excellent form," Arteta said in a statement.

"I love Dani's passion and commitment and he's a highly skilful player. We're all delighted to welcome him back and we look forward to seeing him pick up where he left off."

The news follows Arsenal's capture of Chelsea winger Willian on a free transfer and Lille centre back Gabriel Magalhaes earlier this week.

Arsenal, who finished eighth last season, started their campaign with a penalty shootout victory over Liverpool in the Community Shield and begin their league campaign at newly-promoted Fulham on September 12.

Milan sign Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Diaz on loan

AC Milan have signed attacking midfielder Brahim Diaz from La Liga champions Real Madrid on a season-long loan, the Serie A club said on Friday.

The 21-year-old Spaniard scored twice in 21 games in all competitions for Real after his

PSG sign goalkeeper Rico from Sevilla on four-year deal 

Paris St Germain have signed Spanish goalkeeper Sergio Rico on a permanent four-year deal from Sevilla, the French champions said on Saturday.

Rico, 27, joined PSG on a season-long loan last September and played 10 games in all competitions, helping the side win the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France and the Coupe de la Ligue and reach the final of the Champions League.

"The club would like to congratulate Sergio and wish him every success as he continues his career with the Rouge-et-Bleu," PSG said in a statement.

Rico, who has won one cap for Spain, made 170 appearances for Sevilla in all competitions, winning two Europa League titles during his time with the Spanish club.

Everton sign Brazil midfielder Allan from Napoli

Everton have signed Brazil midfielder Allan from Italian side Napoli on a three-year deal, the Premier League club said on Saturday.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed, but British media reported Everton had paid a fee of around 25 million pounds ($33 million) to Napoli for the 29-year-old.

Allan scored 11 goals and grabbed 16 assists in more than 200 appearances for Napoli across all competitions, helping them claim the Coppa Italia last season.

"It is a real pleasure to sign for Everton. I am immensely happy to be here," Allan said in a club statement.

"I hope, like I have done in my entire career, I contribute with my performances together with my teammates and that I put in some great games, great performances and win important things."

Capped nine times by Brazil, Allan was part of the squad which won the Copa America in 2019.

At Everton, he will be reunited with manager Carlo Ancelotti, having previously played under the 61-year-old for two seasons while the Italian was in charge of Napoli.

"It is a club with a rich history in the Premier League, has real ambition and then there is Professor Ancelotti. He has done everything possible to bring me here," Allan said.

"It is the size of the club and the name of the coach which means you don't think twice about coming to Everton."

Everton have also been linked with Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez as Ancelotti aims to strengthen the Merseyside club's midfield ahead of the new season.

Everton finished 12th last term and begin their new Premier League campaign with a trip to Tottenham Hotspur on September 13.

arrival from Manchester City in January 2019.

"AC Milan is delighted to announce the signing of the Spanish footballer Brahim Abdelkader Diaz from Real Madrid CF on loan until June 30, 2021," Milan said in a statement, adding that Diaz will wear the number 21 shirt.

Milan finished in sixth place last season to book a Europa League spot and face Shamrock Rovers in the second qulaifying round on Sept. 17. They begin their Serie A campaign at home to Bologna four days later.

 

Source: REUTERS
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