Julian Nagelsmann, a former Bayern Munich manager is reportedly no longer in the race to become the next manager of Chelsea football club. 
35-year-old Nagelsmann who was recently sacked and replaced by former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich, was the front-runner for the role, but Football London reported that he has pulled out of the race. Popular sports journalist Fabrizio Romano who also confirmed the development, tweeted; “Julian Nagelsmann has now withdrawn from the race to become the new Chelsea head coach — it looks like it’s his final decision. German coach is said to be no longer available after multiple round of talks. Nagelsmann was top candidate for the job.” EXCLUSIVE: Julian Nagelsmann has now withdrawn from the race to become the new Chelsea head coach — it looks like it’s his final decision. 🚨🔵 #CFC German coach is said to be no longer available after multiple round of talks. Nagelsmann was top candidate for the job. pic.twitter.com/vkU5zcxISH — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 21, 2023 The news arrives as a fresh blow to Chelsea’s owners and many others who are admirers of Nagelsmann. Former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino will now likely emerge as the favourite after another set of positive talks with the Chelsea board. 
Last Thursday, Nagelsmann was in London for face-to-face talks which were said to be ‘very positive’ according to Sky Germany. Luis Enrique appeared alongside the young head coach in the Chelsea manager race, but it was then revealed the former Spain boss was out of the frame to be Graham Potter’s permanent successor.
Realistically, with next to no chance of finishing in the top four this campaign, the Blues will not be in Europe’s premier club competition next season and have little to play for other than pride in the final weeks of 2022-23. That is a sensationally poor return on the £600 million that the Blues have spent under Todd Boehly’s stewardship in the past 12 months, and massive changes need to be made to fix a team who were celebrating winning the European Cup less than two years ago. 
“He was welcomed back in the best way possible, because he’s Mr. Frank Lampard. He’s a club legend. He told us to get our confidence back, and play simple football again. To get back to the basics, really. His words moved us all, because it’s what we needed, to get our confidence back. And to realise that we’re fighting for a club. We’re fighting for a great club.” On if they’ll be able to defeat Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final match against the Spanish giants, Fofana added; “Chelsea have already done it after a difficult season before, with a new coach arriving. “They won it in 2021. So I think it’s possible, it’s in the club’s DNA. We’ve had a bad season, we know that. Now it’s up to us to show what we’re capable of. There is quality in this squad.” 
Lukaku was a popular figure with the Italian giants before he was lured back to Stamford Bridge for a second spell in the summer of 2021 in a blockbuster £97.5million move. But after struggling to live up to expectations, the 29-year-old was shipped back out to the Serie A outfit on loan before the start of the 2022/23 campaign. The Belgian footballer who has scored just five times in 17 appearances for Inter, has also been plagued by injuries this season. Although The Athletic reported that the Italian titans have not completely closed the door on keeping Lukaku beyond this season, it’s understood that the finances that would be involved in extending the agreement they have with Chelsea would make doing so difficult. 
Marotta has now confirmed that Lukaku will return to Chelsea this summer. He said; “The loan was for one season so on June 30 regardless of how well he plays, he’ll go back to Chelsea. This has been an unprecedented season. “I’m referring of course to the World Cup. The problems we’ve experienced have been experienced by other clubs too and the players who played at the World Cup. Lukaku is a case in point. [Marcelo] Brozovic isn’t the Brozovic we know. Lukaku hasn’t found the fitness he needs to play his best football. He’s still not at his best or the player we got to see in years gone by.” At Chelsea, Graham Potter is already dealing with an incredibly bloated squad, which he finally appears to be getting to click, while a summer clear-out is needed in order to recoup funds. Lukaku could well be a part of that. 
The American businessman completed his takeover of the Blues at the end of last May after Roman Abramovich put the club up for sale when he was sanctioned in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Boehly who already co-owns two basketball teams, Los Angeles Sparks and Los Angeles Lakers as well as baseball side Los Angeles Dodgers, is looking to expand his sporting empire and has held talks with Strasbourg’s president Marc Keller, who has been in charge of the French side since 2012, about a potential takeover. According to L’Equipe, Boehly and his partners are interested in buying a 100 per cent stake in Strasbourg. The club is currently plying their trade in the top division of French football and are 15th in the table after winning four of their 24 matches this season. Last September, there were reports that Boehly wanted to explore the possibility of buying a club in Brazil after being turned down by Santos. 
Jorginho who spent five years at Chelsea before his surprise move to Arsenal, said he’s been impressed with the way Arteta has so far managed the club. He told BeIN Sport; “He [Arteta] reminds me a little bit of Sarri. I am used to working with a manager that looks into the details. For me, details make the difference in the end between a good team and a winning team. 
“I am sure, 100 percent, that he worships [the details] so much. I’ve only been here a short time but I’m sure every day there is going to be something new and that’s why I’m so excited as well because I can see that I have so much to learn here.” 
Goal reported that the loan transfer is yet to go through due to the Blues’ desire for him to feature at this summer’s U20 World Cup. It was gathered that Chelsea’s management believes that an outing at another FIFA showpiece will aid 18-year-old Santos’ development while also making it easier for them to obtain a work permit, which has proved impossible so far. Santos recently starred in the U20 South American Championship for Brazil, netting six goals in eight games as he captained his nation to victory in the tournament, as well as winning the Golden Boot. Following his performances for Brazil, Chelsea is keen for Santos to feature at the U20 World Cup, which is due to take place between May and June 2023. 
Palmeiras are reportedly reluctant to agree to the deal as they could end up losing Santos at a vital stage of their season that delivers important fixtures in the Brazilian Championship and the Copa Libertadores. They are now seeking assurances that they will have the final say on whether the talented teenager is released for Brazil duty or not. There are speculations that a compromise could be reached, and if such an agreement is settled upon, Santos will remain in his homeland until December. 
Chelsea’s inability to get a win in the match has left them languishing in 10th place, with 10 points adrift from the Premier League top four. Potter who spoke to reporters after the match, said they were forced to make changes after their 1-0 Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund. He said; “You have to see it for what it is. We had to make some changes because of the Champions League. “We’ve had to make some changes because of the situation we’re in and boys coming back from injury. When you make those changes, it can be difficult against a team that is well prepared.” 
Agbonlahor however accused Potter of only “complaining.” He told talkSPORT; “He should be sacked for that post-match interview. “What are you talking about? They haven’t got a manager, you’re playing a team in disarray who can’t get back-to-back wins together. “You’re complaining that you’ve had to bring Mykhailo Mudryk off the bench and start Joao Felix? Are you joking me? “Poor Graham! Poor you, Graham… Wow… I think as well… There is an English bias.” 😳 JO’H: “Graham Potter- is he winding me up?! This is Chelsea Football Club!” 👀 GA: “He should be sacked for that post-match interview!” O’Hara & Agbonlahor are left stunned after #CFC boss Graham Potter’s post-match interview with talkSPORT! 😱 pic.twitter.com/HAXiSdONIv — talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) February 18, 2023 
