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May 20th , 2024

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MIDFIELD PAIR TO MISS PRE-SEASON TOUR AS DECLAN RICE TRANSFER WARNING SENT

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A year ago

The Blues will be without N'Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek on their US tour, and David Moyes has stated that Declan Rice will not be sold this summer.

After a season marred by takeover speculation and government sanctions, Chesea fans will be expecting more from their team in 2022-23.

The Blues have made significant investments since winning the Champions League in 2021, despite finishing third in the Premier League title race last season. The onus will be on Thomas Tuchel and his players to keep up with the blistering pace set by Manchester City and Liverpool.

However, the squad does not appear to be prepared to do so at the moment. Following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, defensive reinforcements have yet to be acquired, and the signings of Raheem Sterling and Raphinha have yet to be completed, despite encouraging reports.

The duo will miss the pre-season tour.

N'Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Chelsea will miss the club's pre-season trip to the United States due to Covid-19 vaccination status.

The Blues arrived in the United States on Saturday for a training camp and three friendly matches against Club America, Charlotte, and Arsenal. Tuchel's plans, however, will be hampered by the absence of a couple of key midfielders.

According to the UK government's website, most fully vaccinated foreign citizens are permitted to enter the United States. Authorities will accept any Covid vaccine that has been approved for use in an emergency by the World Health Organization or the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Chelsea fans will be cheered by the return of Ben Chilwell after a lengthy absence, while Christian Pulisic will be the main attraction as the US international returns to his homeland.

The England international has been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea on numerous occasions. Rice grew up a Blues fan and was on the club's books before being released. He has grown into one of the Premier League's best midfielders during his time at West Ham.

Moyes has previously stated that an offer of £150 million may be required before the Hammers consider a sale, and he has stated that the club will not entertain any offers for their star performer this summer.

When asked if there had been any approaches, he stated that there had been none. "We wouldn't take any anyway." We've always said he's not for sale.

Raphinha's transfer appears to be getting closer, as Leeds have decided to leave the Brazil international out of their upcoming pre-season tour.

Chelsea have long been linked with the winger, and reports suggested that a fee had been agreed upon with Leeds for his signature. However, Barcelona is also interested, implying that a transfer tug of war for the talented 25-year-old is ongoing.

Leeds are in Australia for pre-season and will be keen to avoid distractions following the club's decision to sell star midfielder Kalvin Phillips. Leaving Raphinha at home would indicate that a switch is imminent, and the Blues will be hoping to incorporate him into their revamped attack this summer.

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