Frank Lampard photographed arriving at Stamford Bridge ahead of announcement as Chelsea manager

Frank Lampard has been pictured arriving at Stamford Bridge as his return to Chelsea as manager draws ever closer.

The Daily Express reports that the Blues legend was photographed outside the stadium, where fans still sing his name, as he looks set to be appointed the new Chelsea boss.

Derby County granted Chelsea permission to speak to Lampard last week with hope the deal could be concluded as quickly as possible.

Maurizio Sarri left the club last month and sealed a return to Italy with Juventus, opening the door for the Blues’ all-time top scorer to head back to west London.

An announcement on Lampard’s appointment as Chelsea boss could be imminent.

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Atletico Madrid, Arsenal battle for Bundesliga defence ace

Arsenal and Atletico Madrid are reportedly set to do battle for RB Leipzig defender and German youth international Lukas Klostermann.

Diario AS cite a report from reputable German publication Bild which claims Los Rojiblancos are monitoring the defender, who starred in this summer’s European Under-21 Championships.

The 23-year-old enjoyed a strong tournament and was reportedly heavily monitored by Atleti scouts throughout the competition in Italy.

According to Football Espana, the right-back would theoretically be a replacement for the departed Juanfran Torres in Diego Simeone’s side and he has appeared in 52 Bundesliga matches across the past two campaigns.

Having been capped twice by the German national team this year, Klostermann is growing in demand and Arsenal are also said to be monitoring his situation.

Lionel Messi opens up on his Argentina future after loss to Brazil at Copa America

Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi has stated that he will not retire from international football after missing out on yet another trophy with Argentina.

The 32-year-old’s wait for major silverware with his country goes on after Argentina were beaten 2-0 by Brazil in the Copa America semi-finals on Tuesday night.

Argentina captain Messi will be 35 by the start of the 2022 World Cup, though Argentina will co-host next year’s Copa with Colombia, report the Daily Mail.

The forward, who quit the national side after the 2016 Copa America final loss only to return for the 2018 World Cup, suggested he was still committed to the Argentina cause.

‘Something new is on the horizon,’ he said on Tuesday night.

‘The truth is I have got on very well with this group of players and if I have to help in some way I will. This is a great group which is growing and if I can join them I will.’

Both Messi and Sergio Aguero hit the woodwork in the 2-0 defeat as goals from Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino sealed Brazil’s spot in the final.

But following the final whistle, the Barcelona star said he hoped Argentina fans back home would recognise his side’s effort during the tournament.

‘I hope we are respected and not criticized. They should let the team be and let them grow,’ he said.

Photo Credit: AFP

Arsenal suffer blow as Alexandre Lacazette drops transfer bombshell

Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette has reportedly told his Premier League club he wants to leave this summer amid reports that Atletico Madrid are keen to sign him to replace Antoine Griezmann.

Two summers ago, there was total agreement between the France international, Atletico and Olympique Lyonnais for the transfer but the deal never went through but now the Gunners want to raise funds.

That was the summer where Los Rojiblancos saw their FIFA-imposed transfer ban upheld and the deal subsequently collapsed, with the striker instead joining Arsenal.

But, now reports claim Simeone is looking for another top striker to replace Griezmann and he could offer Lacazette a chance to play in Europe’s top competition.

Last month, El Mundo Deportivo claimed Le 10 Sport were the first outlet to say that Atleti have now made initial contact with the striker again regarding a possible transfer this summer.

Griezmann is set to join Barcelona this summer, having confirmed in May that he would leave the Spanish capital after five years with Atletico.

Diego Simeone’s side are expected to use some of the funds from his sale to sign Benfica starlet Joao Felix but, according to the Mirror, they are keen on Arsenal’s Lacazette, too.

Serie A club chief happy after signing Chelsea starlet

Atalanta CEO Luca Percassi has expressed his club’s excitment with the return of Chelsea midfielder Mario Pasalic, saying “we’re happy because he’s an important player for us.”

Atalanta already had a €15m option to buy Pasalic after he spent last season in Bergamo, but Percassi announced on Wednesday that they had renewed their loan deal.

“There was a new development a few minutes ago,” he told ANSA as cited by Football Italia.

“We’re happy because he’s an important player for us. The deal provides us with an option to buy.”

However, Luca was not expecting his club to do any more business before their Champions League bow next term.

“For me, [the transfer window] has finished,” he continued.