NFLNBANHLMLBWNBARoland-GarrosSoccer
Featured Video
Mbappé's Rollercoaster Season 🎢
Real Madrid's Pepe from Portugal celebrates scoring a goal against Valencia during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Saturday May 9, 2015. (AP Photo/Oscar del Pozo)
Real Madrid's Pepe from Portugal celebrates scoring a goal against Valencia during a Spanish La Liga soccer match at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, Spain, Saturday May 9, 2015. (AP Photo/Oscar del Pozo)Oscar del Pozo/Associated Press

Chelsea Transfer News: Major Pepe Blow, Latest on Oscar and Paul Pogba Rumours

Christopher SimpsonJun 26, 2015

Chelsea look likely to miss out on Real Madrid star Pepe, who has reaffirmed his commitment to the club.

Speaking to Marca, he said: "I can't wait for pre-season to start; I'm looking forward to returning to Madrid, linking up with my teammates again, meeting Rafa Benitez and getting down to work. I'm really motivated because I'm convinced a spectacular season is in store for us".

Marca's report notes the 32-year-old is likely to be utilised by Benitez as a role model for younger players in the dressing room.

TOP NEWS

Real Madrid CF v Girona FC - LaLiga EA Sports
Real Betis V Real Madrid - Laliga Ea Sports

The news will come as something of a blow to Jose Mourinho, who will be well aware of Pepe's defensive qualities from his time at the Bernabeu.

Pepe's ability in the air makes him an imposing figure at the back.

Despite the Portuguese international's vast experience, Chelsea would be better suited targeting a younger defender.

Though John Terry continues to defy all expectations and enjoyed a fantastic season last year, the captain is now 34, and Gary Cahill is creeping ever closer to 30.

Therefore, a centre-back who could form a long-term partnership with Kurt Zouma would arguably be a better option.

Better news for Chelsea is that Oscar appears to be staying put.

According to Football Italia, the Brazilian's agent and advisor, Kia Joorabchian, told Calcio Mercato: "It's completely impossible and there is no truth to it at all. Oscar will not be leaving Chelsea."

The midfielder had another impressive season with the Premier League champions, scoring eight goals and making eight assists in all competitions.

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 18:  Oscar of Chelsea tackles Paddy McNair of Manchester United  during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on April 18, 2015 in London, England.  (Photo by Jamie McDonald/Gett

The 23-year-old is also known for his impressive defensive work rate, demonstrated in his 42 successful tackles last season, per Squawka.

The youngster has a long and promising future ahead of him, so Chelsea will be very happy to keep him around.

Paul Pogba 'Not for Sale'

According to football writer Omid Zamani, Juventus are intent on keeping hold of their star asset:

Pogba has established himself as one of the best young talents in world football in recent years, and the 22-year-old has a fan in the Guardian's Serie A expert James Horncastle:

The Frenchman scored 10 goals in all competitions last season, including this magnificent volley:

The midfielder also showed off his creativity with six assists, and his boundless energy and incisive dribbling continue to impress.

The Bianconeri are clearly hopeful of building their team around the youngster, but with clubs like Barcelona and Chelsea hovering, a big money move is never going to be off the cards.

Should the Blues land his signature, a shift in personnel or formation will likely be needed to accommodate his considerable talent. 

Nemanja Matic is the linchpin in front of Chelsea's defence that conceded just 32 goals in the league last year, while Cesc Fabregas' six goals and astounding 21 assists surely makes him undroppable.

Pogba's presence would either push Fabregas forward into Oscar or Willian's place, where he is capable if not quite as effective, or necessitate a switch to a 4-3-3.

If Mourinho does manage to get his hands on Pogba however, the selection headache will be more than worth it for the quality Pogba would bring to the team.

Mbappé's Rollercoaster Season 🎢

TOP NEWS

Real Madrid CF v Girona FC - LaLiga EA Sports
Real Betis V Real Madrid - Laliga Ea Sports
United States v Japan - International Friendly
FIFA World Cup 2026 Venues - New York New Jersey Stadium

TRENDING ON B/R