Mourinho defends Falcao as Costa fitness doubts remain

Goal understands Arsenal are prepared to spend up to £40m on Benzema as they look to make the striker their marquee summer signing following the arrivals of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in the last two years.

Chelsea regained the Premier League trophy with such ease that Jose Mourinho felt his team’s achievement did not get the recognition it deserved.

Begovic was called into action early to pull off a good save from Matias Fernandez’s first-time shot from the edge of the area. Whether you agree with his methods or not, Mourinho’s challenge to all his players and especially the youth and most specifically Ruben Loftus-Cheek is clear.

With the new season just days away, clubs will try to ensure that they have no more business left to do, as – with the window deadline approaching – prices will tend to go up as selling sides sense the desperation from the bidding club.

Costa struggled with a recurring hamstring problem during his first season at Chelsea and the issue could force him to miss the weekend’s clash with Swansea.

Several Chelsea players will be looking to atone for shocking performances on Sunday.

Eden Hazard was Chelsea’s star last season and topped the player of the year voting by his fellow professionals and journalists.

The 19-year-old started for Chelsea in matches against Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at the end of last season, but he was heavily criticised by Mourinho following a post-season game in Australia. “I don’t know whether he will be fit to play on Saturday”, said the Blues boss.

The article claims he told talkSPORT: “I have to be honest and say that it is a bit of a concern”.

If anyone is to get Falcao back to his best it will be Mourinho, an exceptional man manger, with a remarkable ability to motivate players.

Gary Cahill then had a header saved for Chelsea, before Begovic made a fine save to deny a rising drive from Ante Rebic after he’d held off the challenge of Branislav Ivanovic.

Rio Ferdinand has told Stones that he should join his former club Manchester United, but that will not have any bearing on the player or Chelsea’s bid.

Mourinho is irked that the Premier League does not help Champions League participants with more favorable fixture scheduling.