Roman Abramovich and Marina Granovskaia differ over their decision regarding Chelsea manager Frank Lampard

According to ESPN, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and club chief Marina Granovskaia are at odds regarding what to do with Frank Lampard.

A run of just two wins from eight Premier League games has cast the spotlight on Lampard’s future in the Blues hot seat. Unless results pick up, he runs the risk of being yet another managerial fatality at Stamford Bridge.

Lampard did well to lead the club to a fourth-place finish last season, given the constraints he had to work under. However, he was adequately backed last summer and patience is now running thin at the Bridge.

Both Abramovich and Granovskia are torn over whether to hire an interim replacement now or wait until the end of the campaign to make their move.

Interim replacements under consideration include former boss Avram Grant and Ukraine manager, Andriy Shevchenko. Chelsea, however, appeared to be paralyzed by a lack of decision-making.

Known for being impatient, Abramovich has sacked 13 managers since taking over the club in 2003. As if things were not bleak enough for Lampard, Blues stars appear to be questioning his tactics.

A number of players are unsure of Lampard’s tactics and the criteria used to select his best XI. The boss, for his part, snapped back at journalists in his presser on Friday.

For now, it would appear Lampard’s status at the club has brought him some time to set things right. But knowing the Blues hierarchy, he would be foolish to assume it will be a long leash.

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It was reported earlier that Lampard had three games to save his Chelsea job. The Blues boss successfully cleared the first hurdle earlier today.

A Tammy Abraham hat-trick ensured the Blues defeated Luton Town 3-0 to progress to the FA Cup fifth round. Next up is a Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday.

Chelsea and Manchester United to battle it out for Ousmane Dembele

According to Spanish publication, SPORT (h/t Express), Chelsea and Manchester United are set to battle it out for Ousmane Dembele.

The Frenchman joined Barcelona 2017 from Borussia Dortmund for a massive transfer fee of £117m. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, he has failed to put up a consistent string of performances.

The 23-year-old’s contract expires in 2022 and negotiations regarding an extension at Barcelona have hit a roadblock. Given his potential, it is fair to say that he has failed to hit the desired heights at the Nou Camp.

Injuries and inconsistency have marred his stay at Barcelona. However, Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman appears to have put his trust in the young Frenchman (h/t Express)

He has only made 93 appearances for the club in three and a half years. During this same time, he has missed an incredible 85 games due to injury. (h/t Transfermarkt)

Barcelona are keen to rid themselves of Dembele if he does not sign a new contract. Koeman is keen to bring Memphis Depay to the Nou Camp once the Dutchman’s contract expires this summer at Lyon. (h/t Express)

Dembele is clearly an exciting talent who is yet to fulfill his potential. As long as he can stay fit, he is likely to be an asset to the club.

Given that we are still to see the best of our big summer signings in Kai Havertz and Timo Werner, how far the Blues are willing to spend next summer remains to be seen.

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The upcoming summer presents the last chance for Barcelona to sell the player for a decent fee. The Frenchman will be free to discuss pre-contract arrangements from January 2022 and can be signed for a free later that summer.

However, it all depends on how well his negotiations with Barcelona go. It will be worth keeping an eye out on developments in the coming months.

Chelsea reject Hammers bid for Emerson Palmieri

According to the Mirror, Chelsea have rejected a loan offer from West Ham United for Emerson Palmieri.

The Hammers are keen to bring in a left-back this month. Although they have Aaron Creswell, losing Arthur Masuaku due to injury has necessitated a dip into the market.

The Italian ace has struggled for game time at Chelsea and has been linked with a move away. As a stop-gap measure, there are few better left-backs available this window.

Despite being the club’s second-choice left-back, Frank Lampard is keen to keep Emerson at the club. While Ben Chilwell is the club’s first-choice, he cannot be expected to play every single game for the remainder of the season.

The decision to keep Emerson is further strengthened given Marcos Alonso’s fall from grace. The Spaniard and Frank Lampard had a falling out earlier in the season and the former has not featured for Chelsea since.

With the Champions League also set to return in February, Lampard will need strength in depth to negotiate a busy schedule.

Emerson has 18 months left on his current deal at Stamford Bridge. Signed from AS Roma in 2018, the Italian star has failed to make an impact in the Blues’ squad.

He has so far made 64 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions. During this time, he has scored one goal and assisted five. (h/t Transfermarkt)

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With games set to come thick and fast, how Lampard will rotate his squad will be key. Chilwell has shown that he is susceptible to injuries, meaning the Blues need a senior left-back ready to step in when needed.

Emerson can fulfill that role well. Keeping him could prove to be an inspired decision come to the end of the season.

Chelsea fans react on Twitter as Kepa Arrizabalaga makes yet another blunder against Luton Town

It would appear that Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga cannot catch a break in the Blues goal.

Making his sixth appearances of the season, the Spanish goalkeeper has once again found himself at the centre of a storm, for all the wrong reasons.

Chelsea welcomed minnows Luton Town in their FA Cup fourth round fixture at Stamford Bridge. Tammy Abraham put the Blues up 2-0 before Jordan Clark reduced the deficit at the half hour mark.

The Luton ace’s strike was straight at Kepa but somehow managed to squeeze in between the goalkeeper’s hands. While errors happen, Kepa has been making them on a consistent basis.

The 26-year-old has a save percentage of 58.8 percent since the beginning of last season. It is the worst among all Premier League goalkeepers with 20 plus appearances.

A lot was expected of Kepa after Chelsea paid a club-record fee to purchase him in 2018. While he has had his moments, the transfer has to be considered a massive flop.

Kepa is by no means a bad keeper. But it would appear his time at Chelsea has run its course. A move away would be the best bet for both him and Chelsea going forward.

The Spaniard tp his credit did redeem himself with an excellent save from Harry Cornick in the second half. Thankfully Kepa’s mistake did not come to haunt us as Tammy Abraham finished off Luton with his third on the night in the 74th minute.

Twitter reacts as Kepa makes yet another Chelsea blunder

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Chelsea beat Luton Town 3-1, with Abraham completing his hat-trick in the second half. We will now be facing Barnsley in the fifth round.