Chelsea get new sponsor update as timeline revealed after key talks with two huge deals explored

Chelsea will be welcoming back their first team stars from the international break as they travel to Bournemouth in the fifth Premier League match of Mauricio Pochettino's short time in charge. There will also be a new kit on show as the mint green — described as 'Eton blue' — top is on display for the first time.

When revealed to fans on Wednesday it became the third and final of this season's new tops to be made available. Alongside a hugely popular 1980s inspired home jersey and a shockwave navy away number it completes a set of unique and widely approved designs from the club.

One notable omission from all three of the releases, though, is still the front-of-shirt sponsor. Despite it being more than three months on since the club's previous partnership with mobile giants Three ended, no new deal has been agreed and confirmed.

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It hasn't been because of a lack of trying. Streaming service Paramount Plus had an agreement with the club before it was turned down by the Premier League due to potential conflicts of interest with other broadcasters across the world. Gambling and online casino company, Stake, also entered talks but widespread backlash to that saw it dropped.

Now, over four weeks on from the home shirt finally being made available for supporters to buy — it was already delayed during pre-season in an understood attempt to finalise a sponsor and not have the wholesale spread of sponsorless shirts — there is yet to be much progress being made. Speaking to the Athletic's Chelsea podcast, Straight Outta Cobham, Liam Twomey has admitted things aren't