Chelsea close in on Palestra as Alonso’s defence takes shape
Nike’s Chelsea 26-27 pre-match shirt has leaked.
Reece James was absent from England’s training photos and is being monitored for a minor hamstring issue, so a start against Panama looks unlikely. Chelsea will prioritise his recovery given his recurrent hamstring injuries.
Chelsea bank £17m compensation from Man City for Enzo Maresca and set a £75m price on Malo Gusto, deterring City as Alonso eyes Marco Palestra and possible Reece James in midfield.
Despite injuries and inconsistency, Chelsea still rate Benoit Badiashile and may keep him while exploring Maxence Lacroix and selling Trevoh Chalobah to create space and profit.
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer reacts to England World Cup omission, saying he is ‘not crying’ after an injury-hit season and will rest before returning for pre-season under Xabi Alonso.
John Terry says Xabi Alonso must deliver Champions League football in his first season. After finishing 10th and an 8-2 PSG defeat, Chelsea expect rapid improvement with new signings and a full pre-season.
Chelsea announce Legora as Official Legal AI Partner and training kit sleeve sponsor from 2026-27.
Chelsea target system-fit signings for Alonso, agreeing Marco Palestra and advancing for Maxence Lacroix, both comfortable in a back three after Leverkusen-style plans.
Chelsea are linked with Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, who is widely expected to become a free agent after talks broke down, with the move seen as a priority to address scoring issues. The link comes as Alonso also closes on Marco Palestra.
Leeds left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson does not rule out Chelsea interest after Marc Cucurella’s Real Madrid move, keeping focus on Sweden duty while speculation grows over a potential bid.
Chelsea have opened talks for Benfica’s Andreas Schjelderup, valued at around £35m, with Como leading the race. A new left winger would push Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens further down the pecking order.
Chelsea are considering Roma’s Manu Kone as an Enzo Fernandez alternative. Atletico’s €45m offer was rejected as the player waits on a Premier League move, with Chelsea and Arsenal in the mix, and Roma potentially selling by the end of June due to FFP.
Atalanta defender Marco Palestra confirms Chelsea move after a £47m deal. The Serie A Best Defender is in London for a medical and is set for a contract to 2032. He said: “I’m happy to join Chelsea.”
No Chelsea player has scored at World Cup 2026, while Strasbourg’s Gessime Yassine has, highlighting a blunt tournament for Blues players despite assists for Pedro Neto and Nicolas Jackson.
Moises Caicedo starred as Ecuador beat Germany to reach the World Cup knockouts, winning the ball, creating chances and earning praise from Primicias for a tireless display.
Chelsea are rapidly advancing talks to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix, a ball-playing defender suited to Xabi Alonso’s system and with FA Cup and Conference League pedigree.
