Chelsea moves: Santos to Man Utd, Barco eyed, Derry to Sporting
Xabi Alonso has contacted Real Madrid over Eduardo Camavinga, making him Chelsea’s top target. Madrid resist a sale, with any bid needing around €60m, as Alonso seeks midfield dynamism.
With Andrey Santos set for a £50m Man Utd switch, Chelsea eye Strasbourg’s Valentin Barco as cover. The 21-year-old played left-back and midfield, but his Ligue 1 output trailed Santos’ all-round impact.
Sunderland reject interest from Chelsea, Man United and Man City in Noah Sadiki. The 21-year-old, under contract to 2030, is seen as central to their Europa League campaign and will not be sold.
Estevao Willian reports for preseason but is still rehabbing a hamstring. Chelsea plan a careful load, with ‘full-form’ possible in the first half of the season rather than an immediate return.
Axel Disasi revived his form on loan at West Ham and could return permanently after a fee was agreed with Chelsea.
Roma are exploring Alejandro Garnacho on loan with option to buy. The 22-year-old, signed by Chelsea for €46.2m in 2025, has lacked minutes. A sale would cost about €72m, beyond Roma’s budget.
Academy winger Jesse Derry will join Sporting CP on a season loan with no buy clause. The move deepens Chelsea’s Sporting ties after Quenda and Essugo, and frees minutes amid midfield exits.
Inter are awaiting talks with Chelsea over Trevoh Chalobah, while Como have made no offer. Inter want an economical deal, casting doubt on a €35m-40m fee as Chelsea eye higher Premier League bids.
New boss Xabi Alonso vows to build on Chelsea’s ‘strong culture’, stressing non-negotiable principles, work ethic and team-first mentality to revive the Blues after last season’s 10th-place finish.
After rejecting Chelsea’s move for Granit Xhaka, Sunderland target a permanent deal for Chelsea striker Marc Guiu, with Ipswich and Fiorentina also keen amid expected Stamford Bridge exits.
Reece James returns to England training after a hamstring issue and could face Norway. With Jarell Quansah suspended and injuries elsewhere, the Chelsea right back offers a timely option.
Chelsea join Brighton in pursuit of Atalanta centre-back Honest Ahanor after signing Marco Palestra. The Italy international is valued around €30m, with several Premier League clubs monitoring.
Opinion piece says Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana underwhelmed yet are not priority sales. Meanwhile Chelsea pursue centre-back Maxence Lacroix as Cucurella leaves and Andrey Santos nears Man Utd.
