Chelsea face FA charge as transfer links continue
Carlo Ancelotti insisted Estevao Willian remains vital for Brazil and will be called up even if Chelsea limit his minutes, backing the 19-year-old's development.
Chelsea had four players in The Athletic's Premier League top 50, led by Morgan Rogers at 11th, with Moises Caicedo 12th, Cole Palmer 14th and Joao Pedro 18th.
Jamie Vardy named former Chelsea striker Diego Costa, not N'Golo Kante, as his toughest Chelsea opponent, recalling a heated clash at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are urged to explore a January swap, using Jamie Gittens to try to land Roma midfielder Manu Kone and address central midfield issues under Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea are among the clubs monitoring RB Leipzig centre-back Castello Lukeba, though Leipzig want about €60m and are not pushing for a winter sale.
Chelsea have made enquiries for Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini, but his new deal to 2031 is a fresh obstacle despite continued Premier League interest.
Chelsea expect Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Reece James and Marco Palestra to be fit after the break, with Joao Pedro the main doubt for Bournemouth because of a knee injury.
Chelsea are considering Tyrick Mitchell and Abdukodir Khusanov in January, with a move for Mitchell potentially threatening Pep Chavarria's new starting spot.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink said doubts over Xabi Alonso's Chelsea future are 'not even a conversation', urging patience for the new coach after mixed early results.
Thomas Tuchel called Cole Palmer's England withdrawal a 'missed opportunity', saying the Chelsea midfielder has missed too many camps through injury despite his strong club form.
Chelsea are reportedly monitoring Atletico Madrid's Marcos Llorente, whose contract is running down, as they weigh an experienced option for midfield or right-back.
Chelsea retain interest in Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni, valued at about £70m, as Xabi Alonso shapes a back three. Liverpool, Barcelona and Manchester City are also keen.
Chelsea still admire Lamine Camara and have not blacklisted Monaco, but a January move looks complicated with the Ligue 1 club expected to hold out until summer.
Carlton Cole said Morgan Rogers has made Chelsea's attack 'formidable', praising his link-up with Cole Palmer after 3 goals and 4 assists in 7 games.
Chelsea still view Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott as a top target for 2027 after failed summer bids, but a January move looks extremely challenging.
Chelsea's long-standing interest in Morgan Gibbs-White faces a major hurdle, with Bayern Munich leading the race and Nottingham Forest expected to demand more than £116m.
Chelsea are linked with Manchester City's Abdukodir Khusanov, but his importance to City and reported £60m valuation make a January deal look unlikely.
Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders has reportedly suffered a quad injury and will miss Belgium's Nations League game with Italy, delaying a possible debut.
Chelsea cannot recall Alejandro Garnacho in January after omitting a break clause in his Aston Villa loan, despite the winger playing just 31 minutes.
Chelsea have been charged by the FA over discriminatory chanting in the win at Fulham. The club urged supporters to take collective responsibility after previous fines and charges for chants of this nature.
Removed.
Chelsea fans are worried Levi Colwill's poor start in Xabi Alonso's back three may reflect lasting effects of last season's ACL injury amid defensive struggles.
