Chelsea agree Barco deal, Estevao targets early return
Reece James, Levi Colwill and Joao Pedro could start at Sunderland. Predicted XI: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Neto, Palmer, Fernandez; Joao Pedro. Mudryk suspended.
Enzo Maresca, poised for Man City, is pushing to sign Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, with initial talks reported. A huge fee would be needed, amid links and uncertainty around Rodri’s future.
Reece James says he is ‘very excited’ by Xabi Alonso’s arrival as manager, praising his winning pedigree. He targets fitness for Sunderland, with Calum McFarlane leading before Alonso starts on 1 July.
Wayne Rooney says Cole Palmer should have been picked over Noni Madueke for England. Thomas Tuchel left Palmer out after disrupted minutes. Palmer now rests before linking up with Xabi Alonso on 1 July.
Josh Acheampong may explore options if minutes look limited under Xabi Alonso. Man United, Man City, Bayern and Real Madrid track the Chelsea defender, though Chelsea view him as not for sale.
Estevao Willian targets early pre-season return after a grade-four hamstring tear ended his World Cup hopes. Chelsea’s APAC tour set, with Xabi Alonso’s side facing five July-August friendlies.
Chelsea monitor PSG striker Goncalo Ramos, who has 12 goals this season and could leave. Man United and Arsenal are also interested as Chelsea seek a striker upgrade.
Chelsea join Arsenal in the race for Bournemouth’s 19-year-old forward Junior Kroupi, who has reportedly hit double figures this season.
John Terry backs Chelsea to beat Sunderland 2-0 and clinch Europe. McFarlane hopeful over Levi Colwill and Joao Pedro returns. Estevao Willian remains out with injury.
Chelsea strike agreement to sign Strasbourg’s Valentin Barco. The 21-year-old, converted from left-back to midfield, will have the move formalised next month as he awaits Argentina World Cup news.
Chelsea U18s win the national title at Stamford Bridge, beating Man City with goals from Chizzy Ezenwata, Mathis Eboue, Ryan Kavuma-McQueen and Sol Gordon. Staff felt ‘revenge’ after the Youth Cup loss.
Strasbourg, within Chelsea’s BlueCo, pursue Cruzeiro centre-back Jonathan Jesus. Zenit bids were rejected and his price is now about €15m. A Strasbourg move could be a BlueCo pathway towards England.
Chelsea invite Thiago Silva to join their coaching staff when he retires. The ex-Blues defender is weighing that against a one-season playing offer from AC Milan.
