Chelsea sign Marco Palestra as Chalobah exit looms
Reece James will miss England’s next two World Cup matches after reporting hamstring tightness following the 0-0 draw with Ghana. With Tino Livramento injured, Thomas Tuchel has called up Trevoh Chalobah, while Jarell Quansah and Ezri Konsa can also cover at right-back, along with Djed Spence.
Manchester United have reportedly joined Chelsea in the race for Sporting CP left-back Maxi Araujo, who has a £69.3m release clause but could be available for around £50m. The Uruguay international can play as a left-back or wing-back, with Chelsea exploring options after Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid.
Chelsea are considering re-signing Cesare Casadei from Torino, with a potential loan to Ipswich an option. A 27.5% resale clause could reduce the outlay after he scored seven goals in 36 Serie A games last season.
After Scotland’s 3-0 loss to Brazil, Piers Morgan criticised Steve Clarke for walking out of an interview, while former Chelsea captain John Terry defended him as ‘passionate’ but admitted he could have handled it better.
A review of Chelsea’s record buys highlights Enzo Fernández as club-record signing, Didier Drogba’s impact, and Kepa Arrizabalaga’s £71.6m flop before a £5m sale to Arsenal. Spending since 2022 under BlueCo is underlined.
Left out of England’s World Cup squad, Cole Palmer has praised Raheem Sterling’s influence and is benefiting from a full rest before Xabi Alonso’s pre-season after a gruelling, injury-hit campaign.
Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix is edging closer to a move to Chelsea, with his arrival expected to accelerate Trevoh Chalobah’s departure despite his consistency. Serie A side Como, managed by Cesc Fàbregas, have submitted an initial bid for Chalobah.
Chelsea land Atalanta’s 21-year-old Marco Palestra in a deal worth more than £43m. The two-footed Serie A Defender of the Year boosts Xabi Alonso’s wing-back or full-back options and raises questions over Malo Gusto and Trevoh Chalobah.
Chelsea have reportedly submitted a £26m bid for Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka, a move said to be personally requested by Xabi Alonso. The former Leverkusen captain would add experience and leadership after a poor campaign.
Chelsea are preparing a £50m move for a Tottenham prospect likened to Luka Modric, with talks already held as the Blues eye another Cole Palmer‑style swoop.
An opinion piece questions Everton’s renewed interest in Liam Delap, citing poor form since he chose Chelsea over them last summer.
Milan are plotting a loan for Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson after his stint at Bayern Munich. With Gonçalo Ramos incoming, the Rossoneri view Jackson as depth, with the striker deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have updated their crest for 2026 with a deeper blue, a borderless 2D look and a simplified lion. Fans on X largely approved, praising the updated font and subtle changes.
Reading have made an approach to sign Chelsea prospect Shumaira Mheuka permanently. Talks are ongoing, with Chelsea open to selling for the right price. The 18-year-old scored 25 goals for the Under-21s and is open to a move for regular game time.
