Chelsea team news and calls before Arsenal trip
Chelsea get a boost in pursuit of Julián Alvarez, with Barcelona’s Deco denying talks. Alvarez has 13 goals and a €100m valuation amid wider transfer rumours across Europe.
PSG’s Nantes game is postponed between legs vs Chelsea, giving them six days’ rest before the second leg. Chelsea face Newcastle in the same period, prompting fan frustration over the advantage.
Predicted Chelsea XI at Arsenal: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Badiashile, Gusto; Caicedo, Santos, Fernandez; Palmer, Neto, Pedro. Fofana suspended, Tosin set to start, Reece James cleared to play.
Todd Boehly says he signed Marc Cucurella after Man City’s interest. The £60m left-back has become a key Chelsea player and Euro 2024 winner, with Pochettino credited for keeping and elevating him.
Marco van Ginkel says Chelsea beat Ajax to his 2013 move with a five-year plan and Vitesse stance. ACL injuries limited him to four Blues games, with success instead on PSV loans.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall says he felt ‘useless’ at Chelsea amid limited league minutes behind Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez. He left for Everton and has five Premier League goals this season.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink praises Liam Rosenior’s start, saying he ‘gives you a proper answer’ and is unafraid to change things. Rosenior has one defeat to Arsenal and must fix dropped points from leads.
Diego Costa, 37, announces retirement, saying his ‘desire to keep playing ended’. The ex-Chelsea striker won the Premier League in 2015 and 2017, scoring 59 in 120 for the Blues.
Ashley Cole says Arsenal broke a contract promise before his 2006 Chelsea move, rejecting claims it was for money. He later won the Premier League, Champions League and four FA Cups with Chelsea.
Predictions split but mostly back Arsenal: Wright 3-1, Sutton 2-0, Merson 1-0, Smith 2-1. Chelsea backing from Cahill 1-2, Scholes draw or Blues, Keane tips Arsenal, citing Chelsea ill-discipline.
Liam Rosenior says Dario Essugo is not fit for Arsenal. Romeo Lavia could return after U21 minutes. Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez available, with Reece James managed to stay fresh for the derby.
