Chelsea close on Alonso, edged 1-0 by Man City
Sam Kerr signs off with a volley as Chelsea beat Man United 1-0. She equals Fran Kirby’s 116-goal club record, denies a Denver Summit move, and bids farewell as the Blues finish 3rd and reach Champions League qualifiers.
Chelsea lose the FA Cup final 1-0 to Man City as Antoine Semenyo’s backheel wins it. Enzo Fernandez went close, penalty shouts for James and Caicedo were waved away, and Sanchez denied late chances.
Craig Burley warns Chelsea’s owners will not cede transfer control despite agreeing a four-year deal with Xabi Alonso. He argues successful coaches must be trusted without ‘half a dozen’ voices interfering.
Chelsea released Sam Hutchinson in 2014, enabling a free move to Sheffield Wednesday where he became a key, low-cost contributor across eight seasons and two play-off pushes.
Pedro a doubt after thigh issue in FA Cup final. Predicted 3-4-2-1: Sanchez; Fofana, Colwill, Hato; Gusto, Caicedo, Fernandez, Cucurella; Palmer, Neto; Delap. James may be managed after hamstring.
Agent Jota Jordi claims Marc Cucurella is ‘1000%’ set for Barcelona or Atletico, amid links also to Joao Pedro and interest in Enzo Fernandez. Alonso wants to keep key Chelsea players.
Spurs could start Richarlison with Gallagher advanced. Maddison may be eased in. Predicted XI: Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Palhinha; Kolo Muani, Gallagher, Tel; Richarlison.
With Alonso close to taking over until 2030 and given a big say on signings, Chelsea could move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba, a trusted centre-back under Alonso and long-term Blues target.
David Ornstein reports Chelsea are close to appointing Xabi Alonso on a four-year deal after London talks. The ex-Bayer Leverkusen title winner is set to replace McFarlane as Chelsea aim to return to the Champions League.
Sturridge and Richards hail Chelsea as ‘excellent’ despite the 1-0 FA Cup final loss to Man City, praising Colwill and a solid setup. McFarlane raged over a denied Hato penalty. Alonso’s appointment is widely reported.
