Chelsea push Europe at Sunderland as James and Colwill return
Man City and Real Madrid eye Enzo Fernandez, but Chelsea should only sell if Xabi Alonso deems him surplus. The 25-year-old has 15 goals and leadership, with Maresca credited for his scoring role.
Diego Moreira, sold by Chelsea to Strasbourg for £1.7m, is set for a £37m Borussia Dortmund move after 5 goals and 9 assists. Rennes also showed interest. Chelsea hold a buy-back clause.
Cole Palmer missed England’s World Cup squad while Eberechi Eze made it. Both have 10 goals in all comps, but Palmer played far fewer minutes. Debate grows over Tuchel’s picks amid other omissions.
Reece James hails Estevao Willian as ‘once in a generation’. The winger is out with a hamstring injury but should join Alonso’s pre-season. Chelsea hope early returns boost a stronger start.
Valentin Barco will join Chelsea from Strasbourg after rejecting an ‘important’ German club, says Fabrizio Romano. The 21-year-old can play midfield or left-back and impressed with tough, high-tackle Ligue 1 displays.
Interim boss McFarlane says Cobham’s ‘best academy in the world’ helped lure Xabi Alonso. He namechecks Reece James and Levi Colwill, who are expected to be key under the new manager.
Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha will join Chelsea but his role is uncertain after injury-hit season of 8 goals in 18 games. Club weigh striker options and may still target a top No 9 like Victor Osimhen.
Chelsea refuse to sell Joao Pedro despite Barcelona talks. Ben Jacobs says not even a record bid will sway them. The 24-year-old ended with 20 goals and 9 assists and is seen as key to Xabi Alonso’s project.
Chelsea push for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers as Arsenal back away over a €90m fee. The England forward hit 14 goals and 12 assists, and could become Xabi Alonso’s first major signing at Stamford Bridge.
Ex-Chelsea defender Thiago Silva, linked with a coaching role at Stamford Bridge, shares he is midway through a UEFA licence course in Scotland, hinting at moving into coaching after leaving Porto.
Chelsea chase Europe at Sunderland, needing a win and Brighton to slip. James, Colwill and Joao Pedro set to return, Mudryk suspended. Predicted XI includes Palmer, Fernandez and Caicedo. Kick-off 16:00 BST.
