Chelsea links to Xabi Alonso shape squad and targets
Olivier Giroud says ex-Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic, sold to Milan for £20m, ‘reminded me of Eden Hazard’ during USA’s 4-1 World Cup win over Paraguay, praising his dribbling and creativity.
Ashley Cole and Joe Cole discuss Jose Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid and back Xabi Alonso to succeed at Chelsea, focusing on working with Cole Palmer, Reece James and Moises Caicedo.
Chelsea fans urge a move for Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi after his standout display in Morocco’s 1-1 draw with Brazil, with a £44m fee previously discussed amid uncertainty over Chelsea’s midfield.
Ex-Chelsea midfielder Lassana Diarra says Arsenal broke game-time promises in 2007, left after five months, later claiming he learned ‘nothing’ from Arsene Wenger and praising Jose Mourinho.
Cruzeiro purchase an extra 20% of Eduardo Pape’s rights amid Chelsea and Man City interest, valuing the 17-year-old Brazil U17 captain at around €40m ahead of potential bids.
Marc Cucurella says Xabi Alonso ‘inspired a lot of confidence’ as Chelsea shape targets, with Bradley Barcola and Marcus Rashford linked and Joao Pedro viewed as an Alonso untouchable. Livescore
West Brom are set to pay Chelsea £1.3m for 20-year-old striker Jimmy-Jay Morgan after his 14-goal season on loan at Peterborough.
Teddy Sheringham urges Chelsea to sign Everton’s Jordan Pickford, saying the England No.1 ‘ticks every box’ as the Blues seek a new first-choice goalkeeper. Livescore
West Ham shareholder Daniel Kretinsky insists they do not need to sell Jarrod Bowen ‘for financial reasons’, complicating Chelsea’s move for the 29-year-old after the Hammers’ relegation.
Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella keeps his wife’s pyjama top as a lucky charm after Euro 2024 success, hoping for more fortune as Spain start their World Cup campaign.
Chelsea may target Aleksandar Stankovic for around £35m if Enzo Fernandez leaves, with Inter weighing a quick profit after re-signing the Serbia midfielder from Club Brugge.
Brazil drew 1-1 with Morocco as Igor Thiago struggled, prompting regret over omitting Chelsea’s Joao Pedro, who is seen as an Alonso ‘untouchable’ and benefits from a full summer to prepare.
Chelsea have discussed Marcus Rashford, but Bayern are ‘increasingly confident’ of signing him after Barcelona passed on a €30m option. The versatile forward is viewed as a fit for Xabi Alonso’s squad.
Cucurella says Xabi Alonso ‘inspired a lot of confidence’ and that Grimaldo and Borja praised him. Despite transfer noise, Alonso reportedly wants to keep the Chelsea left-back after World Cup duty.
Hato says Maresca’s exit gave him his chance, boosting confidence to 22 Chelsea games and a Netherlands World Cup call-up. He hails incoming boss Xabi Alonso as ‘a great manager’ and is excited.
Linked Chelsea target Kenan Yildiz impressed for Turkey despite a 2-0 loss to Australia, bolstering claims he could replace struggling winger Alejandro Garnacho. Juventus reportedly value him at £87m.
PSG will allow Bradley Barcola to leave amid stalled extension. With Chelsea targeting a versatile winger under Xabi Alonso, they are urged to move quickly despite a mooted £112m price.
Ex-Chelsea prospect Rio Ngumoha says Reece James guided him on England duty, urging him on at right wing. Young Blues like Shim Mheuka have also praised James’ leadership at Cobham.
