Chelsea weigh Lacroix move as Cucurella eyes Barcelona
With Filip Jorgensen pushing to leave, Chelsea plan to integrate Mike Penders after a strong Strasbourg loan and Belgium call-up. Xabi Alonso backs him, with Robert Sanchez to start as first choice.
Roy Keane criticises ex-Chelsea winger Noni Madueke for a glaring miss in England’s 3-0 win over Costa Rica, highlighting his end-product issues that frustrated Blues fans during his 92-game spell.
Ex-Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior, sacked after 107 days, is admired by Ipswich as they consider options to replace Kieran McKenna, with Strasbourg boss Gary O’Neil also in contention.
Right-back Richard Olise leaves Chelsea after 10 years, having made four development starts last season and one first-team bench inclusion in Europe. The 21-year-old ex-England U18 now seeks a new club.
Frank Leboeuf backs Xabi Alonso to thrive at Chelsea if the club give him full control on the pitch, saying the appointment is a ‘good call’ and he will do very well with promised authority.
Chelsea target a Granit Xhaka-style leader despite selling Jorginho for £12m in 2023. Both are deep-lying controllers and ex-captains, underlining the squad’s lack of experienced heads.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says he’d have taken Cole Palmer but understands his omission. Levi Colwill’s absence draws little debate despite his late-season impact and left-sided ball-playing profile.
Chelsea’s Pedro Neto starts and scores in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Nigeria, ending a four-month drought after his FA Cup hat-trick for Chelsea. He impressed with 90% passing before being subbed at HT.
Reece James starts in England’s 3-0 win over Costa Rica as Anthony Gordon shines with an assist and goal, underlining Chelsea’s failure to land him. Blues now weigh a move for Morgan Rogers.
Chelsea eye Maxence Lacroix for £35m to bolster centre-back options as Cucurella reportedly requests Barcelona move. Valentin Barco and Jorrel Hato considered at left-back, with Sanchez No 1 in goal.
After a late red card for Senegal, Chelsea fans oppose Nicolas Jackson’s return despite his versatility. His discipline is questioned following previous reds for Flamengo and Newcastle clashes.
