Chelsea moves take shape as Alonso plans rebuild
Fernando Morientes backs Xabi Alonso’s choice to join Chelsea, calling it a ‘very good move’ with Liverpool not calling. Four trusted staff, including Sebas Parrilla, will follow him to Stamford Bridge.
Xabi Alonso plans 4-5 starting-level signings for 2026/27, with goalkeeper a priority and additions eyed at centre-back, midfield, wing and striker after a poor season and FA Cup final loss to Man City.
Ex-Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca agrees terms to replace Pep Guardiola at Man City at season’s end. He previously assisted Pep in 2022/23 and left Chelsea in January.
Man City could target Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez if Enzo Maresca replaces Guardiola. City view the £90m-rated midfielder as a fit for their rebuild, though prising him from Chelsea would be difficult.
Barca chief Deco held a routine meeting with agent Ali Barat, who represents Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson. No specific move discussed, with Joao Pedro named as Barcelona’s preferred target.
Chelsea host Spurs after the FA Cup final loss and Alonso’s appointment. João Pedro and Lavia are doubts, Mudryk suspended. Spurs need a win to seal survival, but have a poor record at Stamford Bridge.
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi, once pursued by Chelsea and Spurs, now has a £435m release clause and a contract to 2029, making any move to Stamford Bridge highly unlikely.
Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti omits Joao Pedro despite 15 goals and 5 assists, saying he was ‘unlucky’.
Incoming striker Emanuel Emegha calls Chelsea his ‘next step’, prompting backlash from fans after a turbulent Strasbourg season and pre-agreed seven-year deal with the Blues.
Chelsea face Spurs at 20:15 BST on Sky Sports. Blues chase Europe from 10th, Spurs fight relegation. Lavia could return, Levi Colwill in contention. Vicario fit for Spurs; Maddison a doubt.
Leeds monitor Axel Disasi for a permanent move. The Chelsea centre-back, on loan at West Ham, is expected to leave if the Hammers go down, with no buy option and no route back into Chelsea’s plans.
Thibaut Courtois denies Real Madrid players tried to get Xabi Alonso sacked, saying form ‘dips’ happen. Alonso now takes over at Chelsea on a four-year deal after the FA Cup final defeat.
Teen forward Dastan Satpaev aims to impress incoming boss Xabi Alonso in pre-season after a prolific spell at Kairat Almaty. A Strasbourg loan as Emegha’s replacement is floated as a realistic next step.
Valentin Barco confirms Strasbourg exit ahead of move to Chelsea after 3 goals and 9 assists in 43 games. Announcement expected post-season, with versatility across left-back, wing-back and midfield noted.
