Chelsea: Alonso sets stall out, Enzo talks and Palestra arrives
Xabi Alonso unveiled as Chelsea manager, insists he is aligned with the club, wants Enzo Fernández to stay and views Cole Palmer as ‘special’. Transfers include Palestra in, Cucurella and Santos out.
Roma submit a €5m loan with €35m option for Chelsea’s Alejandro Garnacho, potentially becoming an obligation. Jorge Mendes is pushing ownership to accept, with Diego Moreira also discussed.
Marco Palestra’s agent rebuts Inter’s Beppe Marotta, saying Inter never agreed terms with Atalanta and Chelsea sealed the deal late with a higher offer and salary.
Chelsea set €35m price for Trevoh Chalobah but Inter and Como back away over fee and wages, turning to other targets while the defender is at the World Cup.
Roma bid to take Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea on loan with a €35m option after €5m fee. They also ask West Ham for Crysencio Summerville.
Chelsea persist with a move for Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers despite a £130m valuation and Arsenal interest, risking time lost on alternatives like Rafael Leao or Andreas Schjelderup.
Chelsea prepare talks for Porto’s Diogo Costa, valuing him at €40m, but president André Villas-Boas insists on the €60m clause after his standout World Cup.
Chelsea join Liverpool and Tottenham in chasing Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup after a strong World Cup. Benfica now want around €50m.
Chelsea captain Reece James returns from a hamstring strain for England, targets World Cup glory against Argentina and says he is ready to help in multiple roles.
Chelsea sign Palestra but stall on Alonso targets Pep Chavarria and Granit Xhaka, struggling to agree a fee with Rayo Vallecano after Cucurella’s exit.
Chelsea are expected to take Valentin Barco from Strasbourg but have not confirmed it, possibly waiting until after his World Cup duty with Argentina to announce and complete media duties.
Man City target Malo Gusto with a €45m bid, but Chelsea want €75m. A sale is possible after Marco Palestra’s arrival, yet talks are apart and may wait until Gusto returns from the World Cup.
Leeds left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson acknowledges Chelsea interest but says he is happy at Elland Road and praises Leeds fans, with contract to 2029.
Xabi Alonso says ‘yes, yes’ to keeping Enzo Fernández after talks, despite links with Real Madrid. The midfielder will discuss future after the World Cup.
