Chelsea face Mudryk ban wait as transfer plans take shape
Brazilian media criticised Joao Pedro’s muted display in a 3-1 win over Croatia, noting no shots on target before a 75-minute substitution, amid a slight recent dip after a prolific Chelsea spell.
Speculation grows over Nathan Ake returning to Chelsea, but his 5'11" height could worry set-piece coach Bernardo Cueva after 14 set-piece goals conceded despite Ake’s versatility and experience.
Shakhtar CEO Sergei Palkin says Mudryk is low in mood but trains daily alone during his suspension for a positive meldonium test. He awaits a sanction that could be up to four years.
Chelsea eye Wolves’ Joao Gomes, who could push to leave if relegation is confirmed. A fee around £52m is touted, with Man Utd, Spurs, Newcastle and Napoli also in the mix.
Chelsea are close to signing Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco and may loan him back to Ligue 1 to fend off rivals. He has excelled centrally after 37 appearances this season.
Chelsea have made Adam Wharton a leading midfield target amid Enzo Fernandez uncertainty, with reports he is ‘much closer’ to Real Madrid and no new contract talks progressing. Cucurella hints at Barca pull.
Incoming Chelsea winger Geovany Quenda returns to training after foot surgery and thanks Dario Essugo and ‘his family’ for support. The 18-year-old will join Chelsea this summer after his Sporting loan.
Cole Palmer struggled as England lost 1-0 to Japan at Wembley, losing the ball for the goal and creating little before a 59-minute substitution. Media cited carelessness and a poor No 10 display.
Cucurella urges Chelsea to add experience after the 8-2 PSG defeat, saying an all‑youth policy hurts trophy aims. He believes seasoned players were missing in key moments over the two legs.
Fit-again Romeo Lavia hails Chelsea’s ‘unbelievable’ evolution in standards despite sixth place and recent losses. He impressed in the 3-0 defeat at Everton and targets further progress.
Chelsea’s trip to Liverpool on 9 May is set for 12:30 BST on TNT Sports, shifting to 20:00 if Liverpool reach the Champions League semi-finals. Other Matchweek 36 TV picks were confirmed.
Chelsea have opened talks with PSG’s Goncalo Ramos, valued around £70m. Newcastle, AC Milan, Atletico, Dortmund and Leipzig also keen. Ramos wants a Premier League move, with Luis Enrique calling him ‘a soldier’.
Chelsea’s interest in Riccardo Calafiori is unlikely to succeed as Arsenal refuse to sell to a rival and the defender prefers a return to Italy, with Inter monitoring. Livescore
Opinion piece touts Parma’s Zion Suzuki after his clean sheet for Japan vs England as a Chelsea target amid doubts over Robert Sanchez and injured Filip Jorgensen.
Chelsea are willing to offer about €45m for Köln winger Said El Mala, with the Bundesliga club valuing him at €50m. Brighton have a verbal agreement but may not meet the price.
Report claims Roman Abramovich is set to push ahead with plans over Chelsea sale proceeds, potentially forcing a UK government decision on whether to block them.
Barcelona could sell Jules Kounde for £70m. Chelsea, previously rejected in 2022, remain keen, with Liverpool and Man City also interested. Kounde is contracted until 2030.
Chelsea face Port Vale in the FA Cup with Chalobah, Jorgensen and James out, Badiashile and Bynoe‑Gittens doubts, Colwill long-term. Mudryk remains suspended, with several one booking from a semi-final ban.
After Chelsea blocked Jack Mesure’s move, Cesena boss Ashley Cole could turn to John Terry to be his assistant, with Nemanja Vidic also considered.
Chelsea and Aston Villa reportedly offered £40m for Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall in January but were rebuffed. A Spurs relegation could force a summer sale, putting Chelsea in the queue.
Chelsea report a record £262.4m pre-tax loss for 2024-25 despite £490.9m revenue, after winning the Conference League and Club World Cup and finishing 4th. The club say they remain PSR compliant.
