Chelsea weigh midfield bids as Enzo interest grows
Opinion: Chelsea must back Xabi Alonso with quality signings, not rely on prospects like Barco, Emegha and Quenda or ‘internal options’. The squad needs upgrades and the manager cannot be a scapegoat.
Inter Milan shortlist Malo Gusto after Denzel Dumfries joined Real Madrid, but Chelsea want around €40m. The France right back is not ‘untouchable’, yet a Serie A bid at that level looks unlikely.
Chelsea beat Man City and AC Milan to land Wigan midfielder Harrison Bettoni, 18. The 6ft 3in League One talent made 27 appearances with 4 goals. Training compensation due, and a loan back is possible.
Chelsea’s World Cup openers: Caicedo and Paez 14 Jun; Cucurella 15 Jun; Penders 15 Jun; Gusto, Jackson, Sarr 16 Jun; Enzo 17 Jun; Neto 17 Jun; James 17 Jun; Hato 18 Jun.
Gary Neville says Reece James has running power and delivery that Trent Alexander-Arnold lacks. James impressed vs New Zealand and is expected to start for England at the World Cup.
Real Madrid hold ‘genuine interest’ in Enzo Fernandez and could table a bid. Report claims Chelsea will await a formal offer and that Enzo is keen on a Stamford Bridge exit.
Chelsea target Mario Gila may stay at Lazio after Gennaro Gattuso’s talks. Lazio value the centre-back at about £22m, with Real Madrid owed a sell-on. A suitable bid could still prise him away.
Raine Group partner Colin Neville says football brands have long-term value, but BlueCo’s path to profit remains unclear amid costs, no Europe and UEFA limits, says finance expert Kieran Maguire.
Ex-Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo targets a future Premier League managerial job after trophy success in South America and Asia, mirroring Filipe Luis’s rapid rise.
Chelsea duo Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro make cameo appearances in a short film by Madonna.
Asked by a fan to rejoin Chelsea, Arsenal’s Kai Havertz replied: ‘You wish. You wish.’ The former Blue has won the league with Arsenal and shows no interest in a Stamford Bridge return.
Ex-Blues back Xabi Alonso: Mikel hails ‘manager’ role, Essien and Cahill excited, Terry expects youth development, Hasselbaink urges authority. Ashley Cole questions a back five. Joe Cole criticises timing.
Chelsea are working on 3-4 signings, prioritising a new centre-back and versatile attacker. Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella could depart. Morgan Rogers is admired, while Dean Huijsen is monitored.
Chelsea discuss deal with Mateus Fernandes’ agents, with West Ham’s £80m valuation likely to drop after relegation. Blues also admire Adam Wharton. Fernandes had 7 PL goal contributions last season.
Koln expect to sell 19-year-old Said El Mala, a £39m-rated Chelsea target who scored 13 Bundesliga goals. Chelsea met his agents but face financial constraints after missing Europe.
Nicolas Jackson, back from Bayern loan and World Cup duty with Senegal, could be used by Xabi Alonso as a left winger or striker. He has 3 Chelsea outings on the left, with 1 goal and 1 assist.
Man United are leading the chase for RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba, with Chelsea and Spurs interested. An internal agreement could allow a €60-65m deal, below his €80-90m clause.
Joe Cole urges Chelsea to explore a move for Marcus Rashford if the fee and wages suit. Chelsea want an experienced, versatile attacker, though Morgan Rogers remains the likelier target.
Estevao Willian says a ‘grade four’ hamstring tear had Chelsea doctors and an owner urging surgery, but a later scan showed rapid healing. The winger avoided an operation and is recovering well.
Report claims Xabi Alonso wants Real Madrid’s Arda Guler as Chelsea’s ‘priority target’, with a bid near £100m considered. Madrid want to keep him, while Arsenal and Liverpool also monitor the 21-year-old.
Valentin Barco, set to join Chelsea, scored a long-range rocket and won Man of the Match as Argentina beat Iceland 3-0. Enzo Fernandez played 45 minutes, 93% passing, five accurate long balls.
Fulham could target Liam Delap if Kieran McKenna is appointed, with Chelsea open to selling after paying £30m. Raul Jimenez’s exit and squad changes make a deal plausible if McKenna arrives.
Gaizka Mendieta urges Chelsea to sign Jeremie Frimpong to reunite him with Xabi Alonso. The Liverpool right back struggled under Arne Slot, though a move now appears unlikely under Andoni Iraola.
