Chelsea begin at Fulham without Fofana as Alonso backs Palmer
BlueCo view Werder Bremen teenager Karim Coulibaly as a potential future Chelsea defender, with Strasbourg pressing ahead in talks after two rejected bids.
John Brooks will referee Chelsea at Fulham. The Blues have won 4 of 9 matches under him, a 44.4% win rate, ahead of the west London derby.
Chelsea have been offered Rafael Leao as a possible Pedro Neto replacement, with Milan reportedly ready to sell the winger for about €40m.
Paul Scholes believes Chelsea could finish second if they sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, seen as an upgrade on Robert Sanchez.
Strasbourg are working on a loan for Deivid Washington, offering Chelsea a route to get the striker senior minutes after limited first-team action.
Xabi Alonso said Chelsea need Cole Palmer ‘at his greatest’. The plan is to restore his fitness, confidence and role in the system before Fulham.
Ian Wright warned Arsenal that Chelsea could challenge for the title if Xabi Alonso makes them defensively solid and benefits from no European football.
Chelsea are tracking Boca Juniors midfielder Tomás Aranda, with the 20-year-old’s €17m release clause making a move possible amid wide interest.
Chelsea are set to keep Emmanuel Emegha and sell Nicolas Jackson if bids meet £65m, but many fans would rather retain Jackson as Joao Pedro’s backup.
Chelsea have rebranded their Under-21 and Under-19 sides as Cobham Next Gen, while remaining officially registered as Chelsea in competitions.
Chelsea fans fear Enzo Fernandez wants out after a training photo showed him unsmiling amid ongoing links to Manchester City and his failed Real Madrid push.
Coventry City are leading the race to sign Mykhailo Mudryk on loan, with Chelsea open to a temporary move to rebuild his rhythm after his long absence.
Xabi Alonso said Chelsea hired Austin MacPhee as one of the ‘best possible specialists’, adding Premier League experience to his staff before Fulham.
Pedro Neto is reportedly close to joining Al-Hilal, Axel Disasi is near a Premier League move, and Chelsea plan to keep Emmanuel Emegha this season.
Wesley Fofana misses Chelsea’s opener at Fulham through suspension after his red card against Sunderland on the final day of 2025-26.
Chelsea’s ownership tensions have resurfaced, with Todd Boehly and Mark Walter open to selling their stakes to Clearlake in a deal valuing the club at £5bn.
