Chelsea

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We asked for your views on which free agents Chelsea could target this summer and whether there is one player the Blues are linked with but you hope they never sign.

Here are some of your comments:

Peter: I think a great signing for free would be John Stones, his experience could be similar to our signing of Silva. I know Stones could be a bit injury prone but I think it's a risk worth taking, and he would help our inexperienced centre backs on and off the field.

Benjamin: Secure Vozinha now!! What are we waiting for? He has mature shoulders, can clearly play out from the back and is confident in his decision making, something Sanchez can only dream of! And he's a marketing dream!

Mohammed: I would try my best to get John Stones. Xhaka is prone to a red card and should perhaps be avoided.

Daniel: I would like us to go and sign Fabinho - a very good player who's a free signing unlike the recent Xhaka who Sunderland overpriced and is much older than him. More-so, his previous Liverpool career helps us gain advantage in terms of Premier League experience and inside knowledge about Liverpool just like our manager Alonso. So, I suggest we go for him immediately before we lose him to another rival!

Fanta: Of the available free transfers, IMO I would go for John Stones. Versatile and experienced defender. Adding an older head in the training ground and dressing room. Look at Desailly's wisdom being passed on with JT. Bring him in.

James: Fabinho would bring great experience and if fit John Stones likewise, especially in a young team. The one player I'm not overly sold on is Valentin Barco, I just feel that the money could be better spent elsewhere rather than another internal transfer.

Peter: Definitely Dusan Vlahovic. He looked great when he began at Juventus, but lost his way. He needs to get his career back in a groove.

David: The wages required by freebies would probably rule out a lot of them. Especially Salah! In an ideal world - Stones, and Solly March. The first would be steadying, a good partner for Colwill and influence on Josh. I watch a lot of Brighton and Solly March is reliable, experienced and Premier League ready. Both have had there fitness issues but with no euro games, that could be adequately managed. Don't go near Xhaka. We have enough red cards in a season thanks very much.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

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Jesse Derry is close to signing a new contract at Chelsea as a reward for his recent first-team breakthrough.

The 19-year-old winger made his senior debut and first Premier League start last season and attracted interest from a number of European clubs, including Bayern Munich.

However, Chelsea are close to agreeing for the attacker to extend his stay on improved terms.

The England youth international enjoyed an impressive first campaign in Chelsea's academy after joining from London rivals Crystal Palace last summer.

Derry has made three first-team appearances to date, but his season ended early following a head injury suffered in his first start against Nottingham Forest. He has since recovered.

Liverpool have joined Chelsea and Manchester United in the race for West Ham's Dutch attacker Crysencio Summerville, 24. (Caught Offside, external)

Meanwhile Chelsea will hand England under-19 international Jesse Derry, 19, a new contract to ward off interest from Bayern Munich. (Football Insider, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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England manager Thomas Tuchel expects Chelsea's Reece James to be available for the World Cup quarter-final against Norway on Saturday (22:00 BST).

Tuchel's right-back crisis intensified after Jarell Quansah's red card in Sunday's 3-2 win over Mexico, meaning the Bayer Leverkusen defender is suspended for England's next knockout tie in Miami.

James is yet to return to full training having suffered a hamstring injury in the second group match against Ghana, and he has missed the games against Panama, DR Congo and Mexico.

But there is emerging hope the 26-year-old can ease the Three Lions' problems by returning to full training this week.

Ezri Konsa and Djed Spence remain options for Tuchel, but the expected availability of James will come as a welcome piece of news, with the Blues captain recognised as England's first-choice right-back.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

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Chelsea will not accept loan offers for Alejandro Garnacho but are open to a permanent sale this summer.

The 22-year-old winger, who signed from Manchester United for £40m last summer, has struggled since moving to Stamford Bridge and scored only once in the Premier League last season.

Roma are among the clubs linked with a loan move, but Chelsea would consider only a permanent sale. Having failed to qualify for Europe last season, they are looking to trim their squad.

It remains unclear what new manager Xabi Alonso's view of Garnacho is, but it is understood he is playing a significant role in transfer policy alongside the club's hierarchy.

Meanwhile, Trevoh Chalobah continues to attract interest from clubs in Italy, notably Como and Inter Milan.

Como, who qualified for the Champions League and are managed by Cesc Fabregas, are expected to make an improved offer this week. Chelsea are seeking £30m, plus a further £5m in add-ons.

As for potential arrivals, Sunderland insist Granit Xhaka is not for sale and remains committed to the Wearside club despite Chelsea exploring a reunion with Alonso, who managed the Switzerland midfielder at Bayer Leverkusen.

Chelsea are targeting Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria, but despite the 28-year-old's desire to move, talks have proved difficult because the Spanish club are insisting his full release clause is met.

Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix and Como's Jacobo Ramon are among the centre-backs being considered as Chelsea look to strengthen a key area of the squad, as well as add a midfielder and a versatile forward.

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We're now well into the knockout rounds of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention - especially with the summer transfer window open since 15 June.

Which player has raised your eyebrows? Who has exceeded your expectations? Has there been a player you had no knowledge of consistently impress you?

Ultimately, who would you realistically like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?

This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...

Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here

Enjoy the World Cup across BBC Sport

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From live TV coverage to highlights, analysis and reaction, our dedicated team will ensure you don't miss a kick of the biggest World Cup yet.

And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.

This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.

This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.

• Simple steps to set up live lock screen match updates from the World Cup

• How to get Premier League score updates

A new predictor game has been introduced to cover this year's World Cup, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from every match.

The game also features streaks, so make sure to check in each day and make your predictions.

• Play World Cup Predictor here (UK users only)

Ever wanted to see a World Cup match from every angle? How about a full-pitch tactical view? Or even see the match through the eyes of a player?

Well, now you can with Fifa World Cup 3D Experience, which is a UK-first that is only available on BBC Sport.

The interactive game experience gives viewers more choice to explore the match both in real time, highlights and full-match replays.

• Head here to get started

Finally, here are some more handy links:

• How to follow the World Cup across the BBC

• All the highlights and best video

• Beat the time difference and catch up on everything without any spoilers

• Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

• Play our World Cup quizzes

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

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Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli has agreed his first professional deal at Chelsea despite interest from overseas clubs.

The midfielder, 16, will not formally sign the contract until he turns 17 in January. Rules state that players only sign three-year deals on their first pro terms, but Nicoll-Jazuli is expected to enjoy a longer stay at Stamford Bridge beyond the initial terms.

Nicoll-Jazuli had been weighing up a switch abroad and holds a French passport, meaning he would have been able to move despite being under 18.

However, he had not considered leaving Chelsea for an English rival. The decision to stay was influenced by a strong internal push, significant support from the club hierarchy regarding his development, and his roots in London, where he grew up to an Australian mother and a father from the Chad-Sudan border region.

Nicoll-Jazuli has already played against senior opposition at the age of 15 in the EFL Trophy, became Chelsea's youngest starter in the Uefa Youth League last season and has trained with the first team on multiple occasions.

There is a strong possibility he will be included in Chelsea's pre-season tour of Australasia and could make his senior debut under new manager Xabi Alonso during the 2026-27 campaign.

Meanwhile, such are the expectations surrounding Nicoll-Jazuli's development that he is choosing between Nike, Adidas and New Balance for his first boot sponsorship deal.

Simon Stone
Manchester United reporter

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Chelsea's Andrey Santos is the latest player Manchester United have taken an interest in as they look to address their problem midfield position.

With Casemiro leaving after his contract expired on 30 June and Manuel Ugarte expected to be sold, United went into the summer with England's Kobbie Mainoo as their only recognised central midfielder and with the stated aim of addressing the situation as a matter of priority.

Since then, events have taken a turn.

Ugarte sustained what the 25-year-old described as "the most serious injury a footballer can face" on World Cup duty for Uruguay against Spain.

In the transfer market, United have encountered more issues.

On 25 June, Manchester City agreed a club record £116m deal with Nottingham Forest for England international Elliot Anderson. He had been United's number one midfield target.

Then, on 2 July, Tottenham paid a club record £85m for West Ham's Mateus Fernandes. United had pushed hard to sign the Portuguese and genuinely thought he was a player they could attain.

United have agreed a £35m deal with Serie A outfit Atalanta for Ederson but his late call-up to the Brazil squad means his medical will not happen until Carlo Ancelotti's side are out of the competition. As with all United's World Cup players, he will then get a minimum of three weeks off.

Had Liam Rosenior remained as Chelsea manager, Santos might not have been for sale. The 22-year-old featured for Rosenior at Strasbourg and made 43 appearances for Chelsea last season.

He fits the same kind of profile as Casemiro, albeit with vastly less experience. BBC Sport's Nizaar Kinsella reported on 3 July "a number of sides are understood to be interested in Santos" and that "those close to Santos seem open to the possibility of a move".

He could be available for around £50m.

Read more on United's midfield targets

Chelsea and England defender Trevoh Chalobah, 26, would prefer a move to Inter Milan this summer. (La Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian, external)

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka is set to stay at the club this summer, despite interest from Chelsea.

The Switzerland midfielder, whose contract ends in 2028, was attracted by the prospect of reuniting with Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, after playing under him at Bayer Leverkusen.

Chelsea saw an £8m bid for Xhaka rejected by Sunderland last week and the Blues had been expected to return with an improved offer.

However, sources at Sunderland have told BBC Sport that the 33-year-old is not for sale and, following discussions, Xhaka has reaffirmed his commitment to the Black Cats.

Chelsea have not given up hope of landing Xhaka, with sources at the club maintaining that the former Arsenal midfielder is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.

It remains to be seen, however, whether the Blues will submit a further bid for the player.

• Read more on the story

We have been asking you questions about Chelsea all summer. Our latest is a two-pronged query...

First, is there anyone on the free transfer list you think makes sense or is realistic as a signing?

Mohamed Salah, John Stones, Solly March, Fabinho, Leon Goretzka, Dusan Vlahovic, Daichi Kamada and Yves Bissouma are just some of the names currently available - and you can see a list here of the 15 free agents involved at the World Cup.

And secondly, is there a player Chelsea are constantly linked with but you hope they never sign? If so, who and why?

Get in touch with your views here

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

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Real Madrid's statement denied they have or will make a move for Enzo Fernandez, which represents a significant blow to the midfielder and his representatives.

Anyone following comments from his camp, or from the Argentina international himself, will be aware he has been open to the possibility of leaving Stamford Bridge this summer, with a move to the Spanish capital understood to be his preferred option.

Real Madrid's public distancing from Fernandez follows similar signals given privately by sources at Paris St-Germain and Manchester City, both of whom have previously been linked with the midfielder.

Since March, Fernandez has made a number of public comments in Spanish-language interviews following Chelsea's dip in form and their Champions League exit to PSG.

Later that month, while on international duty, he spoke about a potential move to Spain in several interviews, which ultimately resulted in an internal two-match suspension.

His agent, Javier Pastore, has also publicly discussed his future, suggesting Fernandez is underpaid at Stamford Bridge and indicating that failure to qualify for the Champions League could become an issue.

Those comments have created an uncomfortable situation for Chelsea, given Fernandez's importance to the team. The midfielder contributed 15 goals and seven assists last season and served as vice-captain.

Chelsea, however, have remained consistent in their position, willing to listen to offers should their £120m valuation be met, but not actively seeking to sell the player. They remain open to Fernandez continuing as a key part of Xabi Alonso's plans.

While the situation has been challenging, Chelsea do not view it as irreparable.

There is a belief at Stamford Bridge that Alonso can successfully reintegrate Fernandez into the squad and help repair his relationship with supporters through strong performances and results on the pitch.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

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It has not been a particularly memorable World Cup for Chelsea's players in terms of either involvement or performances, but it does mean new manager Xabi Alonso will have a larger group available for most of pre-season.

Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and more than 10 other Chelsea players were not selected by their national teams following the club's disappointing campaign last season.

Ten Blues players did receive World Cup call-ups, although only five have featured for their countries so far.

Reece James has started twice for England, against Croatia and Ghana, without reaching his best form. He suffered a minor hamstring injury against Ghana but returned to the squad as an unused substitute against DR Congo. He is expected to be in contention to face Mexico in the last 16 in the early hours of Monday morning.

Pedro Neto has started all four of Portugal's matches, providing an assist against DR Congo in the opening game. Portugal are through to the last 16 after beating Croatia, but neither Neto nor his team have been convincing.

Moises Caicedo started and completed all four of Ecuador's matches before their exit to Mexico. He was named captain in place of striker Enner Valencia for the crucial final Group E match against Germany and produced an impressive performance in a 2-1 victory.

Enzo Fernandez has started and completed two matches for Argentina in a deeper midfield role. He was then among the players rested against Jordan after qualification for the knockout stages had already been secured. Argentina will expect to progress to the last 16 when they face Cape Verde at 23:00 BST on Friday.

Nicolas Jackson started twice and made two substitute appearances for Senegal. He got an assist in the 2-1 last-32 defeat by Norway but did not make a significant impact overall. Bayern Munich have confirmed his return to Chelsea, reflecting a situation that was already widely known, and the striker is expected back for pre-season under manager Xabi Alonso.

Malo Gusto has made three substitute appearances, against Iraq, Norway and Sweden, totalling just 25 minutes playing time.

Mamadou Sarr, Jorrel Hato and Kendry Paez did not feature for Senegal, the Netherlands and Ecuador before their respective exits, while Mike Penders and Trevoh Chalobah are so far unused by the United States and England.

The players who were knocked out in the last 32 are likely to be back training by the time Chelsea's tour of Australasia begins later this month.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

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Chelsea have not ruled out selling Andrey Santos in a transfer market in which defensive midfielders are commanding record fees.

The Blues value the 22-year-old Brazil international highly and he is not being pushed out at Stamford Bridge, but Elliot Anderson's £116m move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City has set a high benchmark for midfield transfer fees.

That trend has continued with Matheus Fernandes' £85m move from West Ham to Tottenham, while Spurs have also agreed a deal worth up to £100m for Newcastle's Sandro Tonali.

A number of sides are understood to be interested in Santos, who has scored three goals and provided five assists in 47 games for Chelsea since joining from Vasco da Gama for £18m in 2022.

Chelsea need to balance strengthening the squad under new manager Xabi Alonso with the need to manage finances and limited minutes available to players after failing to qualify for European competition.

They also remain under a Uefa settlement agreement, which places constraints on spending.

Chelsea have ongoing interest in signing Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka and Valentin Barco is expected to join from Strasbourg.

As a result, Santos could be available for a significant fee - although an exact valuation for buying clubs remains unclear.

He is in a similar uncertain position to much of Chelsea's squad, apart from a small group of players actively available for transfer and others considered untouchable - including Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Josh Acheampong.

Those close to Santos seem open to the possibility of a move, and his situation is one that could evolve over the coming months.

Roma and Morocco midfielder Neil El Aynaoui is being monitored by a number of Premier League clubs, with Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Brighton, Bournemouth, Newcastle United and Sunderland all asking about the 25-year-old's availability. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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We asked for your views on where Chelsea need to strengthen their squad, after the Blues signed right-back Marco Palestra.

Here are some of your comments:

Damien: I think it's a decent signing in an area of the pitch that we are ever weakening in. Obviously the Premier League is definitely not Serie A, but he has qualities that can translate. I think we need to be looking at a goalscoring centre-forward to help Joao Pedro out this season, as our other options up top don't seem to be up to much.

Paul: Palestra is another youngster - where is the experienced players we need so badly, those who have played in the Premier League?

Stevie: Exciting prospect but now we need experience. We need a decent centre-back to pair with Levi Colwill, we need a good left-back and then it just depends on what formation Xabi Alonso wants to play.

Mike: Palestra is a decent signing for sure. Next up must surely be a goalkeeper, Xhaka, and a centre-back with experience. But with Alonso now the boss I'm excited again; something I've not been for quite a while now.

Boycie: The priority now is surely a goalkeeper and a striker. I for one don't want to see Xhaka at the Bridge! He's always a red card waiting to happen and we need to improve our dreadful disciplinary record not add to it!

Conor: Two words - Maxence Lacroix.

Chelsea are now prioritising a move for a centre-back, with Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix expected to be their primary target, with a move for Rayo Vallecano full-back Pep Chavarria also in discussion.

Sunderland have also rejected an £8m bid from Chelsea for their captain Granit Xhaka, who played under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen.

The move marks a rapid rise for Palestra, who has progressed from Italy's third tier with Atalanta's under-23 side to Chelsea in the space of three years.

He made his senior Atalanta debut in the Europa League in December 2023, but it was his loan spell at Cagliari last season that accelerated his development, culminating in his senior debut for Italy during the high-pressure World Cup play-offs.

At Cagliari, Palestra attempted 73 dribbles over distances of more than five metres - the most by any defender in Serie A - with only Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz recording more in the competition overall.

His 70 successful dribbles were the highest of any defender across Europe's top 10 leagues, while also winning 15 fouls in the final third, the joint-most by a defender in Europe's top five leagues last season, according to Opta data.

Former Cagliari sporting director Guido Angelozzi, who signed him last summer, told BBC Sport the club faced strong competition from across Italy and Europe to secure his services.

Angelozzi said they provided Palestra with the "right environment" to compete at a high level under pressure, while also allowing him the freedom to make mistakes. He added that Chelsea, along with other leading European clubs, had sought character references.

He said: "The first thing that struck me was his maturity. He is a very curious young man - always willing to listen, yet with a strong personality.

"He trained with intensity and constantly sought to improve. He is polite, level-headed and very serious about his daily work. These are traits that inevitably translate on to the pitch."

Chelsea watched Palestra for over a year. They will know they are signing an attack-minded defender and are encouraged by Palestra's versatility, who can play at full-back or wing-back began his career in central midfield.

His arrival may also be the first clue that Alonso will play a back-three system at Stamford Bridge, having used it to great effect when leading Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title in 2024.

Angelozzi added: "As a player, Marco combines technical quality with footballing intelligence. He has a great sense of timing, the ability to read situations and a natural ease in making decisions under pressure - qualities that are rare at his age.

"But what I appreciate most is his willingness to make sacrifices. He is a player who works for the team, accepts tactical instructions and never rests on his laurels."

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New Chelsea signing Marco Palestra says incoming head coach Xabi Alonso speaking to him "about how he wants us to play" helped him choose the Blues as his next destination.

Right-back Palestra arrives from Atalanta for a fee of about £47m, including add-ons, off the back of an impressive season on loan at Cagliari where he was named Serie A defender of the year.

The 21-year-old has signed a six-year deal, with the option of a further year, and becomes the first arrival since Alonso's appointment.

"A lot of things convinced me to join Chelsea, one of the best clubs in the world," Palestra told club media.

"I'm very excited to get started. I've felt the energy since the first day Chelsea wanted me. I can't wait to start, see all the fans, my team-mates and the manager.

"We have so many talented players here, a very strong squad and manager in Xabi. He has spoken to me about how he wants us to play, which is exciting, and we can't wait to compete in the Premier League."

Blues fans, what do you make of the deal? Where does Palestra fit into Alonso's new squad? And where do Chelsea need to strengthen next?

Let us know here

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

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Chelsea have confirmed they will begin pre-season under new manager Xabi Alonso next Thursday.

It marks the start of Alonso's tenure, although the Spaniard has yet to arrive at Cobham.

Some of the club's new signings, including Dastan Satpaev from Kairat and Geovany Quenda from Sporting, have already begun preparations as have Chelsea's academy players.

Some academy players — including Shim Mheuka and Reggie Walsh, both of whom have featured for the first team — could have some involvement in the club's pre-season tour of Australasia.

There are three weeks of work under Alonso at the training ground, who is also expected to be unveiled at a news conference at Stamford Bridge, before the squad flies to Sydney for the start of the tour.

Players not involved at the World Cup, including player of the season Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer, are expected to report from day one after not being selected for their national teams.

However, the eight players involved in Fifa's tournament in North America will return in stages after a short holidays in between seasons.

Chelsea's pre-season fixtures include matches against Western Sydney Wanderers and Tottenham in Australia, followed by games against Juventus in Hong Kong, AC Milan in Indonesia and Johor Darul Ta'zim in Malaysia.

The squad will then return to London to prepare for their Premier League opener away to Fulham, which will mark the beginning of the Alonso era.