Nizaar Kinsella

Aston Villa have had an offer worth about £18m plus add-ons rejected by Southampton for defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, with Southampton reportedly seeking around £25m. Villa are targeting defensive reinforcements as Ezri Konsa is expected to join Arsenal for more than £50m. Harwood-Bellis joined Southampton in 2023 after beginning his career at Manchester City and has one England cap. Villa have also sold several key players and signed goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, left-back Matteo Ruggeri, midfielder Joao Gomes and forward Johan Manzambi during the summer.

Joao Pedro has signed an improved Chelsea contract that runs to 2032 with an option for two additional years, meaning he could remain at the club until 2034. The 24-year-old Brazil international scored 20 goals in his first season, including three during Chelsea's Club World Cup triumph, and has continued his strong form in pre-season. The extension rewards his performances and protects Chelsea's investment amid reported interest from Barcelona. Joao Pedro is expected to start against Fulham and has been given the number nine shirt, while Liam Delap is available for transfer. Chelsea also plans to negotiate new deals for other key players, including Levi Colwill and Estevao Willian.

Chelsea have placed Liam Delap and several potential transfer departures in a separate training group ahead of the 1 September transfer deadline. Nicolas Jackson, Mykhailo Mudryk, Axel Disasi and Tosin Adarabioyo are among the players training away from Xabi Alonso’s main squad, although movement between groups remains possible and the club says the arrangement is not comparable to last season’s widely criticised “bomb squad” approach. Chelsea are seeking significant fees for Jackson, Delap and Disasi as they attempt to reduce a senior squad of 40 players. Delap, who joined from Ipswich Town for £30m last summer, scored once in 28 Premier League appearances and has lost the number nine shirt to Joao Pedro.

Chelsea have moved Liam Delap and several other players, including Nicolas Jackson and Mykhailo Mudryk, into a separate training group as the club seeks to reduce a senior squad of about 40 players before the 1 September transfer deadline. Chelsea sources say the arrangement differs from last season’s widely criticised “bomb squad” approach, and the PFA is understood to have no concerns. Delap, who scored once in 28 Premier League appearances after joining from Ipswich Town for £30m, has also lost the number nine shirt to Joao Pedro. Chelsea are seeking reported fees of £50m for Delap, £65m for Jackson and £25m for Disasi, while Tosin Adarabioyo attracts interest from several clubs.

Hull City are interested in signing Japan winger Keito Nakamura from Stade de Reims, but Reims' £21.5m valuation has deterred potential suitors. Nakamura wants to move to the Premier League after Reims' relegation and has previously attracted interest from Everton, Bournemouth, Fulham, Villarreal and Besiktas. The 26-year-old was Reims' leading scorer last season and became Japan's first-choice left winger at the World Cup after Kaoru Mitoma was ruled out. His pace, finishing and work rate have drawn praise, while his growing profile, fashion involvement and commercial appeal are also attracting attention.

Burton Albion have made a significant but undisclosed offer to Kilmarnock for 26-year-old New Zealand centre-back George Stanger. Stanger is contracted until summer 2027 and has become a regular for Kilmarnock, while Burton are looking to add defensive strength before the transfer window closes after signing five other players this summer.

Brighton have rejected a £7.5m offer from Rangers for winger Amario Cozier-Duberry. The 21-year-old impressed on loan at Bolton last season with eight goals and 12 assists, and has featured regularly in Brighton’s pre-season, though he was an unused substitute against Bologna. Rangers are interested in signing him permanently while Championship clubs are considering a loan move. Brighton are also exploring Millwall winger Femi Azeez, and Rangers are seeking defensive and wide-area reinforcements after exiting the Europa League and losing Youssef Chermiti to an ACL injury.

Tottenham have accepted Juventus' loan offer for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, including a non-mandatory £8.6 million purchase option. The 29-year-old Italy international is expected to travel to Turin after losing his starting place to Antonin Kinsky under manager Roberto de Zerbi. Juventus turned to Vicario after their pursuit of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez collapsed, while Aston Villa close in on Parma's Zion Suzuki. Vicario joined Tottenham from Empoli in 2023 and made 117 appearances for the club.

Leeds United have agreed an £8.5m deal for Borussia Mönchengladbach and Switzerland defender Nico Elvedi, comprising an initial £6.8m fee and £1.7m in add-ons. The 29-year-old is due to undergo a medical before completing the move, which would end his 11-year spell in Germany. Manager Daniel Farke cautioned that the transfer is not final until the medical and paperwork are complete. Elvedi's arrival could enable Leeds defender Sebastiaan Bornauw to join Hamburg on loan with an option to buy.

Sunderland have agreed a £25.6 million fee to sign 20-year-old French left-back Dayann Methalie from Toulouse, comprising an initial £23.9 million payment and £1.7 million in potential add-ons. Methalie, who made 28 Ligue 1 appearances last season, is expected to undergo a medical. The move is part of Régis Le Bris' efforts to strengthen Sunderland's squad before their Premier League return and first European campaign in 53 years.

Chelsea defeated Real Sociedad 3-1 at Stamford Bridge, with Morgan Rogers scoring on his debut and Joao Pedro adding two goals. The match was overshadowed by Enzo Fernandez being booed by some supporters after his desired move to Real Madrid failed and Manchester City did not meet Chelsea’s valuation. Xabi Alonso used a 3-4-2-1 formation that could feature in the Premier League opener, while several players were omitted as Chelsea seek to reduce an oversized squad before the transfer window closes.

Chelsea defeated Real Sociedad 3-1 in their final pre-season friendly at Stamford Bridge, giving new manager Xabi Alonso a winning start at home. Morgan Rogers opened the scoring on his first Chelsea appearance, while Real Sociedad equalised through Jon Mikel Aramburu before Joao Pedro scored twice after the interval to seal the victory. Enzo Fernandez received mixed reactions from supporters amid uncertainty over his future, with Chelsea retaining him after no club met their £120m valuation. Joao Pedro was the highest-rated Chelsea player, while Rogers also impressed despite fading late in the match.

Southampton have rejected a £17.1m bid from Benfica for England defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, whose contract runs until 2028. The Championship club value him significantly higher and did not enter negotiations. Benfica manager Marco Silva is also interested in Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo, who has options in France and the Premier League. Harwood-Bellis joined Southampton permanently from Manchester City in 2023 for £20m.

Burnley have signed 18-year-old Kazakhstan winger Dastan Satpayev from Chelsea on a season-long loan. Satpayev joined Chelsea from Kairat FC in a pre-agreed £3.4m transfer and recently signed a six-year contract with an option for an additional year. He said he was eager to begin his first experience of English football and help Burnley, while Chelsea are also arranging loans for Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, Reggie Walsh and Shim Mheuka.

Paris Saint-Germain have agreed a deal in principle worth about €50m (£42.7m) to sign Barcelona forward Ferran Torres. The 26-year-old Spain international, who was allowed to miss training while completing the move, scored 21 goals in 49 appearances for Barcelona last season and helped the club win La Liga. His profile rose further after scoring Spain’s extra-time winner against Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final. Torres would become PSG’s second major forward signing of the summer, while the club may lose Bradley Barcola to Liverpool.

Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana says he is fit, optimistic and determined to establish a successful future at the club after repeated injuries, criticism and racist abuse online. He accepts football-related criticism but rejects racist messages, calling for greater education and stronger action from social-media platforms. Despite Chelsea's disappointing previous season, managerial turnover and competition from a large group of centre-backs, Fofana wants to stay and believes stability under Xabi Alonso, along with the experience of new senior players Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck, can help the club improve.

Arsenal midfielder and academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly has attracted reported interest from Manchester United and Chelsea after a difficult season in which he fell behind Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie at left-back. His strong end to the campaign and impressive pre-season, particularly in central midfield, may have changed Arsenal’s view of his future. Lewis-Skelly wants to remain at Arsenal and compete for regular first-team football, while the club says it has not actively offered him to other teams. Manchester United need another left-back but may prefer a more natural option, and Chelsea are unlikely to add to their existing squad without player sales. A transfer is not considered imminent, although Arsenal are seeking squad changes and could benefit financially from selling an academy product under their financial rules.

Pep Chavarria has joined Chelsea from Rayo Vallecano on a five-year deal worth about £16.3m plus add-ons after taking an unconventional route through Spain’s lower leagues. The 28-year-old made his La Liga debut at 24 and developed into a reliable, aggressive left-back during four seasons at Rayo. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso identified him as a target after facing him while managing Real Madrid. The signing strengthens Chelsea’s wing-back options following Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid, although negotiations were difficult because Rayo initially demanded Chavarria’s £42.4m release clause.

Ipswich Town have agreed a fee with Strasbourg to sign Paraguay forward Julio Enciso, who previously spent six months on loan at Ipswich from Brighton. Enciso impressed under manager Gary O'Neil at Strasbourg, prompting O'Neil to seek a reunion. The undisclosed fee is expected to use a significant part of Ipswich's remaining transfer budget and give Strasbourg a substantial profit on the £7.7m it paid for Enciso. The transfer may exceed Ipswich's £24m club-record fee for Emersonn as the club prepares to begin its Premier League campaign against Sunderland.

Eighteen-year-old Chelsea forward Shim Mheuka is finalising a long-term contract expected to run until 2033 before considering a loan move. After scoring 17 goals in 17 Under-21 matches and attracting interest from more than a dozen clubs, he is thought to prefer a move to mainland Europe. Despite Chelsea planning to offload several forwards, competition from established strikers and highly rated prospect Dastan Satpayev is expected to restrict Mheuka’s first-team opportunities.

Chelsea’s club-record £117m signing Morgan Rogers has trained at Cobham for the first time since joining from Aston Villa. He returned from a post-World Cup holiday alongside Jordan Henderson, Maxence Lacroix and Valentin Barco, while Enzo Fernandez, Reece James and Malo Gusto also resumed training. Emmanuel Emegha is nearing a return from a hamstring injury, leaving manager Xabi Alonso with a full squad ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Real Sociedad and Chelsea’s Premier League opener at Fulham on 24 August.

Chelsea midfielder Reggie Walsh is close to joining Wigan Athletic on a season-long League One loan after returning from Chelsea's pre-season tour. The 17-year-old is expected to sign an improved contract before completing personal terms and a medical. Chelsea are also arranging potential loans for academy winger Ryan Kavuma-McQueen to Portsmouth and striker Shim Mheuka, who is expected to sign a new deal after a prolific Under-21 season.

Aston Villa are negotiating with Bayern Munich over a transfer for Portugal midfielder João Palhinha. The 31-year-old is open to joining Villa, which is seeking midfield cover after Amadou Onana suffered a serious knee injury, although Palhinha has not made a final decision and no agreement has been reached. Bayern would allow him to leave after signing him from Fulham for £47.4m in 2024; he spent last season on loan at Tottenham, which declined its £26m purchase option. Villa director of football Damian Vidagany confirmed the talks as the club continues rebuilding after several prominent departures and multiple summer signings.

Chelsea's extensive pre-season tour across Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Malaysia gave new manager Xabi Alonso an opportunity to establish standards, build relationships and introduce tactical ideas despite heavy travel and difficult conditions. Alonso retained a 4-2-3-1 shape initially before testing a back three with wing-backs, while new set-piece coach Austin MacPhee helped produce two corner goals against AC Milan. Joao Pedro emerged as the leading performer with six goals, Cole Palmer showed leadership qualities, and Mykhailo Mudryk made an emotional return after a 20-month absence. Chelsea finished the tour with two wins, a draw and two defeats and will use two weeks at Cobham to prepare for the Premier League season.

Sevilla have signed 22-year-old Scottish striker Robbie Ure from Swedish league leaders IK Sirius for an initial £5.5m, with a further £2.1m available in add-ons. Ure has agreed a five-year contract after scoring 20 goals and providing three assists in 20 matches this season, building on an overall record of 31 goals and seven assists in 50 appearances for Sirius. The former Rangers and Anderlecht player will be Sevilla’s third Scottish-born player in official competition. Uncapped at senior level and also eligible for Ukraine, Ure has said he would prefer to receive a Scotland call-up.

Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has welcomed competition from returning 21-year-old Mike Penders ahead of the new Premier League season. Penders impressed during a loan spell at Strasbourg, while new manager Xabi Alonso has said every position is open. Sanchez believes daily competition is essential to preventing complacency, maintaining performance levels and providing cover for injuries or poor form.

Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez says new manager Xabi Alonso has brought calm, clarity and confidence to the club after a period of managerial upheaval. Sanchez, who has made 111 appearances since joining from Brighton, believes Alonso’s approach suits his strengths and that Chelsea can improve by focusing on the league without European competition.

New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso will reunite with former Liverpool team-mate Luis Garcia when Chelsea face Johor Darul Ta'zim in Malaysia during their pre-season tour. Garcia, now JDT’s chief executive, recalled their friendship and Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League triumph, while warning that JDT will compete seriously despite Chelsea’s status as the club’s biggest test. JDT are unbeaten domestically in 108 matches, have reached the AFC Champions League quarter-finals and are investing in Spanish coaching and academy structures to raise Malaysian football’s standard and ultimately help the country reach the World Cup.

Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo praised Mykhailo Mudryk's exceptional work rate during the Ukraine international's 20-month ban for testing positive for meldonium. Mudryk was cleared by the Football Association and World Anti-Doping Agency to return and made a 12-minute appearance against Juventus in Hong Kong after only two first-team training sessions. Tosin said Chelsea would support Mudryk as he rebuilds his fitness and confidence. He also welcomed the experience brought by new arrivals Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson.

Chelsea academy players Ryan Kavuma-McQueen and Reggie Walsh are considering loan moves after featuring in Xabi Alonso’s pre-season tour. Portsmouth are pursuing Kavuma-McQueen for a season-long Championship loan, while Walsh is assessing options amid competition in midfield. Shim Mheuka, Ishe Samuels-Smith and Omari Kellyman may also leave on loan, following recent moves involving Genesis Antwi, Jesse Derry and Harrison Murray-Campbell.

Crystal Palace are set to sign Japan defender Takehiro Tomiyasu on a free transfer after a successful trial, subject to continued confidence in his fitness following recurring knee problems. Palace are also considering a move for former Brighton winger Solly March. Manager Pierre Sage plans to use a back three and sees Tomiyasu as a possible left-sided defender. The club is seeking defensive reinforcements after Maxence Lacroix joined Chelsea, while it also monitors Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong on loan and Brest centre-back Raphael Le Guen.

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi says Dejan Kulusevski is fit and progressing in his rehabilitation but is avoiding pressure over a return date. Kulusevski has not played since May 2025 and missed the club’s pre-season tour. De Zerbi has selected Antonin Kinsky as his first-choice goalkeeper, despite Tottenham signing Martin Dubravka and reportedly seeking to sell Guglielmo Vicario. Spurs continue their pre-season preparations with a match against Getafe.

Mykhailo Mudryk could return for Chelsea against Juventus in Hong Kong after being cleared to play following a 20-month provisional suspension linked to an adverse meldonium finding. New manager Xabi Alonso says Mudryk is eligible but may not yet be ready for 90 minutes. Chelsea supported his physical and mental preparation during the suspension, while Mudryk trained privately to maintain his fitness. The club is assessing his reintegration over two weeks, with loan interest from Premier League and overseas clubs, including Coventry City and Strasbourg, and expects to determine his future before the 1 September transfer deadline.

Como have agreed a deal worth more than £30m to sign Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, with £25.7m payable initially and a further £5.1m in add-ons. Chalobah is expected to sign a long-term contract and take a leadership role under Cesc Fabregas after nearly 20 years at Chelsea. The transfer is part of Chelsea's effort to reduce an oversized squad following the £52m arrival of Maxence Lacroix, with further departures or loans expected among the club's numerous senior centre-backs.

Xabi Alonso is using lessons from his short and difficult spell at Real Madrid to reshape Chelsea after joining from Bayer Leverkusen. The manager has emphasized training intensity, team-building, collective culture and a better balance between young players and experienced leaders. Chelsea have added Morgan Rogers and Marco Palestra, while Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson are set to bring experience to a squad that has previously lacked leadership and defensive consistency. Alonso believes the club has greater potential than last season’s 10th-place finish suggested and sees the appointment as well-timed for both himself and Chelsea.

Sandro Tonali says Roberto de Zerbi persuaded him to join Tottenham within minutes of their first substantive conversation, helped by their shared connection to Brescia. The £100m club-record transfer followed Tottenham's survival from relegation and Tonali's decision that England offered the best option for his career and family after an Italy move proved financially impossible. Tonali praised Newcastle, Eddie Howe and the club's supporters, insisting he was not unhappy there, but acknowledged the pressure associated with his fee and his previous 10-month ban for breaching FA betting rules.

Chelsea have taken seven academy players on Xabi Alonso's pre-season tour of Australia as they compete for opportunities in an already crowded first-team squad. Landon Emenalo has emerged as the leading prospect after impressing at left-back, while Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, Reggie Walsh and Ryan Kavuma-McQueen are also highlighted for their technical ability, athleticism and early senior experience. Calvin Diakite, Tayo Subuloye and Reggie Watson add defensive and midfield depth. Several highly rated youngsters, including Shim Mhueka and Genesis Antwi, were omitted amid possible loans or uncertain futures.

Micky van de Ven says Tottenham Hotspur's club-record £237m summer spending signals renewed ambition after a stressful and unacceptable season in which Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League. He expects Roberto de Zerbi to introduce a more possession-based and attacking style, supported by a full pre-season and several major signings, including Mateus Fernandes, Sandro Tonali and Jan Paul van Hecke. Van de Ven is also discussing a new contract with the club.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso says he has a tactical plan to play record signing Morgan Rogers alongside Cole Palmer. Rogers joined from Aston Villa for £117m after scoring 10 goals and providing seven assists in the previous Premier League season, and Alonso expects him to adapt quickly despite currently being on holiday after the World Cup. Chelsea are also close to signing Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix and have recruited several other young players, leaving the club with almost 40 players and likely requiring substantial sales before the transfer window closes.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso led an open training session at Sydney's Allianz Stadium before the club's pre-season match against Western Sydney Wanderers. The session featured structured possession and finishing drills, a large coaching staff, and equal opportunities for senior players and academy prospects. Geovany Quenda is expected to return from a minor injury during Chelsea's Asia tour, while new signing Emmanuel Emegha is likely to miss the remainder of the overseas trip but should be fit for the Premier League season.

Aston Villa agreed a loan deal for Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho with an obligation to buy, following his limited impact at Stamford Bridge. The 22-year-old completed a medical and pre-agreed a long-term contract, with Chelsea expecting to achieve their £43m valuation. His departure follows Chelsea’s record signing of Morgan Rogers from Villa, while Villa continue reshaping their squad through several signings and significant player sales. Garnacho’s season featured limited starts, modest goal returns, and some criticism from supporters, though sources described him as professional and hard-working behind the scenes.

Nottingham Forest have approached Sporting about centre‑back Ousmane Diomande, though no formal bid has been made. The 22‑year‑old, who has a £68.2m release clause, may be available for less, with new Forest manager Oliver Glasner driving the interest. Diomande has extensive experience at club and international level and has previously attracted attention from major European teams. Forest, who narrowly avoided relegation last season, have not yet made any signings but have sold Elliot Anderson and David Carmo to raise funds.

Chelsea are considering signing free agent John Stones following his departure from Manchester City and are also in talks for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix while evaluating other defensive options. The club is seeking to sell current defenders, with Trevoh Chalobah in talks with Como and Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile available for transfer. Stones, who left City after 295 appearances and multiple major trophies, is also attracting interest from Inter Milan. Chelsea recently signed Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa and are discussing a potential loan move for Alejandro Garnacho in the opposite direction.

Middlesbrough have agreed a deal with Tottenham for striker Will Lankshear worth up to £20m, with £10m upfront and £10m in add‑ons. The 21‑year‑old, who impressed on loan at Oxford United and starred for Spurs’ youth side, has yet to agree personal terms. His potential arrival would mark Middlesbrough’s fourth summer signing following moves for Miles Peart‑Harris, Jeremy Sarmiento and Kyle Joseph. The club recently sold Hayden Hackney to Everton and could receive a substantial sell‑on fee if Chelsea complete a major transfer for former player Morgan Rogers.

Aston Villa are in advanced talks to sign Chelsea winger Alejandro Garnacho on an initial loan with a possible obligation to buy after Chelsea made him available for £43m. The negotiations follow Chelsea’s record £117m purchase of Morgan Rogers from Villa, with Garnacho and Nicolas Jackson discussed as potential outgoing options. Garnacho has struggled for impact since joining Chelsea last September, and squad additions have increased pressure to offload players. Villa have already added three new signings this summer, while player sales have exceeded £200m.

Chelsea agreed a record £117m fee to sign England midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, marking the club’s most expensive transfer and breaking the English transfer record. Rogers will sign a six‑year contract with an option for a further year, while Middlesbrough stand to earn over £20m from a sell‑on clause. His arrival adds to Xabi Alonso’s rebuilding efforts and raises questions about squad roles, particularly in relation to Cole Palmer, as Chelsea assemble a deep group of attacking options for the upcoming Premier League season.

Chelsea agreed a record £117m fee to sign England midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa, making him the club’s most expensive signing and setting a new transfer record for an English player. The move strengthens Xabi Alonso’s squad ahead of the Premier League season and triggers a significant sell‑on payment to Middlesbrough. Rogers’ arrival raises questions about his role relative to Cole Palmer, with both players capable of operating in multiple attacking positions. Villa continue reshaping their midfield after additional departures and arrivals, while Chelsea face the challenge of balancing a deep attacking lineup despite having no European football next season.

Nottingham Forest plan a £45m bid for Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall after an initial £38m offer was rejected. The Sweden international is keen on the move following limited playing time under Roberto de Zerbi. New Forest manager Oliver Glasner expects squad additions soon, with the club also targeting another midfielder, a goalkeeper and a striker. Bergvall, signed by Spurs in 2024 and contracted until 2031, made 33 appearances last season despite an ankle injury and featured for Sweden at the World Cup.

Leeds United agreed a £34.1m fee with Sassuolo for Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic, who must still settle personal terms and complete a medical. The 23-year-old would replace Pascal Struijk following his move to Brighton and become Daniel Farke’s second summer signing after Harry Wilson. Muharemovic previously played for Wolfsberger, Juventus and Sassuolo, and Juventus will receive half of the transfer fee due to a sell‑on clause. His World Cup appearances included a match in which Folarin Balogun’s red card was later overturned after intervention from US officials.

Chelsea have agreed to sign Manchester United forward Melvine Malard for about £850,000, reuniting her with manager Sonia Bompastor and making her their third summer signing. United offered Malard a new deal but accepted Chelsea’s bid to avoid losing her on a free next year. Malard, who previously worked with Bompastor at Lyon, was United’s most productive attacker last season with 19 goal involvements.

Xabi Alonso’s first week as Chelsea manager has focused on improving squad physicality, evaluating young players and integrating new signings during intensive early training sessions. He has quickly built relationships with club directors, contacted key players about their futures and begun preparing for a demanding pre-season schedule featuring closed‑door friendlies and an overseas tour. Early training has emphasized fitness, high-tempo drills and squad assessment, with several academy players and returning loanees involved. Alonso’s coaching team brings specialized technical, analytical and fitness expertise, and the extended pre-season window, aided by limited World Cup absences, is expected to help establish his tactical direction before competitive matches begin.

Xabi Alonso attributed his decision to join Chelsea instead of Liverpool to timing, emphasizing the scale of the challenge and his ambition to succeed at Stamford Bridge. He begins his tenure with the full title of manager and notes strong alignment with the club’s sporting directors on squad planning. Chelsea’s absence from European competitions and a disappointing season have prompted squad adjustments, though Alonso benefits from extensive pre-season time with players, including Cole Palmer, whom he views as central to the team’s future success.

Fiorentina have reached an agreement to sign Bournemouth defender Alex Jimenez on a season‑long loan with an option to buy for 20 million euros. The move allows him to continue playing amid his suspension by Bournemouth, which followed an investigation into social‑media allegations. Jimenez joined Bournemouth permanently from AC Milan earlier in the year and made 32 appearances last season, scoring once.

Chelsea are looking to sell Alejandro Garnacho, who did not report for the club’s pre-season training as discussions advance with several interested teams. His departure would form part of a broader squad overhaul under new manager Xabi Alonso, with multiple signings already completed and several players expected to leave. The club continues to pursue defensive reinforcements while preparing for an upcoming pre-season tour.

Manchester United’s £35m move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson is uncertain after his late World Cup call‑up delayed a scheduled medical. Despite Brazil’s elimination, no progress has been made, and conflicting reports exist on whether medical tests revealed an issue. The uncertainty adds to a difficult summer in which United have missed out on targets Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, leaving fans unsure whether the Ederson transfer will proceed.

Geovany Quenda, a highly rated winger developed through the Portuguese academy system, has completed his move to Chelsea after emerging as one of Sporting’s brightest young talents. Coaches who oversaw his progression describe him as an explosive, creative wide player with traits comparable to Bukayo Saka and consider him among the strongest prospects of his age group. His career path includes time at Damaiense, Benfica and Sporting, where he broke several age-related records and trained with the first team at 16. After recovering from a foot injury and preparing physically and linguistically for the Premier League, he arrives at Chelsea with ambitions of earning a regular first-team role and breaking into the senior Portugal squad. Chelsea are adjusting their squad composition with his development in mind, and he may be deployed both as a winger and wing-back under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Chelsea completed a £40m deal for Sporting winger Geovany Quenda, who signed an eight-year contract and becomes the second addition under new manager Xabi Alonso. Quenda, who agreed to join during Enzo Maresca’s tenure, has already been training at Cobham and is expected to integrate into the first-team squad. The 19-year-old leaves Sporting after 86 senior appearances, including 16 in the Champions League. Chelsea are also exploring further defensive and midfield signings, while several players, including Marc Cucurella and Tyrique George, have already departed.

Liam Rosenior has been appointed manager of Paris FC on a two‑year contract following his dismissal from Chelsea after a poor run of form. Paris FC cited his top‑level experience, commitment to developing young players and attacking style as reasons for the hire. Rosenior previously impressed at Strasbourg, helping them qualify for the Uefa Conference League with a young squad, and has held coaching roles at Brighton, Derby County and Hull City. Paris FC seek improvement after finishing 11th in Ligue 1, while Chelsea have replaced Rosenior with Xabi Alonso.

Everton reached an agreement worth up to £24m to sign Chelsea winger Tyrique George following his loan spell, renegotiating the upfront fee to £18m with £6m in add‑ons and a 15% sell‑on clause for Chelsea. George impressed during 11 appearances under manager David Moyes and is close to completing the move pending personal terms and a medical. He would be Everton’s second summer signing after Hayden Hackney, while Merlin Rohl’s loan has been made permanent and Idrissa Gana Gueye and Seamus Coleman have departed at the end of their contracts.

Sunderland have rejected Chelsea’s £8m bid for Granit Xhaka and maintain he is not for sale, with the midfielder reaffirming his commitment to the club despite interest in reuniting with manager Xabi Alonso. Chelsea believe Xhaka is open to a move but have yet to decide whether to submit another offer. Xhaka played a key role in helping Sunderland qualify for European competition and is currently representing Switzerland at the World Cup.

Real Madrid denied having any interest in signing Enzo Fernandez despite reports suggesting the Chelsea midfielder was keen to move following the club’s failure to qualify for Europe. Chelsea confirmed they had received no approach and valued Fernandez at £120m but were not looking to sell, with new coach Xabi Alonso viewing him as a key player. Real Madrid emphasised respect for both the player and Chelsea while criticising ongoing speculation. Fernandez remains central to Chelsea and Argentina, and the club has already sold Marc Cucurella to Real earlier in the summer.

Premier League clubs Everton, Bournemouth and Fulham are interested in signing Keito Nakamura, whose performances for Japan at the 2026 World Cup have boosted his profile. The winger can leave Stade Reims for about £21.5m following the club’s failure to secure promotion. Nakamura, now a key figure for Japan, has impressed with goals and work rate, prompting comparisons to past Japanese stars and growing commercial appeal. Despite Reims’ relegation, he continues to show top-level quality, and his strong visibility off the pitch has further increased interest from major European clubs.

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is expected to leave the club when his contract expires in 2027, with plans for him to join Simon Francis at Al Hilal. Liverpool remain focused on the current transfer window, having added Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz, and preparing for Harvey Elliott’s return. Interest continues in targets such as Bradley Barcola, while Yan Diomande prefers a move to PSG. The club has expanded Andoni Iraola’s coaching staff with several new appointments linked to his previous roles.

Chelsea completed a £47m transfer for Marco Palestra, securing the highly rated Atalanta right‑back on a long‑term deal as the first signing under manager Xabi Alonso. Palestra joins after an impressive loan spell at Cagliari and increasing recognition at club and international levels. Chelsea continue to reshape their squad, pursuing additional defensive reinforcements and evaluating midfield and forward targets while managing expected player departures following a disappointing Premier League season.

Chelsea will begin pre-season under new manager Xabi Alonso next Thursday, with several new signings and academy players already preparing at Cobham. Players not involved in the World Cup are expected to return immediately, while those who participated will come back in stages. The club will complete three weeks of training before departing for a tour of Australasia, which includes matches against Western Sydney Wanderers, Tottenham, Juventus, AC Milan and Johor Darul Ta'zim. The team will then return to London to prepare for their Premier League opener against Fulham, marking the formal start of Alonso’s tenure.

Three Premier League managers—Mikel Arteta, Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola—began their football journeys together at Antiguoko, a modest club in San Sebastian known for producing top talent despite limited resources. Coaches and club leaders recall their early strengths, shared upbringing in the Basque region and lasting relationships. Antiguoko’s developmental success has shaped numerous elite players and coaches, though increased competition from professional academies makes replicating such a generation challenging. The Basque region’s strong sporting culture and community identity are credited with fostering this concentration of football excellence.

Everton are close to finalising a deal worth at least £16m for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, who has one year left on his contract. The 24-year-old, a key figure in Middlesbrough’s recent promotion push, prefers a move to Everton to work with manager David Moyes despite interest from Crystal Palace. He is expected to become Everton’s first signing of the summer.

Enzo Maresca has been appointed Manchester City head coach on a three-year deal, returning to the club after previously serving as Pep Guardiola’s assistant. Chosen for his tactical philosophy, which aligns closely with Guardiola’s possession‑based approach, he is expected to maintain the club’s established playing style while building on his own coaching ideas. City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and former sporting director Txiki Begiristain strongly backed his appointment, citing his tactical innovation and prior influence within the club. Maresca faces key early decisions involving transfers and contracts, including reinforcing the squad and resolving Rodri’s future. His managerial style, shaped by influences ranging from Spanish football to Italian coaching traditions and even chess strategy, is expected to deliver control‑focused, fluid football. Despite an acrimonious exit from Chelsea, where he won two trophies, he remains respected by players, and City anticipate he will continue the club’s success following Guardiola’s trophy‑laden tenure.

Robert Lewandowski is close to joining Chicago Fire on a two-year deal after leaving Barcelona, becoming one of MLS’s highest earners. Chicago’s strong Polish community and continued talks placed the club ahead of interest from AC Milan and the Saudi Pro League. His arrival follows a decorated career at Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Barcelona. Barcelona have moved to strengthen their squad with Anthony Gordon and are considering moves involving Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane.