Chelsea

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Arsenal make three changes from the 4-0 win over Leeds on Saturday as they look to protect their 3-2 lead in the second leg at Emirates Stadium.

Injury doubt Bukayo Saka is not involved, neither is captain Martin Odegaard.

Kepa Arrizabalaga retains his place as the cup goalkeeper in place of David Raya.

Arsenal XI: Arrizabalaga, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Rice, Zubimendi, Eze, Madueke, Martinelli, Gyokeres.

Subs: Raya, Mosquera, White, Jesus, Norgaard, Trossard, Havertz, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly.

Chelsea make four changes from the 3-2 comeback win over West Ham on Saturday.

Liam Rosenior plays a back five for the first time as Chelsea manager in a team with wing-backs instead of wingers.

Estevao Willian makes the bench having been in Brazil on compassionate leave over the weekend.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Hato, Cucurella, Caicedo, Andrey Santos, Enzo, Delap, Joao Pedro.

Subs: Sharman-Lowe, Acheampong, Badiashile, Holland, Palmer, Estevao, Garnacho, Guiu, Mheuka.

Will Faulks
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea's January ended up being a quiet one - which was always what was expected, despite some tantalising and far-fetched rumours along the way.

The winter window's purpose for the Blues these days is mainly to shuffle their loans around, and that made up the bulk of the action at Cobham in the past few weeks. Mamadou Sarr was brought back from Strasbourg to add to Liam Rosenior's options at the back, while Aaron Anselmino and David Datro Fofana went the other way.

Given their ongoing settlement with Uefa over past overspending, Chelsea were never going to buy big without selling players. Once it was clear they were not getting any serious offers for those they were willing to shift, the rumoured moves for high-priced stars like Jeremy Jacquet became unrealistic.

Of course, fans would have dreamed for major additions, but important housekeeping was done nevertheless. Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi are now gone, meaning the "bomb squad" has been dissolved - for now.

A quiet January also sets Chelsea up for a far busier summer, when they will have a better idea of what Rosenior wants and needs to add, and with whom he is willing to part.

So while it was not an exciting window, it was still a significant one. The lingering fear is that if Jacquet - the one first-team target seriously pursued by Chelsea in January - ends up being as good as some people say he could be, the decisions made this month could end up looking much worse in retrospect.

Find more from Will Faulks at Chelsea News, external

Pat Nevin
Former Chelsea and Scotland winger

Image source, Getty Images

I was fortunate enough once again to find myself at the game of the weekend, this time at Stamford Bridge. It's been a long time since I have seen such a dramatic change of feeling from a support in 45 minutes. At half-time and 2-0 down to West Ham, there was mutiny in the air.

Chelsea were awful and the changes made since the win in Naples on Wednesday had been disastrous. The Blues' left flank was being torn apart by a flying Aaron Wan-Bissaka and a brilliant Jarrod Bowen.

Bringing on Marc Cucurella, Joao Pedro and Wesley Fofana changed everything.

Chelsea were suddenly slick, hungry and unstoppable going forward. By full-time it was six wins in Liam Rosenior's first seven games, including two fabulous comebacks in a week.

We have enjoyed brilliantly entertaining matches that are exciting to watch for good and for bad. This is classic Chelsea reverting to type.

One question remains: why are the supporters so quick to turn on a team who are current Club World Cup champions, have advanced in the Champions League and are in the hunt for a top-four place in the Premier League?

Sign up to read more from Pat Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter

Chelsea have done the following business on deadline day:

• Winger Ato Ampah, who came through the club's academy and made one senior appearance, has completed a permanent move to Championship side Stoke City.

• Striker David Datro Fofana, who joined Chelsea in 2023 and has made four appearances in total for the first team, will spend the rest of the campaign on loan with Strasbourg.

• Aaron Anselmino has completed a loan move to Strasbourg until the end of the season, with the central defender recently recalled from his loan spell at German side Borussia Dortmund.

• Defender Mamadou Sarr has been recalled from his loan spell at Strasbourg, with the 20-year-old having made 18 appearances for the French side since he joined in the summer.

• Tyrique George has joined Everton on loan from Chelsea, with an option to buy. George told Everton's club media: "I just want to enjoy it, learn under him [David Moyes] and improve."

• Axel Disasi has joined the West Ham on loan until the end of the season from Chelsea. The 27-year-old France international told West Ham's clubs media: "I'm just ready to fight and to play games."

This is your Chelsea page. Hit follow if you're on the website and you'll see more Chelsea content when you visit us. On the app? Hit the bell icon and select news alerts. We'll then send you the best bits.

Follow the transfer deadline day live text

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea have now completed 12 deals with Strasbourg just this season alone, raising a simple question: why?

A large number of those transfers have been loan moves from Stamford Bridge back to France, allowing players to gain minutes before either returning to Chelsea or being sold.

Last season, for example, midfielder Andrey Santos impressed at Stade de la Meinau and now looks ready for Chelsea's first team, while goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic was sold to Bournemouth for £25m, enabling Chelsea to double the fee they paid for him in 2023.

Chelsea have also sent unwanted players such as David Datro Fofana and Ben Chilwell in the opposite direction, which has benefited Strasbourg, who are now able to compete for European places.

They have also signed a number of Strasbourg's standout players, including Mamadou Sarr, who rejoined Chelsea on deadline day after being bought for £12m last January, and striker Emmanuel Emegha, who will arrive in the summer.

Current loanees, goalkeeper Mike Penders and defender Aaron Anselmino, will hope to follow in Andrey Santos's footsteps while gaining valuable first‑team experience.

In most cases, Chelsea's link with Strasbourg benefits both clubs as well as the players involved. There is, however, a question over whether it is fair on other clubs who do not have the option of operating in this way.

Chelsea would argue that they are far from the first to run a multi‑club model, that they are not breaking any rules, and that others are free to adopt a similar approach if they choose.

Watch Total Sport's transfer deadline day special for London, discussing the business done by Arsenal, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Fulham, Tottenham and West Ham, plus the capital's EFL sides.

The show, which runs from 18:00-20:00 GMT, will offer the latest updates and analysis on the done and rumoured deals.

Watch it here

Chelsea fan Charlie Patrick told BBC Sport that the Blues' squad depth "is not good enough" and that late deals could be a "difference" to the hopes of Chelsea's season.

You can watch BBC Sport's Transfer Deadline Day coverage here

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Image source, Reuters

We're hearing that Axel Disasi is doing his medical with West Ham.

It's a strange one as he's doing a medical without there being a full agreement between the two clubs yet.

That can happen, it's not uncommon on deadline day, so Disasi will be there trying to get the move through.

But if something else comes along, that could get hijacked. Maybe West Ham will get Disasi, maybe not.

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium (kick-off 20:00 GMT). The Blues trail 3-2 after the first leg.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• He expects "a really physical game" against Arsenal so player rest is key in this three-game week.

• Jamie Gittens came off in the first half of Saturday's game aagainst West Ham with a hamstring injury and is sidelined for the cup game. Rosenior said: "I don't know the extent of the injury. Hopefully, it's not too bad."

• Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen is "close to being fit" so could return against Arsenal, or at Wolves at the weekend.

• Rosenior said Estevao Willian "is going through a really difficult time for personal reasons and is on compassionate leave" and he won't "put any pressure on him" to return before he is ready to do so.

• On needing to turn the second leg around: "The reality is that Arsenal are favourites for the tie. They're a goal up and they're at home, so they'll expect to go through. We need to take it as far as we can and as deep as we can, then hopefully the second half will be massive in terms of turning the tie around."

• On his players using their experiences of winning trophies: "They can play in big games and they can perform in big games - and it is definitely a big game on Tuesday."

• In response to whether he knows his best XI yet: "I don't have a best XI. I never have done in all of the clubs that I've worked with. Why? Because of the physical demands. You need a squad, and you need to use the players in the correct way to challenge over the course of the season."

• He said the subs "have made a huge impact" in every game he has managed so far and it's not because of his tactics but because of "their mentality to come on and help the team".

Follow all of Monday's football news

Listen to live commentary of Arsenal v Chelsea at 20:00 on Tuesday on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Were Liam Rosenior changes on Saturday tactical masterstrokes or was the way Chelsea started the game against West Ham just a big error?

A limp first-half display from the Blues meant the Hammers went in at half-time with a deserved 2-0 lead, but Rosenior responded by making three substitutions that ultimately inspired the 3-2 comeback.

Pundits on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast debated whether it was "genius" or naivety from the new Chelsea boss.

"Tactical genius," said former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker. "As a coach or manager, you make decisions and you have to stand by them, but when you are watching the game play out, you can't be scared to make changes.

"That is what the modern game has become. Managers have to make proactive changes and that is what he did. For that, I would give him full credit."

Former Chelsea and Scotland winger Pat Nevin told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Rosenior went back to not exactly Chelsea's best team, but what Chelsea knew and the system they feel comfortable in.

"It now feels like tactical genius because they have won."

Listen to the Football Daily podcast on BBC Sounds

We asked you what still needs to happen before the transfer window closes at 19:00 GMT on Monday.

Here are some of your comments:

Nick: The transfer I think many Chelsea fans would like to see is that of ownership to people or organisations who care deeply about the club and the sport.

Ahmed: Chelsea need experienced and volatile defenders like Marcos Senesi and Jacobo Ramon to bolster and ensure the success of a side currently battling with defensive errors. Also, clinical finishers are fundamental to be able to compete strongly in the Premier League - even top six is no longer easy.

Chris: We need a new keeper, central defender and a world-class striker to replace Delap, who is a complete waste of space. I'm a bit worried Rosenior rates Badiashile so highly, particularly after all the mistakes he made against West Ham. He needs replacing too!

Robin: We are still light on goalscorers, even though Joao Pedro seems to have turned a corner. We should go all out to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico before someone else does and we regret it.

John: Two centre-backs and a keeper. It's easily the weakest part of our team. Obviously, the owners won't buy any established players in those positions, but that's what we need.

Andy: Chelsea need to strengthen their centre-back position with Jeremy Jacquet.

Clayton: Chelsea have everything they need right now to continue progression while still being able to keep the squad happy. Do not panic buy defenders - Colwill isn't far off return and Acheampong just needs some trust. Sarr, Fofana and Chalobah are great back-up and more than enough. Badiashile needs work but does show potential and Hato also shows really good promise. The purchase of Garnacho is a great example of buying for a position when not needed (George, anyone?).

Ask us questions about Chelsea and we'll put them to our experts

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea remain open to accelerating a major deal originally planned for the summer, with a centre-back, central midfielder or attacker all under consideration before Monday's transfer deadline.

The most prominent target was Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, but the Frenchman is now on the verge of a £60m move to Liverpool for next season.

It leaves Chelsea without any known major incoming deals this stage, despite a willingness to do so if the right player becomes available. Instead, central defender Aaron Anselmino is joining Strasbourg on loan so Mamadou Sarr can return to Chelsea to reunite with head coach Liam Rosenior, who joined from the French club in early January.

Chelsea's recent interest in Douglas Luiz, now on loan at Aston Villa, shows that central midfielders are also being considered, while the Blues also checked the conditions to sign now-Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo back in December.

However, Chelsea have other outgoings, with Axel Disasi, Tyrique George and David Datro Fofana set to leave on loan or make permanent moves. George is close to joining Everton for the rest of the season. Winger Raheem Sterling was released from his lucrative contract last week.

There could also be departures from the academy, including Jimi Tauriainen, Sam Rak Sakyi and Ato Ampah.

Today is the final chance of the season for your Premier League team to do transfer business.

The window closes at 19:00 GMT, meaning teams - and fans - can avoid the usual late-night transfer scramble.

It has already been a busy window - for some teams anyway - but whether it turns out to be a day of transfer action or a pretty quiet one for your club, you will be able to keep across it all on BBC Sport.

Follow our live text coverage throughout the day here

Get alerts and keep up to date with all the latest news, insight and fan views for your club

Chelsea are monitoring Nantes' 18-year-old French defender Tylel Tati. (L'Equipe), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Chelsea and West Ham.

Here are some of your comments:

Chelsea fans

Jack: An exciting second half and all credit to the substitutions who saved the day. Pleased Liam Rosenoir got an another big win. Unfortunately, the gulf between our starting XI and the others is getting bigger. They're not up to snuff and it makes rotating the squad impossible.

Tony: Stop playing Benoit Badiashile. He's so nervous and not a good defender. He makes me nervous, never mind his team-mates.

Simon: Disjointed. I'd like to see continuity in the team selection. Players are selected by rotation and a misguided sense of fair play when they are clearly deficient. This is just wrong. I don't care if they are costing a lot. If they're not good enough then they shouldn't play. Put out your best team each time.

Fossie: The classic game of two halves. Rosenior got it wrong in the first half but definitely got it right in the second half. He is quick to see where changes are required and he got it spot on to turn the game around. A good win and sets it nicely for Arsenal.

Ron: A good win for Chelsea - however, I feel West Ham deserved a point. As a Cole Palmer fan, I have to admit something is seriously missing from his game. He is playing everything safe and not taking risks. If he wants to go to the World Cup he is going to have to up his game or he will be left behind.

West Ham fans

Martin: I wasn't expecting much beforehand, but we went in after 45 minutes two goals up and playing well. It's the hope that kills you in the end. Rosenior changed things to get back in the game; Nuno didn't change things to manage it. He waited until they were all over us and we lost the initiative. Nuno's conservatism cost us. We can't defend properly so we may as well attack. A point, maybe even three, thrown away.

Jimmy: Excellent in the first half and very poor in the second half. This is another loss down to Nuno's negative substitutions and very poor in-game management, which handed the initiative to Chelsea. OK, take Pablo Fornals off, but replace him with either Callum Wilson or a holding midfielder - not Max Kilman, who just creates havoc in the defence. This gap gave Chelsea space in midfield and invited them on to us. Nuno's rabbit-in-the-headlights approach when we take the lead will get us relegated.

Harry: We have proven in the past four games what we can do to even the big teams in the Premier League. We just don't have the squad depth that they have and can't bring on four subs who can keep up the momentum we had in the first half or control the game. It's clear how desperate we need to invest in centre-backs. The past four games have given us all hope we can survive relegation and build more depth next season. In Nuno, we trust.

Dave: Nuno needs to understand that we don't have the defensive ability to just sit back and absorb pressure. If he was going to make any changes in the second half to contain Chelsea, bringing on Soungoutou Magassa or Freddie Potts in midfield was the answer. We sat back, conceded, brought on a centre-back who's barely ever had a decent game for us and then folded completely. So disappointing after a brilliant first half. Disappointing, but inevitable - Nuno does this all the time. Feels we have too much to do to get out now.

It's transfer deadline day tomorrow, with the window closing at 19:00 GMT.

How would you assess Chelsea's window? Do you think any position needs more attention? If so, give us names of who should be brought in. And what about who needs to go?

Get in touch with your views here

West Ham's Jean-Clair Todibo was shown a straight red card by referee Anthony Taylor for grabbing Chelsea's Joao Pedro by the neck in a wild melee at the end of the match after a lengthy VAR check.

The incident started when Joao Pedro reacted to Adama Traore's shove on Marc Cucurella, with both sets of players coming together in ugly scenes.

Match of the Day pundit Shay Given breaks down how West Ham's frustration in their loss to Chelsea, after being two goals ahead, led to an on-pitch scuffle and Todibo seeing red.