Chelsea

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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.

Dale Johnson
Football issues correspondent

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Four Premier League clubs have been given financial penalties for breaching the Uefa's squad-cost rule for 2025.

Aston Villa have been fined 22.5m euros (£19.4m) for a "significant breach", while Chelsea have been fined 3m euros (£2.6m), of which 2m euros (£1.7m) is suspended.

Nottingham Forest must pay 2.5m euros (£2.2m), with Newcastle United to pay 3m euros (£2.6m).

Three of the clubs either sold infrastructure to directly linked companies, or players to associated teams.

This was previously admissible under Premier League rules - it will not be from next season - but not by Uefa regulations.

Chelsea sold Mathis Amougou to Strasbourg for £12m, while Aston Villa sold their women's team.

Strasbourg, Chelsea's sister club within the BlueCo operation, were fined 25m euros (£21.5m) with 12m euros (£10.3m) suspended for reporting a squad-cost ratio above 70%.

Last summer, Chelsea were fined 31m euros (£26.7m) for breaches of the financial sustainability regulations, with the threat of further punishments over the next three years worth a potential 60m euros (£51.7m).

Chelsea said in a statement that Uefa had "recognised the improving trend" in their spending and that the 70% threshold was only "narrowly exceeded".

All four clubs were in Europe last season, and the fines show the difficulties of complying with different rules across two competitions.

Uefa reduced the squad-cost limit from 80% to 70% of a club's income last season, making it more challenging to comply.

The Premier League has introduced its own variation of squad-cost limits, which kicks in from Wednesday.

While clubs in Europe will have to adhere to Uefa's 70%, the other 11 Premier League teams will be permitted to spend upwards of 85% of income on the playing staff and the manager.

The Premier League is trying to protect the competitive balance by allowing those without income from European competition to spend a higher proportion of their earnings.

But Chelsea must continue to comply with the Uefa regulations even though they do not have European football next season. This is part of the agreement reached with Uefa last summer.

Everton are confident of signing Chelsea winger Tyrique George, 20 - who they had on loan last season - on a permanent basis. (Teamtalk), external

Chelsea are hoping to add to their attack by signing Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi. The 20-year-old France Under-21s international had a fine 2025-26 season, scoring 13 times in the Premier League. (Caught Offside), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

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Chelsea have entered talks with Rayo Vallecano for left-back Pep Chavarria as they look to strengthen their defence.

Any move for the 28-year-old, who made 44 appearances for Vallecano last season, would not be as a direct replacement for Marc Cucurella, who joined Real Madrid for £51.8m a fortnight ago.

Instead, that role is expected to be filled internally, with Jorrel Hato set to play a significant part under new manager Xabi Alonso next season.

Chavarria would offer a more attacking option, particularly if Alonso opts to use wing-backs, as he did during his time at Bayer Leverkusen.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are also targeting a centre-back and are expected to step up their pursuit of Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix.

Strengthening the midfield is also desired, with Strasbourg's Valentin Barco expected to join, as well as a move for a versatile attacker.

Elsewhere, Chelsea have set an asking price of £30m plus £5m in add-ons for centre-back Trevoh Chalobah after a bid was lodged by Como. Fellow Serie A side Inter Milan are among other clubs interested.

Potential departures form part of a wider plan to streamline the squad, with Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Alejandro Garnacho and Liam Delap all facing uncertain futures.

Real Madrid are expected to make a move for midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who is keen to leave and valued at about £120m by Chelsea.

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Former Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta says it is not a surprise that Reece James is playing at the highest level for club and country after seeing the England right-back come through the youth ranks during his time at Stamford Bridge.

The two defenders spent four years together in the first team and won the 2021 Champions League together. James eventually succeeded the Spaniard as the Blues captain in 2023.

"I rate him really highly," Azpilicueta told BBC Radio 5 live's Football Daily podcast. "He's a top player. I knew him when he was coming through the youth teams and he was starting with the first team.

"We played in the same position but when he was starting with the first team I was playing a bit more on the left when we were playing four at the back. Then when we played a lot, he was playing right wing-back and I was playing right centre-back so we had a lot of communication.

"I always tried to help him in his development. We are kind of different players but he took over the captaincy when I left, so I really rate him. He's a top player, top guy and I keep looking at him and seeing his development because now he's playing in midfield.

"He's doing amazing. He has top qualities. It doesn't surprise me seeing him playing at this level with England. He deserves it. It makes me really happy."

Listen to the full episode below or on BBC Sounds

Will Faulks
Fan writer

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Chelsea's statement about the departure of Enzo Maresca is full of frustration being released. It feels like the Blues have been waiting to give their side of the story ever since his resignation in January.

It doesn't pull any punches on a personal level, and it directly blames the coach's sudden exit for the horrible season that Chelsea just endured. But is that a fair assessment?

There is no denying it was hugely disruptive, or that the team got significantly worse once he left. The revelation that he had told Chelsea in the autumn that he was considering leaving also explains why things had started to fall apart long before his actual resignation.

The fundamental problems with the squad construction and club strategy were not Maresca's fault, but Chelsea do have a point in that his actions massively exacerbated them.

However, the sporting directors who chose to appoint Maresca, who never felt truly committed, and then made an even bigger mistake appointing Liam Rosenior to succeed him, are just as much at fault.

Find more from Will Faulks at Talk Chelsea, external

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Everyone at Chelsea respects the quality of Enzo Maresca's management, but his departure ultimately ended in fraught circumstances.

His decision to resign, which he has now admitted "opened a path" for him to join Manchester City, proved damaging to Chelsea's season. It contributed to a chaotic campaign in which they finished 10th, sacked another manager and cost the club millions in lost television revenue.

It led to a prolonged legal dispute that has only recently been resolved, allowing all parties to draw a line under the matter.

For Chelsea, Maresca's first season will still be remembered as their most successful under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. They qualified for the Champions League for the only time in four years since acquiring the club from Roman Abramovich, and won their first silverware in the Club World Cup and the Conference League.

City, meanwhile, have secured Chelsea's highest regarded manager since Thomas Tuchel, one who also has the backing of Pep Guardiola, having previously served as his assistant during a Treble-winning campaign.

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Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has apologised to his former club for the "disruption" caused by his mid-season departure.

Shortly after his appointment as Manchester City's new manager was confirmed, the Italian posted on social media: "At the end of December 2025, I made the difficult decision to leave Chelsea.

"The decision was only mine. My resignation from Chelsea opened a path for me to join Manchester City, which is a club I knew very well. I am ecstatic that I have now joined Manchester City.

"I recognise that my departure from Chelsea in the middle of the season caused disruption for the club and I apologise for that. It was neither my intention nor my wish.

"I was treated well by everyone at Chelsea and together we achieved great success and memories that I will always treasure.

"I am grateful to the club, the owners and the fans for giving me the opportunity."

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Chelsea have released the following statement after Manchester City's appointment of Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola's successor:

"Chelsea FC appreciates the 2025-26 season was a hugely disappointing one for the club and its supporters. A major contributing factor was the disruption caused as a result of changes that the club was forced to make to the head coach position over the Christmas period.

"Due to recent developments, we consider that it is important to explain to our supporters what happened and why our former head coach left the club on 1 January 2026.

"In Autumn last year, the club was informed by our former headcCoach that there might be an opportunity for him to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of the season. It became clear to us that it was his strong desire to succeed Guardiola and that he was fully committed to pursuing the opportunity, despite the fact he was under a long-term contract which he had no right to terminate.

"In December 2025, our head coach unexpectedly and abruptly resigned from his position. Obviously, we felt let down as we believed that his head and heart were focused on another club and another opportunity, despite having just arrived at Chelsea the year before.

"No club wants to change its head coach midway through a season. However, in light of his decision not to continue fulfilling his responsibilities through to the end of the season, the club was left with no choice but to protect our players, our supporters, and the badge and accept his resignation.

"In the circumstances and given the mutual respect between clubs, a confidential settlement has been reached with Manchester City, which includes the payment of compensation. A confidential settlement has also been reached with the former head coach under which he will pay compensation.

"Looking forward to next season, in Xabi Alonso we have a manager who has an exceptional football mind and is a professional of the highest integrity. He has all the attributes to deliver the success the club's supporters deserve and expect."

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

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For Chelsea, any successful move for Granit Xhaka - who Sunderland have said is not for sale after rejecting the Blues' £8m bid for the midfielder - would be a radical shift in transfer policy.

Chelsea have fielded the youngest team in the Premier League for the past two seasons and have not not selected a player aged 30 or over during that period. Xhaka turns 34 in September.

Members of the club's leadership, including co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali, acknowledge that adjustments are needed to improve their recruitment.

Some of the criticism has centred on a perceived lack of leadership and concerns over dressing-room culture, which is something former Arsenal captain Xhaka received widespread praise for helping to build at newly promoted Sunderland last season.

The Switzerland international, who is under contract at the Stadium of Light until 2028, played a key role following a £17m move from Bayer Leverkusen as the Black Cats finished seventh to qualify for the Europa League.

A move for a midfielder has long been part of Chelsea's plans this summer, and comes amid growing expectation that Enzo Fernandez could join Real Madrid.

Chelsea have not received a formal approach for the Argentina international and value him at about £120m. However, sources in Spain suggest there is internal support at Real Madrid for a move, including from club president Florentino Perez and new manager Jose Mourinho.

Read more on Chelsea's Xhaka approach

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We're now into the knockout rounds of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention so far - especially with the summer transfer window a couple of weeks into being officially open.

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

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Thomas Tuchel says he is worried about England's right-back crisis before their World Cup last-32 tie after Jarell Quansah became the latest in the position to suffer injury.

Quansah started in place of the injured Reece James in the 2-0 win over Panama in New Jersey, that clinched top spot in Group L, but limped off in the second half and went straight down the tunnel for treatment.

The injury leaves Tuchel facing a major dilemma heading into their first knockout game in Atlanta on Wednesday (17:00 BST).

James is a major doubt for the game with a hamstring injury and, with Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento being forced to leave the squad with a calf issue, Tuchel's only options at right-back appear to be Djed Spence of Tottenham and Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, who has started all three of England's games at centre-back.

When Livramento pulled out of the World Cup squad, Tuchel opted to call up Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah rather than including a replacement right-back, such as Real Madrid's former Liverpool man Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Tuchel said it was too early to assess the severity of Quansah's injury immediately after the game but, given the last-32 match is just four days away, the Bayer Leverkusen defender's availability is uncertain.

"A classic ankle twist and he is in pain," Tuchel said of Quansah's injury. "He said he had it before and it is a matter of days. He has his leg up high and in ice.

"Naturally, of course [I am worried about the right-back situation] - we have another injury in the position.

"It will be a tight race for Reece James and a tight race for Jarell Quansah, but it is our job to find solutions and we will do."