Chelsea

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos is expected to return to sister club Strasbourg on loan this season.

The clubs, both owned by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital's parent company BlueCo, have been in talks about the 20-year-old.

Santos is believed to be open to returning to the French top-flight club where he excelled in the second half of 2023-24.

However, the one-cap Brazil international is expected to wait until after Chelsea's pre-season tour of the United States and train under new manager Enzo Maresca for a few more weeks.

Chelsea have received contact from Newcastle United about the availability of winger Noni Madueke. (Football Insider), external

The Blues have not given up on signing Napoli's Victor Osimhen, despite Paris St-Germain being the frontrunners for the 25-year-old Nigeria striker. (Caught Offside), external

Chelsea want to sign a new goalkeeper to rival Robert Sanchez for the number one spot. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Meanwhile, the Stamford Bridge club have recalled midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu from the France Olympic squad amid plans to loan him out this season. (Athletic - subscription required), external

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

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea are open to signing a new goalkeeper after offering Djorje Petrovic to Italian club Genoa.

The 24-year-old could yet stay but options are being discussed internally after the first two weeks of training under new manager Enzo Maresca.

Genoa just sold goalkeeper Josep Martinez to Inter last week but Petrovic is considered out of their price range.

Petrovic joined Chelsea last summer in a £14m deal from New England Revolution.

Robert Sanchez, who spent much of last season injured, is expected to remain as Chelsea prepare to make moves in the transfer market.

Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen and Valencia's Giorgi Mamardashvili are believed to have admirers at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca's possession-based style will demand a goalkeeper to be comfortable with the ball at his feet to help build up the play, impacting which options are considered.

The Blues have been training to play in a similar set up to Maresca's previous club Leicester, with a full-back moving into midfield, and two attacking central midfielders pushing forwards into attack.

Chelsea face Wrexham in Santa Clara next week as their pre-season tour of the United States begins.

Image source, Getty Images

It seems inevitable a host of Premier League managers will point to fixture congestion in the months to come.

When injuries mount, or when time on the training ground is squeezed, coaches often reference the intense nature of the calendar.

But research conducted by the respected CIES Football Observatory has delivered data which shows clubs are - on average - not playing more competitive games than they have in the last couple of decades.

The CIES looked at 677 clubs across 40 leagues. In looking at a period from 2012 to 2024, its findings show in 2023-24, the average club played 42.4 competitive matches. In 2014-15 that figure was 42.6 and in 2020-21 it hit 43.9.

And if focus is placed on sides competing in the Champions League, data gathered between 2000 and 2024 also shows sides are not setting fixture records in the current game, as some managers may like to loosely imply.

In looking at the five major European Leagues, the CIES claim Champions League competitors played an average of 50.8 matches last season.

In 2020-21 they averaged 57.9 and in 2002-03 they contested 55.2.

Manchester United played in 52 competitive games last season, down from highs of 71 in 2020-21 and 66 in 2008-09.

Across all of the clubs analysed, only 4% played more than 60 games last season. In 2012-13, the figure stood at 5.1%.

While clubs may play added friendlies and - it would be fair to say - individual matches tend to be longer given increased injury time in the current game, the data shows that competitive fixture numbers are flat or have in most cases fallen, even if disgruntled managers say otherwise.

The full study is here, external

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea's first black player Paul Canoville has offered to help in any "restorative process" for Enzo Fernandez.

The club have begun disciplinary proceedings against Fernandez after he posted a video on social media that the French Football Federation said included an alleged "racist and discriminatory" chant.

In a statement released on his foundation's website, external, Canoville said: "There is no room for discrimination of any kind in our society, especially in the sport we all love.

"My personal experiences of racism and hatred are well known, but I have always said that the way forward is through education and understanding.

"Given my continued love and support for Chelsea Football Club and the involvement of one of our players in the incident, I have offered to help support any restorative process that might now take place.

"Through my Foundation, I aim to help people learn through the lens of my experiences before, during and after the abuse I received while playing football, including being able to offer forgiveness where deserved."

Fernandez - a £107m British record signing in February 2023 - said he is "truly sorry" for the video he posted as Argentina celebrated winning the Copa America.

Chelsea team-mate Wesley Fofana posted an image of the video on Instagram, describing it as "uninhibited racism", but Blues forward Nicolas Jackson put a video, external oh his social media seemingly in support of his team-mate Fernandez.

Troy Townsend, the former head of campaign group Kick It Out, said the apology from the 23-year-old and the fact some players appeared to support him pointed to a "growing problem" in the game.

On what should happen now, Townsend said: "The player has to be made aware of the responsibility he has. I'm not going to advocate for match bans or large fines because I don't think football is capable of doing that.

"Chelsea have to do their own club investigation as they are doing, I just worry about the relationships between those players now. How do they mend those broken relationships?"

Chelsea have reportedly approached RC Lens to sign 21-year-old striker Elye Wahi after the Blues' failed approach for the Frenchman last summer. (L'Equipe, external)

Chelsea plan to reward England forward Cole Palmer, 22, with incremental wage rises following his impressive form for them last season and growing importance to the team. (Telegraph - subscription required, external)

The Blues have reportedly asked Paris St-Germain about the availability of Portugal striker Goncalo Ramos, 23, and France forward Randal Kolo Muani, 25, to replace Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku if he departs. (HITC, external)

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

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad have cooled their interest in Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

The Blues had reportedly rejected an offer for the 28-year-old from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) owned club earlier this week.

Sources at the Gulf state club have since played down their chances of making any further offers for the Spain international, who spent last season on loan at Real Madrid.

Kepa remains the world's most expensive goalkeeper after his £71.6m move from Athletic Bilbao in 2018.

He has one year left on his current Chelsea contract.

Emlyn Begley
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea have been busy in the transfer market - yet again - this summer, bringing in five new players so far and BBC Sport has the lowdown on each of them.

Tosin Adarabioyo

Centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo, 26, joined Chelsea on a four-year deal after his contract at Fulham ran out.

"Chelsea is a huge club and this is a full-circle moment for me," said the Manchester City academy product. "I was born three miles away from Stamford Bridge and made my professional debut there."

Omari Kellyman

Chelsea signed Aston Villa and England Under-20 midfielder Omari Kellyman in a deal worth up to £19m.

The 18-year-old only started one game for Villa - making another five substitute appearances - after a £600,000 move from Derby County in 2022.

Marc Guiu

Chelsea only had to pay £5m to sign striker Marc Guiu - but that is not a reflection of his value.

The 18-year-old had a release clause of only 6m euros, which Barcelona tried to renegotiate with a new deal - but he joined Chelsea instead on a five-year contract.

He scored two goals in seven games for Barca's first team - including one just 23 seconds into his debut against Athletic Bilbao.

Image source, Getty Images

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

Chelsea paid Leicester City £30m to sign versatile midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, 25, on a six-year deal.

He came through the Foxes academy and played 129 times for the club, scoring 17 goals - with 12 of them in last season's Championship promotion campaign under new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

Renato Veiga

Chelsea have also signed versatile player Renato Veiga from Basel for £12m on a seven-year deal.

The 20-year-old can play in central defence, at left-back or in midfield. He joined Basel last summer for about £4m from Sporting Lisbon, having also been wanted by Burnley.

Estevao Willian - for next season

Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Palmeiras winger Estevao Willian, 17, for an initial £29m - after his 18th birthday.

"Estevao is the best player to have emerged from Brazilian football since Neymar. You watch him and you fall in love," the head of Palmeiras' academy, Joao Paulo Sampaio, told BBC Sport.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea have sold £85m worth of talent, which includes Ian Maatsen to Aston Villa, Lewis Hall to Newcastle United and Omari Hutchinson to Ipswich Town, to help fund their latest transfer splurge.

There was also the controversial sale of two hotels for £76.5m to a sister company that helped balance the last set of books, while Mason Mount's £55m transfer to Manchester United is believed to have been on the 2023-24 season accounts.

They also anticipate the banking of a sizeable windfall for participating in the inaugural summer Club World Cup next season.

Paris St-Germain have stepped up their pursuit of 25-year-old Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, which could end Chelsea's interest in the Nigerian forward. (Talksport, external)

Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville, 22, has held talks with the Blues, but French side Rennes have also spoken to the Dutchman. (Teamtalk, external)

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

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana has posted a message on his social media condemning the actions of team-mate Enzo Fernandez.

The club have begun disciplinary proceedings against midfielder Fernandez after he posted a video on social media that the French Football Federation said included an alleged "racist and discriminatory" chant following Argentina's Copa America win.

Fofana, who spent last season on loan at Burnley and is currently in pre-season training with the Blues, posted an image on his Instagram story of himself in a Chelsea kit with the message: "The football that I like is multi-ethnic.

"Racism in all its forms should be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

"These acts have no place in football or even anywhere else. This fight really needs to be taken seriously by everyone in this sport."

Anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out said the video is "unacceptable", while Show Racism the Red Card chief executive Ged Grebby said: "The racism by the Argentina players is abhorrent, disgraceful and, to record it on social media, it's unbelievable to think it was amusing or even they would get away with it."

Fernandez said in a statement he is "truly sorry" for the video he posted as Argentina celebrated winning the Copa America, after Stamford Bridge team-mate Wesley Fofana posted on social media to describe it as "uninhibited racism".

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson has posted on his Instagram account in the last few hours, seemingly in support of his team-mate Enzo Fernandez.

Fernandez is facing disciplinary proceedings from Chelsea - and Fifa are also investigating - after the Argentina international posted a video on social media with a chant about black France players, described as "racist and discriminatory".

Jackson, from Senegal, posted a video, external of Fernandez playing with a small black child in a Chelsea shirt, along with an emoji of a black fist, white fist and love heart, plus an image of Jackson, Fernandez and Marc Cucurella sat together in training.

It follows Chelsea team-mate and France international Wesley Fofana calling the video "uninhibited racism".

Fernandez has apologised.

Chelsea confirmed to the BBC they were investigating on Tuesday night, before issuing an official statement on Wednesday morning. Senior sources close to the club say they needed to verify the video’s authenticity and speak to the player before commenting publicly.

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea have released a statement in response to a video posted on social media by midfielder Enzo Fernandez that the French Football Federation says includes an alleged "racist and discriminatory" chant.

The 23-year-old's French team-mate Wesley Fofana posted an image of the video on Instagram and labelled it as "uninhibited racism".

Fernandez has posted an apology message on his social media channels.

A statement on the Blues' official website read: "Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable.

"We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome.

"We acknowledge and appreciate our player's public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate.

"The club has instigated an internal disciplinary procedure."

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has said he is "truly sorry" for the video he posted as Argentina celebrated winning the Copa America.

Chelsea are investigating the video that the French Football Federation (FFF) says includes an alleged "racist and discriminatory" chant.

On Tuesday, the FFF said it would file a complaint to Fifa over the video featuring a song sung by some of the Argentina squad about France's players.

Fernandez's Stamford Bridge team-mate Wesley Fofana, who has one cap for France, posted on social media to describe it as "uninhibited racism".

Fernandez said: "The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words.

"I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.

"That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character."

Aston Villa and Barcelona are competing for 22-year-old Athletic Bilbao and Spain winger Nico Williams. (Teamtalk), external

The Blues have reached an agreement with Boca Juniors to sign 19-year-old Argentine defender Aaron Anselmino for £17m plus add-ons. (Football Insider), external

Romelu Lukaku has told Napoli he is ready to join from Chelsea if forward Victor Osimhen leaves the Serie A club this summer. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Meanwhile, Cole Palmer has attempted to persuade England team-mate and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, 28, to move to Stamford Bridge this summer. (Football Insider), external

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

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Providing the assist for the winning goal in the Euro 2024 final capped off an impressive tournament for Marc Cucurella.

Having only won four caps prior to heading to Germany and given the form of Bayer Leverkusen's Alejandro Grimaldo last season, even the Chelsea left-back may not have been expecting to play such a key role.

But, starting all games bar Spain's dead-rubber final group match against Albania, the 25-year-old became a pivotal player in Luis de la Fuente's team.

It is a far cry from the inconsistency of his first two seasons at Stamford Bridge since his £60m move from Brighton in August 2022, where he has been in and out of the team and come in for criticism from pundits and fans.

So what can Chelsea's new boss Enzo Maresca learn from Cucurella's past four weeks with Spain?

As part of La Roja's back four, the former Albion defender was able to find balance in his defensive work and attack, forming a good partnership on the left wing with Nico Williams.

As well as assisting the winning goal for Mikel Oyarzabal in the final, Cucurella had the most combined tackles and interceptions for Spain (20) across the tournament.

Among Spanish defenders, he won possession more times (21), won more tackles (nine) and also jointly created the most chances (seven).

His heatmap from the final against England shows the structure and discipline in his play and positioning on the left.

Image source, Opta

This is compared to his heatmap in the final game of last season for Chelsea against Bournemouth in which he spent time, not just in the more traditional left-back role, but across the backline and also coming into midfield.

Perhaps too much freedom for a player who has previously been described as "the football equivalent of a springer spaniel".

Image source, Opta

It is his abilities when being able to focus on that left-side of the pitch that drew Chelsea's attention in the first place.

Cucurella's average position in the Euro 2024 final was near identical to that of his final game for Brighton against West Ham in 2022 - one he dominated statistically.

Image source, Opta

Having played in his national side's under-21 team for De la Fuente, Cucurella has benefitted from having a manager with an understanding of how he plays and what his strengths are, as well as a Spain side with a clear style.

If Chelsea want to see the best version of the energetic defender this campaign, it may require clear structure, style and discipline from Maresca.

Image source, Getty Images

The football never stops.

Euro 2024 has barely finished but Premier League clubs have already started turning their attention to pre-season friendlies.

The games are spread across the globe, from Tokyo and New York to Sligo and Crawley.

So who will your team face? And when and where are the matches?

Keep across all the fixtures and results here

Image source, Getty Images

Spanish football journalist and BBC columnist Guillem Balague believes the criticism Marc Cucurella has faced since joining Chelsea was a motivating factor in his fine performances for Spain's Euro 2024 winning side.

Cucurella joined the Blues from Brighton in a deal worth over £60m in August 2022 but has struggled for form in what has been a turbulent couple of seasons at Stamford Bridge.

However, the 25-year-old started all of Spain's matches in Germany this summer - apart from their final group game dead rubber against Albania - and assisted Mikel Oyarzabal's winner in the final against England.

"They haven't done a lot with him but he has been one of those players that has been given confidence for a long time," Balague told the Monday Night Club on BBC Radio 5 Live. "He was with the under-21s with the same manager.

"They all knew what he could give but [Alex] Grimaldo [of Bayer Leverkusen] was so good this season that Cucurella thought he was coming in without a chance of starting. What he offered was not just the ability to go forward but the defending.

"He was so proactive with the defending. He would not track back every time he needed to go with somebody, he just went close to him, didn't let him turn. It doesn't matter who it was he was strong with him. He seemed to jump higher.

"I think he was stung a little bit by some criticism coming from England, some of which has been fair because he did have some games [for Chelsea] where he was at fault for some goals. But he seems to have made a step forward in terms of that defending."

Listen to the full chat from 1:17:00 on BBC Sounds

Image source, Reuters

Chelsea and Spain left-back Marc Cucurella was included in Opta's team of Euro 2024.

Cucurella had been one of the question marks for Spain heading into Euro 2024, but he proved many doubters wrong by the end of it. Competitive in his defending and a contributor going forward, the Chelsea man did a fine job in taking up Jordi Alba's mantle from previous editions.

As well as assisting the winning goal for Mikel Oyarzabal in the final, Cucurella had the most combined tackles and interceptions for Spain (20) across the tournament.

See the full team here

Image source, Chelsea FC

We asked for your views after Chelsea released the 2024-25 home shirt.

We have been inundated with responses.

Here is a flavour - and people are not holding back:

Jay: I want my eyes to unsee it.

Greg: Honestly, it looks awful. But at the same time it is a perfect symbol for how things have been since the current owners took over, everything that was built, now going up in flames.

Freddie: It looks like the winner of a primary school art contest.

Paul: It’s described as a blue flame. It’s certainly distinctive! It reminds me of a cross between a gas company advert from the 1980’s and a bit of tie dye that wouldn’t be out of place in psychedelic 60’s San Francisco.

Carlo: Absolutely diabolical - what a way to ruin a great shirt.

Steve: I quite like it. I prefer shirts without, (whoever the sponsor is). Last season's was available for a short while without sponsors' logos, too.

Nick: Love it! Really nice to see a football shirt embracing a style and pattern beyond simple geometric designs, I can't wait to get one - now I just need to decide which player's name to have on the back!

Tunde: The shirt is fine but the shorts should have been plain or slightly different design. Together, it just makes it look too busy.