Chelsea

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Marc Cucurella has officially joined Real Madrid just hours before his opening World Cup game with Spain, raising the question of whether his former Chelsea team-mate Enzo Fernandez follows.

Sources in Spain say the agreement progressed rapidly with Chelsea, and a similar scenario could now develop with Fernandez.

Much depends on Madrid's willingness to spend a significant fee on the midfielder, who is valued by Chelsea at £120m.

It remains unclear how much Chelsea are willing to negotiate, or whether Madrid would meet that valuation for the Argentina international, who is also at the Fifa World Cup.

However, re-elected club president Florentino Perez has hinted at a potential signing worth 150m euros (£129.6m), having had a bid at that value rejected by Atletico Madrid for Fernandez's international team-mate Julian Alvarez. It suggests those funds could be put to use with Fernandez himself.

Well-placed sources say Fernandez is keen to leave Chelsea and join Real Madrid. Manchester City and Paris St-Germain have also been linked, but both are understood to have distanced themselves from any interest.

It appears to be Madrid or bust for Fernandez, although Chelsea - under new manager Xabi Alonso - would also be content to keep the midfielder, who contributed 15 goals and seven assists last season. He is under contract until 2032.

Madrid are set to sign Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, Inter Milan full-back Denzel Dumfries and Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva.

It forms part of a rebuild under returning manager Jose Mourinho after a season in which they finished second to Barcelona in their domestic league and exited the Champions League at the quarter-final stage.

Read more on Cucurella's exit and Fernandez's future here

We asked for your views on Marc Cucurella's £51.8m move to Real Madrid.

Here are some of your comments:

Clayts: It's a shame as he has been good, although, whether we like it or not, Real Madrid are a bigger team, he's Spanish and you can't blame him. Jorrel Hato has been looking very good, and is great at getting forward, so this could be very good timing.

Rob: This is a surprise, as I would have said Cucurella was indispensable. I can't think of many quality left-backs who would want to come to us at the moment, but perhaps Lewis Hall could make a return.

Pete: I've supported Chelsea since the 1967-68 season and I'm pleased to see the back of all of the Spanish-speaking players that have been causing problems in the dressing room. I can't believe that the stronger players allowed it to happen. It just shows how weak the leaders of the group actually are.

Chris: Put the money in the bank and play Hato there.

Jeffrey: Obviously the new manager will have his own ideas. I'm sad to see an experienced professional leave, particularly as Cuccurella often leads the tempo of the team. Presumably, Xabi Alonso will have a replacement lined up because the lack of quality and experience in Chelsea's defence has been the root cause of the decline over the past two seasons.

Peter: So glad he is leaving. He has been a disturbing influence at the club. Not a team player.

Image source, Getty Images

Del: Cucurella was fantastic for us and we're going to miss him. I would either like to see Hall brought back or, failing that, Hato given his chance as he looked good towards the end of last season.

Gareth: He has been sold because he criticised them. Probably our best defender last season and seen as the best left-back in the Premier League also. Another great decision by the club. They really don't have a clue.

Phil: Very surprised we took a loss on the deal considering his excellent form over the past two seasons. However, in Hato we look to have a very promising young player who only got better as the season progressed.

Fossie: I thought BlueCo was supposed to make a profit out of player sales? This is a loss. Not very good business. Hopefully they will bring someone from the academy into the first-team squad.

Image source, Getty Images

It is time to get your scouting caps on!

We are officially four days and 12 games deep into the biggest World Cup ever, so we want to know who has grabbed your attention early doors - especially as the summer transfer window is now officially open.

What player has raised your eyebrows? Which name has exceeded your expectations? Who have you got down as your one to watch?

Ultimately, who would you 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

Image source, BBC Sport

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

And there's more - the BBC is launching 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 match 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.

• Set up live lock screen match updates by following these simple steps

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

The new 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

• 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

Image source, Getty Images

Marc Cucurella's surprise move to Real Madrid has been completed quickly, with the £51.8m deal now officially confirmed.

The left-back, who joined Chelsea for £63m from Brighton in 2022, was understood to have been keen to return to Spain, having come through Barcelona's academy, but had been primarily been linked with Atletico Madrid or a move back to Catalonia.

The 27-year-old established himself as a key figure under Enzo Maresca, but criticised the club's hierarchy following Maresca's mid-season departure.

Cucurella was part of a core group of Spanish-speaking players who were frustrated by the situation and struggled to perform under the Italian's successor, Liam Rosenior.

It leaves Jorrel Hato as the only natural, senior left-back option currently in Xabi Alonso's squad.

What do you make of the deal? How do you reflect on Cucurella's time at Chelsea? And who should be his replacement?

Get in touch with your views here

Chelsea are monitoring 18-year-old Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who helped Morocco to a 1-1 draw with Brazil in his country's opening game of the 2026 World Cup, and who might cost at least £60m. (Talksport), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

There is upheaval in Chelsea's goalkeeping department this summer, with multiple players looking to leave.

It appears number one Robert Sanchez will remain and be supported, at the very least into pre-season, by highly rated Belgian goalkeeper Mike Penders, who spent last season on loan at partner club Strasbourg.

"I am starting pre-season at Chelsea and will try to prove myself in training," Penders told Voetbalkrant, speaking from Belgium's World Cup camp.

However, Chelsea will need an additional third goalkeeper in their squad, and the right one at that.

Currently, academy option Teddy Sharman-Lowe is the frontrunner, but he is attracting interest from the Championship after six positive months at Bolton in the first half of the season.

The England Under-21 international's recall from his Bolton loan proved crucial, as Filip Jorgensen required surgery to overcome mid-season fitness problems.

However, Sharman-Lowe, 23, may be better served playing first-team football before settling into that kind of role. That's because Chelsea have accepted that Sanchez's deputies from last season, Filip Jorgensen and Gabriel Slonina are being allowed to leave the club in potential permanent transfers, as first revealed by BBC Sport.

Meanwhile, partner club Strasbourg, also owned by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, will also have to find a suitable starting option to replace Penders in France.

All of this change will be managed by the sporting directors, along with head coach Xabi Alonso, although head of goalkeeping Ben Roberts retains significant influence as the club's trusted in-house specialist.

Image source, Getty Images

In the final part of our special Q&A, Chelsea reporter Nizaar Kinsella discusses competition for the number one shirt and new stadium developments.

Alan asked: Is it realistic for Chelsea fans to expect a proven number one goalkeeper, like James Trafford or Mike Maignan, to arrive in the summer transfer window? Or is it a given that we will have Robert Sanchez and Mike Penders vying for the spot next season?

Nizaar: Chelsea are expected to go into next season with Robert Sanchez competing with Mike Penders for the number one spot.

Both are highly regarded and, although other names have been linked, any incoming goalkeeper would likely need to represent a significant upgrade for the club to change direction.

Any addition would also mean either Penders being sent out on loan or Sanchez being sold, as the club are unlikely to carry three goalkeepers of that level.

• Read Nizaar Kinsella's insight on goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen seeking an exit

Gregory asked: Are Chelsea going to build a new stadium?

Nizaar: If you ask the club's ownership or senior executives, the answer is a straightforward yes.

There is a full commitment, in line with the terms of the initial takeover, to build a new stadium - but delivering it is far from straightforward.

High interest rates and rising construction costs present significant challenges. Building a new ground in one of the most expensive areas of one of the world's most expensive cities has long been considered a complex undertaking.

For many match-going Chelsea fans, the location of any new stadium is also crucial. In reality, the choice is likely to come down to either moving to the nearby Earl's Court development site - which some figures within the club still believe is a possibility, despite public denials from the company involved - or redeveloping Stamford Bridge.

Both options have advantages and drawbacks. It is expected to be a lengthy process before construction begins, and longer still before any new stadium is opened.

Scroll further down this page to find the rest of Nizaar Kinsella's Q&A.

Image source, Getty Images

In the second part of a special Q&A, Chelsea reporter Nizaar Kinsella explains the club's stance on signing a new goalscorer and Nicolas Jackson's future.

Moses asked: Do you think Chelsea are going to sign a striker this summer?

Nizaar: Yes and no. Chelsea have already signed Emanuel Emegha from Strasbourg and the initial plan was for him to be involved with the first team.

However, it remains to be seen who out of Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson will feature as deputies to main striker Joao Pedro next season, or be sold or sent out on loan. With no European football to contend with, carrying three specialist strikers may not be ideal.

As a result, beyond those options, another centre-forward signing is not expected. However, Chelsea are considering adding a goal-scoring winger or a versatile attacker.

• Read more insight on Nicolas Jackson's situation

Tim asked: Do you think giving Nicolas Jackson another chance might spur Cole Palmer on? His best two seasons were when he was playing with Jackson.

Nizaar: The view from Stamford Bridge is that Nicolas Jackson still has a chance of working his way back into the side, although that would likely require Xabi Alonso to select him ahead of Emanuel Emegha and Liam Delap.

Jackson had a strong understanding with Cole Palmer under Mauricio Pochettino and continued to show that link in Enzo Maresca's first season.

However, if pushed to make a prediction, it is still expected that Jackson could leave Chelsea this summer.

Keep across this page for the final part of Nizaar's Q&A, which will look at subjects including Chelsea's number one shirt and new stadium plans.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked you to send in your Chelsea questions for our reporter Nizaar Kinsella before the summer transfer window opens.

In the first part of a special Q&A, he discusses Xabi Alonso's short-term vision and the chances of targeting Bayer Leverkusen players.

Jordan asked: With Xabi Alonso supposedly having more say in transfer business and the squad makeup, is there any sense of his vision for the short term? We have our own ideas of what needs strengthening as fans, but I would like to know what direction the manager will actually look to go in.

Nizaar: The Chelsea manager is understood to have spoken to several players facing uncertain futures, but he has not yet contacted the entire squad.

Alonso does not officially start work until 1 July, although he is already involved in planning for next season, including transfers and gaining an understanding of the structure at the training ground and at Stamford Bridge.

There has been limited indication so far around how Alonso intends to strengthen the squad. Chelsea need to sell players, both to meet the terms of their Uefa settlement agreement and to remain financially compliant, as well as adjusting to the absence of European football next season.

However, the club are expected to target a forward, a midfielder and a centre-back. Alonso's input will form part of the decision-making process, alongside the club's hierarchy.

• Read more about Xabi Alonso's training ground visit

Ryan asked: Can we expect any moves for Bayer Leverkusen players that already know Xabi Alonso's system, or any of his former players in general?

Nizaar: I just looked through Xabi Alonso's last Bayer Leverkusen squad - and I couldn't really see any obvious candidate to join Chelsea.

I know the club signed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City when Enzo Maresca joined, but I just can't see an obvious option for Alonso. I also don't think Alonso or Chelsea will necessarily want that or feel it is the right thing to do.

Keep across this page for parts two and three of Nizaar's Q&A, which will look at subjects including Nicolas Jackson's return, goalkeeper additions and stadium plans.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea and Axel Disasi have agreed a permanent exit would suit all parties this summer after the latest round of talks.

Disasi, who is attracting interest from two Premier League clubs and one in Italy, has three years left on his contract after joining from Monaco for £38.5m in 2023.

The 28-year-old Disasi made 14 appearances for West Ham during a six-month loan spell last season.

The Hammers had wanted to keep the centre-back and he was open to staying, but relegation has ended the prospect of any deal.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have started providing clarity to academy players about their futures.

A number of academy players, including striker Shim Mheuka and centre-back Harrison Murray-Campbell - both nominated for Premier League 2 Player of the Season, with the latter winning the award - are set to go out on loan. Defender Kaiden Wilson is also exploring his loan options.

Other star names include midfielder Reggie Walsh, wingers Ryan Kavuma-McQueen and Jesse Derry and defender Landon Emenalo and they are likely to get a chance in pre-season under Xabi Alonso.

Brodi Hughes, Richard Olise, Sam Rak-Sakyi and Jimi Tauriainen will leave the club when their contracts expire on 30 June, creating space for the next generation to play under-21 football.

Barcelona are aware of interest from Chelsea and Arsenal in Spain winger Dani Olmo, but will only allow the 28-year-old to leave if their £60m valuation is met. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

It is only 17 days since the Premier League season ended, but there is plenty of summer work to be done at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea might be waiting for Xabi Alonso to start work on 1 July - but Enzo Fernandez has already requested a summer exit, Nicolas Jackson is about to return from his loan spell at Bayern Munich, multiple approaches have already been rejected for Josh Acheampong, and goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina is on the hunt for a new club.

There is clearly plenty to discuss, so our Chelsea reporter Nizaar Kinsella will be on hand to answer your questions later this week.

Put your thinking cap on - what do you want to know about the Blues right now? The floor is yours...

Get in touch with your questions here

Image source, MADONNA/YOUTUBE

Chelsea forwards Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro swapped the football pitch for the movie set as they made a surprise appearance in a promotional film for pop star Madonna's new album.

Palmer and Joao Pedro, who were left out of the England and Brazil World Cup squads respectively, are among the high-profile names included in Confessions II - The Film.

The 14-minute video was unveiled by Madonna at the Tribeca Festival in New York on Friday and uploaded to her YouTube channel on Monday.

Palmer and Joao Pedro appear about six minutes into the video when they are approached by Madonna while at a urinal.

Seven-time Grammy winner Madonna is a regular watcher of Chelsea's men's and women's teams and was at Stamford Bridge in October when the men's side beat Liverpool 2-1 in the Premier League.

Last month she was among the celebrities who launched Chelsea's new home kit for the 2026-27 season when she appeared in a Twitch stream alongside British influencer Gymskin.

• Read more on the story

Incoming Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is keen on West Ham's 21-year-old Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes who is also of interest to Chelsea. (AS - in Spanish), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on which players Chelsea should keep, loan, and sell this summer.

Here are some of your comments:

Nick: Fringe player to keep, Mamadou Sarr. He's a quality defender who could become a mainstay in the team, but needs to learn from an experienced centre-back. One to loan, Jamie Gittens, after a year disrupted by injury, a season on loan to another Premier League club would help show if Jamie has what it takes to succeed at a top club. One to sell, Liam Delap. He heads a long list of current Chelsea players who are simply not good enough to play for a top or aspiring club.

Derek: Chelsea should try to keep Marc Cucurella, but not as a defender, he's not fast enough or tall enough. He has plenty of skills but he can't defend, he goes on his attacking runs often but, often very impressively then can't recover for his defensive roll.

Jonny: Keep Josh Acheampong, loan Mamadou Sarr, sell Liam Delap. Delap looks like a fish out of water.

James: One player who should definitely stay is Trevoh Chalobah, he has never made a fuss when out of favour or when loaned out and is a club player. I would loan out Omari Kellyman as there is clearly a player in there who has had a bad time with injuries. I would sell Liam Delap, he puts the effort in but just hasn't hit the number of goals we need.

David: Player to be kept Tyrique George, he's better than the wingers we bought. Player to be sold - take your pick from Enzo Fernandez, Marc Cuccrella, Liam Delap, Neto, Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho. Loan out Reggie Walsh.

The countdown to the World Cup is well and truly on, so here's a reminder of the Blues selected to represent their countries from 11 June to 19 July.

The expanded 48-team competition is set to be the biggest in history, with the United States, Canada and Mexico hosting.

Chelsea's World Cup contingent:

• Moises Caicedo (Ecuador)

• Marc Cucurella (Spain)

• Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)

• Malo Gusto (France)

• Jorrel Hato (Netherlands)

• Nicolas Jackson (Senegal)

• Reece James (England)

• Pedro Neto (Portugal)

• Kendry Paez (Ecuador)

• Mike Penders (Belgium)

• Mamadou Sarr (Senegal)

Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

Read more about the World Cup squads in numbers

Find out more about how to follow the competition on the BBC

Click here to download your World Cup 2026 wallchart

La Liga sides Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are best positioned to make a move for Chelsea's Marc Cucurella, with the defender keen on a change of scenery after four years at Stamford Bridge. (Marca - in Spanish), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Shamoon Hafez
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City and Chelsea remain locked in negotiations about Enzo Maresca replacing Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola announced on 22 May he would step down as City boss after a trophy laden decade in charge, and Maresca was quickly identified as the leading contender to be his replacement.

Talks are at an advanced stage, with senior figures at both clubs discussing a compensation package for Maresca.

The 46-year-old won the Club World Cup and Conference League during his time at Stamford Bridge but left in January and is keen to take the City job.

Chelsea feel they are due compensation under the terms of Maresca's departure as he was contracted to the club until 2029 and left just six months ago.

The London club have been exploring their legal options and expect a compensation package to be paid, though it remains unclear both how much that might be, or when it will be resolved.

Compensation negotiations have been made more complex as Chelsea became aware of City's potential interest early in October and December.

Maresca was an assistant to Guardiola during City's Treble-winning 2022-23 campaign and played a key role in the club's academy prior to joining the first team.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea forward Omari Kellyman is set for another loan move this summer.

The 20-year-old suffered a series of hamstring injuries, culminating in surgery, after his £19m move from Aston Villa at the start of the 2024-25 season.

Kellyman scored 11 goals and provided two assists in 36 matches while on loan at Cardiff City, helping the League One side secure promotion, while carefully managing his minutes to rebuild his fitness.

That form has provided him with a platform for another loan at a higher level, with potential options in Europe being considered.

However, any overseas move may be limited by Fifa regulations, which allow a maximum of six international loan slots per club.

Kellyman is also attracting interest from a number of Championship clubs, and Chelsea are keen for him to continue gaining experience and proving his fitness next season before returning to Stamford Bridge.