Xabi Alonso cuts £160m of talent loose after one week
One week of preseason was enough. Xabi Alonso has reportedly dismissed a group of Chelsea players worth up to €160m from his plans, effectively putting them on the market (1). No names have been confirmed yet, but the speed of the decision is striking. Alonso wants the squad shaped his way, and he is not waiting.
Chavarria deal in serious doubt
Chelsea's move for Pep Chavarria is unravelling. Rayo Vallecano have quoted £42.4m for the 28-year-old left-back, a price Chelsea consider excessive (2). New complications have put the deal in major doubt (8). The club are already looking at alternatives, including a Real Madrid left-back who could cost €50m (5).
Chalobah close to Como switch
Trevoh Chalobah is getting closer to the door. Como are closing in on a deal worth around €30m for the defender, with Chalobah now ready to accept the move after previously holding out for Inter (7). Conflicting reports have emerged, with Ben Jacobs claiming bids were rejected, contradicting earlier claims that no offers had arrived (4). The destination looks set regardless.
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Lacroix pursuit faces Arsenal threat
Chelsea want Maxence Lacroix, but Arsenal may now gatecrash the deal. William Saliba's back injury has pushed Arsenal into the market, and Lacroix is on their list too. Crystal Palace will demand a sizeable fee for the 26-year-old (6). Saliba's reported frustration, "I can't take anymore," signals how badly Arsenal need cover (10). That means competition, and a price that just went up.
Sarr could head out on loan
Mamadou Sarr may not stick around. Xabi Alonso has held talks about loaning the young World Cup defender out for development (9). Nothing final yet, but a temporary exit looks probable.
Brooke Aspin departs permanently
Chelsea Women defender Brooke Aspin has completed a permanent transfer to Bristol City (3). The move was officially announced by the club.
Fan reactions
The Chalobah news has fans split, with some resigned to the departure after the Fabrizio Romano report that he is ready to say yes to Como (1). Meanwhile, John Terry's brutal criticism of Thomas Tuchel's World Cup decisions has the subreddit buzzing, Terry calling it "one of the worst tactical decisions" he has ever seen. Reece James's statement after England's semi-final exit is drawing support, with fans backing their captain through a tough summer.
