Chelsea move for Manu Koné as Santos replacement
Andrey Santos is gone, and Chelsea have already identified the man to fill that gap. Manu Koné of Roma is the target, with Chelsea igniting talks after Manchester United were deemed frontrunners (1) (2) (6). The France midfielder is coming off World Cup duty and fits the profile Alonso wants in the middle of the park. United have a clause they need to trigger fast, and Chelsea are moving to beat them to it.
Keeper plan holds, but Costa option alive
Chelsea are not shopping for a first-choice goalkeeper right now. The club are looking at veteran English options for the third-choice role instead (4). But if that plan shifts, Diogo Costa's name is on the table. Porto want €60m for the 26-year-old, and that price tag is the only thing keeping Chelsea at arm's length for now (4).
Slonina trains with Strasbourg ahead of loan
Gabriel Slonina is training with Strasbourg as Chelsea explore another loan move for the young American goalkeeper (5). Strasbourg are assessing him directly in the session, and a deal could move quickly.
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Essien backs Schjelderup as Chelsea circle
Michael Essien has given Benfica winger Andreas Schjelderup a ringing endorsement as Chelsea track the Norwegian forward. "Schjelde has everything it takes to take even bigger steps. The sky's the limit," Essien said. "Schjelderup can play for the world's biggest clubs, and I'd obviously love to see him at Real Madrid or one of the other big clubs" (7). Chelsea are looking to add a versatile attacker and Schjelderup is firmly on the list, with Everton also interested.
Carreras pursuit heats up
Chelsea are ready to "break down the door" for Álvaro Carreras this summer (8). The left-sided defender is a priority target as Alonso rebuilds the squad, and Chelsea are pushing hard to get it done.
Five out the door as Alonso clears house
Xabi Alonso is set to offload five unwanted players worth over €100m combined as he reshapes the squad (3). The clearout has already started with Santos to United for €56m, and Alejandro Garnacho could follow within two weeks. Trevoh Chalobah is also available, with Como seeing two bids rejected as Chelsea hold firm at £35m.
Fan reactions
The mood around the Bridge is buzzing. Fans are sharing clips of new signing Geovany Quenda's first interview in blue, and training footage of Estevao, Quenda, and Emegha looking sharp has supporters genuinely excited about the attacking rebuild under Alonso. Cole Palmer is also drawing attention in training, looking dialled in. One longtime fan from 2007 finally made the pilgrimage to Stamford Bridge and called it a surreal experience. Join the discussion
