€55m for Kone, and United are circling
Roma have named their price for Manu Kone: €55 million. Chelsea and Manchester United are both in the picture, and Roma will not budge below that figure (1). The 25-year-old French midfielder is on Xabi Alonso's radar as part of the midfield rebuild. United's interest makes this a straight fight.
Berge hijack underway as United get serious
Chelsea are trying to hijack Manchester United's move for Sander Berge. United have gone 'serious' on the Fulham midfielder, valued around £40 million, but Chelsea are accelerating their own push (2). Alonso wants three midfield additions this window. Berge and Kone are two names in play.
James hits back at Neville and Keane
Reece James has responded to criticism from Gary Neville and Roy Keane over his injury record. The Chelsea captain is not having it (3). Alonso has already confirmed James stays as captain and called him 'untouchable' this summer. James is expected to start for England in a World Cup semi-final.
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Alonso's plan: defence first, Palestra signed, Quenda promoted
Xabi Alonso has assessed the squad and defensive reinforcements are the priority (4). Right-back Marco Palestra has been signed, and youngster Geovany Quenda has been promoted to the first team. Chelsea are also looking at Rayo Vallecano options, though Pep Chavarria's release clause sits at £42.4 million.
Emegha could be sold before kicking a ball
The Athletic reports a bizarre scenario: Emmanuel Emegha could be sold before playing a single official match for Chelsea (5). The forward arrived this window, but Chelsea are open to moving him on immediately. The reasoning is not fully clear, but it fits a summer where several names are being shuffled out.
Morientes floats a Wirtz cut-price deal
Fernando Morientes believes Chelsea could land Florian Wirtz from Liverpool in a cut-price deal (6). It is an opinion, not a report, but the idea of a bargain move for a player of Wirtz's quality will get fans talking. Liverpool paid big for the German international. No indication yet that Liverpool are willing to sell.
Fan-reaktioner
The Chalobah saga is dominating the subreddit. Two bids from Como have been rejected, and talks are ongoing with other clubs also interested. One fan post highlights Rayo Vallecano's stance on Pep Chavarria: his release clause is £42.4 million, and Rayo argue his underlying numbers match Marc Cucurella's level. A separate tidbit from an Egyptian journalist claims Chelsea are the only Premier League club Mohamed Salah would stay in England for. The new signings settling-in post from the official club account has fans excited about the fresh faces arriving at Cobham. Read the Chalobah discussion
