Malard signing close for Chelsea Women
Chelsea are on the verge of signing France forward Melvine Malard from Manchester United for £850,000 (1) (2). The deal is nearly done, adding a proven international to Sonia Bompastor's squad as Chelsea Women look to reload.
Alonso lays out the mentality rebuild
Xabi Alonso has spoken publicly about what comes next. "After last year," he said, the focus is building the "right mentality" at Chelsea (4). Alonso's first week at Cobham has included secret friendlies and promoting youth players, with a clear emphasis on physicality over possession drills (8).
Garnacho offer arrives, Chelsea want a sale
Roma have submitted two loan-with-option bids for Alejandro Garnacho, but Chelsea are holding firm: it has to be a permanent deal or an obligation to buy (6). Chelsea want £45 million from English clubs or £50 million from sides abroad. The club are aiming to close a sale within two weeks (6).
Get the next Chelsea FC brief by email
This article went out to subscribers as a brief. Get the next one straight to your inbox, free.
Free · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
Denner cleared to join after Corinthians exit
Left-back Denner, 18, has had his contract rescinded at Corinthians and is now free to complete his move to Chelsea (5). His departure was registered in Brazil's official transfer system this week.
Maresca wants Gusto at City
Enzo Maresca, now at Manchester City, is reportedly pushing to sign Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto (3). No formal offer has been reported yet.
Wharton on the radar
Chelsea are confident they can win the race for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, despite interest from Liverpool, Manchester United, and Tottenham (9). Mick Brown told Football Insider: "They'll be confident they have what it takes to get a deal done." The question is whether Alonso needs another midfielder, with Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo already in the squad (9).
Slonina training with Strasbourg
Gabriel Slonina is training with Chelsea's sister club Strasbourg as the French side need a goalkeeper after Mike Penders returned to his parent club (10). No move is guaranteed yet, but it is being explored (10).
Strasbourg set for €70m+ in sales
BlueCo-owned Strasbourg are close to two sales that could bring in more than €70 million (11). The transformation of Chelsea's sister club continues at pace.
Fan-reaktioner
Fans are buzzing about Alonso's confirmation that Reece James stays as captain, with the "blue DNA" line landing particularly well. There is also plenty of debate around the Garnacho situation. The consensus on Reddit is that Chelsea should not budge on selling him permanently, with many pointing out Roma's offers do not meet the club's valuation. Full thread here
