McCabe signs, Acheampong stays, Alonso's era taking shape

Katie McCabe crosses London on a free

Chelsea have signed Katie McCabe from Arsenal on a free transfer. The left-back joins from the direct rival and arrives with a clear message: she wants to "bring success back" to the club (3). It is a statement signing, and Arsenal fans are not taking it well.

Acheampong is going nowhere

Chelsea have rejected multiple approaches for 20-year-old defender Josh Acheampong, including two from Premier League clubs and interest from Manchester United (4) (5) (7). The club and Xabi Alonso see him as "untouchable" and a cornerstone of the new era. He is under contract until 2029.

Alonso's first big call

Fabrizio Romano reports that keeping Acheampong was the first major decision made jointly between Xabi Alonso and the Chelsea hierarchy (6). Alonso is already stamping his authority on the squad before a ball has been kicked.

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

Cucurella attracting Spanish eyes

Barcelona and Real Madrid are both monitoring Marc Cucurella (13). Romano confirms there is genuine interest from Spain, including Atletico Madrid, though no bids have arrived yet. Separately, Manchester City are not interested in the left-back (10).

Osimhen, Rashford, and the rumor mill

Chelsea are being linked with Victor Osimhen, but Galatasaray say no official offer has been made (2). Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford's camp believe Chelsea could enter the race if Barcelona cannot close a deal with Manchester United (8).

One target lost, others in play

An unnamed Chelsea transfer target has agreed to join PSG instead (9). On a brighter note, Chelsea are the "strongest contenders" to sign an unnamed Premier League midfielder (14) and have hosted a French goalkeeper at the club's facilities (11). Fabrizio Romano has also laughed off one rumored Liverpool-Chelsea deal entirely: "forget about it" (12).

Fan reactions

The McCabe signing from Arsenal has fans buzzing, with the free transfer and the 2029 contract seen as a major coup. Plenty of supporters are enjoying the meltdown from the red half of North London. The Acheampong news is also getting strong approval, with fans backing Alonso's judgment and calling the young defender a future leader. Read more on r/chelseafc

Sources

  • 2. sabah.com.tr — Osimhen’e vize yok!
  • 3. theguardian.com — Katie McCabe signs for Chelsea after leaving Arsenal and aims to ‘bring success back’
  • 4. thepeoplesperson.com — United eyeing 6'3" Chelsea star, transfer decision already made in London after multiple approaches - report
  • 5. bbc.com — Chelsea reject approaches for Acheampong
  • 6. readchelsea.com — Fabrizio Romano confirms first Chelsea decision Xabi Alonso has made
  • 7. football365.com — Man Utd blow as Xabi Alonso makes Chelsea star ‘untouchable’ after ‘approaches’
  • 8. thepeoplesperson.com — Red-hot United star eyeing bombshell switch to Stamford Bridge - report
  • 9. readchelsea.com — Chelsea transfer target agrees to join PSG instead
  • 10. readmancity.com — Man City not interested in signing Marc Cucurella from Chelsea
  • 11. readchelsea.com — Chelsea making move for French player, already visits club facilities
  • 12. football365.com — Ridiculous transfer rumour between Liverpool and Chelsea laughed off by Fabrizio Romano – ‘forget about it’
  • 13. bbc.com — Barca & Real Madrid eye Cucurella - Tuesday's gossip
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

Share this article