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