Mudryk drops a hint during his ban appeal
Mykhailo Mudryk posted two words on Instagram: "Stay tuned" (1). Your £89m winger is still suspended under a doping ban, and those two words set everything off. Is he close to a return? A transfer? Nobody knows, but the timing lands right in the middle of his appeal process (1).
£85m bid lined up for Yan Diomande
Chelsea are preparing an £85m offer for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande (2). The 20-year-old just played at the World Cup and fits the profile Alonso wants. Big money, big intent.
Shim Mheuka close to new deal before loan exit
Shim Mheuka, 18, is finalising a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge (3). Then he goes straight out on loan. The academy striker scored 18 goals last season and several top-five-league clubs want him next (3).
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Transfer roundup: Garnacho, Chalobah, Kone
Alejandro Garnacho missed a pre-season session and the exit talk is not going quiet. Talks for another target are stalling. Manu Koné's price has surfaced, though no bid yet (4). Separately, Como are negotiating for Trevoh Chalobah but remain around €10m apart on total valuation.
Enzo Fernández scrubs Oasis post after backlash
Argentina beat England 2–1 in the World Cup semi-final, and Enzo Fernández celebrated by posting an Oasis song aimed at the English (5). The backlash arrived fast. He has since removed the post from Instagram. Lautaro Martínez, Messi, and Paredes were also involved in Argentina's dressing room antics (5).
Raúl Asencio says no to Chelsea
Chelsea approached Real Madrid defender Raúl Asencio and got a flat rejection (6). Mourinho has already told the 23-year-old he is not in his plans, but Asencio is determined to stay and fight for his place in Madrid (6).
Fan reactions
The Mudryk post has split the fanbase, half reading it as a comeback teaser, half rolling their eyes at another cryptic Instagram moment. The Alonso fitness data hit harder: Chelsea were outrun by every opponent bar Liverpool away and covered the lowest distance in the league last season, and supporters are already seeing the new manager's fingerprints on pre-season. The Mheuka contract news landed well, seen as smart business. Meanwhile, the Asencio rejection drew shrugs, most would rather keep Chalobah anyway. Discuss the latest here