Palmer on Tuchel's England snub: "I'm not crying over it"
Cole Palmer has spoken. Left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup, the Chelsea forward kept it short and mature: "I'm not crying over a decision you can't change, and I hope the lads make it all the way" (3). No drama. No bitterness. Palmer is focused elsewhere.
Palestra in London for medical today
Marco Palestra will undergo his Chelsea medical in London on Friday. Fabrizio Romano confirms the Atalanta full-back is travelling to seal the move, signing a contract until June 2032 with an option to 2033 (1). The deal is worth around £43m, and Chelsea have beaten Inter Milan to his signature.
Lacroix deal agreed: £47m after the World Cup
Your defence is getting another body. Maxence Lacroix is set to join Chelsea from Crystal Palace for €55m once the World Cup finishes, as reported by L'Equipe and picked up across the English press (1) (2) (5). The 26-year-old centre-back has been a steady performer and arrives into what will be Xabi Alonso's backline.
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Enzo Fernandez to Real Madrid gathering pace
Real Madrid are expected to make contact over Enzo Fernandez (6), and Chelsea are already lining up a replacement. The sporting director is ready to open talks for a midfield target when the offer comes (8). Adam Wharton remains on the radar as part of the reshaped midfield under Alonso (4).
Maresca could take Gusto to City
Enzo Maresca has only just left for Manchester City, but he is already eyeing familiar faces. Malo Gusto is a name linked with a reunion at the Etihad (7). The connection is real, and City may test Chelsea's resolve on the right-back this summer.
Fan-reaktioner
Fans are split on the Lacroix news. Some call it a solid signing at a fair price; others want to see how he handles top opposition, with one supporter posting a "Maxence Lacroix vs big teams" clip for the group to dissect. Meanwhile, the welcome thread for Marco Palestra is already up with the mood cautiously optimistic. Join the discussion.
