Palmer and Colwill left out of England World Cup squad
Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill are not expected to be in Thomas Tuchel's 26-man England squad for the 2026 World Cup (1) (7). Harry Maguire is also out, with Phil Foden missing alongside Palmer (7) (12).
For Palmer especially, this is a brutal call, his creative numbers have been among the best in the Premier League. Colwill had been pushing for inclusion but Tuchel has gone another direction (3).
Xabi Alonso wants an elite striker this summer
New manager Xabi Alonso has reportedly identified a top-tier striker as Chelsea's priority signing this summer (11). The club are expected to back him in the market.
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A reliable goalscorer has been the missing piece for multiple windows now, and Alonso appears determined to fix it immediately.
Barcelona open talks for Joao Pedro
Barcelona have begun negotiations for Joao Pedro, with Alonso set to make an early decision on the forward's future (8). Pedro's Chelsea career could be over before it really starts if the new manager doesn't see him fitting the system.
Enzo Fernandez pushing for Spurs signing
Enzo Fernandez is reportedly urging Chelsea to move for a Tottenham player, even as his own future at the club remains uncertain under Alonso (6) (9). The midfielder's contract situation is unresolved.
Two threads intertwining here: Enzo wanting a say in recruitment while his own position is far from secure.
Mike Penders could solve the goalkeeper problem
After costly errors from both Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, Chelsea may turn to young Mike Penders as a solution between the posts (10). The 19-year-old Belgian has impressed and could get a real shot under the new regime.
Kroupi on the radar, but Bournemouth say no
Chelsea are reportedly interested in Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi, though the Cherries insist he is not for sale (2) (5). Arsenal are also in the race. Expect this one to drag through the window.
Fan reactions
Fans are split on Palmer's omission, some calling it a disgrace given his output, others noting a World Cup summer rest might not be the worst thing for Chelsea. The Enzo stats visualisation has the subreddit debating whether his goal involvements justify keeping him in the rebuild, while John Terry's Instagram love letter to the Bridge faithful has hit fans right in the nostalgia. See the full discussion here.
