Xhaka says no
Granit Xhaka has turned Chelsea down. The Sunderland midfielder will not reunite with Xabi Alonso at Stamford Bridge, rejecting the move during the World Cup (3) (4) (5). Sunderland have held fresh talks with the 33-year-old and communicated again to Chelsea he is not for sale (4) (11). Your club had an £8 million bid knocked back earlier this window and remained interested, but Xhaka's decision shuts the door (4) (6) (8).
Palmer breaks silence on World Cup snub
Cole Palmer has spoken. Left out of England's World Cup squad, the Chelsea forward told Brazilian media he knows what he could have brought: "I know what I could have offered, something different to what the manager has picked" (1). He added the decision is one he cannot change and wished the squad well (1). England went with Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Phil Foden instead.
Real Madrid shut down Enzo Fernandez talk
Real Madrid have issued a rare public statement denying any interest in Enzo Fernandez. The club said it "has not made any efforts, either directly or indirectly, aimed at signing the aforementioned player and, furthermore, has no intention of pursuing such an operation" (7).
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Chelsea Women lock in Matsukubo for five years
Chelsea Women have signed Japan international Manaka Matsukubo on a five-year contract (2). The midfielder joins from North Carolina Courage in the NWSL.
Fulham enter the Summerville race
Fulham have joined Chelsea and Manchester United in the race for West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville (9). Another club to outmaneuver if Alonso wants the Dutchman.
Inter eye Chalobah
Inter Milan want Trevoh Chalobah, according to Saturday's BBC gossip roundup (13). No formal bid yet.
Kepa wants out of Arsenal
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has told Arsenal he wants to leave this summer (10). He lost his place to David Raya. No suggestion of a Chelsea return.
Fan-reaktioner
Chelsea fans are split across two camps this morning. The Xhaka news has landed hard: supporters on Reddit are frustrated that Alonso's former midfielder chose Sunderland over a reunion, with many pointing to the £8 million bid as evidence the club was never all-in (4). Meanwhile, Palmer's World Cup quote thread is flooded with sympathy, most fans agreeing England missed a trick by leaving him at home (3).
