Chelsea enter race to sign Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri

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May 13, 2026

Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta is on radar of Atletico Madrid

Chelsea could receive an unexpected opportunity to sign Arsenal teenager Ethan Nwaneri this summer.

Chelsea Could Land £90k-a-Week Ethan Nwaneri from Arsenal

The 19-year-old attacker has grown frustrated with his lack of game time at the Emirates.

After failing to break into Mikel Arteta’s regular starting lineup, Nwaneri spent the second half of the season on loan at Marseille. He scored two goals in 11 appearances for the French club.

Marseille is unlikely to sign him permanently. That leaves Nwaneri’s Arsenal future very uncertain.

According to journalist Ekrem Konour, the winger’s agents have now contacted Chelsea and Aston Villa to “gauge their interest.”

While it remains unclear how Chelsea’s sporting department responded, the club’s well-known focus on signing young talents suggests they will at least consider the proposal.

Nwaneri already holds an impressive record. In September 2022, he came off the Arsenal bench against Brentford aged just 15 years and 181 days, becoming the Premier League’s youngest-ever player.

More recently, Nwaneri scored his first Champions League goal in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Girona, helping the club reach the knockout rounds.

Arteta praised the youngster’s confidence and finishing ability.

“He’s very aggressive when he’s got the ball,” the Arsenal manager said.

“He has the capacity to finish from every angle.”

Nwaneri also helped England’s Under-21 side win the 2025 European Championship.

If he leaves Arsenal, the teenager expects a significant pay rise.

He currently earns around £40,000 per week but wants a salary of up to £4.3 million per year – roughly £90,000 per week.

Borussia Dortmund, a club famous for developing young stars, has also shown interest.

However, Chelsea’s proactive approach and Premier League status could give them an edge in any summer pursuit.

Chelsea teenager Estevao ruled out of 2026 FIFA World Cup

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May 12, 2026

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has left Chelsea forward Estevao off his 55-player preliminary World Cup list, while including veteran Neymar for a potential fourth tournament appearance.

Heartbreak for Chelsea’s Estêvão as muscle injury costs him first World Cup

The 19-year-old Estevao will miss the 2026 World Cup after suffering a muscle injury to his right thigh during Chelsea’s 1-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester United on April 18.

Medical staff from both Brazil and Chelsea cannot guarantee a full recovery before the tournament kicks off.

Sources report that Estevao appeared visibly dejected when he arrived at his former club Palmeiras for treatment last week. The player himself understood his participation was unlikely.

National teams must submit their preliminary 55-man squads to FIFA by May 11.

These lists remain private but serve as the exclusive pool from which coaches must select their final 26-man squads.

Ancelotti submitted Brazil’s expanded squad on Monday. The Italian coach had previously praised the Chelsea starlet as a certainty for the World Cup before the injury.

Estevao has recorded eight goals in 36 appearances since joining Chelsea from Palmeiras for £29 million ($38m) last summer.

Meanwhile, 34-year-old Neymar has taken a major step toward his fourth World Cup. Brazil’s all-time leading scorer with 79 goals makes the preliminary cut as a forward.

Ancelotti had excluded Neymar from every squad since taking over the Seleção in June.

Estevao joins Real Madrid duo Éder Militão and Rodrygo as key players who would have secured certain spots under Ancelotti but will now miss the World Cup due to serious injuries.

Brazil will announce their final 26-man squad closer to the tournament.

Journalist Romano has added that Xabi Alonso is open to taking charge of Chelsea

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May 12, 2026

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly considering to sell his shares in the club

Fabrizio Romano said that the former Real Madrid manager would be open to taking over Chelsea, but he also stated that Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), have no imminent intentions to fire Arne Slot as manager and have not contacted Xabi Alonso.

According to talkSPORT reporter Ben Jacobs on X, Chelsea is in “contact” with Alonso to appoint the former Real Madrid manager as their manager this summer. The Blues are looking for a long-term manager to replace Liam Rosenior, who was fired in April.

In January, Rosenior took over as Chelsea’s manager, replacing Enzo Maresca. Since he left Madrid in January, Alonso has been closely associated with Liverpool.

Anfield supporters have criticised Arne Slot, who led Liverpool to the Premier League championship the previous season, for the team’s lacklustre performances and outcomes in the 2025–2026 season. Romano, who has emphasised that there has been no communication with Alonso, claims that FSG, the owners of Liverpool, are behind Slot.

Fabrizio Romano says world-class manager is now “open to Chelsea” job

“Xabi Alonso is open to a new chapter in the Premier League,” Romano said in his most recent YouTube video last night. He would be amenable to Chelsea as well!” Chelsea are being cautious during internal discussions and have not yet decided who they want. Conversations are continuing. They are looking for the ideal man.

Malo Gusto’s performance on Saturday afternoon enraged some Chelsea supporters, and some are already permanently dismissing him based on their most recent opinions of the player. Xabi Alonso is interested in Chelsea, and a pre-World Cup deadline is undoubtedly feasible. Furthermore, Fabrizio Romano is not the only one reporting it!

“Guys, what I can tell you is that the reason behind all these stories on Xabi Alonso in the last 24 hours is that Xabi Alonso, or rather, those close to Xabi Alonso, opened doors to a chapter in the Premier League,” the journalist stated. “Xabi Alonso’s willingness to pursue a new chapter in the Premier League is the true shift in his tale.

Leeds United remain interested in signing Chelsea defender Axel Disasi this summer

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May 11, 2026

Chelsea have agreed on terms to sign Axel Disasi from Monaco — bildbyran

According to the most recent information from Football Insider, Leeds United is allegedly still interested in acquiring Chelsea defender Axel Disasi. Daniel Farke has made the French international, who has been on loan at West Ham for the current season, his top priority as the Whites try to strengthen their defensive options for the 2026–27 campaign.

During the January transfer window, the 28-year-old was strongly linked to Leeds as he looked to leave Stamford Bridge. Even though the Hammers eventually beat them to get him, Elland Road’s recruitment squad has kept a careful eye on his development in East London.

If West Ham is demoted, Leeds United are “confident of agreeing a deal” to recruit the Chelsea defender, according to the report. Correspondent Pete O’Rourke reported on the Transfer Insider show that Disasi is once again at the top of Leeds’ wishlist due to his performances.

During his tenure at Nuno Espirito Santo, the defender has made significant progress, demonstrating his ability to flourish in the demanding Premier League environment.

Leeds United keen on beating West Ham United to Axel Disasi move

Leeds United is prepared to make a significant effort to attract the 28-year-old to Elland Road, while Fulham and Aston Villa have also expressed interest. For his system, Daniel Farke is looking for a new centre defender who can play in a back three, something Disasi is well-versed in, particularly given West Ham’s preferred style of play. They will require a long-term successor, as Sebastiaan Bornauw’s future at Elland Road is questionable.

Farke and Leeds United are prepared to defeat West Ham and take the competition for Disasi seriously. The Hammers’ attempts to capture the 28-year-old Chelsea misfit will be greatly impacted by the possibility of relegation, as Leeds United may be the front-runner to sign the Frenchman.

Farke and his plans for the upcoming season may benefit from adding a defender with the calibre and experience of the Chelsea star. The Blues’ asking price is another important consideration since they want to get the best deal on the defender.

Fabrizio Romano updates Chelsea fans on new manager situation

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May 11, 2026

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly speaks to Saudi league director for summer window

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has moved to clarify the situation surrounding Xabi Alonso and the Chelsea manager job.

Chelsea Search for Manager: Romano Shuts Down Xabi Alonso Rumours

With the Blues actively searching for a new head coach, speculation has linked the former Real Madrid and Liverpool midfielder with a move to Stamford Bridge.

However, Romano insists that no concrete progress has taken place between the two parties.

🚨 🗣️ @FabrizioRomano: “I can guarantee that Liverpool this year [2026] never made any direct approach with Xabi Alonso or his agents. I can guarantee nothing is advanced or concrete on Xabi Alonso to Chelsea. Xabi Alonso is ready to restart. He is very open to opportunities… pic.twitter.com/ofIEjH579Q

— ChelsTransfer (@ChelsTransfer) May 9, 2026

Speaking on his latest YouTube update, the journalist firmly played down the rumours.

“I can guarantee that Liverpool this year [2026] never made any direct approach with Xabi Alonso or his agents,” Romano said.

“I can guarantee nothing is advanced or concrete on Xabi Alonso to Chelsea.”

The update contradicts some online speculation suggesting that Chelsea have already held advanced talks with the Spanish coach.

Romano’s comments make clear that the situation remains in its early stages, with no formal negotiations underway.

Nevertheless, Romano confirmed that Alonso is ready to return to management. The 44-year-old has been out of work since leaving Bayer Leverkusen, where he enjoyed a remarkable unbeaten domestic season.

According to Romano, Alonso remains very open to opportunities across Europe.

“Xabi Alonso is ready to restart,” Romano added.

“He is very open to opportunities around Europe if he can find the right project.”

The journalist also hinted at a potential review at Liverpool at the end of the current season, though he stopped short of linking Alonso directly to the Anfield job.

For Chelsea, the search for a permanent manager continues. The club have yet to announce a successor to their current boss, and Romano’s latest update suggests that fans should not expect an imminent appointment involving Alonso.

While the Spaniard clearly appeals to top clubs, Chelsea have not yet made their decisive move.

Romano’s firm guarantees offer a dose of reality amid a swirl of transfer noise. For now, Alonso remains a name on Chelsea’s radar – but nothing more.

Wayne Rooney praise Marc Cucurella after Liverpool draw

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May 10, 2026

Marc Cucurella has been impressive under Mauricio Pochettino — Bildbyran

Wayne Rooney has heaped praise on Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella following the Blues’ battling 1-1 draw at Liverpool on Saturday.

“He Was Unstoppable” – Wayne Rooney Lavishes Praise on Chelsea Left-Back Cucurella

The former Manchester United and England striker believes Cucurella caused Liverpool “big problems” throughout the match at Anfield, where Chelsea ended a miserable run of six successive Premier League defeats.

Ryan Gravenberch fired Liverpool into an early lead with a superb curling strike. But Enzo Fernandez’s cross-turned-shot deceived Reds goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and pulled Chelsea level before half-time.

Both sides pushed for a winner after the break, yet the game finished all square.

The result leaves Liverpool in fourth place, while Chelsea face a potential slide into the bottom half of the table by the weekend’s end.

Liverpool fans audibly booed their players at the final whistle. Rooney, speaking as a pundit for BBC Sport, sensed frustration among the home crowd throughout the contest.

“I thought Liverpool actually started quite well, got the goal, and then from there Chelsea were the better team,” Rooney said.

“They caused Liverpool big problems, especially Marc Cucurella running behind.”

The Chelsea left-back’s energetic forward runs repeatedly stretched Liverpool’s defence, forcing the Anfield faithful to grow restless.

“The crowd were obviously a bit edgy, which you very rarely get from Liverpool fans,” Rooney added.

“You never like to see that, but it comes from not having the season they hoped for, and after spending a lot of money.”

Liverpool boss Arne Slot also faced jeers when he substituted promising youngster Rio Ngumoha midway through the second half. Slot clarified that the 18-year-old struggled with muscle issues.

“I am the manager and I need to make decisions,” Slot said. “Knowing why makes more sense for people.”

On the full-time boos, Slot admitted: “That’s probably got something to do with us not winning. It completely makes sense people are disappointed.”

Chelsea now turn their attention to an FA Cup final clash with Manchester City, while Liverpool host top-four rivals Aston Villa next weekend.

Joao Pedro has been urged to leave Chelsea and join Barcelona in the summer

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May 9, 2026

Marc Guiu-Cole Palmar- Malo Gusto — © Bildbyrån

Joao Pedro’s future has become more questionable as a result of Chelsea’s continuous struggle to finish in the top six this season. Chelsea’s chances of making it to the Champions League the next season are still bleak, despite a glimmer of optimism that the Blues may pass Brentford, Bournemouth, and Brighton to qualify for Europe.

Chelsea is facing the harsh reality of missing out on Champions League action for another season after losing six straight Premier League games. A mix of their own performance and outside assistance from other clubs is necessary for even a possible sixth-place finish. Joao Pedro may be among the first players to look for other opportunities as a result of Chelsea’s inability to qualify for Europe’s top tournament, but this is not completely ruled out.

Chelsea will undergo yet another summer of change due to their poor performance and the impending management change brought on by Liam Rosenior’s dismissal. Barcelona is apparently interested in Joao Pedro, who was acquired from Brighton for £60 million only last summer. Former Chelsea player Shaun Wright-Phillips has encouraged the Brazilian to transfer.

Barcelona prepared to repeat Raphinha blueprint for Joao Pedro

Raphinha was supposed to have a chance at a higher level of the game despite his outstanding football skills. Even though Chelsea is one of the biggest teams in the world right now, Barcelona thinks they might give Joao Pedro even more exposure.

The Spanish team paid £49.3 million for Raphinha. According to Barcelona’s estimate, Joao Pedro might cost nearly twice as much, between £68 million and £85 million, if the negotiations move further.

Raphinha came to Camp Nou in 2022, but it wasn’t until Hansi Flick took over that he really took off. He was even considered for the Ballon d’Or last season. He is currently the captain of the Brazilian national team and a man Carlo Ancelotti trusts.

Meanwhile, Joao Pedro has been becoming more well-known. Before arriving at Chelsea, the footballer passed via Watford and Brighton & Hove Albion. Without accounting for his three goals in three games in the Club World Cup, where he made his Blues debut, he has 20 goals and nine assists with the London club this season.

Chelsea are willing to give Xabi Alonso more control if he arrives at Stamford bridge

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May 8, 2026

Chelsea planning to sell one player to Al Nassr this month

A crucial need of Xabi Alonso’s possible transfer to Stamford Bridge is expected to be approved by Chelsea, as negotiations on his appointment continue. The revelation last week that Alonso’s agents had had direct discussions with Chelsea on a transfer to Stamford Bridge was the biggest development in the club’s managerial search to yet.

The 44-year-old was reportedly “interested” in the job, which was a positive first indication, but it soon became clear that interest would not be sufficient. The Spaniard was clear about his demands right away, asking for “a bit more control” than Chelsea was willing to provide at that point, according to insiders.

The dilemma went directly to the core of Chelsea’s structural issues. Five managers in less than four years, a multi-layered structure of sporting directors with no clear decision-making voice, and a track record of undermining incumbents before they have had opportunity to develop anything important. It is stated that all elite candidates have the same or comparable worries.

Chelsea reportedly offer Xabi Alonso what he wanted

Xabi Alonso has requested greater control, and Chelsea is providing it. Additionally, he has been enquiring about their recruitment strategy, particularly with regard to center backs.

If you want Alonso to take over as manager, it is undoubtedly wonderful news. Additionally, sources from Italy have indicated that he is set for the Chelsea position. Thus, this is beginning to get some traction.

However, one must avoid being overly enthusiastic. In the past, Chelsea had talks with players like Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique, but they were unable to persuade them that the concept was the appropriate one. Whether it changes with Alonso is still to be seen.

And in the end, Alonso has a track record of success. He shown his abilities as a manager and as a player. With Bayer Leverkusen, he won both the Bundesliga and the DFB Pokal. When he had taken over the previous season, the same team was attempting to avoid relegation. Thus, in many respects, the Spaniard may be ideal for Chelsea at this time.

Chelsea ready to sell forward Liam Delap after just one season

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May 8, 2026

Liam Delap is Chelsea’s top emerging striker target — © Bildbyrån

Chelsea are prepared to cut their losses on forward Liam Delap after a disastrous first season at Stamford Bridge, according to multiple reports.

Chelsea Prepare to Sell Liam Delap After One Disastrous Season

The Blues beat Manchester United and other rivals to sign the England Under-21 international from Ipswich Town last summer for £30 million.

Many viewed the deal as a coup after Delap scored double figures in a struggling Ipswich side that won only four Premier League games.

But the 23-year-old has failed to deliver. Delap has managed just two goals in 38 appearances this season, with most of those coming from the bench.

He arrived expected to compete with Joao Pedro for a starting role but quickly fell behind the Brazilian in the pecking order.

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith believes Delap does not suit Chelsea’s system and predicts the club will move him on.

“It’s certainly not worked for him at Chelsea,” Smith told Best Betting Sites.

“He doesn’t look like a Chelsea player. He has some rough edges. I think Chelsea might think they can get him out and bring somebody else in.”

Smith added that Delap’s frustration shows on the pitch. “He gets too involved in the physical side, and he’s a bit mouthy. He got booked the other day for dissent.”

Ex-Chelsea defender Glen Johnson also expects a summer exit.

“Anyone not getting in the team is up for sale,” Johnson told Metro via BetMGM.

“If you are the person who can’t get into a struggling team, where do you go from there? If they’re not good enough for this team, they’re not good enough ever to get in.”

Chelsea’s miserable form continued Monday with a sixth straight Premier League defeat, 3-1 to Nottingham Forest.

Interim boss Calum McFarlane now takes his side to Anfield on Saturday to face Liverpool.

Delap still has board backing according to recent reports, but Chelsea appear ready to sell and reinvest in a new forward this summer.

Chelsea told to sign Liverpool star Andy Robertson on free transfer

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May 7, 2026