Chelsea

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea have rejected a loan with an obligation to buy bid from Dortmund for midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka and have opened talks with Bayern Munich for Christopher Nkunku.

The Blues are believed to be growing frustrated with Dortmund over ongoing talks for Chukwuemeka and will only entertain permanent offers for the midfielder.

Chukwuemeka spent the second half of last season on loan at the German club but also agreed a new contract at Stamford Bridge which included a £40m release clause.

There remains a gap in valuation of nearly £20m but Chelsea are willing to accept less than the agreed clause as long as suitable add-ons and a sell-on clause are included.

Meanwhile, Bayern have re-ignited their interest in Nkunku and have opened talks but valuation is again a challenge between the clubs.

Chelsea are holding out for close to the £50m paid to sign the versatile attacker from RB Leipzig in 2024 but Bayern are aiming to negotiate a lower fee.

Nkunku played neither of Chelsea's two recent friendly matches against Bayer Leverkusen or AC Milan

Chukwuemeka is training with the so-called 'bomb squad' - a group of a half dozen senior players training away from manage Enzo Maresca's first team.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Enzo Maresca rarely says anything that could frustrate his bosses at Chelsea but he pulled no punches on Friday in his first news conference to preview the Premier League season.

He went public with his stance that he wants a new signing to replace defender Levi Colwill, who is expected to be out for the majority of the season after surgery on his knee, when he stated: "We need a central defender. We are looking for an internal solution but, as I said, the club know exactly what I think."

The Italian said Colwill's influence at Stamford Bridge is underrated, going into forensic detail about how his unique ability to build up from the back is not matched by alternatives on the club's books.

"When we build, we build with Levi in the middle. It's different to the player in the middle on the left side," Maresca explained.

"Last year, we played 64 games and we played 64 games with Levi and Tosin [Adarabioyo]. Now Levi is out, the only one that he can do that job well is Tosin.

"[Jorrel] Hato is a new one. He never played as the guy in the middle last season. So it's not about being a central defender. Yes, [he is a] central defender. Can he do that? It's different, it's not just about that."

That stance not only risks upsetting his bosses, who want him to work with what he has got, but also those alternative options who are wanting the chance to step up, including Hato, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah and Josh Acheampong.

It also would rip up the club's transfer plans to strengthen in attack, with Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho the primary target, and RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons also under consideration.

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Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge (kick-off 14:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Maresca confirmed Wesley Fofana "could be available" but Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia are both "in the process to come back". Meanwhile, Trevoh Chalobah "is OK" for the weekend.

• On the loss of Levi Colwill to an anterior cruciate ligament injury: "He is aware he has to be a long time out. A big loss for us with how important he was for us last season for the way we want to play. We are able to create chances and attack if we are able to build in the right way and Levi was a huge part of that build-up. Now he is out we are going to try to find a different solution."

• He said the Blues are "trying to find a solution internally" but added that the "club know exactly what I think" and that is that "we need a central defender".

• The Chelsea boss feels they are "ready" despite the short pre-season but they "need to wait for real competition", adding: "It is something new - something we don't have the answer to because it has never happened before. For me, sports science and the doctor it is new and we don't have the answer. We react to this new situation and we look for answer to this new situation."

• On different expectations around the club this campaign: "This shows how good the team has been last season. When I joined one year ago, the noise around the club was completely different to now. This is for many reasons. My target and target of the team is to try to improve everyday and then we will see."

• He insisted he doesn't "pay attention to what other people say about us" after Arne Slot said he expected Chelsea to win the league last season, adding: "I don't like to play this kind of game. I focus on my players - others can say what they want."

• On the test they will face against Palace on Sunday: "Very difficult. They won the FA Cup and Community Shield this year. In two finals they beat the two best teams in England over the past 10 years in Manchester City and Liverpool. That shows how difficult it will be."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Chelsea are making progress in their efforts to sign Alejandro Garnacho, 21, from Manchester United and believe £35m is a fair price for the Argentina winger. (Teamtalk), external

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Sophie Brown
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea endured their worst season in almost two decades in 2022-23, finishing 12th in the Premier League - it was a season of turmoil which saw four different managers come and go, and the volume of injuries played a key part.

The Blues had 48 separate injuries, causing a total loss of 1,836 days – both figures were more than any other top-flight club. N'Golo Kante, Armando Broja, Wesley Fofana and Reece James alone each missed more than 100 days, while the club didn't field an unchanged starting line-up in the league all season.

Things didn't get much better in 2023-24 with 43 separate injuries, a number topped only by Manchester United. Chelsea's tally of 20 different injured players again included James, who was out for 206 days with two separate problems.

However, last season saw a marked improvement, with 24 separate injuries, exactly half as many as the 2022-23 campaign. Chelsea lost 827 days to injury, less than half the amount of both the two previous seasons, with only four clubs losing fewer.

BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty has offered up his annual predictions:

4) Chelsea

Last season: Fourth

It's sometimes hard to keep track of events at Chelsea, but what we do know is they are the World Club champions and Conference League holders, and finally seem to be on the right track under Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea have added the quality of Joao Pedro from Brighton in attack as well as the youthful promise of Liam Delap. Jamie Gittens is another intriguing addition while the brilliance of Cole Palmer makes him the talisman.

And the progress of 18-year-old Brazilian wonder boy Estevao Willian will be followed keenly.

Chelsea will be right in the hunt for trophies domestically and will relish their return to the Champions League. They usually find a way to win silverware and I expect them to so again, but not the Premier League.

Read the full piece

Our new Chelsea fan contributor Nina Hristova breaks down her hopes and fears for the Blues' upcoming season.

Find more from Nina at Nina's Corner, external

Manchester City are considering hijacking Chelsea's move for RB Leipzig's 22-year-old Netherlands winger Xavi Simons. (Talksport), external

Manchester United expect Chelsea to bid for Alejandro Garnacho, but the Blues hope to get the 21-year-old Argentina winger for significantly less than United's asking price of £50m. (Sky Sports), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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Have you got a question about Chelsea or is there a topic you want more information on? Have you spotted a Blues theme or trend that needs further investigation?

Well, this season we're making it easier for you to get in touch and ask - and we will do our best to use our expertise here at BBC Sport to give you direct answers.

Our team can call upon a network of contacts - including our reporters, pundits and other experts - to find out everything you need to know.

No question is too big or too small, so fire away using the link below and we will answer the best of them throughout the campaign.

Ask about Chelsea here

And find out more about BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything service here

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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This weekend I was at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea's friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan. This was the entirety of their pre-season, the best prep they could muster to get ready for the toughest league campaign on the planet.

They played well and hit the ground running, though no one will be surprised if they run into a brick wall part way through the season. The medical boffins have never suggested this sort of summer is anything like the right kind of preparation, but that is the madness of the football calendar.

There was a silver lining on these blazing hot sunny days. The Blues have a history of falling for small, talented creative players who the fans take to their hearts - they often reward them with player of the year trophies.

Think of Joe Cole, Eden Hazard and Gianfranco Zola and you could even add Juan Mata and Charlie Cooke to the list.

I mentioned this the other day on the TV commentary and a few folk were kind enough to suggest I should be on the list too. The fans certainly were kind to me, and I did get the Player of the Year a couple of times, but I would not presume to be in that group.

The important point is that there could be a new kid on the block. The 18-year-old Brazilian Estevao Willian fits the bill. Chelsea fans are head over heels already and I feel the same, after only two friendlies.

It is early days and there are dangers along the road, but Estevao has the skill, confidence, vision, personality, game awareness and the pace.

I cannot wait to watch him develop, enjoy the skills and hopefully watch him become a legendary player at the club. I am sure fans of other clubs will enjoy watching him too, he could be that good.

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Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician

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Only 36% of teams who are top at the end of September win the title - including Liverpool last season.

So how much does a good start indicate who will win the league?

The record amount of points after 10 games is 28 (nine wins and a draw). All those four teams - Manchester City (2011-12 and 2017-18), Chelsea (2005-06) and Liverpool (2019-20) went on to win the title.

But the two teams who had the next best starts, with 27 points - Newcastle (1995-96) and Arsenal (2022-23) - failed to convert it into silverware after infamous collapses.

Newcastle were top after 10 games in three consecutive seasons and did not win the title in any of them.

There are plenty of examples of teams picking up 26 points in their opening 10 games and not going on to win the title.

That includes Tottenham, who had a stunning start to life under Ange Postecoglou in 2023-24 before eventually finishing fifth.

However, seven teams have not even been on 20 points after 10 games and still won the title.

Manchester City came back to win the title by a clear 12 points in 2020-21. They were sixth, sitting on 18 points and three points off top, after 10 games.

That was the first of City's four titles in a row - and they were not top after 10 games in any of them.

Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku is keen on a move to Bayern Munich, with a deal for the forward still possible. (Florian Plettenberg), external

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Will Faulks
Fan writer

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A year ago, there was a lot more fear than hope at Chelsea.

The summer had not been promising - the biggest problems in the squad had not been fixed and there was a new manager who not everyone was convinced by to replace the old manager who not everyone was convinced by.

A lot of the transfers felt like sideways moves rather than impactful upgrades, and some of them looked entirely superfluous.

All of that was compounded by some horrific pre-season showings. One cannot help but be swayed by the team's performance in those games, no matter how often they are shown to have little bearing on things once the season proper kicks off.

Twelve months on, things have reversed.

Chelsea go into this campaign with the most hope around them since Thomas Tuchel's first full season at the club.

Instead of the shambolic pre-season showings of a year ago, they have just cruised past two very good teams who should have been far ahead of them in terms of preparation. The momentum from a strong end to the season carried through the Club World Cup, and on the evidence of these two friendlies, should take Chelsea into the Premier League season in great shape.

This summer they have made meaningful upgrades to the first team, addressed the biggest problems in the squad, added quality depth and kept their manager in place.

It feels like this Chelsea team are finally ahead of the game rather than scrambling to catch up.

The only fear is that the legacy of the Club World Cup is the side slowing down later in the year - but there is no sign of the slow start that had been predicted.

This team looks ready to compete on all fronts, and for the biggest trophies.

Find more from Will Faulks at Chelsea News, external

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Chelsea have lodged a £43m offer for 26-year-old Liverpool and France centre-back Ibrahima Konate. (Defensa Central - in Spanish), external

The Blues and RB Leipzig have discussed striker Christopher Nkunku during talks about Netherlands forward Xavi Simons, 22. (Talksport), external

Chelsea are considering a move for Bayer Leverkusen and Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie, 23, following Levi Colwill's serious knee injury. (Caught Offside), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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We asked for your views on whether Chelsea are ready for the new season.

Here's what you said:

Colin: So far, so good! I love what I've seen. Still concerned about the solidarity in defence, and I'm also concerned about our finishing. Having said that, our new boys up front all look exciting, and once they play together more they will be devastating. Very, very excited for the coming season, real contenders!

Neil: Beating PSG was a huge statement confirming their commitment to compete at the highest level, as well as boosting their confidence. Liverpool will be the team to beat in the league, although you can never write off Manchester City. I think Jackson needs to move on and a better keeper will be required, particularly if they want to challenge for the league title. Jackson missed too many chances and Chelsea lost an advantage and let opponents back in the game too often. Given the depth of the squad, and Reece James back to fitness, it should be a promising season ahead for the boys.

Dante: My concern would be maintaining the largest feasible squad we can to cover an awful lot of football for the coming season. If Chelsea want to challenge across the Premier League and Champions League, not to mention domestic cups, then we need cover for all eventualities. Some players are not going to get through another (back to back) full season without some downtime. Jackson will - if retained - find plenty of opportunity to play if he can retain motivation - he just might turn into a great player.

Phil: While we look very fast and dangerous going forward, we showed our weakness in defence against a 10-man Milan. Virtually every break or counter they looked dangerous, certainly through the middle. We will score goals but probably need a minimum of two or three to gain a victory. Of course, it is entirely possible that once a better understanding is gained and a consistency is achieved we could look better, but from Sunday's showing we look porous.

John: First time since the new owners took over I've been excited for the coming season. I don't think we will win the league and I'm slightly concerned about defence. Our midfield and attack rival any other team if not surpasses them, except maybe Liverpool. Solid third or even second, I think, and hopefully the FA Cup as it's been a while.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter at Stamford Bridge

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea striker Liam Delap says the lack of pre-season after winning the Club World Cup will not be a major issue for the squad.

The 23-year-old signed from Ipswich for £30m earlier in the summer impressed as the Blues won 4-1 against AC Milan in one of only two friendlies the club have been able to fit in after becoming world champions.

Delap scored twice on Sunday having also played in the 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen on Friday and said of the group will handle the less-than-two-week pre-season.

"It's obviously different to what we're used to," Delap said. "We've had a short break and a really short lead-up to the first game. But everyone's done the right things and it's a really good group, so I'm sure we'll be OK.

"We've all got the right mindset that it's not going to get in our way. We're going to be ready."

The two goals for Delap were important given his competition for a place with fellow new signing Joao Pedro.

The Brazil forward has five goals in five games since joining the club - including one against Milan and another against Leverkusen in the two domestic pre-season games at Stamford Bridge.

"The quality of the team is incredible," Delap added. "We've got some really, really talented people.

"The competitive side that you need in big teams to compete for the trophies is so important.

"Everyone is ready and everyone's ready to fight in each game. I've just got to try my best and they've got to try their best, and hopefully we can do it together.

"As a striker, to score goals is the aim. Every time I step on the pitch I'm hungry to score."

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea have offered several players to RB Leipzig for midfielder Xavi Simons, including Christopher Nkunku.

It's part of the complex negotiations with the Blues keen to offload players having also offered both Carney Chukwuemeka and Tyrique George.

Any deal between the two clubs would not be a direct swap deal and would be related but separate transfers. It remains to be seen whether the German club deem it viable.

However, the nature of the negotiations highlight Chelsea's intention to offload attackers to sign attackers in the last few weeks of the transfer window.

Sources close to Nkunku have also explained he is reluctant to join a club like Leipzig as he is aiming to play at Champions League level next season.

There is also admiration for Nkunku at Chelsea after his positive performances at the Club World Cup but he is believed to be searching for more than the bit-part role currently on offer at Stamford Bridge.

Another target is winger Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United - amid initial contract discussions. Newcastle-linked Nicolas Jackson could be allowed to leave for the right offer to make space.

If appropriate outgoing deals are not agreed then Chelsea could reintegrate the likes of Jackson into their squad despite leaving him out of the recent pre-season friendly wins against AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea's 3-0 win in the final of the Club World Cup against European champions Paris St-Germain was a statement that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Manager Enzo Maresca has united a group of players who cost up to £1.4bn, according to the club's own accounts, and although the starting XIs were the youngest ever to play out a Premier League season last year, they appear to be good enough to win titles.

Among the star players are Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Marc Cucurella but the Blues have also added Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Estevao Willian and Jorrel Hato this summer to cope with the increased workload of returning to the Champions League next season.

Internally, Chelsea have again set a top-four finish in the league as the main target, but defender Levi Colwill is among those who suggest they are ready to win the Premier League or Champions League as early as next season.

Read about the other contenders

Pre-season is completed and the countdown to the 2025-26 season is on.

It's been a typically busy summer at Stamford Bridge with a glut of new arrivals and plenty of departures.

The Blues start the season at home on Sunday - but are they ready?

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