Leverkusen interested in Sterlingpublished at 10:58 BST 22 July
10:58 BST 22 July
Sami Mokbel Senior football correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
Bayer Leverkusen are among the clubs monitoring Chelsea's Raheem Sterling.
The forward is attracting interest from a clutch of European sides with Leverkusen, according to sources close to the situation, believed to be among the teams keeping abreast of developments over his future.
Sterling is not in Enzo Maresca's plans and can leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
The 30-year-old has returned to the Blues having spent last season on loan at Arsenal.
Meanwhile, the Blues are interested in RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons, 22, but may need to sell some players first to make room for the Netherlands international in their squad. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
Atletico keen on signing Veigapublished at 17:08 BST 21 July
17:08 BST 21 July
Image source, Getty Images
Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Chelsea defender Renato Veiga.
The Portugal centre-back arrived at Stamford Bridge from FC Basel for £12m last summer but only made seven Premier League appearances before being loaned to Juventus in January.
It is understood Chelsea have set an asking price of about £34m for the 21-year-old with Atletico keen to pay less, with both sides confident a deal can be done.
Veiga made his international debut in October 2024 and has five caps for Portugal.
Fellow Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist could also be on his way out, with the club likely to do business at around £5m.
Madueke sale 'an own goal' or 'good business'?published at 19:59 BST 18 July
19:59 BST 18 July
Image source, Getty Images
Noni Madueke has become the latest player to make the switch from Chelsea to Arsenal, so we asked for your views on the winger's £50m move to the Emirates.
How do you feel about the number of Chelsea players making the move to the north of the capital? Do you think this transfer could come back to bite the Blues?
Here are some of your thoughts:
James: It very much depends on the situation. For example Petr Cech left with much admiration, but when it comes to Madueke I feel that he still had so much to offer Chelsea. I'm sorry to see him go and this move could potentially be an own goal for us.
Abubakar: I'm not happy at all with this transfer. I absolutely love Noni and I'm very gutted that he is leaving.
Tom: I think it might be one Chelsea regret. Looking at all the players we have sold to Arsenal, from Cech onwards, all of their careers have been winding down (with the possible exception of Kai Havertz). Madueke is a real talent though. Good luck to him, just not when he plays us.
Gareth: Why do we keep helping Arsenal? I understand selling him, but why to them? Why would you help your rival? They obviously need more wide players.
Keith: Chelsea have benefitted more than Arsenal here. Nice one.
Stuart: It's good business from Chelsea. He is a rotational squad player with low goals and assists and we have sold him for £50m.
Paul: It's all about money. Madueke was falling down the pecking order at Chelsea, so who can blame him? He will get more chances at Arsenal but I still don't think that he will do any good there.
The transfer trend between Chelsea and Arsenal - send us your thoughtspublished at 17:13 BST 18 July
17:13 BST 18 July
Nicola Pearson BBC Sport journalist
The idea of a player crossing the divide and joining a bitter rival can seem almost like sacrilege for fans.
Even if that player has won the biggest of prizes or scored the most important of goals, it often does little to temper the disgruntlement of supporters when they meet again.
And yet, that seems to do little to deter transfers from west to north London.
With Noni Madueke becoming the latest to move from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates, it continues a recent trend of transfers between Arsenal and Chelsea.
Before the top flight became the Premier League, there had been just six transfers between the two clubs, going all the way back to the 1950s when Billy Dickson traded west for north London in 1953.
In contrast, since the turn of the century there have now been 13 such switches.
There were the infamous moves of Ashley Cole and William Gallas in 2006 - heading in opposite directions - and, more recently, Chelsea's Champions League final hero Kai Havertz joining Mikel Arteta's side in 2023.
What is most notable, however, is the one-sided direction the transfers have been taking.
Of the 13 that have happened in the Premier League era, 11 of those have been players - whether a sale, loan or free transfer - heading from the Blues to the Gunners.
The reason why will vary from footballer to footballer and transfer to transfer - Arsenal may be looking for experience while Chelsea eye up youth, or the player could want a move but without disrupting his family life.
Whatever the motive, the trend for this particular trip across London appears to be increasing, even if fans' tolerance to it might not.
How do you feel about the number of Chelsea players making the move to the north of the capital? Were they heading for the exit door anyway? Or could it come back to bite the Blues?
The winger has joined the Gunners in a deal worth £50m, with an initial fee of around £48.5m.
Madueke joined the Blues from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for £30m and has scored 20 goals in 92 appearances.
The 23-year-old was part of Chelsea's Club World Cup squad and came on as a substitute as they reached the final by beating Brazilian side Fluminense 2-0, before leaving to complete his move to the Emirates.
He also leaves the club as a Conference League winner having helped the side to the trophy in 2024-25.
In a message posted on his social media, Madueke said: "Dear Chelsea Football Club, I want to thank you for the Last three or so years.
"To every staff member that helped me along this journey, thank you. To my teammates - thank you for everything, I leave with only love and admiration for you guys. We achieved so much this season and I honestly wish you guys nothing but the best.
"To Enzo Maresca, it was a privilege to play under you, thank you for trying to better me as a player and as a person.
"Lastly, thank you to every single Chelsea fan. Thank you for the love, the praise and also the criticism, I appreciate it all. I leave here with nothing but fond memories."
The England international becomes the second Blues player to move to north London this transfer window after Kepa Arrizabalaga completed a permanent move to Arsenal earlier this month.
Were Chelsea right to cash in on Petrovic?published at 09:04 BST 17 July
09:04 BST 17 July
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
Last season, Chelsea sent Djordje Petrovic on loan to Strasbourg, where he was voted the club's player of the year.
But, rather than welcoming the goalkeeper back into the squad as competition for Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, the Blues have instead sold the Serb to Bournemouth for £25m, banking an £11m profit on what they paid for him in 2023.
One of the reasons Chelsea loaned Petrovic to their partner club was to help him improve his ability on the ball, BBC Sport football news reporter Nizaar Kinsella reported in March.
Though Petrovic's passing stats did not notably improve during his year in France, his distribution over the past 12 months was still more accurate than Sanchez, who posted lower figures for pass accuracy and long pass accuracy. Cup keeper Jorgensen, meanwhile, finished with a better record than both.
Where Petrovic stood out with Strasbourg was in his shot-stopping. He prevented almost 10 goals more than an average goalkeeper would save, based on the expected goals on target model. That total was the sixth highest in the top five European leagues last term.
Sanchez, however, excelled as Chelsea lifted the Club World Cup, where he won the Golden Glove given to the tournament's best goalkeeper.
The Spaniard made several key saves in the final against Paris St-Germain, also impressing with some pin-point passes to set up attacks. Despite occasional shaky moments in 2025-26, he seems likely to remain number one for the new season.
'The sums do add up' - Nevin on Chelsea's spendingpublished at 08:16 BST 17 July
08:16 BST 17 July
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty Images
The top Premier League clubs appear to have discovered some spare change down the back of their respective sofas.
Chelsea, Liverpool and Spurs have spent big, as have Arsenal, making considerable improvements to their squads. So you should when you are splashing hundreds of millions of pounds each.
Clubs appear to have finally figured out how the financial rules actually work regarding transfers. In summer 2024, they were desperately offloading talented, young, homegrown players at the last minute - sometimes to each other - just to somehow stay within the complicated guidelines. It all looks much less like that this summer so far.
Then again there is Chelsea.
Having been fined £27 million for overspending, they have since made £90 million out of their success in the Club World Cup and likely at least £50 million for next season's Champions League qualification.
Suddenly, it all makes sense - those sums absolutely do add up!
Others might think that is how you do it - but Nottingham Forest and Everton fans might warn them to be wary. Points deductions rather than fines can quickly change perspectives.
Clubs may think they are on top of everything but those rules are likely to change again very soon.
It might be an idea to keep those creative accountants on speed dial.
Palmer given hero's reception on St Kitts visitpublished at 16:00 BST 16 July
16:00 BST 16 July
Media caption,
Ice cold in the Caribbean: Cole Palmer's first trip to St Kitts
Cole Palmer was given a hero's welcome on Monday when he arrived in St Kitts for the first time, fresh from playing a starring role in Chelsea beating Paris St-Germain to win the Club World Cup in the United States.
The Caribbean island is the birthplace of his grandfather, Sterry, and Palmer wears the flag of St Kitts and Nevis - alongside the England flag - on his football boots to honour his family's roots.
Deputy prime minister Geoffrey Hanley and tourism minister Marsha T Henderson greeted the 23-year-old and his family at the airport alongside traditional Masquerade performers.
Image source, Daryl Grant
Image source, Daryl Grant
Image caption,
Palmer shakes hands with St Kitts' deputy prime minister Geoffrey Hanley
Palmer said: "Landing in St Kitts off the back of winning the Club World Cup felt really special. It's where my grandad's love for football started. The island is beautiful and really chilled. I can't wait to explore the mountains, rainforest and sea - and to try out the food."
Terrance Drew, St Kitts' prime minister, added: "Cole Palmer's visit to St Kitts and Nevis is a powerful reminder of the strength and pride of our diaspora.
"His presence and mentorship will inspire the next generation to believe that global success is possible, no matter where you come from. We are proud to welcome him home and deeply grateful for his commitment to our young people and to the development of sports in our federation."
Image source, Daryl Grant
Henderson said: "The Palmers already have a special connection to the island and that will only grow as they spend time exploring our lush rainforests, picturesque mountains and stunning waters, and savouring our rich culture and cuisine."
'Maresca's side on track to finish higher than last season's fourth place'published at 11:24 BST 16 July
11:24 BST 16 July
Pat Nevin Former footballer and presenter
Image source, Getty Images
It seemed like a seminal moment as Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino presented the Chelsea players with the Club World Cup.
The tournament finished with a shock result as the underdogs claimed the prize against Champions League winners Paris St-Germain - though considering the money spent by the Blues, the 'underdog' term would not go down that well outside the European elites.
Chelsea fans will, of course, be able to claim they are world champions for the next four years, even if this title will be laughed at by the majority of football supporters who have been following the game for longer than the past month.
Try telling a Liverpool fan Chelsea are currently the best on this planet and stand back for the reaction after you have lit the blue touch paper.
There were a few good games in the tournament and Chelsea were exceptional in their destruction of the previously unstoppable PSG.
Enzo Maresca's side are progressing and on track to finish higher than the fourth place they managed in the Premier League last season.
Nkunku remains a dilemma for Chelseapublished at 08:03 BST 16 July
08:03 BST 16 July
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku has won a lot of support internally at Stamford Bridge but his future remains uncertain.
The 27-year-old has impressed staff internally at Chelsea through his contribution to the Club World Cup title, which culminated in a 3-0 win against Paris St-Germain in New Jersey on Sunday.
Nkunku's was brought off the bench before Nicolas Jackson in the final and he also earned three starts to the Senegal international's one, scoring a crucial goal against Benfica in the last 16 that was widely celebrated by team-mates and staff.
Those appearances were earned, according to Enzo Maresca, during a tournament where the Italian also said Nkunku looked impressive in training.
However, the France international continues to assess his options as Chelsea are only able to offer him a squad role.
Signed for £50m from RB Leipzig in 2023 to be a star player under Mauricio Pochettino, his injury-hit debut season left the door open for Cole Palmer to take the leading role.
Maresca also used Nkunku sparingly last season and the arrival of Joao Pedro from Brighton for £55m is further competition.
Barcelona, Manchester United and Bayern Munich have all shown interest in Nkunku, who will not be blocked from leaving should a suitable offer come in.
There is, however, no rush to force him out as he could line up alongside Joao Pedro given the pair's ability to play multiple positions.
Nevertheless, while his recent performances may have improved his standing in west London, they could also attract suitors to make formal offers later in the transfer window.
Gossip: Felix and Nkunku set for Chelsea exit doorpublished at 07:49 BST 16 July
07:49 BST 16 July
Chelsea are ready to begin their summer clearout, with 25-year-old Portugal forward Joao Felix in talks over a return to Benfica and 27-year-old France international Christopher Nkunku also set to leave. (Standard), external
Chelsea Q&A: Will Club World Cup help or hinder upcoming season?published at 15:58 BST 15 July
15:58 BST 15 July
Image source, Getty Images
In the final part of Tuesday's Q&A with our Chelsea reporter Nizaar Kinsella, he looks at the potential impact the Club World Cup campaign - which extended the Blues' season by several weeks - might have on 2025-26.
Matt asked: Do you think Chelsea will suffer for this involvement in the Club World Cup early in the new season?
Nizaar: That is very difficult to say. Chelsea have been mostly bullish having brilliantly handled the heat, travel and long season to win the Club World Cup.
It is certainly on people's radars but the approach to handling it is to give players a proper three-week holiday, despite it massively eating into pre-season. It is up to Chelsea to negotiate the first few weeks of the campaign when rivals might be sharper, fitter and stronger.
I sensed a small bit of concern in Enzo Maresca the last time he was asked about this.
Guerin asked: Do you think Chelsea can challenge for the Premier League and/or the Champions League next season?
Nizaar: There remains a major question mark about whether Chelsea can cope with the rigours of the Champions League alongside Premier League commitments - especially without a full pre-season.
In terms of the best starting XI, the Blues can give any team in world football a game and beat them – as shown by the 3-0 win over Paris St-Germain.
My concern is over a potential situation when injuries hit and there is a difficult run of two or three fixtures, and maybe one or two are struggling for form. In that scenario, could they continue to win games consistently?
Is the floor of the squad - with players like Benoit Badiashile, Andrey Santos, Filip Jorgensen and Tyrique George - good enough to help lift the team when the going gets tough?
Chelsea Q&A: Has Sanchez saved his Blues future?published at 12:06 BST 15 July
12:06 BST 15 July
Image source, Getty Images
In part two of Tuesday's Q&A with our Chelsea reporter Nizaar Kinsella, he looks at the goalkeeping situation at Stamford Bridge following the successful Club World Cup campaign.
Paul asked: I have been one of many Chelsea fans who have called for a change of goalkeeper after the multiple mistakes Robert Sanchez has made with his feet. However, his performances in the Club World Cup final was exceptional and his distribution helped set up multiple chances. With rumours Chelsea were looking at Gianluigi Donnarumma, do you think this display has saved his place in the squad?
Nizaar: There is no doubt Sanchez was among the top performers for Chelsea in the final and was worthy of his Golden Glove award.
As for the future, Sanchez was always in a secure position, albeit with a giant caveat of 'for now'. He ended the Premier League season well and he has taken that form into the Club World Cup.
This summer, Chelsea were offered Mike Maignan but when they tried to negotiate a deal, they were unhappy with the £25m asking price, given the AC Milan goalkeeper had only one year left on his contract.
This shows they are only wanting to take an exceptional goalkeeper who would truly move the dial. They will not gamble on a mid-level option.
They will continue to work with Sanchez, who is statistically exceptional in all areas except one - mistakes leading to goals.
Cut some of those out and the club believe they already have a top goalkeeper.
Return to this page later on Tuesday for the final part of the Q&A, when Nizaar will look at whether the Club World Cup will help or hinder Chelsea in 2025-26.
Chelsea 'gone from looking uncoachable to winning and cohesive'published at 12:05 BST 15 July
12:05 BST 15 July
Image source, Getty Images
Winning the Club World Cup can be a game-changer for Chelsea's "belief" and they now look a "cohesive" side.
The Blues stunned European champions Paris St-Germain 3-0 in the final of the competition on Sunday and secured their second trophy of the season after winning the Conference League in May.
Discussing the importance of the latest piece of silverware on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha said: "For their belief, yes [it can be a game-changer]. For the fanbase, absolutely yes.
"It wasn't that long ago when there were fan protests outside the stadium, saying they should be contesting and they don't like the way the club is doing their business, the ownership, etc. But they have just seen their team go and win a tournament which has featured the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City, Boca Juniors, PSG, who up until Sunday felt like the best team in the world.
"So, it does matter and for them. They are the only team that can say their summer was not wasted. They went for that tournament, they are lifting that trophy and the next time someone can do that is in four years' time.
"Enzo Maresca has had a tonne of criticism and one thing about this squad is that it was a young squad. One thing that has been shown across this past year is that they are coachable, they are getting better."
Ex-England midfielder Izzy Christiansen agreed, adding: "Around this time last season, or towards the start of last season, they didn't look like a team who were coachable and they looked like a team that had friction in the dressing room and didn't know where they stood - but they have rectified that issue.
"They brought in Willie Isa, who has a rugby league background. I would describe him as a cultural architect. Somebody who knows culture in sport and how to proverbially 'sweep the shed'.
"It doesn't surprise me they now have two trophies with the Conference League and Club World Cup. But what's next? I don't know, because it also depends on the strengthening of the teams in the Premier League this season.
"If they have gone from looking uncoachable and not very cohesive to winning and being cohesive, that says something."
Chelsea Q&A: Are Blues set for a clearout?published at 08:30 BST 15 July
08:30 BST 15 July
Image source, Getty Images
Our Chelsea reporter Nizaar Kinsella has been following the Blues in the United States for the Club World Cup and we have put your questions to him following the Blues' successful campaign.
Here is the first of a three-part Q&A...
Richard asked: How do we quickly get rid of the deadwood in the squad after the tournament and before next season begins?
Nizaar: Chelsea are pretty happy with how the player sales plans have begun.
They will raise almost £80m when Noni Madueke completes his £52m move to Arsenal and Djordje Petrovic finalises his £25m switch to Bournemouth.
They may sell a few players that were in Enzo Maresca's first-team squad that travelled to the United States, with Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson and Trevoh Chalobah among those who could be allowed to leave for the right offer. But equally, those kinds of players could end up staying.
There is also still the so-called 'bomb squad' remaining, with Joao Felix, Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell and a half-dozen others back training at Cobham. They will not be easy to sell but should have minimal impact on the players in the first team.
They can help improve Chelsea's bottom line. However, some may be hard to offload and they look a bit like distressed assets.
Clubs interested in buying them will be looking for a good deal given they clearly have no future at Stamford Bridge.
Dan asked: Does Chelsea's win mean that they automatically qualify for the next CWC as defending champions?
Nizaar: No, that is not how it works any more either in the Club World Cup or World Cup - Fifa's two tournaments. Chelsea must either qualify through winning the Champions League or Europa League over the next three seasons, or build a very good coefficient.
Return to this page later on Tuesday for part two, which will look at the goalkeeping situation at Stamford Bridge.
Gossip: Blues retain interest in Garnachopublished at 07:06 BST 15 July
07:06 BST 15 July
After holding initial talks in January, Chelsea have active interest in 21-year-old Manchester United and Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho. (TBR Football), external
Meanwhile, Joao Felix's agent is trying to negotiate a deal for the Chelsea forward to move to Benfica. (A Bola - in Portuguese), external
Finally, defender Benoit Badiashile has been linked with Marseille but says he will be staying at Stamford Bridge next season. (Footmercato - in French), external
Image source, Getty Images
![Goalkeeper comparison last season [all competitions]:
Petrovic (Strasbourg): 31 games, 10 clean sheets, 38 goals conceded, 1.2 goals conceded per game, 74.5% save percentage, 9.9 goals prevented (xGOT), 78.8% passing accuracy, 92.6% passing accuracy own half, 37.2% long pass accuracy
Sanchez (Chelsea): 40 games, 13 clean sheets, 42 goals conceded, 1.1 goals conceded per game, 73.6% save percentage, 5.1 goals prevented (xGOT), 66.5% passing accuracy, 88.6% passing accuracy own half, 28.6% long pass accuracy
Jorgensen (Chelsea): 24 games, 10 clean sheets, 22 goals conceded, 0.9 goals conceded per game, 76.3% save percentage, 5.9 goals prevented (xGOT), 89.6% passing accuracy, 96.5% passing accuracy own half, 39.3% long pass accuracy](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/ace/standard/640/cpsprodpb/2234/live/092f0980-6262-11f0-b1b9-2b94c1f6d9f3.png.webp)
