Euro 2024 final key battles: Cucurella v Sakapublished at 17:04 12 July
17:04 12 July
Jess Anderson BBC Sport journalist
BBC Sport has looked at five key battles that could decide who lifts the Euro 2024 trophy when England face Spain on Sunday.
Marc Cucurella v Bukayo Saka
For both Cucurella and Saka, Euro 2024 has been a tale of redemption.
Only six months ago, Chelsea left-back Cucurella was being booed off by his own fans, having struggled to impress following a £63m move from Brighton in 2022.
But the 25-year-old was at the heart of Chelsea's unexpected late surge for a European place and has continued that form at Euro 2024.
He has started five of Spain's six matches, having earned only four caps prior to the tournament, and has struck up a brilliant partnership with Williams down Spain's left-hand side.
For Saka - after the heartbreak of missing a penalty in the final of Euro 2020 and the horrific racial abuse he received in the aftermath - Euro 2024 has highlighted his resilience.
The 22-year-old has been a consistent threat, earning his reward with a fine goal against Switzerland in the quarter-final before dispatching his penalty in the shootout - his story coming full circle.
Chelsea's Cole Palmer speaking on Lions' Den, England's YouTube show, about setting up Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins' winning goal against the Netherlands in their Euro 2024 semi-final: "We were playing together at half-time, just passing the ball to each other, and he said to me, 'we’re going to come on and you're going to set me up and I'm going to score'.
"When it happened, it was mad, but even in training when he runs, I just know. Every time I get it I look for him because I know he's going to make those runs in behind. When I got it, I knew he was going to be there. All I had to do was play it and see what he can do."
On substitutes making an impact: "That's what we're there to do. When the manager shouts us we've got to be ready. We've just got to keep being ready.
"It's crazy to see the fans and players enjoying it together. It's amazing."
Watkins on his winning goal: "To be fair, I thought I was too wide, so my first touch was good, then the defender didn't really get too tight to me. But he's opened his legs and I just thought 'hit it hard and low, it may get a deflection or something like that'. But I've just caught it so sweet. As I’ve seen it go into the bottom corner, it's just like slow motion.
"It was the best feeling ever. If you see from my reaction, I don’t even know what to do."
On reaction to Wednesday's win: "[I've had a] few hours' sleep - I'm buzzing! It's the best feeling. We're in a little bubble so you don't see it so you just move on to the next game. It's a massive achievement, back-to-back [Euro finals]. Obviously, it's my first tournament - Cole's as well. It's special."
Gossip: Blues give up on signing Omorodionpublished at 07:27 12 July
07:27 12 July
Chelsea have ended their pursuit of Atletico Madrid's 20-year-old Spanish striker Samu Omorodion. (Marca - in Spanish), external
Supporters group criticise pre-season ticket pricespublished at 17:22 11 July
17:22 11 July
Image source, Getty Images
A Chelsea supporters group says there needs to be a "total culture change" at the club after the release of ticket prices for a pre-season friendly against Inter Milan.
The Blues face the Serie A side at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, 11 August as they finish their preparations for the new Premier League season.
Chelsea confirmed the pricing structure for the fixture on Thursday, with the most expensive ticket costing £59 for an adult on general sale and the lowest priced adult ticket costing £26 for a season ticket holder or member with a restricted view.
In a statement, the Chelsea Supporters' Trust said: "Pricing tickets for a friendly fixture at record amounts excludes many supporters from purchasing and the awarding of points for this type of fixture feels unfair and ill-thought-out.
"This poor price structure is a chance missed by Chelsea FC to engage with the next generation of Chelsea supporters."
The CST claim the pricing represents an average price increase for season ticket holders and members of 28.6% from the most recent pre-season match at Stamford Bridge in 2021 and an average increase of 61.9% for those buying on general sale.
They added: "The ownership group encouragingly set out at the end of last season that it would look to 'earn the trust and confidence of supporters'.
"We are genuinely impressed by the willingness of the club to have difficult and challenging conversations with the CST, the FAB (Fan Advisory Board) and other supporter groups.
"It is a real shame that despite a new season, a new manager, new players and a clean slate, the chance to begin earning the trust and confidence of supporters has been overlooked at the first hurdle."
They also outline that adult season tickets, when calculated on a pro-rata basis, will work out at the same price as in 2023-24 plus an extra game.
Blues' Rak-Sakyi talks continuepublished at 11:23 11 July
11:23 11 July
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea remain in talks to re-sign midfielder Sam Rak-Sakyi after his contract expired a fortnight ago.
The 19-year-old will decide within the next week whether to remain at Stamford Bridge amid ongoing discussions around personal terms and his development.
Rak-Sakyi played 49 matches across various youth levels last season.
His brother, Jesurun, left the club in 2019 and is now a first-team player at Crystal Palace, having made 10 appearances for the south London side.
Gossip: Blues lose interest in Olmopublished at 07:42 11 July
07:42 11 July
Chelsea are not interested in triggering 26-year-old Spain forward Dani Olmo's £50m release clause at RB Leipzig. (Sky Sports), external
Gossip: Chelsea open Adeyemi talkspublished at 07:39 10 July
07:39 10 July
Chelsea are in talks with Borussia Dortmund over a deal for 22-year-old Germany forward Karim Adeyemi. (Bild - in German), external
Spain winger Nico Williams, who has attracted interested from Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, has a 55m to 58m euros (£46.5m to £49m) release clause in his Athletic Bilbao contract. (Marca - in Spanish), external
Chelsea restructure aims to improve injury recordpublished at 17:21 9 July
17:21 9 July
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea have completed a restructure to help improve their recent poor injury record, appointing Craig Roberts as the club’s new head of performance.
Roberts arrives after spells with the Football Association (FA), AFC Bournemouth and the South African rugby team, replacing Dimitrios Kalogiannidis, who left Chelsea in January after 14 years, and is part of a widespread change behind the scenes in the medical departments at Stamford Bridge.
The South African is part of a multi-pronged department led by director of performance Bryce Kavanagh, who joined last year.
Head of performance sciences Nick Chadd, lead performance therapist Meirion Jones, head of performance insights Richard Akenhead Ph.D and Doctor Steve Lewis complete the high-level department under Kavanagh’s control. In turn, they are led by co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart and Enzo Maresca’s staff, particularly his fitness coach Marcos Alvarez.
The Blues have acknowledged previously that there has been upheaval in this area but believe their new structure will ultimately improve the club's poor injury record, which has been ongoing since the final year of Roman Abramovich's ownership and continued into the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital era.
Chelsea suffered the second most injuries last season in the Premier League behind Manchester United. They also lost players to injuries for more days than all but two teams, which were Newcastle and Sheffield United.
Maresca to assess striker optionspublished at 12:10 9 July
12:10 9 July
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea have been motoring through the transfer window at rapid pace, signing multiple players as they await further opinions from manager Enzo Maresca.
The focus in the last few weeks has been on signing young players on long-term deals with potential to make an impact in the future.
Atlanta left-back Caleb Wiley, 19, is now closing in on an £8.5m move to Chelsea, Boca Juniors centre-back Aaron Anselmino, also 19, is expected to follow and FC Basel midfielder Renato Veiga, 20, will conduct a medical in London on Wednesday before completing a £12m move.
Wiley will join Strasbourg on loan, Anselmino will likely stay at Boca until at least January while Veiga will join Chelsea on pre-season but could be loaned out at a later date.
Veiga is one of many players under evaluation by Maresca, who wants to give everyone a chance, before making decisions on transfers in and out.
The new Blues manager begun pre-season training yesterday and wants a look at his striking options – with Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku and new signing Marc Guiu already on the books.
Their performance and fitness levels in pre-season will dictate whether Chelsea push to sign another striker. Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion was subject to an initial bid from Chelsea and senior staff have asked Lille forward Jonathan David’s representatives for information ahead of a potential move.
Gossip: Blues to sign new left-back as Man Utd target Chilwellpublished at 08:11 9 July
08:11 9 July
Manchester United are considering a surprise move for Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell, 27. (Mail, via Metro), external
'Most important thing is we’re able to create the right culture' - Marescapublished at 12:30 8 July
12:30 8 July
Image source, Getty Images
Enzo Maresca says he is "very proud and excited" to be Chelsea's head coach and has told supporters "to trust the process".
The former Leicester City boss has completed his first week in his new role at Stamford Bridge and has given his first interview ahead of the new season.
"The feeling is fantastic," he told the club website. "I’m very excited.
"One of the reasons I’m here is because I’m convinced the squad is very good and full of talent. The most important thing now is we’re able to create the right culture that drives us for the season.
"I always say the same: if you are able to improve players then you are able to improve the team. So it’s our target to try to improve all of them day by day.
"When you join a club like Chelsea, you know that it’s a club that has to win. So for us, we are going to try our best to be there, to fight and compete with the clubs that in this moment are winning and fighting to win titles."
Maresca, who will face Manchester City's Pep Guardiola in his opening game, had this final message for the fans.
"Just trust the process, trust the idea, be behind the team. For sure we are going to enjoy the journey," he added.
"Like at every club, for every manager, it will not be easy because nothing is easy. But for sure we are going to enjoy our journey."
Blues return to pre-season trainingpublished at 11:05 8 July
11:05 8 July
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea are set to return for pre-season on Monday and expected to have their first session under new manager Enzo Maresca.
There are still a lot of players out on international duty or on holidays from their involvement at Euro 2024 or Copa America.
The early part of pre-season will give youth players and returning loan players the chance to be seen by the new manager, who is yet to speak to the media following his appointment at Chelsea.
However, an in-house club media interview has dropped on Monday, as the Blues gear up for a tour of the United States.
Chelsea have agreed a £12m move in principle for FC Basel's Renato Veiga.
The 20-year-old would be brought in to bolster the left-side of the Blues' defence as a versatile option that is capable of playing at left-back and centre-back. He also has a history of operating as a defensive midfielder.
The move comes less than a year after he joined the Swiss giants, where he made 26 appearances in all competitions after moving from his boyhood club Sporting in Portugal.
Veiga is a current Portugal under-21 international and has previously spent time on loan in Germany with Augsburg.
Chelsea are now expected to make Veiga their fifth signing of the summer after securing deals for Tosin Adarabioyo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Omari Kellyman and Marc Guiu.
Gossip: Chelsea fall behind in Williams racepublished at 07:11 5 July
07:11 5 July
Barcelona are frontrunners to sign Athletic Bilbao and Spain winger Nico Williams, with Arsenal and Chelsea at risk of missing out on the 21-year-old. (Football Insider), external
However, Blues defender Marc Cucurella, 25, says he is trying to convince Spain team-mate Williams to move to Stamford Bridge, with the pair in their country's squad at Euro 2024. (Sport - in Spanish), external
Meanwhile, Napoli have told Chelsea they are willing to lower their £110.8m asking price for 25-year-old Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen. (Metro), external
Arsenal to poach Blues' masseur Ribeiropublished at 17:25 4 July
17:25 4 July
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal are set to poach masseur Manoel Marcelo Ribeiro from rivals Chelsea.
Ribeiro, who is known as Manny, is a visible presence around the first-team squad at matches and on the training ground.
He joined Chelsea in 2009 having previously had spells at Fulham and West Ham.
The move comes just 24 hours after the shock news long-serving Chelsea academy directors Neil Bath and Jim Fraser were departing the club.
What does Dewsbury-Hall's arrival mean for Gallagher?published at 12:56 4 July
12:56 4 July
Nat Hayward BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
The Premier League profit and sustainability gods giveth and the Premier League profit and sustainability gods taketh away.
The £30m Chelsea have paid Leicester - who had to sell to meet these rules - for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall seems reasonable for a Championship player of the year nominee who shone in a title-winning side. Especially as he did so under new Blues boss Enzo Maresca.
But this is modern football. As shown by the Your Views post below on this page, the question for fans has become what this means for hometown hero Conor Gallagher who operates in a similar position and role.
After all, Chelsea's midfield options are bountiful: Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Lesley Ugochuckwu, Carney Chukwuemeka, Romeo Lavia, Cesare Casadei, Andrey Santos, Gallagher and now Dewsbury-Hall.
Caicedo and Fernandez are both £100m-plus investments, Ugochukwu, Chukwuemeka and Lavia are looking to bounce back from injury-hit first seasons at the club, and Casadei and Santos are returning from loans and both likely to leave temporarily again.
The only one of those likely to leave for a significant fee this summer is Gallagher, who as an academy product would go down as 'pure profit' on the balance sheet. With speculation rife, the 24-year-old has had to say he is focusing on England duty.
Gallagher enjoyed his best campaign so far for Chelsea in a chaotic season under Mauricio Pochettino, missing just one Premier League match, endearing himself to supporters during a challenging period, and earning his England call-up.
But who is more effective?
From an attacking perspective, last season Dewsbury-Hall averaged more goals, assists, shot-creating actions, progressive passes and carries, successful take-ons, and touches in the opposition penalty area. Albeit, that was in the Championship.
However, when he played in the Premier League in 2022-23, Dewsbury-Hall still averaged more progressive passes, progressive carries and successful take-ons than Gallagher, despite playing in a relegated side.
He was also only narrowly behind his new team-mate for touches in the opposition penalty area and shot-creating actions - impressive when you consider he played in a team that had to do far more defending than Chelsea.
In defensive metrics, Gallagher outscored Dewsbury-Hall over both seasons, including for tackles won, interceptions and blocks, showcasing his more combative side.
It would be too reductive to say Gallagher makes the defence stronger and Dewsbury-Hall the attack, but the numbers do edge down that path.
What they also suggest is that if the new man does oust the academy graduate, it will be an unpopular decision, but not an inexplicable one.
*Stats provided by Opta
'I probably will not have a choice' - Palmer on penalties for Englandpublished at 12:46 4 July
12:46 4 July
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea forward Cole Palmer says he would put himself forward to take a penalty for England if Saturday's Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland goes to a shoot-out.
That is no surprise given the 22-year-old scored all 10 of his penalties for Blues last season.
His first international goal was also a spot-kick in June's friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"I think I would be nominated if I was on the pitch," the 22-year-old told BBC Radio 5 Live. "But I probably will not have the choice.
"I have already taken two penalties in shootouts. I missed one but that was in a Youth Cup and I was a baby. The other I scored against Newcastle last season."
Palmer says "there are so many differences" between taking a penalty in a match and one in a shoot-out, with pressure being the main difference.
"When the final whistle goes to take it to a shootout, you know you are taking that penalty and you have to stand there and wait for the coin toss and for everyone else to take theirs. The pressure builds up.
"If you miss one in a game, then you still have time to make up for it by scoring, but if you miss in a shootout then that is it and there is no chance to redeem yourself.
"I try not to be affected by the increase in pressure, but it is natural and everyone will feel it more than taking a normal one."
'Shockwaves through Cobham'published at 08:25 4 July
08:25 4 July
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
The breaking news of academy directors Neil Bath and Jim Fraser’s imminent departures has sent shockwaves throughout Cobham.
They are part of the furniture at Chelsea and are broadly credited with launching the careers of countless players either at Stamford Bridge or beyond.
Their work is also respected externally within football from players, agents and at rival clubs.
Chelsea understands their legacy, the concern felt by supporters about the exits and the club plan to show their gratitude.
But some may stay frustrated that the sheer pace of change in west London is counterproductive, even if well-intentioned.
Academy directors Bath and Fraser to leave Chelseapublished at 08:21 4 July
08:21 4 July
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea’s academy directors Neil Bath (above) and Jim Fraser, who are widely credited with building the club’s successful youth programme, are set to leave the club.
Bath, 58, has been academy manager since 2004 and Fraser joined shortly after to help build the modern Cobham training facility, which is regarded in the football industry as among the best in the Europe.
Their leadership helped Chelsea produce a host of academy graduates, including captain Reece James, Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah and recently departed stars like Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Their legacy will be celebrated by Chelsea after an official announcement is made in the coming days.
Chelsea had already begun making changes to the academy with the pair in post but will continue further modernising their approach in a bid to stay ahead of rivals.
A new management structure is expected to be put in place while tendering has begun to revamp the academy buildings, amid further investment since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital bought the club from Roman Abramovich in 2022.
Gossip: Blues keen on Bologna's Calafioripublished at 07:33 4 July
07:33 4 July
Arsenal have had a 47m euro (£39.8m) offer for defender Riccardo Calafiori rejected by Bologna, who want at least 50m euros (£42.3m) for the Italy international. Chelsea are also interested in the 22-year-old. (Corriere dello Sport - in Italian), external
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, 25, is expected to be involved pre-season next week amid interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal for the Nigeria international. (Football Italia), external
Adarabioyo arrives for pre-season earlypublished at 11:47 3 July
11:47 3 July
Nizaar Kinsella BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Defender Tosin Adarabioyo was among the players to arrive back a week early for pre-season training at Chelsea.
The formal start date is 8 July but the free transfer signing from Fulham was with the likes of Ben Chilwell and Trevoh Chalobah at the club's Cobham training base.
New boss Enzo Maresca also started work on Monday but the sessions are believed to be informal fitness work as he settles into the new job.
