Chelsea

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter in Philadelphia

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea captain Reece James has repeated Jude Bellingham's calls in urging Fifa and the United States to improve the quality of pitches.

The defender said the pitches are "not so good" and highlighted difficult weather conditions, echoing comments made by Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham, who said the surfaces are "not good at all" last month.

James has been at the Club World Cup in the US and is in line to return there with England for next summer's World Cup.

"It's difficult pitches, a difficult climate," James said before Chelsea take on Palmeiras in the quarter-final (kick-off 02:00 BST on Saturday).

"The ball goes 100 feet in the air and it bounces one metre up. It's not what we're used to. I feel you get a lot leggier, quicker, playing on pitches that are not so good. It's not just for us, it's for everyone involved.

"For the fans and the people watching, it would be better quality if the pitches were more acclimatised for us."

He added: "It's obviously difficult, playing in the conditions, the climate, on pitches that are not as good as pitches in Europe. No-one is used to this heat. We travel so often - everywhere is two hours minimum on a plane. It's quite unusual to us. But I'm happy to be coping pretty well so far."

When asked, Fifa responded: "Fifa can confirm the playability characteristics of pitches used at the Club World Cup remain within the optimal range set by international testing standards.

"Fifa continues to monitor key performance indicators, such as surface hardness, traction and ball roll. While acknowledging that grass type and climate differ in different parts of the world, adjustments are made in real time based on weather conditions, pitch usage, and match schedules to ensure high-quality playing surfaces and prioritise player safety across all venues.

"Fifa always values direct feedback from players and coaches. In some cases, this has led to adaptive measures - such as pitch irrigation during cooling breaks - being introduced for the first time under Fifa protocol to support optimal ball movement in warmer conditions."

Multiple sources have said pitches at next summer's World Cup should be better, with more time given for them to "bed-in" at stadiums after artificial American football surfaces are converted to grass pitches.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says it's "completely" Pedro Neto's decision whether he wants to play in the Club World Cup after his international team-mate Diogo Jota died in a car crash on Thursday.

Neto, 25, lined up with Jota for his former club Wolves and country Portugal and was absent from the final training session in Miami ahead of an upcoming quarter-final against Palmeiras.

The Blues had given Neto an indefinite period of compassionate leave after news filtered through that Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, both died in a car crash in the Spanish province of Zamora.

When asked for his reaction to Jota's passing and to explain the situation around Neto, Maresca said: "It's a very sad day. I struggle to find words, you feel a little bit helpless in this kind of situation, and the only thing I can say is all my love to his family and it's a big tragedy for them."

He added: "Then, in terms of Pedro, he's very sad, probably more than sad, but we are also close to Pedro to support him in this moment.

"It's completely Pedro's decision (whether he plays). I had a chat this morning with Pedro. We support him. Any decision he will take is the correct one, and we are going to support him in any case. "We will see how he is feeling tomorrow, it doesn't matter if he will be on the pitch or not."

• Watch a short Jota documentary on iPlayer

Chelsea's club captain Reece James also paid tribute to Jota, adding: "The whole football world is devastated by the passing of Diogo and his brother. It's obviously a difficult time for everyone involved and his close friends and family. It's such a tragic accident."

BBC Sport has been told the Jota was on his way back to Liverpool for pre-season training, making the trip by car and ferry because he had undergone minor surgery so doctors advised him against flying.

A vigil and wake for Jota and his brother will take place on Friday afternoon before their funeral on Saturday in Porto, Portugal.

Marc Cucurella, a Chelsea defender who is known to have a close relationship with Neto, added: "He and the manager must decide but it's important that Pedro feels good, football is secondary but whatever they decide will be right.

"Right now Pedro can help us as he is a player in form. I told him if he plays then it is his destiny to score."

Maresca added midfielder Romeo Lavia is a doubt due to "muscular problems" and Player of the Season Moises Caicedo is suspended, but new £55m forward Joao Pedro, signed from Brighton on Wednesday, could play some part.

"Joao's situation is a bit strange or different because you know he was on holiday," Maresca added. "But we are very happy with Joao and we will see if we need him tomorrow or we're going to give him some minutes."

Maresca couldn't confirm the signing of winger Jamie Gittens from Dortmund despite an official announcement from the German club.

But he addressed the likely scenario of facing new signing Estevao Willian, who will join in a £29.1m move from Palmeiras after the Club World Cup, adding: "We prepare the game against Palmeiras, not against Estevao. He is a Palmeiras player that is going to play against Chelsea tomorrow.

"We don't care if in the future he will be with us. The only thing we are focused on is to do our best to try to beat Palmeiras and not to beat Estevao."

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea are set to finalise the signing of Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens after the German club confirmed a deal had been agreed.

The 20-year-old England Under-21 player will cost £48.5m plus £3.5m in add-ons.

The clubs, who are both in the United States for the Club World Cup, met in Fort Lauderdale to agree the transfer.

Dortmund say contract details are still to be finalised, but BBC Sport has already reported Gittens agreed a seven-year deal with Chelsea in June.

"The talks with Chelsea were challenging, but ultimately we are pleased that we can most likely realise our financial ambitions and then have planning security," said Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl.

"Jamie is an outstanding player who has given us a great deal of pleasure. He now wants to take the next step in his career at Chelsea, and we wish him all the best and much success."

Gittens, who joined Dortmund from Manchester City in 2020, has scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists in 107 games for the club.

He would not be able to play for the Blues until after the Club World Cup.

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are among the sides chasing AZ Alkmaar's 19-year-old Dutch midfielder Kees Smit. (TBR Football)

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Glenavon's 16-year-old forward Chris Atherton has left Mourneview Park to join Chelsea.

The Northern Ireland Under-17 international made headlines in September 2022 when he became the youngest senior footballer in the United Kingdom at 13 years and 329 days old.

The teenager, who joined the Glenavon academy at four years old, broke the senior record when he came on as a second-half substitute for the Lurgan Blues during a 6-0 win over Dollingstown in the BetMcLean Cup.

Atherton beat the record set by Jordan Allan, who played for Airdrie aged 14 years and 191 days.

He was a first-team regular for Glenavon throughout the 2024-25 season, scoring his first Irish Premiership goal against Loughgall in March, as Paddy McLaughlin's side finished 10th in the table.

Glenavon announced his exit on X, with a post stating: "Chris Atherton - blue still the colour.

"We can confirm that academy product Chris Atherton has left the club to sign for Chelsea We wish him the best in his career & hope he and his family won't be strangers at MVP."

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu is attracting loan interest early in the transfer window.

The 21-year-old midfielder has received loan enquiries from clubs like Valencia and Hamburg but a Premier League loan remains the most likely option with further clubs monitoring his situation closely.

A season at relegated Southampton - where he made 31 appearances and started nine of the last 10 league games - highlighted Ugochukwu's physical traits make him suitable for the Premier League after his £23.2m move to Chelsea from Rennes in 2023.

However, Chelsea currently have a preference to sell the France Under-21s international, especially if they can attract a substantial bidder.

Chelsea are also cautious about overseas loans as Fifa limit all clubs to just six such loans outside of their domestic divisions through new rules established in 2024.

Therefore, a sale is preferred, a domestic loan is the second preference and an overseas loan will only likely be sanctioned later in the window - if the first two are not achieved.

The likes of Dortmund loanee Carney Chukwuemeka and those not at the Club World Cup - including Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Joao Felix, Renato Veiga, Armando Broja and Djordje Petrovic - are in a similar situation.

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Tongue in cheek perhaps, and featuring exiled attackers Raheem Sterling, Joao Felix and Armando Broja who are available for sale, but still an illustration of the attacking depth at Chelsea.

On Wednesday, Joao Pedro became the 18th forward to sign for the Blues in just over three years under their current owners.

It also is not stopping here.

Chelsea have had a £55m bid for English winger Jamie Gittens, 20, accepted by Borussia Dortmund while Estevao Willian will join after the Club World Cup.

First, he will play against Chelsea for Palmeiras on Sunday - a game where Pedro could make his debut.

Read more on why Chelsea have signed so many attackers here

Sunderland have turned their attention to signing Chelsea's Serbia goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, 25, but face competition from Aston Villa and Bournemouth. (Times), external

Lyon have set a price of at least £51.5m for 20-year-old Malick Fofana with Premier League clubs Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Fulham and Nottingham Forest joining continental sides Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Napoli in the race for the Belgium winger. (Independent), external

Finally, the Blues have held talks with Borussia Dortmund over a potential deal for 21-year-old Soumaila Coulibaly. If he does not leave permanently, the French centre-back is likely to be sent on loan to Strasbourg next season. (Sky Sports), external

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Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea's move to the glamorous surroundings of Miami has been welcomed by squad members and staff.

The Blues switched from Philadelphia to a known but unnamed beach resort in Miami for privacy reasons in preparation for the knockout stages.

Several sources told BBC Sport that, although their previous base in Philadelphia was perfect - a five-star hotel in the centre of the city - there was increasingly a feeling of cabin fever due to the oppressive record-breaking heatwave that discouraged players from going outside.

It remains hot in Miami but players have still gone for walks, coffees and shopping trips while remaining relatively anonymous in their street clothing in slightly cooler temperatures by the coast. They have also held a barbecue night.

"Being in Miami is obviously amazing with the beach right there," said defender Levi Colwill. "It is nice just to walk, clear your head a bit. I'd say it is quite chilled. We've got a little card group going on.

"You've got the pool, you've got the beach, you've got a lot of things to keep you busy while you're not playing football."

There is also a games room, which was already present in Philadelphia, but is proving popular, featuring retro and modern console computer games, card games like Uno, table tennis and basketball facilities.

Youngster Josh Acheampong spoke about a table tennis competition for the players, saying: "We did a tournament and Trev [Chalobah] was quite good. Enzo Fernandez and Tyrique [George] are actually also quite good. I'm not the best, but I find it quite fun. It was like a two v two tournament."

Summer signing Dario Essugo added: "We play PlayStation, make some things, play Uno, to make the time pass quicker. The team-mates are very good guys and I am happy to be here."

Families and friends have also been encouraged to travel and hosted by the club for the latter rounds after few came for the group stage.

However, following two days of rest after a win over Benfica, training remains difficult. Chelsea are having morning sessions at Barry University to avoid the worst of the heat, but are still restricted to shorter sessions as they were in Philadelphia.

The other downside of a Miami base is travel. Chelsea went north to Charlotte in North Carolina to play Benfica and will return to Philadelphia, where Friday's quarter-final opponents Palmeiras are based, on Thursday night before the game the following day.

If Chelsea win their 62nd match of the season, they are expected to set up a new training base near New York. The semi-final and potential final would both be played at the MetLife Stadium just across the Hudson River in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter in Charlotte

Image source, Getty Images

Defender Levi Colwill says Chelsea should be a club for "winners only" and says he has been dissatisfied with his own performances.

The 22-year-old is already regarded as one of the leaders at Stamford Bridge by manager Enzo Maresca and his peers in the dressing room.

Colwill has started all but one of Chelsea's Club World Cup matches, and was clear when asked whether they could win the tournament before their quarter-final against Palmeiras on Friday in Philadelphia.

"Yeah, why not?" before adding: "We all know how big this club is and how the culture of the club has always been to win. We're just trying to reinforce that to the young boys, to the boys coming in, that this club is for winners only.

"That's what we all need to do and strive towards."

Despite being a regular starter for Chelsea, Colwill said he struggled in the 2024-25 season. Asked what he needs to improve, he replied: "There's a lot I would say. We could be here for ages, to be honest.

"I know I am nowhere near where I would like to be in the future. There are so many areas of my game that aren't good enough.

"I think I've seen that this season. Of course, defending one v one has been tough this season and just being on the ball. I'm good at times when I'm trying to make passes and there are other times where I've been a bit lazy and you can tell.

"If you want to be the best and strive for the best things possible, you've got to be hard on yourself."

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Colwill also revealed he has struggled when on England duty but has followed the advice of a staff member to read the book Atomic Habits by James Clear to help him cope with different environments.

Having been in all but one of England's squads over the past 12 months, Colwill hopes to add to his single appearance under Thomas Tuchel, a defeat against Senegal last month, to ensure he is well placed to make the World Cup next summer.

"Of course it is going to be a huge season for me," he said. "Chelsea are back in the Champions League, we've got the Premier League where we want to push on and do better than we did this season.

"Looking at the end of the season with the World Cup, it will be a big aim to be there."

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Loanee Carney Chukwuemeka missed Dortmund's 2-1 win over Monterrey on Tuesday night through illness but has Chelsea's permission to extend his loan until the end of the Club World Cup.

The Blues will allow the midfielder to remain with the German giants, who next face Real Madrid in New Jersey's MetLife Stadium on Saturday.

However, Chukwuemeka, who moved for £20m from Aston Villa in 2022, remains surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea prefer to sell, rather than loan out the 21-year-old in the longer term.

Dortmund would happily keep Chukwuemeka beyond the Club World Cup but are reluctant to pay Chelsea's £40m asking price.

They will wait to see if Chelsea's demand changes or whether it might be possible to re-sign Chukwuemeka on loan later in the summer.

It likely means Chukwuemeka will return to Chelsea for at least a few weeks following this Club World Cup campaign.

Image source, Getty Images

"When you are a Chelsea player you must think one thing - win."

That is Joao Pedro's message to Blues fans after sealing a £60m move from Brighton.

The Fluminense youth product scored 30 goals in 70 games for the Seagulls after joining from Watford in 2023 for just under £30m.

He is available to play for Enzo Maresca's side in the Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras in Philadelphia (02:00 BST Saturday kick-off).

"Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history," the 23-year-old said.

"They had brilliant players in the past and have brilliant players now. So I am excited to join and you know when you are a Chelsea player you must think one thing - win."

Pedro scored 19 goals in the 2023-24 season - finishing as the Brighton's joint-top scorer - and found the net on 10 occasions across the 2024-25 campaign.

Seagulls head coach Fabian Hurzeler said: "This is a good move for all parties. It's an excellent deal for the club, and a good return on a significant investment in an area of the pitch where we have a lot of competition and are already well served in terms of our attacking talent.

"It's also an exciting move for Joao. It gives him the opportunity to play Champions League football this coming season, and he will of course be keen to cement his position in the Brazil team before the World Cup next summer."

Rangers are in talks with Chelsea over a potential loan deal for 19-year-old defender Ishe Samuels-Smith, but face competition from Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Stoke City. (football.london), external

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We asked for your views on Kepa - who was signed for a record £71m fee for a goalkeeper - departing to Arsenal for £5m.

Here are some of your comments:

Stu: Saying he was a victim of his price tag is an over simplification. We had Cech and Courtois at the club at the same time. Once Cech moved on Courtois stepped up - arguably two of the greatest goalkeepers the world has seen. Then we bought Kepa. Their shoes were just too big to fill and it's been a problem ever since. He was simply the first of many goalkeeping failures Chelsea can't seem to remedy.

Trevor: Why sell Kepa for £5m when he is as good, if not better, than any of Chelsea's current keepers? And, especially to a London rival!

Chris: Contrary to a lot of my fellow Chelsea supporters, I always rated Kepa and I still rate him higher than Sanchez and Jorgensen. Unless they bring in someone like Maignan I think Chelsea should've let him challenge as second choice and sold the aforementioned. Good Luck Kepa but not too much eh? Following the same path as Big Pete.

Mike: Glad he's gone. He lost all credibility for me when he refused to be substituted when he first joined the club. The club must always come first.

Dave: Silly sale will probably haunt us and we're giving him away. Showed last season he is back at his best.

Lloyd: That door closed a while back. Not his fault he was the subject of a panic buy and the associated price tag. His refusal to come off was the breaking point for me, I would've moved him on straight away but I guess his silly salary boxed us in! Good keeper all said and done.

Chris: How can we sell Kepa for £5m to Arsenal? I still don't believe that Sanchez is better than he is and I would rather we sold Sanchez and kept Kepa. Thanks for your service Kepa and I apologise for how you've been treated by the club in the past couple of years. I wish you luck.

Henry: I always thought Kepa to be a very fine goalkeeper. Yes he has made a number of errors in the past, however what players have not? I'm sorry to see him go. Arsenal will be well pleased. A bargain buy at £5m for a goalkeeper with his ability and with a history of winning trophies. I wish him well.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter in Charlotte

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong has effectively ruled out a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer.

The 19-year-old has been in and around Chelsea's Club World Cup campaign in the United States but has also been linked with moves to Tottenham, Newcastle and Dortmund.

Manager Enzo Maresca has said while other clubs like the player, Chelsea "also like Josh" and "my plan with Josh is quite clear".

When asked for his view, the homegrown star said: "I don't really look at it or think of my future. I just focus on my football.

"Enzo said he thinks I'm a good player. I love the club, so I always want to stay at Chelsea and just show what I can do."

Acheampong is is the latest academy graduate to make it through the ranks at Chelsea having been with the club since Under-8s level.

He renewed his contract at Chelsea in December 2024 and is under contract until 2029.

He has only played 14 times for Chelsea but believes he can compete among the great players in the squad and, when asked whether he gets star-struck being among World Cup winners like Enzo Fernandez or England international Cole Palmer, he said: "No, I'm not star-struck. I don't really look at them as big names. I just look at them as my team-mates. So they're all really nice.

"I'd say all the Cobham boys have been really supportive because they've done their journey recently and Tosin as one of the older ones. So everyone has been supportive."

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Kepa Arrizabalaga at Chelsea was simply the victim of his £71m price tag.

He was deemed the best possible option when Thibaut Courtois forced his exit from the Blues in 2018.

Chelsea had gone for Alisson but he chose Liverpool with Kepa deemed the next best option, however, Athletic Bilbao forced the Blues to pay his full release clause.

After his wobble early in his Blues career, the Spain international quickly proved not to be worth either the fee or his previous £190,000-a-week wages.

Yet, he was still highly respected behind the scenes and was deemed a top professional, good squad member and a positive character, despite his strange episode in refusing to be substituted in the Carabao Cup final in 2019.

Aside from that uncharacteristic episode, the 30-year-old has been an absolutely top professional at Chelsea and has proven capable of being a number one or number two between the sticks at Premier League level without causing disruptions.

He has always been a good option but not one to command a world record transfer fee for a goalkeeper, which he still holds to this day.

Kepa could be a great asset to Arsenal and should push current starter David Raya hard.

Image source, Getty Images

Kepa Arrizabalaga says he is leaving Chelsea with "a heart full of gratitude" after seven years with the club.

The 30-year-old, who remains the world's most expensive goalkeeper after his £71m transfer to Stamford Bridge in 2018, is moving to London rivals Arsenal for £5m.

Kepa fell out of favour at Chelsea over the past two seasons, heading out on loan to Real Madrid and Bournemouth.

The goalkeeper had a mixed time with the Blues, playing 163 times and winning four trophies, including the Champions League and Europa League.

However, he also came in for criticism from fans for costly errors, and had some particularly notable moments in cup finals - having refused to be substituted in 2019 League Cup defeat by Manchester City and missing his penalty in the 2022 edition against Liverpool.

Posting on his social media,, external Kepa said: "Thank you, Chelsea. "After seven unforgettable years, the time has come to close a very special chapter in my life.

"Chelsea was my home, my family, and the place where I grew both as a footballer and as a person.

"I arrived full of dreams and I leave with unforgettable memories: titles like the Champions League, Europa League, Uefa Super Cup, Club World Cup... but above all, moments shared with incredible people on and off the pitch.

"Thank you to the coaches, the staff, my team-mates, and most of all, to you, the fans. Wearing this badge has been an honour and a source of pride.

"Now a new chapter begins, and I face it with the same passion and commitment as always. I leave with a heart full of gratitude."

How do you feel about the £71m goalkeeper being sold for £5m to the Gunners? Could he have still had a future at Stamford Bridge? Or was his race run with the Blues?

Let us know here