'It was tough' - James on injury strugglespublished at 19:13 6 June
19:13 6 June
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Chelsea captain Reece James says it "takes a lot out of you" to keep getting setbacks when trying to return from injuries.
The 25-year-old has had a difficult three years with different injury and fitness issues that have left him struggling for consistent game time.
His 19 Premier League appearances this past season is the most he has made since the 2021-22 campaign.
He was able to finish the 2024-25 season strongly with the Blues, helping them secure Champions League football and win the Conference League.
The right-back's form has seen him return to the England fold and have the chance to feature in their World Cup qualifier against Andorra on Saturday.
"For sure I'm moving in the right direction. I finished the season strongly and I am in a good place," James told a pre-match news conference.
"I had a difficult two or three seasons. Always injured, coming back and breaking down again - it was tough.
"It takes a lot out of you when have had so many setbacks but I feel like I have come on leaps and bounds this season.
"Playing consistently, playing for England again, feeling strong - so for sure I am moving in the right direction."
'Kudus is the type of winger Maresca likes'published at 17:58 6 June
17:58 6 June
Image source, Getty Images
Former West Ham first-team coach Edu Rubio has been speaking to BBC Sport about Mohammed Kudus and how he could potentially fit in at Chelsea, should the Ghana winger end up moving to Stamford Bridge.
"Mohammed Kudus can add more attacking threat to Chelsea now that Jadon Sancho is confirmed to go back to Manchester United after the end of his loan spell," said Rubio.
"Kudus is a very versatile attacker like Chelsea duo Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke, as he can play down both flanks and come inside into the middle.
"He fits Blues manager Enzo Maresca's 4-2-3-1 system as well as he is the type of winger he likes.
"But he can also add an aggressive high-press style. His approach to close down the man on the ball is exceptional. He is rapid, intense and effective with it.
"Kudus can also add goals into the Chelsea squad. His work rate off the ball is very good too.
"He may need to improve his decision-making when on the ball. At times, a pass-and-go can be more effective than trying to beat your man one-on-one.
"Overall, he can add goals to this Chelsea side, has great work rate off the ball, and can contribute to the winning mentality that the Blues have got back into after their Conference League success."
Gunners keen on Chelsea's Kepapublished at 17:19 6 June
17:19 6 June
Alex Howell BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Arsenal are interested in signing goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga as they look to bolster their options in the position.
Neto, who was on loan this season at the Emirates from Bournemouth, has returned to the Cherries, and the Gunners are now without an experienced back-up for David Raya.
Chelsea's Kepa spent 2024-25 on loan with Bournemouth and seems to be surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have a number of goalkeepers on their books, including Robert Sanchez, Djordje Petrovic and Filip Jorgensen - while they have also signed 19-year-old Mike Penders from Genk.
Raya is the undisputed number one at Arsenal and Kepa would have a tough task to take his compatriot's position.
Kepa made 35 appearances in all competitions last season and kept nine clean sheets.
Sign Maignan or give Petrovic chance as number one?published at 16:00 6 June
16:00 6 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on reports linking Chelsea with Mohammed Kudus and Mike Maignan.
Here are some of your comments:
Mike: These would be two wonderful signings in exactly the areas of the pitch needed. Good sides upgrade their teams as they progress and these would be statement signings. Jackson, Kudus, Neto, Delap all stretch sides - even those with a low block - and Palmer will find even more space.
Matthew: While Sanchez had a decent end to the season, a goalkeeper of Maignan's quality should be snapped up! Would be an instant upgrade, and would set us up in that department for years to come! Not really sure Kudus is required, apart from as a back-up to Palmer. But if we sign Maignan, and get Kudus on the cheap with Sanchez going the other way - that would be a great outcome!
Liam: Maignan is a clear upgrade on Sanchez. However, with Petrovic in our roster, having enjoyed a good season at Strasbourg, is Maignan the best use of our money? I would be happy to see Maignan join, but wouldn't be devastated if Maresca gave Petrovic a chance. Kudus is promising but not sure he is worth the £85m release clause. Also, are there better targets for the left wing?
Tony: Kudus? Do we need another attacking midfielder? Let's not forget Andrey Santos and Estevao join this summer. Maignan, why? Petrovic was the best keeper in Ligue 1 last year, has been playing out from the back and didn't make one error leading to a goal.
Peter: I've admired Kudus for a while, he looks a good technical player, so a part-exchange including Sanchez would a good result for Chelsea.
Are Chelsea changing transfer approach?published at 14:32 6 June
14:32 6 June
Nicola Pearson BBC Sport journalist
Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital's takeover of Chelsea in 2022, the club's transfer windows have often felt more focused on gathering some of the best young talent around and less on targeting specific positions for improvement.
When the new ownership first arrived, there was little structure in place at director level. The club have since appointed Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley as co-sporting directors and about 15-20 new personnel in the scouting and analytics departments.
Even with this, many have questioned the £1.5bn 'stockpiling' approach after the Blues ended up with 42 first-team players listed on their website at the beginning of the season and a so-called 'bomb squad' of players that Enzo Maresca deemed not part of his plans.
However, it feels like things could be changing at Chelsea this summer.
Despite securing Champions League football and winning the Conference League, it was still apparent there were areas that needed strengthening.
For all the attacking talent the Blues had brought in, they still lacked an out-and-out number nine.
Another area supporters were calling to strengthen was in goal and Chelsea are understood to be in talks with AC Milan over signing France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
At 29, he would break the mould of only buying young talent and could bring a more experienced head into the Blues' backline.
When comparing his stats to Chelsea's current first-choice goalkeeper Robert Sanchez since 2021-22 when Maignan joined Milan, he comes out on top in a number of areas.
Having played 12 more games than Sanchez, he understandably has racked up more clean sheets (47 to 30) and saves (310 to 297), however, he does have a higher save percentage (72% to 69%) and has conceded fewer goals (113 to 128).
And, key to what the Blues are looking for, Maignan has fewer errors leading to shots (nine to 20) and errors leading to goals (four to eight).
The Blues used several players in wide attacking areas last season, although Jadon Sancho is set to depart at the end of his loan spell and there is uncertainty about Mykhailo Mudryk's availability.
How does Kudus compare with Chelsea's most prominent wingers, Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke?
Image caption,
Statistics per 90 minutes
At first glance, Kudus does not appear to offer a significantly greater creative threat than Neto. The Portugal international has been more clinical in front of goal, boasting a superior shooting accuracy of 51.52% and missing fewer big chances.
Neto also proves more effective at drawing fouls in dangerous areas, winning 0.52 fouls per 90 minutes in the final third - nearly double Kudus' tally of 0.28.
Where Ghana international Kudus sets himself apart is in his ability to beat players one-on-one. The former Ajax man averages more than twice as many completed dribbles per 90 minutes as Neto, establishing himself as one of the Premier League's most prolific ball-carriers.
Kudus tends to be slightly more wasteful in possession, losing the ball 14.29 times per 90 minutes - higher than Neto's 12.78. While his fearless dribbling can unpick defences, it can also lead to turnovers in key areas.
Image caption,
Statistics per 90 minutes
Based on last season's statistics, Madueke offers greater balance across key attacking metrics, however, Kudus distinguishes himself again with his exceptional dribbling ability. In one-on-one situations, few can rival the West Ham winger's explosiveness and technique.
While Kudus is the more clinical finisher in terms of shot efficiency, it is Madueke who finds the back of the net more often.
Much like Neto, Madueke also proves more adept at drawing fouls in advanced areas. The Chelsea winger wins 0.35 fouls per 90 minutes in the final third, compared to Kudus' 0.28.
Kudus brings a unique edge that sets him apart. His fearless dribbling, ability to destabilise defences in isolation and knack for creating something out of nothing make him a rare asset. But, both Neto and Madueke boast attributes that outshine Kudus in certain areas.
For Chelsea, the question is not whether Kudus is better than what they already have - it is whether his explosive, game-changing style adds a new layer to their attacking blueprint.
In a squad rich with talent but still searching for consistency in the final third, Kudus could become an unpredictable spark that tilts tight games in their favour.
Statistics provided by Opta.
'An incredible place for me to develop'published at 11:42 6 June
11:42 6 June
Image source, Getty Images
New Chelsea forward Liam Delap is hoping to help the club contend for more major trophies and continue his development over the past couple of years.
Delap, signed from Ipswich Town for £30m, has joined a team that has just won the Conference League and is participating in the Club World Cup later this month.
The England Under-21 international told club media:, external "I've grown up as a little boy watching this club and the stature of it and how incredible it has been over the years, and to be able to play here is going to be incredible.
"The growth of the club over the past few years, the players, the manager, the trajectory they are on - it's going to be an incredible place for me to develop and continue playing good football and hopefully achieve amazing things with this club.
"When I spoke to everyone at the club, they want to continue winning trophies. Obviously, the back end of last season, they won one, and I think we need to take the club back where it belongs.
"I'm super hungry, I love to battle, I'll work hard or I'll fight defenders, I obviously love to score and put the ball in the back of the net. The passion and the desire, the speed and strength is something hopefully everyone can come and see."
Kudus and Maignan links - what do you think?published at 09:47 6 June
09:47 6 June
Image source, Getty Images
Sources have told BBC Sport that Chelsea are among the clubs to have engaged in early discussions with West Ham over forward Mohammed Kudus, who has a release clause of £85m.
The prospect of at least one Blues player heading across London as part of the deal has been discussed, with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez among those to have been mentioned during early talks.
Chelsea are also in talks with AC Milan over signing France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
The Italian club value Maignan at about £25m, but the Blues do not want to meet that price and are in talks about a lower fee.
So, what do you make of these two potential incomings? Would you be happy with the signings or are there other names you would prefer? And what about the prospect of Sanchez or another player moving in the opposite direction?
Injured Wharton misses out - but Delap, Bellingham and McAtee in U21 squadpublished at 09:46 6 June
09:46 6 June
Alex Howell BBC Sport football news reporter
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Lee Carsley has named his squad for the U21 European Championship in Slovakia as the Young Lions look to retain their title.
It has been a challenging squad for Carsley to select and he will be without Liam Delap, who was set to be his main striker before his £30m move to Chelsea. The Blues are now taking him to the Club World Cup.
Carlsey also lost Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton to injury but there is a lot of quality in the midfield area with Tottenham's Archie Gray, Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest and Sunderland's Jobe Bellingham all named.
Bellingham's participation had been questioned as he is the subject of interest from Borussia Dortmund, who - like Chelsea - will also participate in the Club World Cup.
Manchester City's James McAtee was a late addition to the squad following the pullouts of Wharton, Dennis Cirkin and Dane Scarlett all with medical issues.
McAtee could have been part of the Manchester City squad at the Club World Cup too, but he is set to play an important role on Carsley's squad for the tournament.
There is no recognised left-back in the squad but Tino Livramento and Samuel Iling-Junior have both played there for Newcastle and Middlesbrough respectvely this season.
Carlsey did not play with a natural left-back for the majority of the tournament in 2023 and that did not stop them lifting the trophy.
Gossip: Chelsea target Dortmund winger Gittenspublished at 07:19 6 June
07:19 6 June
Borussia Dortmund's England Under-21 winger Jamie Gittens is a top summer target for Chelsea. (Sky Sports, external)
Can Delap break number nine 'curse' at Chelsea?published at 15:41 5 June
15:41 5 June
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While some might scoff at the idea of a football curse, for others, it is hard to shake the feeling that there is a reason why their club always misses out on a certain piece of silverware or no player can fill the boots of a past legend.
For Chelsea fans, the news that new signing Liam Delap has taken on the number nine shirt will bring back feelings they have managed to bury for the past two seasons.
That is because that particular shirt has become synonymous in recent times with forwards that have ultimately underwhelmed and led to some to call the squad number 'cursed'.
It has not been in use since 2023 and when you take a look at the past 10 players who wore that particular shirt number, it it is understandable why some feel this way about it:
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (2022-23): Three goals in 21 games
Romelu Lukaku (2021-22): 15 goals in 58 games
Tammy Abraham (2019-20 - 2021-22): 30 goals in 82 games
Gonzalo Higuain (2018-19): Five goals in 19 games
Alvaro Morata (2017-18): 24 goals in 72 games
Radamel Falcao (2015-16): One goal in 12 games
Fernando Torres (2010-11 - 2014-15): 45 goals in 172 games
Franco Di Santo (2008-09 - 2009-10): Zero goals in 16 games
Steve Sidwell (2007-08): One goal in 25 games
Khalid Boulahrouz (2006-07): Zero goals in 20 games
Of course among that list is a natural midfielder and defender and it could be argued that Tammy Abraham did break the curse among those 10.
And there are also some incredibly successful names associated with the number from the legendary Peter Osgood through to Gianluca Vialli and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
But, it is still little wonder that Blues supporters now view it with trepidation for whoever is wearing it and it takes a brave striker these days to take the Chelsea number nine shirt on.
So, how do you feel about Liam Delap taking this squad number? Can he break the number nine 'curse'?
How does Delap compare to Jackson? published at 15:41 5 June
15:41 5 June
Karan Vinod BBC Sport Journalist
Image caption,
Stats are per 90
Chelsea's acquisition of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town signals more than just another youth-focused signing; it marks a statement of intent. The highly-rated forward arrives at Stamford Bridge not to warm the bench, but to stake his claim as the spearhead of a new attacking era.
Meanwhile, the jury remains out on Nicolas Jackson. Despite flashes of promise, the Senegalese international has yet to fully convince the Chelsea faithful that he can lead the line for a club with ambitions of challenging for the Premier League and making a serious return to the Champions League elite.
So, how do the two strikers stack up? What does Delap offer that Jackson might lack, and vice versa? Let's take a closer look at how these two frontmen compare as Chelsea shapes their forward line for next season.
While Jackson edges Delap slightly in height, it's the England Under-21 international who holds a clear advantage in the air. Delap's aerial prowess became particularly evident during his time at Ipswich Town - a side that operated with the least possession in the Premier League.
In such a system, Delap's role was pivotal. He wasn't just a goal threat; he was a release valve. His ability to hold up the ball under pressure gave Ipswich's defence much-needed breathing room, while his strength and timing in the air made him a menace for opposition backlines. Whether contesting long balls or attacking crosses, Delap brought a physical edge that added structure and bite to Ipswich's forward play - qualities Chelsea may find invaluable.
Then there is the simple fact that Delap (12) scored more goals in the league than Jackson (10). By no means are either of these numbers outstanding, but this was the Englishman's debut season in the top-flight division as a starting forward, and he played for a side that was relegated and had the third-worst attack in the league.
Image source, Getty Images
Delap's shooting accuracy, excluding blocks, is at 60.38% whilst Jackson is at 54.69% for the same category. Delap is also better at dribbling past players. The former Manchester City youth academy player completed almost twice as many dribbles per 90 as Jackson does.
Aesthetically and statistically, Delap draws inevitable comparisons to a certain Chelsea legend. Dare it be said: there are shades of Didier Drogba in his game. Like Drogba, Delap boasts a towering presence, the physicality to lead the line on his own, and the raw power to bully defenders. He's also deceptively quick, capable of stretching defences and creating chaos in transition. While matching Drogba's legacy is a nigh-on impossible task, the early signs suggest Delap shares more than just a few traits with the iconic No.11.
There's a new striker at Stamford Bridge and his stats show he's not there to make up the numbers.
'I just took it in my stride as a positive' - Chalobah on Chelsea exit and returnpublished at 12:03 5 June
12:03 5 June
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Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah says he did not see the club's decision to not make him part of their plans at the start of the season as "a negative or a bad thing".
Chalobah joined Crystal Palace on a season-long loan deal after being left out of the club's pre-season tour of the United States and not being selected in any of Enzo Maresca's first four matchday squads this season.
However, he was recalled to Chelsea in January, performed well, and finished the season by being called up to the senior England squad for the first time.
"I see it as it's part of football, it's part of life," he told the Football Daily podcast from the Three Lions' training camp.
"Sometimes you're gonna have things out of your control and all you can do it focus on the future and focus on what I can do to get myself ready. I didn't see it as a negative or a bad thing, I just took it in my stride as a positive, got my head down and focused on what I could do wherever I went to."
Despite initially being surplus to requirements under Maresca, Chalobah did not return to Stamford Bridge with the motivation to prove anyone wrong.
"It wasn't necessarily a point to prove because I've been at Chelsea the last three years and played in the Champions League and Premier League," he added.
"It's nothing to prove, for me it was about getting games and showing my quality.
"It was important for me to show what I can do in every game and every training session. Coming back, knowing the team and the manager I slotted in easily and wanted to show the level I can get to."
Despite his form, however, there is still speculation surround the 25-year-old's future.
"I've still got three years left [on my contract] so I'm just focused on Chelsea at the moment and whatever happens happens," he added.
"I just focus on the now and leave all the noise surrounding me or my future. I'm looking forward to the Club World Cup.
"Getting my first international call-up has been amazing but staying in the team is not easy so its important next season if I'm at Chelsea or not that I get ready and keep performing."
'Excited to see Delap at The Bridge' - fan views on Chelsea's new signingpublished at 11:28 5 June
11:28 5 June
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Chelsea's new forward Liam Delap and how he fits into the squad.
Here are some of your comments:
Roy: It would make a nice change to see a player receive yellow cards as a result of their physicality rather than the high numbers our players get for dissent. Delap has been likened to Costa, so I can't wait for him to start.
Robin: I think it's a good signing at a good price but I don't think it will solve all our striker issues now as he's still developing and I think we still need to sign an elite striker to challenge for the Premier League/Champions League.
Matt: What a fantastic signing! He's a good old-fashioned English centre forward. So excited to see Delap at The Bridge.
Rod: It doesn't matter who Chelsea has up front; if they play like they have in the past, nothing will change. Chelsea must 100% stop playing their wasteful backwards and side passing. Delap must be given service if not another £30m will be wasted.
Malcolm: I can't see how Delap is an upgrade on Jackson. Stats are relatively similar. Delap doesn't have the athleticism of Jackson, but may be more clinical in front of goal?
Dan: I have mixed opinions on Delap's transfer. On one hand I think it's a smart transfer and good business. He put up decent numbers for Ipswich and being put into a side like Chelsea, who create so many chances - not to mention his prior experience playing with Palmer - should hopefully reflect in a great output. Now, on the other hand, I was hoping for a more senior striker like Victor Osimhen or Victor Gyokeres to lead our attack and for players like Delap to learn from. As it stands, I don't think a Delap and Jackson combo will have us winning the league.
Palmer and Delap new squad numbers revealedpublished at 11:02 5 June
11:02 5 June
Chelsea have confirmed the squad numbers for Cole Palmer and new signing Liam Delap for the 2025-26 season.
Palmer, who has been the creative force in the side since his arrival from Manchester City in 2023, will move from the number 20 to the number 10 shirt.
Meanwhile, striker Delap - who joined for £30m from Ipswich on Wednesday - has been given the number nine shirt.
The number was vacant having become somewhat notorious at Chelsea for it's history of wearers struggling to live up to expectations when donning the shirt, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang the last to wear it in 2022-23.
What if... the season was about what happens when you are winning?published at 10:02 5 June
10:02 5 June
Nicola Pearson BBC Sport journalist
As the dust settles on the 2024-25 Premier League season, we have been taking a look at some of the alternative ways the the table could have finished...
It is the table no-one wants to be top of.
While some fans will feel pretty comfortable when their team goes in front, for others, it is just the start of what could prove to be an emotional rollercoaster.
The fans who had to suffer the disappointment of wondering 'what might have been' most were those of Tottenham.
If the Premier League season had come down to which side lost the most points from winning positions then Spurs would have been top of the pile.
There were 22 occasions in which Ange Postecoglou's team were in front, but they went on to win only half of those, with four ending in draws and seven in defeat.
While 'Ange-ball' provides entertainment, as shown in the Europa League final, if the Spurs boss had adapted on a few more occasions, they might have found themselves celebrating a more successful league campaign than one that left them a place above the relegation zone.
For Fulham fans, it was hard to know whether they were coming or going.
While they were one of the 'comeback kings' having picked up 21 points from losing positions, they also dropped 28 points from winning ones.
Rather than consistent inconsistency, boss Marco Silva will be hoping for less of a rollercoaster next campaign if they want to achieve their European dream.
There were not a lot occasions in which relegated Southampton and Ipswich were in front, but when they were, they struggled to see them through. The 28 and 27 points lost respectively could have been the difference-makers in the fight to stay up.
At the other end of the scale, Newcastle supporters could often sit comfortably in the knowledge that when they went in front, they were unlikely to see any other result at the end.
In fact, of the 23 games in which they were in a winning position, they drew twice and lost just once - a confidence they will hope to take into the Champions League next season too.
Much was said of Chelsea's questionable defensive abilities and the maturity of such a young side. But despite this, they too were a team regularly able to see out a game they were leading - winning 20 of the 26 such occasions.
Two perhaps more surprising additions at this end of the table are relegated Leicester City and a Manchester United side who set unwanted club records for the season.
While there were not many occasions when the two sides were in a leading position - 10 for Leicester and 16 for United - between them they lost just three times and dropped only 10 and 11 points restrictively.
Some solace for supporters in otherwise underwhelming campaigns.
*Table data from Football365
'I wanted to come here to win trophies' - Have your say on Delap arrivalpublished at 08:17 5 June
08:17 5 June
Image source, Getty Images
New Chelsea signing Liam Delap says the "hunger and desire" to "keep adding trophies" and taking the club "back to where it belongs" attracted him to make the move from Ipswich.
The Blues have completed the signing of Delap on a six-year deal after meeting a £30m release clause that was activated following Ipswich's relegation from the Premier League.
"Growing up watching this club, I understand the stature of it and how incredible it has been over the years," the 22-year-old told Chelsea's media team after the move was confirmed.
"I wanted to come here to win trophies. When I spoke to the club, everyone wanted to get back to the very top, and they have the quality and the players to do that.
"The hunger and desire to keep adding trophies, to take the club back to where it belongs, that is the main objective."
"Since I was eight or nine years old, I was focused on football. I never wanted to do anything else, and I've given everything I could to make it happen.
"It's such a long and hard period and things can be tough for you, but I've always enjoyed it. I just love football - I'd be playing with my mates if I wasn't a professional.
"Fortunately, I'm alright at it – and I'm delighted that graft has worked out and I'm here now at Chelsea.
"I had a few loans and I learned a lot from then. You are a mixture of all these different experiences, so I've taken little bits from everywhere I've been and then built it together as one. I'm always learning and developing."
Chelsea fans, what do you make of the signing? How and where do you see him fitting in at Stamford Bridge?
Image source, Getty Images
