Chelsea

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Geovany Quenda has had a lengthy lead-in to his move to Chelsea, spending his time at biweekly English lessons and building physical strength to adapt to the demands of the Premier League through additional training and nutritional work.

However, after working to ensure he finished his final season at Sporting strongly, he suffered a broken fifth metatarsal (a bone on the outer edge of the foot) that kept him sidelined for four months. His side finished second and lost the cup final to minnows Torreense.

During that period, he completed much of his rehabilitation at Chelsea's Cobham training ground, where he spoke regularly with then-manager Liam Rosenior and several players, including compatriots Pedro Neto and Dario Essugo.

Quenda also quietly attended matches at Stamford Bridge during this time, while avoiding being seen.

Sources close to Quenda say he is targeting a regular first-team role at Chelsea and hopes to make his senior Portugal debut in the near future.

Although Chelsea's squad are not due to return until Thursday, Quenda reported back early, along with a small number of other players, to gain a head start on his preparations.

Chelsea are adapting their squad with Quenda partly in mind. Alejandro Garnacho is for sale and academy winger Jesse Derry is set to join Sporting to create space, but Quenda may also be used at wing-back, which could be a good fit for new manager Xabi Alonso, having used deeper wide players at Bayer Leverkusen.

Read more on Quenda's rise

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Thursday marked Xabi Alonso's first day at Chelsea's Cobham training ground as the new Blues manager.

Alonso signed in and met members of the squad not currently on World Cup duty or on holiday following an exit from the tournament.

Players reporting for duty included Robert Sanchez, Levi Colwill, Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer, who brought in his new branded range of ice cubes.

Speaking to club media on his first day, Alonso said: "It feels great.

"It's a big honour to be part of this club - it's a great club, one of the best in the world over the last few decades. It's a big privilege to be part of it.

"We have challenges, nice challenges, ahead of us - but, this is the beauty of the moment."

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The deal to bring Alonso to Stamford Bridge was completed early in the summer, ending uncertainty and speculation over Chelsea's managerial position, but Thursday marked the first day he could begin work with some of his squad.

"The timings are always important and it came at the right time for all the parts, and believing that the potential and the opportunity to come to this club was the right one," the Spaniard added.

"The potential of the team and the squad made me very excited - to find a squad to work with, to create a football idea and to bring excitement to the stadium and to connect to the fans.

"I've been there at Stamford Bridge, mostly on the other side, but I know the energy that the stadium has and we need to create that energy and bond with all the parts."

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea's newest signing Geovany Quenda hopes to follow in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo by leaving Sporting's academy for the challenge and exposure of the Premier League.

Quenda's path to the top was far from conventional. Born in Guinea-Bissau, he moved to Portugal at the age of seven and had to adapt quickly to a new environment.

That journey took him from the Damaiense's under-10s to Benfica's academy before he joined city rivals Sporting, where his development propelled him to prominence in Portuguese football.

"We saw him as an under-10 player playing against us for Benfica," former youth coach Roque told BBC Sport.

"He was incredible and different. His discipline was not always great and he was still raw, but his attitude was excellent. He was demanding of himself, confident, unpredictable, brave and had a great relationship with the ball."

After Quenda scored against Sporting in a key match for Benfica, he eventually made what Roque described as a "natural" move. Quenda then progressed into the under-23s at Sporting under Tiago Teixeira.

"Everyone talked about him. Everyone said he was one of the most talented players in the academy," Teixeira told BBC Sport.

"We wanted him to develop step by step, but he could have made his debut sooner."

Although Quenda joins a canon of great Sporting wingers, including Ronaldo, Luis Figo and Nani, his former coach believes he most closely resembles Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka.

"It's his explosiveness, his ability to play inside, protect the ball, his unpredictability and his creativity," Roque added.

"His running, crossing and final pass remind me a lot of Saka. He's one of the most impressive players I've seen. Among players born in 2007, he is one of the best in the world, alongside Lamine Yamal and Estevao."

Read more on Quenda's rise

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We asked for your views on the arrival of winger Geovany Quenda at Stamford Bridge and the expected sale of midfielder Andrey Santos to Manchester United.

Here are some of your comments:

Stuart: Another young unproven winger. I appreciate this transfer was agreed a while ago, but we need to get in a proven quality attacker as Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens are not up to scratch.

Clayton: He sounds good, but is he as good as Jesse Derry or Tyrique George? They are two young players that we already had who were performing better than Garnacho, Gittens and Mykhailo Mudryk, yet we've let them go and brought in another unknown. I hope he turns out to be more like an Estevao Willian and less like a Liam Delap.

Ant: Another unproven, injury-prone teenager signed on an eight-year contract. What could possibly go wrong?

Will: Quenda will be a great signing. He's another young, exiting winger and will be a good addition to the team. I wasn't keen on selling Santos but you can't really go wrong for £50m. We do need to work on more quality squad depth, which is something we seriously lacked last season.

Thevin: Santos is a good player and with Enzo Fernandez trying his best to leave we might regret letting him go. But if Romeo Lavia stays fit, maybe not.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Andrey Santos has shown plenty of promise during his time at Chelsea, but he has found himself behind the established midfield partnership of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.

Spending a season as understudy while the club were competing in the Champions League was a logical development step.

However, sources close to the player indicated several weeks ago that Santos was keen to move on in search of regular first-team football.

Chelsea have long regarded the Brazilian highly, although he has also experienced difficult spells adapting to the demands of Premier League football.

The Blues have not stood in his way of his move to Manchester United, particularly given they are set to make a significant profit on the £16m fee paid to Vasco da Gama in 2023.

His departure has prompted some supporters to question why Chelsea have not instead moved on Romeo Lavia or Dario Essugo, but neither midfielder is currently viewed as a realistic sale after campaigns disrupted by fitness problems.

Chelsea must also confront the financial reality of a season without European football. Player exits are therefore an important part of the club's plans.

That approach has already resulted in Marc Cucurella and Tyrique George leaving for Real Madrid and Everton respectively.

Defender Trevoh Chalobah, who is valued at about £35m, is also expected to move on, with Inter Milan frontrunners for his signature.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Manchester City defender Marc Guehi's absence from England training on Wednesday was precautionary and he is expected to be fit for Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Norway.

The centre-back raised concerns over his availability for the game in Miami after he was confirmed as one of four players - Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice and Reece James the others - who did not train in the squad's first session since Sunday's win over Mexico.

It is understood Guehi's absence was because of muscular fatigue, but the issue is not thought to be serious.

Arsenal midfielder Rice's absence is linked to the neural hamstring lower back problem that has hampered him throughout the tournament.

But, like Guehi, the vice-captain is expected to be fit to face Norway.

There also remains hope that Chelsea right-back James, who suffered a hamstring injury in the goalless draw with Ghana on 23 June, will be available.

Barcelona are competing with a host of Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United, for Colorado Rapids and Australia defender Lucas Herrington, 18. (Teamtalk), external

Chelsea will consider Juventus and Serbia forward Dusan Vlahovic, 26, if they choose to reshape their striking department this summer. (CaughtOffside), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Chelsea claim to have signed "one of the brightest talents in European football" after confirming a deal for winger Geovany Quenda from Sporting.

The 19-year-old, who has played in a number of wide positions for Sporting and helped secure a league and cup double last season, has signed a deal until 2034.

"It feels great to be here," the 19-year-old said. "Chelsea is a great team and I am excited to play here at Stamford Bridge. The club has shown faith in players like me and I am proud to be here, proud to be part of this club.

"I am excited to work with my team-mates and the manager, Xabi Alonso. I'm a very hard-working young person and I like to help my team. I want to be someone known for having the right mentality to help my team-mates and who does their best for the club to win trophies."

The news comes as it was revealed the Blues are close to selling midfielder Andrey Santos to Manchester United.

So are these deals good business?

Get in touch with your views here

Manchester United have agreed a £50m deal with Chelsea for their Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos.

The deal has progressed quickly in the past few hours after United made their initial interest known over the weekend.

United will pay an initial £48m for Santos, with an additional £2m in what are described as 'achievable' add-ons. Chelsea have also negotiated a 10% sell-on clause.

• Read more

Santos has been cleared for a medical, with fellow countryman Ederson also scheduled to have one before completing his £35m move from Italian side Atalanta following Brazil's elimination from the World Cup.

The news comes as United's senior players prepare to return for pre-season training on Thursday and goes part way to addressing what was becoming a major issue.

United prioritised central midfield this summer following the exit of Casemiro when the veteran former Real Madrid man's contract came to an end. Manuel Ugarte was set to be sold but the Uruguay international has been ruled out for an extended period with cruciate knee ligament damage.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

When Xabi Alonso will give his first news conference as Chelsea manager has been the subject of several questions into our Blues Ask Me Anything form.

At the time of writing, it is not scheduled.

However, it is expected Chelsea will be doing an 'unveiling' one in London, probably at Stamford Bridge, before jetting off on their pre-season tour of Australia and several Asian destinations.

It is likely to be after he has had a few training sessions and time to get his foot in the door properly.

Of course, Alonso will then also be speaking more while on that overseas tour.

Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.

We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.

Find out more here

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

New Fulham boss Alvaro Arbeloa is best known in England for his impressive two-year spell at Liverpool as a player before returning to Real Madrid for a seven-year stint and ending his career with a season at West Ham.

He earned 56 caps for Spain and was part of arguably the greatest team in their history, which won two European Championships and the World Cup in consecutive tournaments between 2008 and 2012.

Chelsea's new manager Xabi Alonso and Arbeloa played together for seven consecutive years at club level and even longer with the national team - and now they will face each other in rival dugouts in their Premier League opener at Craven Cottage on Monday, 24 August.

Jose Mourinho signed the pair from Liverpool in the same summer both Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka joined Real to help them compete with a dominant Barcelona side managed by Pep Guardiola.

Such was the closeness of the two that they went on holiday and spent time together away from the pitch. One well-placed source in Spain said that one replacing the other at the Bernabeu in January was initially awkward.

Alonso had struggled to convince dressing-room stars such as Kylian Mbappe to adapt to his modern style of management, involving high pressing and possession-based football, at Madrid.

Arbeloa, who began his coaching career at under-14s level, was promoted to steady the ship after six months leading Castilla, Real Madrid's reserve team who play in the third tier of Spanish football.

Madrid's season ended with a second-place finish in the domestic league and elimination from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage.

Fast forward a few weeks and Alonso and Arbeloa are set to be neighbouring managers in their first seasons in the Premier League, with just over a mile separating Stamford Bridge and Craven Cottage.

It feels as though their careers are intertwined.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Sporting are close to signing Chelsea winger Jesse Derry on a season-long loan deal.

It would be a straight loan with no option to buy and follows Chelsea's decision to award the 19-year-old a new contract after his breakthrough campaign last season.

While Derry is expected to join Sporting, subject to a medical, Chelsea will welcome winger Geovany Quenda from the Portuguese club in a £40m deal this summer.

Quenda joins a sizeable group of wide players at Stamford Bridge, including Pedro Neto, Estevao Willian, Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho.

However, Garnacho is available for sale, with Chelsea currently ruling out a loan move.

Derry made three appearances for the Blues last season, including a Premier League start against Nottingham Forest that was cut short shortly before half-time after a head collision.

The youngster, who joined from Crystal Palace last summer, has since recovered and was an unused substitute for Chelsea's final match of the season at Sunderland.

Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez completed a scarcely believable second-half Argentina comeback two minutes into injury time, as they broke Egypt hearts and reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

The reigning world champions had looked set for a shock last-16 exit to Mohamed Salah's Pharaohs, who led 2-0 thanks to goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico.

But, Tottenham's Cristian Romero halved the deficit 11 minutes from time before Lionel Messi - who had missed a first-half penalty - equalised five minutes later and set up a nail-biting finish.

Fernandez had the final say, his perfectly placed header completing one of the great World Cup recoveries to secure a 3-2 win with the 3,000th goal in tournament history.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on which free agents Chelsea could target this summer and whether there is one player the Blues are linked with but you hope they never sign.

Here are some of your comments:

Peter: I think a great signing for free would be John Stones, his experience could be similar to our signing of Silva. I know Stones could be a bit injury prone but I think it's a risk worth taking, and he would help our inexperienced centre backs on and off the field.

Benjamin: Secure Vozinha now!! What are we waiting for? He has mature shoulders, can clearly play out from the back and is confident in his decision making, something Sanchez can only dream of! And he's a marketing dream!

Mohammed: I would try my best to get John Stones. Xhaka is prone to a red card and should perhaps be avoided.

Daniel: I would like us to go and sign Fabinho - a very good player who's a free signing unlike the recent Xhaka who Sunderland overpriced and is much older than him. More-so, his previous Liverpool career helps us gain advantage in terms of Premier League experience and inside knowledge about Liverpool just like our manager Alonso. So, I suggest we go for him immediately before we lose him to another rival!

Fanta: Of the available free transfers, IMO I would go for John Stones. Versatile and experienced defender. Adding an older head in the training ground and dressing room. Look at Desailly's wisdom being passed on with JT. Bring him in.

James: Fabinho would bring great experience and if fit John Stones likewise, especially in a young team. The one player I'm not overly sold on is Valentin Barco, I just feel that the money could be better spent elsewhere rather than another internal transfer.

Peter: Definitely Dusan Vlahovic. He looked great when he began at Juventus, but lost his way. He needs to get his career back in a groove.

David: The wages required by freebies would probably rule out a lot of them. Especially Salah! In an ideal world - Stones, and Solly March. The first would be steadying, a good partner for Colwill and influence on Josh. I watch a lot of Brighton and Solly March is reliable, experienced and Premier League ready. Both have had there fitness issues but with no euro games, that could be adequately managed. Don't go near Xhaka. We have enough red cards in a season thanks very much.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Jesse Derry is close to signing a new contract at Chelsea as a reward for his recent first-team breakthrough.

The 19-year-old winger made his senior debut and first Premier League start last season and attracted interest from a number of European clubs, including Bayern Munich.

However, Chelsea are close to agreeing for the attacker to extend his stay on improved terms.

The England youth international enjoyed an impressive first campaign in Chelsea's academy after joining from London rivals Crystal Palace last summer.

Derry has made three first-team appearances to date, but his season ended early following a head injury suffered in his first start against Nottingham Forest. He has since recovered.

Liverpool have joined Chelsea and Manchester United in the race for West Ham's Dutch attacker Crysencio Summerville, 24. (Caught Offside, external)

Meanwhile Chelsea will hand England under-19 international Jesse Derry, 19, a new contract to ward off interest from Bayern Munich. (Football Insider, external)

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

England manager Thomas Tuchel expects Chelsea's Reece James to be available for the World Cup quarter-final against Norway on Saturday (22:00 BST).

Tuchel's right-back crisis intensified after Jarell Quansah's red card in Sunday's 3-2 win over Mexico, meaning the Bayer Leverkusen defender is suspended for England's next knockout tie in Miami.

James is yet to return to full training having suffered a hamstring injury in the second group match against Ghana, and he has missed the games against Panama, DR Congo and Mexico.

But there is emerging hope the 26-year-old can ease the Three Lions' problems by returning to full training this week.

Ezri Konsa and Djed Spence remain options for Tuchel, but the expected availability of James will come as a welcome piece of news, with the Blues captain recognised as England's first-choice right-back.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea will not accept loan offers for Alejandro Garnacho but are open to a permanent sale this summer.

The 22-year-old winger, who signed from Manchester United for £40m last summer, has struggled since moving to Stamford Bridge and scored only once in the Premier League last season.

Roma are among the clubs linked with a loan move, but Chelsea would consider only a permanent sale. Having failed to qualify for Europe last season, they are looking to trim their squad.

It remains unclear what new manager Xabi Alonso's view of Garnacho is, but it is understood he is playing a significant role in transfer policy alongside the club's hierarchy.

Meanwhile, Trevoh Chalobah continues to attract interest from clubs in Italy, notably Como and Inter Milan.

Como, who qualified for the Champions League and are managed by Cesc Fabregas, are expected to make an improved offer this week. Chelsea are seeking £30m, plus a further £5m in add-ons.

As for potential arrivals, Sunderland insist Granit Xhaka is not for sale and remains committed to the Wearside club despite Chelsea exploring a reunion with Alonso, who managed the Switzerland midfielder at Bayer Leverkusen.

Chelsea are targeting Rayo Vallecano left-back Pep Chavarria, but despite the 28-year-old's desire to move, talks have proved difficult because the Spanish club are insisting his full release clause is met.

Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix and Como's Jacobo Ramon are among the centre-backs being considered as Chelsea look to strengthen a key area of the squad, as well as add a midfielder and a versatile forward.

Image source, Getty Images

We're now well into the knockout rounds of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention - especially with the summer transfer window open since 15 June.

Which player has raised your eyebrows? Who has exceeded your expectations? Has there been a player you had no knowledge of consistently impress you?

Ultimately, who would you realistically like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?

This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...

Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here

Enjoy the World Cup across BBC Sport

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From live TV coverage to highlights, analysis and reaction, our dedicated team will ensure you don't miss a kick of the biggest World Cup yet.

And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.

This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.

This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.

• Simple steps to set up live lock screen match updates from the World Cup

• How to get Premier League score updates

A new predictor game has been introduced to cover this year's World Cup, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from every match.

The game also features streaks, so make sure to check in each day and make your predictions.

• Play World Cup Predictor here (UK users only)

Ever wanted to see a World Cup match from every angle? How about a full-pitch tactical view? Or even see the match through the eyes of a player?

Well, now you can with Fifa World Cup 3D Experience, which is a UK-first that is only available on BBC Sport.

The interactive game experience gives viewers more choice to explore the match both in real time, highlights and full-match replays.

• Head here to get started

Finally, here are some more handy links:

• How to follow the World Cup across the BBC

• All the highlights and best video

• Beat the time difference and catch up on everything without any spoilers

• Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

• Play our World Cup quizzes

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli has agreed his first professional deal at Chelsea despite interest from overseas clubs.

The midfielder, 16, will not formally sign the contract until he turns 17 in January. Rules state that players only sign three-year deals on their first pro terms, but Nicoll-Jazuli is expected to enjoy a longer stay at Stamford Bridge beyond the initial terms.

Nicoll-Jazuli had been weighing up a switch abroad and holds a French passport, meaning he would have been able to move despite being under 18.

However, he had not considered leaving Chelsea for an English rival. The decision to stay was influenced by a strong internal push, significant support from the club hierarchy regarding his development, and his roots in London, where he grew up to an Australian mother and a father from the Chad-Sudan border region.

Nicoll-Jazuli has already played against senior opposition at the age of 15 in the EFL Trophy, became Chelsea's youngest starter in the Uefa Youth League last season and has trained with the first team on multiple occasions.

There is a strong possibility he will be included in Chelsea's pre-season tour of Australasia and could make his senior debut under new manager Xabi Alonso during the 2026-27 campaign.

Meanwhile, such are the expectations surrounding Nicoll-Jazuli's development that he is choosing between Nike, Adidas and New Balance for his first boot sponsorship deal.