Chelsea

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Former Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta says it is not a surprise that Reece James is playing at the highest level for club and country after seeing the England right-back come through the youth ranks during his time at Stamford Bridge.

The two defenders spent four years together in the first team and won the 2021 Champions League together. James eventually succeeded the Spaniard as the Blues captain in 2023.

"I rate him really highly," Azpilicueta told BBC Radio 5 live's Football Daily podcast. "He's a top player. I knew him when he was coming through the youth teams and he was starting with the first team.

"We played in the same position but when he was starting with the first team I was playing a bit more on the left when we were playing four at the back. Then when we played a lot, he was playing right wing-back and I was playing right centre-back so we had a lot of communication.

"I always tried to help him in his development. We are kind of different players but he took over the captaincy when I left, so I really rate him. He's a top player, top guy and I keep looking at him and seeing his development because now he's playing in midfield.

"He's doing amazing. He has top qualities. It doesn't surprise me seeing him playing at this level with England. He deserves it. It makes me really happy."

Listen to the full episode below or on BBC Sounds

Will Faulks
Fan writer

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Chelsea's statement about the departure of Enzo Maresca is full of frustration being released. It feels like the Blues have been waiting to give their side of the story ever since his resignation in January.

It doesn't pull any punches on a personal level, and it directly blames the coach's sudden exit for the horrible season that Chelsea just endured. But is that a fair assessment?

There is no denying it was hugely disruptive, or that the team got significantly worse once he left. The revelation that he had told Chelsea in the autumn that he was considering leaving also explains why things had started to fall apart long before his actual resignation.

The fundamental problems with the squad construction and club strategy were not Maresca's fault, but Chelsea do have a point in that his actions massively exacerbated them.

However, the sporting directors who chose to appoint Maresca, who never felt truly committed, and then made an even bigger mistake appointing Liam Rosenior to succeed him, are just as much at fault.

Find more from Will Faulks at Talk Chelsea, external

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Everyone at Chelsea respects the quality of Enzo Maresca's management, but his departure ultimately ended in fraught circumstances.

His decision to resign, which he has now admitted "opened a path" for him to join Manchester City, proved damaging to Chelsea's season. It contributed to a chaotic campaign in which they finished 10th, sacked another manager and cost the club millions in lost television revenue.

It led to a prolonged legal dispute that has only recently been resolved, allowing all parties to draw a line under the matter.

For Chelsea, Maresca's first season will still be remembered as their most successful under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. They qualified for the Champions League for the only time in four years since acquiring the club from Roman Abramovich, and won their first silverware in the Club World Cup and the Conference League.

City, meanwhile, have secured Chelsea's highest regarded manager since Thomas Tuchel, one who also has the backing of Pep Guardiola, having previously served as his assistant during a Treble-winning campaign.

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Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has apologised to his former club for the "disruption" caused by his mid-season departure.

Shortly after his appointment as Manchester City's new manager was confirmed, the Italian posted on social media: "At the end of December 2025, I made the difficult decision to leave Chelsea.

"The decision was only mine. My resignation from Chelsea opened a path for me to join Manchester City, which is a club I knew very well. I am ecstatic that I have now joined Manchester City.

"I recognise that my departure from Chelsea in the middle of the season caused disruption for the club and I apologise for that. It was neither my intention nor my wish.

"I was treated well by everyone at Chelsea and together we achieved great success and memories that I will always treasure.

"I am grateful to the club, the owners and the fans for giving me the opportunity."

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Chelsea have released the following statement after Manchester City's appointment of Enzo Maresca as Pep Guardiola's successor:

"Chelsea FC appreciates the 2025-26 season was a hugely disappointing one for the club and its supporters. A major contributing factor was the disruption caused as a result of changes that the club was forced to make to the head coach position over the Christmas period.

"Due to recent developments, we consider that it is important to explain to our supporters what happened and why our former head coach left the club on 1 January 2026.

"In Autumn last year, the club was informed by our former headcCoach that there might be an opportunity for him to succeed Pep Guardiola at the end of the season. It became clear to us that it was his strong desire to succeed Guardiola and that he was fully committed to pursuing the opportunity, despite the fact he was under a long-term contract which he had no right to terminate.

"In December 2025, our head coach unexpectedly and abruptly resigned from his position. Obviously, we felt let down as we believed that his head and heart were focused on another club and another opportunity, despite having just arrived at Chelsea the year before.

"No club wants to change its head coach midway through a season. However, in light of his decision not to continue fulfilling his responsibilities through to the end of the season, the club was left with no choice but to protect our players, our supporters, and the badge and accept his resignation.

"In the circumstances and given the mutual respect between clubs, a confidential settlement has been reached with Manchester City, which includes the payment of compensation. A confidential settlement has also been reached with the former head coach under which he will pay compensation.

"Looking forward to next season, in Xabi Alonso we have a manager who has an exceptional football mind and is a professional of the highest integrity. He has all the attributes to deliver the success the club's supporters deserve and expect."

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

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For Chelsea, any successful move for Granit Xhaka - who Sunderland have said is not for sale after rejecting the Blues' £8m bid for the midfielder - would be a radical shift in transfer policy.

Chelsea have fielded the youngest team in the Premier League for the past two seasons and have not not selected a player aged 30 or over during that period. Xhaka turns 34 in September.

Members of the club's leadership, including co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali, acknowledge that adjustments are needed to improve their recruitment.

Some of the criticism has centred on a perceived lack of leadership and concerns over dressing-room culture, which is something former Arsenal captain Xhaka received widespread praise for helping to build at newly promoted Sunderland last season.

The Switzerland international, who is under contract at the Stadium of Light until 2028, played a key role following a £17m move from Bayer Leverkusen as the Black Cats finished seventh to qualify for the Europa League.

A move for a midfielder has long been part of Chelsea's plans this summer, and comes amid growing expectation that Enzo Fernandez could join Real Madrid.

Chelsea have not received a formal approach for the Argentina international and value him at about £120m. However, sources in Spain suggest there is internal support at Real Madrid for a move, including from club president Florentino Perez and new manager Jose Mourinho.

Read more on Chelsea's Xhaka approach

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Thomas Tuchel says he is worried about England's right-back crisis before their World Cup last-32 tie after Jarell Quansah became the latest in the position to suffer injury.

Quansah started in place of the injured Reece James in the 2-0 win over Panama in New Jersey, that clinched top spot in Group L, but limped off in the second half and went straight down the tunnel for treatment.

The injury leaves Tuchel facing a major dilemma heading into their first knockout game in Atlanta on Wednesday (17:00 BST).

James is a major doubt for the game with a hamstring injury and, with Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento being forced to leave the squad with a calf issue, Tuchel's only options at right-back appear to be Djed Spence of Tottenham and Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, who has started all three of England's games at centre-back.

When Livramento pulled out of the World Cup squad, Tuchel opted to call up Chelsea centre-back Trevoh Chalobah rather than including a replacement right-back, such as Real Madrid's former Liverpool man Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Tuchel said it was too early to assess the severity of Quansah's injury immediately after the game but, given the last-32 match is just four days away, the Bayer Leverkusen defender's availability is uncertain.

"A classic ankle twist and he is in pain," Tuchel said of Quansah's injury. "He said he had it before and it is a matter of days. He has his leg up high and in ice.

"Naturally, of course [I am worried about the right-back situation] - we have another injury in the position.

"It will be a tight race for Reece James and a tight race for Jarell Quansah, but it is our job to find solutions and we will do."

Malo Gusto has agreed to join Manchester City as the Chelsea right-back eyes a reunion with former manager Enzo Maresca once he takes charge at Etihad Stadium. (Footmercato - in French), external

Como have offered a package deal worth 27m euros (£23m) for Chelsea's Trevoh Chalobah, but the Blues want 35m euros (£30m) for the defender. (Sky Sports - in Italian), external

Everton are in pole position to sign Liam Delap as they work towards agreeing personal terms for the Chelsea striker. (Football Insider), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Chelsea's Reece James missed training with England on Thursday which has thrown his fitness into doubt for the Three Lions' final World Cup Group L game against Panama.

The 26-year-old right-back suffered a hamstring issue in the goalless draw with Ghana on Tuesday and did not train with his team-mates in England's penultimate session before Saturday's game (22:00 BST).

It now remains to be seen if James is fit enough to start or be an option from the bench in the final group game at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Meanwhile, Arsenal's Declan Rice, who left Boston Stadium after the Ghana draw with strapping on his left calf, was also absent from Thursday's session at England's training base in Kansas City.

Sources indicate the 27-year-old midfielder's fitness is less of a concern. However, it remains to be seen if Thomas Tuchel is willing to start Rice - particularly given he is at risk of suspension for the last 32 after being booked against Ghana.

Inter Milan could make a move for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah if they are unable to sign Oumar Solet from Udinese. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external

Crystal Palace want £50m for 26-year-old France defender Maxence Lacroix, who is wanted by Chelsea. (Football Insider), external

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

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

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We asked for your views on Chelsea placing a £75m asking price on Malo Gusto, as the defender continues to explore his options away from Stamford Bridge.

Would you be happy to see the 23-year-old go for that money? Who could be a viable replacement?

Here are some of your thoughts:

Will: We should try to hold on to Gusto. We've seen throughout the season that he can be a bit ropey - however, he has shown spells of quality. Hopefully, if we keep him, he can provide good competition for Reece James in the starting XI, while also being able to step in if James has another injury-prone season.

Ivan: I felt like Gusto checked out last season. He wasn't the only one, but the mistakes he made, coupled with his position as James' back-up, means he was likely to move on sooner rather than later. He had his moments and showed his potential, but the first half of the Conference League final showed he was a car crash waiting to happen. I'll take the £75m!

Mark: I would sell him in a heartbeat at that price! He was never a Chelsea player, along with far too many of the others brought in by our clueless owners. We have to rip it up and start again thanks to them!

Stu: £75m for a player who doesn't start, isn't good enough to start, and when he does start is generally awful? Wishful thinking at best, desperate at worst. If this is how Chelsea plan on recouping some revenue, they need to fire their accountants.

Samantha: I don't think we should sell Gusto. Marco Palestra is a true wing-back, who would suit a back three, but we need the option of a more traditional right-back and Gusto is Premier League proven, flexible and defensively capable. There will be games when Chelsea play a back four or need another option. I don't feel we can play an entire season with a 21-year-old who is unproven in the Premier League as our only right-back choice.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

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Chelsea are aiming to rebuild their defensive line under new manager Xabi Alonso this summer.

The Blues want to add at least one central defender to their squad - amid interest in Trevoh Chalobah from Serie A club Como - and Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix is emerging as a key target.

Another option being considered by Chelsea is 21-year-old Como centre-back Jacobo Ramon.

Ramon is also still linked to former club Real Madrid through various clauses, while the Spanish giants have made Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, valued by the Blues at £120m, one of their key targets this summer.

Chelsea have already sold Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid for £51.8m, and are set to complete the signing of Atalanta defender Marco Palestra for a fee in excess of £43m.

It is all part of a major summer of player sales, defensive departures and improvements for Chelsea before the official arrival of Alonso.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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England will assess the fitness of Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and Chelsea defender Reece James before their final World Cup group game against Panama.

Rice limped out of the Boston Stadium after England's goalless draw against Ghana on Tuesday with heavy strapping on his left calf.

Sources have indicated there is no major concern the injury could impact his involvement on a longer-term basis in the United States.

But it is understood the issue requires assessment and rest before a decision can be made on the 27-year-old's availability for Panama on Saturday, with England manager Thomas Tuchel and his staff needing to weigh up the risks of playing him.

Rice was also taken off in the game against Croatia with nerve pain in a sore hamstring he has been managing.

James will also require assessment as England approach Saturday's match in New Jersey.

The 26-year-old completed the full game against Ghana but will be checked by medics over the next 24 hours.

The Chelsea captain has a history of injury and his load will be monitored closely.

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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Chelsea.

Here are some of your comments:

Scott: Johan Manzambi. He's like a new Ramires. We miss that energy and skill and composure in midfield. Then we can get rid of Enzo Fernandez too.

John: Maxi Araujo. We need a left wing-back and he looks in fine form at this World Cup, practically carrying Uruguay.

Kevin: Jonathan David as he's a proven goal scorer, Mike Maignan because we desperately need a world class goalkeeper and Bradley Barcola because he is quick and we need speed.

Thomas: Chelsea should sign Marcus Rashford - he has a release clause and is better than Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson.

Tell us who you have scouted

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

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Chelsea defender Malo Gusto is exploring options to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, with the club placing a £75m price tag on the full-back.

The 23-year-old right-back's future has come under renewed doubt after Chelsea agreed a deal in principle to sign Atalanta's Marco Palestra, who plays in the same position, for a fee in excess of £43m.

Gusto was aware his future was uncertain before that move, and sources have told BBC Sport that his representatives have held exploratory talks with multiple clubs, including Manchester City.

City are keen on signing a right-back to compete with Matheus Nunes next season, but sources have told BBC Sport that, while there is interest in Gusto, he is not a leading candidate at this stage of the transfer window.

Any move to Etihad Stadium would mean Gusto reuniting with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, whom he played under for 18 months before the Italian's departure from Stamford Bridge in January.

• Are you happy to let Gusto go for that price? Who could replace him? Get in touch and tell us here

Chelsea need to make significant player sales this summer after finishing 10th in the Premier League last season and missing out on European qualification.

Spain full-back Marc Cucurella joined Real Madrid this summer in a deal worth £52m.

The La Liga club are also interested in midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who they have pushed to the top of their shortlist following Jose Mourinho's appointment at the Bernabeu.

However, Chelsea value the Argentina international at £120m.

Chelsea intend to strengthen the squad and want at least one centre-back to arrive alongside Palestra.

That has placed a number of futures in doubt, including those of Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana.

Chalobah is attracting interest from Serie A side Como, who qualified for the Champions League with a fourth-place finish under manager Cesc Fabregas.

It is understood Chalobah is open to the move, but the potential cost of the deal is deterring the Italians from making a formal offer.

Read the full piece here