Chelsea Rumours Mobile

15 Jun 2026 10:21:30
BB apparently wanted by Bayern Munich, be nice to move him on, showed some early promise but just not consistent enough for me but was that due to all the chopping and changing at the back? Disasi also attracting a lot of interest.

15 Jun 2026 12:49:40
Where are you hearing this rumour? Or is it just wishful thinking?

14 Jun 2026 21:53:18
£51.8 million for Cucu is a very smart bit of business by Alonso and the club. He has served us well but isn't a wing back and really would of looked lost in an Alonso system. Who comes in will be interesting and lovely to see Alonso already shaping his squad.

14 Jun 2026 22:55:50
Greenaway, I can't remember what he cost all those years ago? I seem to remember £50m ish, but I'm not certain.
I wouldn't have a clue if it was an Alonso or SD decision, but he hinted that he wanted to go, so goodbye as far as I am concerned.



I seem to remember a previous poster saying a sale would likely show as a book profit of approx £30m.
I guess we will sell some at a profit and some at a loss, just like most clubs.

15 Jun 2026 09:28:58
I think Cucurella is one of the best left backs in the world and also perfectly capable of play at left wing back. We paid £60million for him.

Whether this is a very smart piece of business by the club remains to be seen - depends, as always, on who we can get in to replace him and/or back up Hato (who may play LCB if Alonso plays three at the back?) - but I think we are weaker without MC and the goals he gave us (seven times more than Delap?). Problem is that he wanted to go, and we, as a club, do not tend to prevent players leaving if they wish to go, and clearly the best players would like Champions League football, which we spectacularly failed to get.

Yes, we won the (abysmally low standard) Conference League, and then the CWC, but it was a pretty disastrous season, partly a result of fatigue/injuries that ensued. Then, of course, Maresca, having boosted his profile, wanted away to Juventus or City.

Anyway, it may well not be wise to comment much more on whether we will be weaker next season overall until this transfer window is over. Like others, I hope that Alonso will both persuade most of our better players to stay, attract some others in, and be able to offload those not good enough or surplus to requirements.

15 Jun 2026 09:41:37
JBS, I agree Cucarella had one horrible season, but has generally been very good for us.
I don't like it when players start talking about moving during a season, but my guess is it's driven by agents, and, again, as you say, we don't keep a player if they are not happy.



I assume it will now show as a financial profit on our books, but he also gave a playing return on our investment, and I cannot fault his effort for the club. As you say, too early to judge about replacements, but I am a Hall fan.

15 Jun 2026 17:09:02
Tom,

I think Hall is earmarked for Man U.

I would not be too fussed if we did not get him, if im honest, I believe he has had a number of injuries.

14 Jun 2026 19:18:55
In my perfect world I would like us to go get Hall back from Newcastle. They are supposedly interested in our Delap or Jackson.

If only these things happened. 😂😇.

14 Jun 2026 17:11:59
Apparently Real Madrid have agreed a £50m deal with Chelsea for Cucarella.

If true, thanks for everything and good luck for your future.

14 Jun 2026 18:44:51
I'm actually quite pleased with that. Good player, but made noises when on international duty.
Be interesting to see who the replacement will be. I suppose it depends on what formation Alonso plays. I must admit I do like Hato.

14 Jun 2026 19:39:49
I think they are trying to bring Hall back. If that fails, they will look to Grimaldo. They may also take a look at Barco there, if playing at a wb. They've got a young Brazilian coming over this summer, already signed, but will be a loan candidate. Depth there has been poor, so some movement in the window is definitely needed.

14 Jun 2026 21:29:35
Depending on formation, I'd be happy with Hato & Barco as a back up option. James & Colwill can always cover there too, if desperate. I think it likely we'll go for Grimaldo, though.

14 Jun 2026 22:29:44
No ROI again. Thanks, Cucurella, a great player and can't blame him for wanting UCL football in his prime.

14 Jun 2026 22:46:15
What's ROI?

15 Jun 2026 09:31:14
Yes, what is ROI, Standard?

J reckon you are right on predictions.

15 Jun 2026 09:46:00
Jbs, I think it may be Return on Investment.

I would argue that the club has got a very good return on its playing and financial investment in Cucarella, but some fans refer to transfer fees as "blown" money. Particularly if it's on players they don't rate.

15 Jun 2026 09:47:27
Return on investment?

15 Jun 2026 15:30:12
The "can't blame him comment" now also seems wide of the mark, as it is now reported he is leaving the club for family reasons and fond memories. His parting message to us fans is class, in my opinion, and he is spot on "London is forever blue."

13 Jun 2026 17:51:03
So it appears Cucurella is very happy at the club and has no intention on leaving?

13 Jun 2026 19:55:00
How many pigs were flying at the time, RPD?

14 Jun 2026 06:15:27
There's honestly just not a market. Madrid spent £50m or so on Carreras last year, Barca needs a striker more than a LB, and I doubt they'll have money left over, and I just don't see Atletico paying £50m+ for him.

City don't need a LB, neither PSG. Not sure Bayern do either. He may be one of the best LB's in the PL, but most of the major clubs either don't need a LB or LB is not a £50m priority for them.

14 Jun 2026 10:05:33
I agree with you, Fuser. Cucu was very clear in his interview that his family are settled in London, and he is settled at the club. He didn't fully rule out a move back to his homeland one day, but the interview was very clear. I expect him to stay.

14 Jun 2026 17:13:28
Supposedly deal agreed with Real Madrid.

14 Jun 2026 17:15:26
I was also told this morning that Chelsea are close to agreeing terms for the sale of Enzo.

We have received a bid that is not quite at our valuation, but a deal is expected.

14 Jun 2026 17:34:13
Project sounds like it's going well... Vision 2030 anyone???

14 Jun 2026 18:19:47
Looks like those flying pigs have landed.

14 Jun 2026 18:33:52
As I said at the time, I wouldn't have played Cucarella or Enzo at the end of last season.

Players come and go in every team, and I only want players who want to play for my club, if not, jog on.

I haven't got a clue about pigs or visions. Just thanks and goodbyes!!

14 Jun 2026 18:40:00
The club don't have a clue about a vision either, Tom.

14 Jun 2026 18:59:50
Bill, as I say, I haven't got a clue about "vision" and I have never had the privilege to see our club's business plan.

My team selection, player signings, manager selection and SD selection, I'm sure, would be different from most other fans.

So, the chances of the owners making me happy are very close to zero.

I should also add that, in my opinion, the CST wanting our owners "out" without knowing the alternative isn't a good plan, but whatever.

14 Jun 2026 19:47:41
Tom,

It does not matter who wants the owners out, it can't happen for a minimum of 6 years as per the deal with Roman.

14 Jun 2026 20:11:16
Bill, maybe you should send an email to the CST because they clearly don't know about it.

14 Jun 2026 20:36:55
I thought it was pretty clear that Cucurella and Enzo would be leaving - fine as long as we bring in suitable replacements. I wouldn't want Hall back; he is okay, but not top class.

Now that we look like losing two top-class players, let's start getting rid of the players who just aren't good enough: probably about 10, but it's unlikely that we will be able to unload all of them.

15 Jun 2026 09:35:35
Agreed, Jimbo. CFC are likely to remain in a mid-table mediocrity position if not, and clubs with Champions League football will be strengthening further. Our one big advantage, perhaps next season, is having fewer fixtures and often a whole week to prepare against those clubs with European football, who will be almost half of the EPL.

09 Jun 2026 20:57:27
Going along the lines of 'no smoke without fire' theories, I can see a world where we lower our price for Fernandez, whilst still getting a book profit, and he goes to Madrid. In return, all be it as a technically separate deal, we then sign Güler from Madrid for below what would usually be their asking price, but still a profit for them.

It's a pair of deals that would suit most involved, so long a Güler was happy to miss UCL for a season in return for a reunion with Xabi Alonso and a prominent role.

09 Jun 2026 23:10:31
I think we set a price, and if a club wants him, they have to pay that price. I think around £110-120 is reasonable, but then I would.

10 Jun 2026 04:14:45
Another deal I'd happily take, J. We want players who want to play for us and for Xabi! Let Enzo go to the circus that is Madrid, where he does seem like he would fit in well.

Would be a huge vote of trust from Arda also, as he would have a long list of CL clubs lining up.

The fear is obviously being slow with deals, as Turkey in particular has a pretty easy group, and it doesn't take much for prices to blow up on the back of a couple of WC performances.

10 Jun 2026 04:43:32
We did set a price, and if Scott is priced up at £80m, then I think Fernandez should quite rightly be priced at £120m. However, there are scenarios where it's mutually beneficial for those lines to be moved.

In my opinion, if it allows us to get Guler, or even Tchouameni or Huijsen, at a reasonable price, it would make sense for our demands for Fernandez to be lowered.

10 Jun 2026 09:09:50
Well argued, J.

11 Jun 2026 18:21:26
If Anderson is priced at £120mil plus, EF must be £150mil.

07 Jun 2026 11:46:28
So it appears we are in for Alejandro Grimaldo to replace Marc Cucurella. Anyone know much about him?

07 Jun 2026 12:43:57
Nothing from me, I'm afraid, Greenaway, but apparently Alonso likes him.

07 Jun 2026 18:45:03
Obviously perfect for the Alonso system, technically very good, capable of inverting in the attacking third and being a creative force. His heat maps, under Alonso, show how often he did this. He has a year left on his contract, so won't break the bank. It’s a move that makes a ton of sense to me. I actually think Barco could learn a lot from him, and eventually take over the LWB role permanently. People correctly point out that Barco is more CM than LB now, but I’d argue the LWB role, under Alonso, is more CM than LB, and would see Barco in more positions to use his creative passing, certainly more than he would in the double pivot.



I recommend everyone check out tactical reviews of Alonso's invincible season at Leverkusen. It becomes obvious how important Grimaldo was. My only concern would be him adjusting to the pace of the EPL at this stage of his career, but I think he should be good enough.

07 Jun 2026 20:12:35
Thanks, J. So you would endorse the signing? Sounds like the owners and sporting directors are buying into Alonso running the show if this one happens.

07 Jun 2026 22:11:33
100%, it makes a lot of sense in the short term. Also, part of the mentality monster hiring that Alonso wants to do.

08 Jun 2026 11:49:26
Thanks, J.

08 Jun 2026 14:31:43
Interesting posts, and thanks for them. I would endorse J's point about Grimaldo. Losing MC would still be a big blow, but given where we ended up after last season's dreadful mid-table mediocrity defining tenth place, it would not be surprising. I can only hope we don't lose EF or JP too, though EF seems a likely loss. It will be a tough job for Alonso to come in at this time, but we all hope he will be our equivalent of Klopp.

Our rivals for the top 4/5 will be strengthening yet further. LFC may improve considerably under Iraola. Our one big advantage should obviously be not having to play much midweek football, and being able to benefit as United (and Bournemouth, Brighton, Sunderland and Brentford!?) did last season.

08 Jun 2026 16:31:01
JBS

We have a really good squad of players. They were just badly coached.

08 Jun 2026 22:04:13
Grimaldo will be 31 in Sept, and has played his whole career in Benfica and Germany. He is okay. I would be happier with Hato at LB tbh - if we were to lose Cucurella.

08 Jun 2026 22:23:33
I think Bill is correct in saying we have a good squad of players. Maresca coached them well, with top 4 last season, 2 pots, and in a comfortable Champions League position this season; when he left, that was sadly undone by Liam and then Ginger.

Celery, I'm with you on Hato, he looks a sublime talent, but I think he really suits that left-sided centre back role in a back 3?

09 Jun 2026 08:07:25
We are not sure if Alonso is going to play with three at the back, although that seems to have been his favoured historic shape.

If he does go down that route, I'm not sure how that will affect our current wide players?

Of course, he could just look at the squad and play 433.



Grimaldo looked a solid player when I last saw him play. I'm not sure about him as a person/leader, but the manager knows him well, and we have to trust his judgement.

10 Jun 2026 05:19:12
I wouldn't get too caught up on starting formations, four or three at the back. In possession, Alonso's teams typically end up with three defenders and a pivot sitting deep, with five in the attacking positions. If we were to sign Grimaldo, it would be to fill one of the attacking five positions, from the left hand side.

Garnacho will likely move on, possibly Gittens and Neto too.

Although Neto can play inside, so maybe there's a role for him. Quenda can and has played WB. Estevao and Palmer are both very good options for Alonso's system.

Character-wise, he's been part of a Leverkusen side previously ridiculed as 'Neverkusen'. To go unbeaten in a season, all but one game across all comps, I'd suggest that whole team had great mentality and character - mentality monsters.

10 Jun 2026 05:23:11
Celery, I suspect we'll see Hato and Acheampong sharing mins, making up what ends up being a back three, with Colwill and a new CB signing.

10 Jun 2026 13:05:47
J. Yep, when/if Alonso plays a back 3, then I can see Hato (left) and Josh (right) getting some minutes. They are both tremendous players imho - we really do have some great young players.

03 Jun 2026 21:27:57
Some interesting developments regarding Morgan Rogers who is said to be very interested in joining Chelsea, while Chelsea's long-standing admiration for the Aston Villa star remains as high.

Chelsea have been looking for players who can instantly improve the first XI while also fitting Xabi Alonso's long-term vision. Rogers ticks every single box.

What makes this situation even more interesting is that both sides reportedly want the move. Chelsea want Rogers, and Rogers wants Chelsea. That's usually where the best deals start.

From a football perspective, it's easy to see why the club are pushing.

Rogers is one of the most complete attacking players in the Premier League right now. He can operate from the left wing, play as a No.10, drift centrally alongside Cole Palmer, or even play further forward depending on the system Alonso decides to use.

His biggest strength is probably his ability to carry the ball through pressure. He's powerful, direct, quick and incredibly difficult to stop once he starts driving forward. He combines the physicality of a midfielder with the creativity and goal threat of an attacker.

He's also proven he can thrive in a demanding tactical setup under Unai Emery, which should make the transition to Xabi Alonso's system much smoother.

He is also great friends with Cole Palmer and an English home grown.

This is about signing a Premier League-proven performer who wants to wear the badge, understands the league and still has room to develop into one of the best attacking players in England.

If Chelsea can agree the right fee, this could end up being one of the smartest deals of the entire summer.

04 Jun 2026 07:52:58
Rpd, I totally agree mate. Fingers crossed.

05 Jun 2026 14:53:23
Good player, and I would be happy to sign him. Not sure why he would join Chelsea without European football, etc.

05 Jun 2026 15:18:33
Arsenal bound. Far from the mentality monster Alonso is apparently after, according to Matt Law, he's very immature.

03 Jun 2026 14:40:08
My understanding, when Maresca left in mid season, was his contract had been terminated by mutual consent.

It would now appear that he was on some sort of “garden leave” and we are now negotiating with City for his contractual release and compensation.

03 Jun 2026 16:34:48
Garden leave. Now we know why Greenaway is always talking about grass not always being greener. Sorry, Greenaway, only joking.

04 Jun 2026 00:29:38
Almost all managers are put on gardening leave when given the heave ho. It's due to compensation for both the manager and the club. Basically, if a manager is fired, they're generally paid up the remainder of their contract unless there's clauses in their contract. Compensation agreements are flexible; ie if Manager A had 3 years left on their contract, the payout would be X. If they get a new job within a year, it's 1/2X; if within 6 months, it's 1/4X, etc.

They're put on gardening leave up til a set amount of time to see what compensation is owed.

In this case, I imagine we'll ask City for whatever we owe Maresca + a small fee for tapping him up. Or perhaps Maresca will waive whatever compensation was agreed with Chelsea and we'll get a small fee, nothing like what we'd get if he was still officially the Head Coach.

04 Jun 2026 15:07:20
My guess is City will pay up if they think they might get charged with tapping up!!

04 Jun 2026 17:06:46
It seems that Maresca was approached (tapped up) by Man City, and immediately reported this to the club, and told them he would not engage with them but would like a new contract to match what Man City were offering. Seems very fair, decent and reasonable on his part. It transpires that the club (Chelsea) told him no, and to go on garden leave, hence the change of manager.

I'm not sure what compensation will be due either way, but it does show Man City do tend to get away with whatever suits them. Will be interesting how this pans out, but my guess is their money will just cover it all up.

04 Jun 2026 21:45:50
RPD, I have never seen or heard any word of Maresca asking the club to match any potential City offer. That's a new one on me.

05 Jun 2026 10:59:05
Tom, I have seen it quoted several times that Maresca said he would not engage further with Man City if the club rewarded him with a new contract on improved terms, but he was told a very firm no.

05 Jun 2026 14:48:24
Rpd, that being the case, I'm super glad we parted ways with Maresca, and, again, if that is the case, it may well mean a larger payout from City.

02 Jun 2026 18:31:24
My mate, the not so happy Hammers fan tells me we have not only asked about Bowen but also Fernandez.
I think both are good players and if we are going for Fernandez that suggests to me that Enzo is likely to leave.

03 Jun 2026 08:34:44
Or maybe Tom, we are looking at other players just in case somebody makes an offer that is too good to turn down for EF.

03 Jun 2026 17:29:38
Fernandes looks a decent player, but last I saw the rumoured fee was very high - maybe as they've gone down, it will be brought down a bit, but in that case I can imagine there'll be plenty of competition to sign him.