Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa insisted his longstanding friendship with Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso will be set aside when the West London rivals clash on Monday night. Both former Liverpool team-mates are preparing for their Premier League managerial debuts at Craven Cottage, adding an intriguing subplot to an already intense opening London derby.
Stamford Bridge is set to host Champions League football once again this season, but in a surprising twist, it will not be Chelsea taking to the pitch for Europe's elite competition. The Premier League giants have reached an agreement to host Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk for their continental home fixtures.
Chelsea have officially rejected an initial season-long loan proposal from Leeds United for Mykhailo Mudryk, as the Ukrainian seeks regular playing time following his lengthy suspension. While the opening bid fell well short of expectations, talks are ongoing, and Mudryk remains highly interested in finalising a move to Elland Road to rebuild his match fitness this season.
Chelsea are set to reward Brazilian forward Joao Pedro with a lucrative new long-term contract that could keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2034. The 24-year-old striker enjoyed an exceptional debut campaign in West London, prompting the club hierarchy to upgrade his terms to ward off mounting transfer interest from European heavyweights Barcelona.
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