Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso revealed that Morgan Rogers was the club's top transfer target following their summer squad rebuild. The Blues prepare to put their perfect start on the line in a high-stakes London derby against Mikel Arteta's Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Former Arsenal forwards Theo Walcott and Ian Wright have openly expressed their deep frustration over the club's failure to secure the signature of Morgan Rogers during the recent summer transfer window. The highly-rated midfielder ultimately joined London rivals Chelsea in a massive deal instead, leaving the Gunners legends wishing their former side had acted faster.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso believes club captain Reece James has what it takes to become one of the world's best central midfielders. Following Enzo Fernandez's massive departure to Manchester City and a mounting injury crisis at Stamford Bridge, the Blues boss is ready to heavily rely on his star right-back in the middle of the park.
Mikel Arteta has lauded Xabi Alonso and Chelsea for their shrewd acquisition of Emiliano Martinez as Arsenal prepare to host their London rivals in a blockbuster early-season clash. The Spanish tactician believes the World Cup-winning goalkeeper is exactly what the Blues needed to solidify their defence and significantly enhance their Premier League title credentials this term.
Enzo Fernandez has been handed an immediate reality check at Manchester City after manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the midfielder has been excluded from the club’s official leadership group. Despite his record-breaking arrival and previous experience as a skipper at Chelsea, the Argentine will have to wait for his chance to lead the Etihad giants.
Emiliano Martinez has changed in his Chelsea squad number just days after inheriting John Terry's famous No.26 jersey. Following Robert Sanchez’s deadline-day departure to Como, the Argentina international has swiftly claimed the vacant No.1 shirt despite previously declaring he would wear the legendary defender's number with immense 'pride'.
Mikel Arteta has hit back at suggestions that Arsenal have left themselves short in attack following a high-profile summer exodus at the Emirates Stadium. Despite sanctioned departures for three senior forwards, the Gunners boss remains adamant that the club's recruitment strategy was both ambitious and calculated.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso faces an anxious wait over the fitness of vice-captain Moises Caicedo ahead of Sunday's crucial London derby against Arsenal. The Ecuador international is a major doubt for the trip to the Emirates Stadium after suffering his second injury setback in the space of just two weeks.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has opened up on the internal excitement that preceded the blockbuster arrival of Enzo Fernandez at the Etihad Stadium. The Italian tactician revealed that his own players were effectively acting as scouts, constantly checking in on the status of the £125 million British record deal during the final days of the window.
Chelsea are reportedly ready to dive back into the transfer market this January to secure a direct replacement for Enzo Fernandez. Following the Argentine's high-profile departure to Manchester City, manager Xabi Alonso has identified a Atletico Madrid star to restore balance to his midfield engine room.
Could the new tactical system implemented by Chelsea impact Brazilian wonderkid Estevao? Blues legend Gus Poyet has answered that question for GOAL, with the Uruguayan admitting that another exciting winger at Stamford Bridge could end up heading down a similar path to former academy graduate Callum Hudson-Odoi - as he is asked to fill an unfamiliar role.
Giuseppe Riso has opened up about the major summer transfer deals involving his prominent clients Sandro Tonali and Honest Ahanor. The agent revealed exactly why Italian midfielder Tonali felt compelled to join Tottenham, while also praising Chelsea's blockbuster acquisition of a top teenage defender.
Tottenham have taken a “big gamble” on Mykhailo Mudryk, Gus Poyet has told GOAL, with a man that is returning after almost two years out of action boasting just “one quality”. That searing pace has served the Ukraine international well over the course of his career, but can it be put to good use in north London after crossing the English capital on loan from Chelsea?
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe reportedly acted as an unofficial consultant for Xabi Alonso during Chelsea’s frantic search for midfield reinforcements. The French forward was asked to provide a character reference for Roma's Manu Kone as the Blues prepared to sanction Enzo Fernandez's departure to Manchester City.
Gary Neville has backed defending champions Arsenal to pass their first major test of the Premier League season against Xabi Alonso's Chelsea. The Manchester United legend expects a fascinating tactical clash at the Emirates Stadium but is tipping the title holders to claim a comfortable victory.
Mikel Arteta is facing a selection headache ahead of Arsenal's high-stakes London derby against Chelsea this weekend. The Gunners boss saw two key first-team players absent from Thursday's preparations as the squad gear up for the Emirates clash.
Chelsea have officially announced the permanent signing of a highly-rated Brazilian youth international from Corinthians. The talented 18-year-old full-back has committed his long-term future to the Stamford Bridge club by signing a contract until 2034, strengthening their youth ranks shortly after the conclusion of a highly lucrative summer transfer window.
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has strongly questioned Chelsea's decision to sign goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez late in the summer transfer window. The vocal pundit directly disagreed with Ian Wright's recent claim that the Argentina international will elevate the Blues, citing major defensive flaws during his time at Aston Villa despite his bargain price tag.
Gus Poyet has reacted to Chelsea’s £125 million ($169m) sale of Enzo Fernandez during an exclusive interview with GOAL. The Blues legend is concerned that a suitable replacement for the World Cup-winning Argentine was not acquired on transfer deadline day, with the Uruguayan asking - amid new roles for Reece James and Malo Gusto - whether “all right-backs” are now going to play “as centre midfielders”.
England has one of the best women's national teams in the world and perhaps the best women's league on the planet, too, but the lack of opportunities for young players domestically is a real concern
Chelsea wonderkid Estevao is already considering his future at Stamford Bridge under new manager Xabi Alonso. The Brazilian prodigy, who arrived in west London with a massive reputation, is said to be concerned that his first-team opportunities will be severely limited this season and could look to force a January transfer if his situation does not drastically improve.
The modern takeover eras of Chelsea and Manchester City have reshaped English football, creating a direct transfer pipeline between two Premier League superpowers. Since Sheikh Mansour's arrival in 2008, direct deals between the clubs have generated over 350 million pounds in total player movement history.
Ian Wright believes Mikel Arteta will be deeply frustrated by Arsenal's summer transfer business after missing out on their priority attacking targets. The Premier League champions failed to land Vinicius Jr and Julian Alvarez, while long-term target Morgan Rogers ultimately opted to join London rivals Chelsea in a massive £117m deal.
Enzo Fernandez has completed a sensational move by joining Manchester City in a joint-British record £125 million deal, and he didn't waste any time before sending a pointed message back to Chelsea. The 2022 World Cup winner, who spent just two years at Stamford Bridge, appears to have suggested his former employers didn't quite match the stature he was looking for in a career-defining move.
A bizarre sequence of interconnected transfers involving Chelsea, AS Monaco, Everton, and Manchester City completely collapsed on deadline day. The multi-club saga left several teams stranded without key targets following medical doubts, pulled deals, and late rejections.
Chelsea have shattered the all-time record for player sales in a single transfer window by generating a staggering 448 million euros this summer. Fueled by strict financial regulations, The Blues cashed in on several high-profile stars, headlined by Enzo Fernandez's historic move to Manchester City.