Soham Mukherjee

Joao Felix and Ben Chilwell are among several Chelsea unwanted players who have reported back to Cobham this week as part of pre-season preparations, as revealed by The Athletic. With the Blues’ first-team staff currently in the United States for the Club World Cup, the group of returning players underwent routine medical checks and physical evaluations on Monday, followed by their first full training session on Tuesday.

Arsenal’s preparations for the 2025-26 season are underway, and one of the most eye-catching developments at London Colney this week has been the presence of 15-year-old prodigy Max Dowman in first-team training. The highly rated youngster was involved in the senior squad’s pre-season fitness and technical sessions on Wednesday, joining a host of established stars on the pitch including Bukayo Saka.

Despite enduring an intense summer campaign in the United States for the expanded Club World Cup, Chelsea have not been granted any scheduling leniency by the Premier League. The Blues are set to kick off their 2025-26 league season at home against Crystal Palace on Sunday, August 17, just over a month after completing their Club World Cup final in New Jersey.

Alejandro Garnacho’s future at Manchester United continues to hang in the balance after the winger was pictured training alone, while the rest of the squad reported for pre-season at Carrington. The 20-year-old Argentine remains on the periphery of first-team plans under manager Ruben Amorim following a fallout that has diminished his standing at the club.

Martin Odegaard played agent to convince Christian Norgaard to swap Brentford for Arsenal. The Gunners have added a seasoned Premier League performer to their midfield ranks by completing the signing of the Danish international for an initial fee of £10 million ($13m/€11m), with the potential for an additional £2m ($3m) to be paid in performance-related bonuses.

Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly targeting Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard as part of his efforts to reshape the Turkish side’s frontline. With the departure of multiple key players, Fenerbahce are undergoing a significant attacking rebuild. Allan Saint-Maximin has returned to his parent club Al-Ahli Saudi FC after an underwhelming loan spell in Istanbul, while veteran forward Dusan Tadic has exited the club following the expiration of his contract.

Al-Hilal have confirmed the signing of French left-back Theo Hernandez from AC Milan, adding yet another superstar to their growing list of European imports. The 27-year-old defender has signed a three-year deal that will keep him at the Saudi Pro League club through the end of the 2027-28 season.

Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham is investing in a luxurious new estate near his hometown in England, offering not only a private haven for himself but also a separate residence for his parents. The Los Blancos star is building the property in the picturesque village of Barnt Green, located on the fringes of Birmingham in Worcestershire.

Arsenal Women have reportedly made football history by agreeing to a record-breaking transfer for Canadian international Olivia Smith, with the fee surpassing £1 million. This extraordinary transfer deal eclipses the previous record of £900,000 paid by Chelsea for U.S. defender Naomi Girma earlier this year.

Jamie Vardy’s next chapter could unfold in Spain, with reports suggesting that La Liga side Valencia are weighing up a move for the former Leicester City talisman. The 37-year-old, who brought an end to his 13-year spell at the King Power Stadium this summer, has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, including Rangers and Wrexham.

France international Theo Hernandez has completed a move to Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal, marking the end of a six-year tenure at AC Milan. However, his departure has not been without drama. In a brutal farewell posted on his Instagram account, the defender directed clear criticism toward the current Milan hierarchy, accusing them of failing to match his ambition and disregarding the values that once defined the club.

Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo resumed full training on Thursday in a bid to recover in time for the Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain this weekend. The Ecuadorian international picked up a knock late in Tuesday night’s semi-final clash against Fluminense, casting doubt over his availability for the much-anticipated final in New Jersey.

Switzerland have qualified for the Euro 2025 quarter-finals, thanks to Riola Xhemaili's injury-time equaliser, as heartbroken Finland head home.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could link up with Mason Greenwood at the Stade Velodrome as Marseille reportedly eye a swoop to sign the former Arsenal striker. The 36-year-old forward, who currently plays for Al-Qadsiah, is said to be on the verge of leaving the Saudi Pro League side and could become a free agent in the coming weeks.

Manchester United have reportedly had a substantial £78 million ($105m) offer for Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni turned down as new manager Ruben Amorim looks to bolster his midfield following the club’s dismal 2024-25 campaign. After finishing in an unprecedented 15th place in the Premier League last season, the Red Devils are under pressure to revamp their squad and initiate a new era under Amorim.

Arsenal are reportedly on the verge of finalising a £50 million ($68m) transfer for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, but the move has been criticised by former Liverpool and West Ham midfielder Don Hutchison. The 23-year-old, currently with the Chelsea squad in the United States ahead of the Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain, appears set to make a surprise switch to north London once the Blues return to England next week.

Chelsea legend William Gallas believes Joao Pedro will force Nicolas Jackson to seek a summer transfer away from Stamford Bridge after impressing on his full debut in the Club World Cup. The Brazilian wasted no time in announcing his arrival when he struck twice — once in each half — to secure a 2-0 victory and propel Enzo Maresca’s side into the tournament’s final.

Chelsea were reportedly convinced to sell Noni Madueke owing to his questionable discipline and 'poor' training performances. The 23-year-old, known for his flair and versatility in wide positions, is on the verge of sealing a high-profile switch across London after both clubs reportedly agreed on a transfer fee in the region of £52 million.