Ventforet Kofu Overview

Former Chelsea captain Gary Cahill has praised the club's smart recruitment after completing the £52m signing of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace. The 26-year-old French defender signed a six-year deal at Stamford Bridge following an impressive World Cup campaign, with Cahill tipping him to elevate his game under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Chelsea are strongly considering sending Mykhailo Mudryk on loan to sister club Strasbourg as he returns from a long anti-doping suspension. The Blues want the Ukrainian winger to rebuild his fitness and confidence in France rather than immediately throwing him into Xabi Alonso's starting plans.

Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given believes Chelsea would "jump at the chance" to sign Jordan Pickford if given any encouragement. The 32-year-old England international is entering his tenth season at Goodison Park, having established himself as a pillar of consistency for Everton since joining from Sunderland for £25m in 2017.

Jordan Henderson has officially completed a surprise move to Chelsea following his departure from Brentford. The veteran midfielder, who mutually agreed to terminate his contract with the Bees, arrives at Stamford Bridge to provide much-needed leadership and Premier League experience to a squad that has heavily favoured youth in recent windows.