In view of the departure of World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez to Premier League rivals Manchester City for a transfer fee of €145 million, Chelsea were desperate to sign another player for central midfield before the transfer window closed – but that plan failed.
Gian Piero Gasperini has urged caution at Roma following an encouraging start to the season, responding directly to talk of a potential Serie A title challenge from his senior players. Speaking ahead of a reunion with former club Atalanta, the manager addressed fan enthusiasm, squad ambition, and the line between dreaming and reality in the Capital.
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.