Chelsea remain active in the summer transfer window as new head coach Xabi Alonso continues to shape his squad ahead of the 2026/27 season, with several arrivals and departures expected before the transfer deadline.
One of the club’s main priorities is strengthening the left side of defence following Marc Cucurella’s move to Real Madrid. Chelsea are in advanced negotiations with Rayo Vallecano over a deal for Spanish left-back Pep Chavarría, with the player reportedly keen on making the switch to Stamford Bridge. The proposed transfer is expected to cost around £21.5 million, close to his release clause.
Chelsea’s only major signing so far has been Italian full-back Marco Palestra from Atalanta. Alonso has praised the youngster’s versatility and competitive mentality, describing him as a player capable of fitting into several tactical systems. The Blues have also completed the signing of Geovany Quenda, who can operate in multiple wide positions.
The future of midfielder Enzo Fernández continues to generate speculation amid reported interest from Real Madrid. Alonso confirmed he has held discussions with the Argentine but insisted those conversations will remain private. The Chelsea manager has made it clear he wants Fernández to stay despite the ongoing rumours surrounding his future. Reports suggest Chelsea value the midfielder at around £120 million.
Chelsea also appear prepared to part ways with Alejandro Garnacho after just one season at the club. The Argentine winger, who joined from Manchester United for £40 million last summer, has struggled to establish himself and has been linked with clubs across Europe, the Premier League and the Saudi Pro League. Chelsea are reportedly seeking around £42.5 million for the 22-year-old and are only willing to sanction a permanent transfer rather than a loan move. Garnacho has also been allowed to miss the start of pre-season training while his future is resolved.
Another player expected to return to Chelsea is striker Nicolas Jackson, who will rejoin the squad for the club’s pre-season tour after spending time away on loan. Alonso is expected to assess the Senegal international before making a decision on his role for the upcoming campaign.
Defender Trevoh Chalobah remains the subject of transfer interest from Serie A. Como are continuing their pursuit of the centre-back and are expected to improve their offer after previous discussions with Chelsea. However, reports suggest the Italian side are also considering alternative defensive targets, meaning negotiations remain ongoing.
Elsewhere, Chelsea have already sanctioned the sale of Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos to Manchester United, while Marc Cucurella’s departure to Real Madrid has also been completed as part of the club’s wider squad restructuring.
Speaking ahead of the new season, Alonso stressed that his primary objective is to build a strong culture at Chelsea based on hunger, commitment and passion. Following the club’s disappointing 10th-place Premier League finish last season and failure to qualify for European competition, the Spaniard believes his squad has the quality to improve significantly with only a few targeted additions.
With several transfer negotiations still underway, Chelsea are expected to remain one of the busiest clubs during the remainder of the transfer window as Alonso continues to reshape his squad ahead of the Premier League campaign.
