Chelsea have already spent big in the transfer window but there is still more business to be done
Xabi Alonso.
Xabi Alonso has more work to do at Chelsea(Image: Ayush Kumar/Getty Images)
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Chelsea will continue their hard work in the transfer window after a busy start to the summer. The Blues dropped a huge chunk of cash on Morgan Rogers, breaking the British transfer record by paying a £117m fee to Aston Villa.
Marco Palestra also joined Chelsea for a more modest sum of £43m. Lacroix will arrive at Stamford Bridge after completing a medical last week.
Alonso beating Arsenal to Rogers initially raised questions around how Chelsea will set up this season. However, the Blues boss believes he can utilise the 24-year-old in the perfect way.
He said: "One of his best qualities is that he is flexible. He plays in that pocket position, close to the striker, close to our number ten – but he has also played on the right side even though he is more used to coming from the left. He feels he is enjoying his game, his flow, and I'm sure he will have good connections with the other players around him. If we get those connections right, that will be a great step forward in the quality of our game."
Chelsea have been linked with a number of stars and are continuing their pursuit of Alex Scott and John Stones. However, the club is also battling with how big their squad is already and could see current stars depart this summer.
Strengthen the backline
Maxence Lacroix #26 of France controls the ball away from Morgan Rogers #17 of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Bronze Medal Match match between France and England at Miami Stadium on July 18, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Maxence Lacroix #26 of France controls the ball away from Morgan Rogers #17 of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Bronze Medal Match match between France and England at Miami Stadium on July 18, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
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Lacroix may be arriving soon, but there is still significant work to be done on Chelsea's backline. The Blues have shipped 158 Premier League goals over the last three campaigns, albeit with a number of different defensive line-ups.
Chelsea have already bid farewell to Marc Cucurella, who joined Real Madrid for £52m. The likes of Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile could also depart Stamford Bridge this summer as their futures remain uncertain.
This could suggest further changes with John Stones understood to be a key target for the Blues. The 32-year-old left Manchester City at the end of his contract and has a huge amount of experience in the top flight.
John Stones.
Chelsea are keen on John Stones(Image: Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Pep Chavarria.
Pep Chavarria is another key defensive target(Image: WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
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With his Premier League pedigree, Stones would be a bargain signing for Alonso to strengthen his defence. Talks have also got underway between Chelsea and Rayo Vallecano for Pep Chavarria's signature.
Chavarria has four years remaining on his deal but could be another shrewd signing for the Alonso era.
Announce World Cup slap victim
Valentin Barco is still expected to join Chelsea despite his run-in with England star Jude Bellingham at the World Cup. The Argentina international ended up in a heated exchange with the Real midfielder after the Three Lions lost 2-1 to the 2022 champions.
Valentín Barco.
Valentin Barco is still to become a Blue(Image: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
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In May, Barco was reported to be leaving Strasbourg to head for Stamford Bridge after a £34m deal was agreed. The Athletic stated that the transfer will continue despite the backlash faced following the World Cup game.
Bellingham watched on as Barco celebrated with his teammates before slapping him over the back of the head and entering a verbal battle. The 22-year-old midfielder's arrival at Chelsea is imminent after he concludes his summer break.
Sign Alex Scott
Alex Scott has attracted considerable transfer attention this summer from clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal. The Cherries maintain they will not part with the midfielder and last week turned down a £64m offer from Chelsea for his signature.
Alex Scott.
Alex Scott is a big target for Chelsea(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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Despite this, the 22-year-old has rejected a fresh contract from Bournemouth and is understood to be open to a switch to Stamford Bridge. Scott could set the Blues back £80m if they are willing to return with another approach for the midfielder, though the Cherries may now be prepared to enter negotiations, given the star's contractual circumstances.
Tidy up main squad
It's hardly a revelation that Chelsea have an extensive squad. Arguably, this has not worked to the advantage of any individual manager in recent seasons, and further exits are expected before the window closes.
Three of those who may depart are Badiashile, Chalobah and Pedro Neto. La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Napoli have made enquiries about Badiashile, who is believed to be interested in heading to France.
Benoit Badiashile.
Benoit Badiashile could be one of many departing Stamford Bridge(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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The Ligue 1 outfit views the 25-year-old as defensive reinforcement following Alessandro Buongiorno's injury.
Como have also pursued Trevoh Chalobah as talkSPORT reveals the Serie A club had a third offer knocked back for the defender. Chelsea refuse to reduce their £35m valuation but remain open to offloading the academy product.
Several Premier League sides are keen on Pedro Neto, but Chelsea are adamant that any club hoping to land him will need to pay a hefty price. There are also doubts surrounding several other key figures in Alonso's squad, with Enzo Fernandez among those whose futures remain uncertain.
Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea and Pedro Neto of Chelsea.
Trevoh Chalobah and Pedro Neto are both linked with exits(Image: Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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Alonso has openly acknowledged the likelihood of further departures. He said: "We need to know that there will probably still be some movement. We need to be flexible and quick to act. The main thing is that we have a clear idea, a clear plan that we have built.
"It will probably change before the transfer window closes."