Chelsea are still yet to replace Marc Cucurella, who left the Blues to join Real Madrid earlier this summer.
Xabi Alonso smiles
Chelsea could look very different next season under Xabi Alonso(Image: Getty Images)
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Chelsea should test the resolve of Newcastle United and try to sign Lewis Hall. Since Marc Cucurella swapped Stamford Bridge for the Santiago Bernabeu at the start of the transfer window, the Blues have been in the market for a new left-back, but they're yet to outsource a replacement.
football.london understands that, at the end of June, Chelsea approached Rayo Vallecano to enquire about the availability of Pep Chavarria, following the request of Xabi Alonso. The Blues then began club-to-club negotiations for the 28-year-old defender, who has four years remaining on his contract at the Vallecas Stadium.
It's understood that talks have proven frustrating for all parties, hence the lack of progress. It's said that Chelsea were initially quoted €15m (£12.8m), but the Spanish outfit has since increased the asking price to €25m (£21.3m).
As it stands, it remains unclear whether the Blues will reach an agreement with Rayo Vallecano, but Chavarria is certainly keen on a move to west London. Whether it's the Spaniard or not, until Chelsea sign a replacement for Cucurella, Alonso will only have one senior left-back at his disposal: Jorrel Hato.
So far this summer, Landon Emenalo has featured at left-back for the Blues, starting each of the three pre-season friendlies, two of which were behind closed doors. Although the 18-year-old defender has made a good impression so far, there could be a fire-sale at St. James' Park following the departure of Eddie Howe; Chelsea need to be at the front of the queue just in case Hall suddenly becomes available.
Since joining the Magpies on an initial loan, which was made permanent during the summer of 2024, the Cobham graduate has established himself as one of the best left-backs in the Premier League, possibly even Europe. Last year, Hall helped win the club's first trophy since 1969, when the Magpies beat Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
The former Blues youngster would be an excellent addition, capable of operating as both a touchline and inverted full-back. Being a different profile to Hato, who's more so a centre-half on paper, they'd complement each other nicely in Alonso's squad, without blocking the pathway of Emenalo, should he break into the first-team this term.
Lewis Hall applauds
Lewis Hall has been excellent for Newcastle United since signing from Chelsea(Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United FC)
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If Hall becomes available, like Bruno Guimaraes, who looks set to join Arsenal this summer, Chelsea need to be ready to swiftly wrap up a deal. In fact, the dominoes could be beginning to fall in Tyneside.
According to French outlet L'Equipe, the Gunners have reached an agreement with Newcastle for the transfer of their captain. The report claims that Arsenal have agreed to pay £77m (€90m) for Guimaraes, whose contract at St James' Park is set to expire in June 2028.
It's said that the finer details, such as bonuses and commissions, are yet to be settled, but the Brazil international has approved the move and is prepared to sign a five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium.
If Chelsea can prise Hall from Newcastle, too, Alonso will be well armed to compete on all fronts this season...