Here is a roundup of the top Chelsea transfer news and gossip that you guys could have missed..
Reports suggesting Chelsea could make a surprise move for Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi appear to have suffered a significant setback, with the latest claims indicating that Mikel Arteta has no intention of allowing the Spain international to leave.
Zubimendi, 27, has emerged as a potential target for Chelsea following reports that his position in Arsenal’s midfield could come under increased pressure. The arrival of Bruno Guimarães has added further competition for places, while Zubimendi’s involvement reportedly declined towards the closing stages of Arsenal’s title-winning campaign.
However, more recent reports claim Arsenal have now taken a firm stance over the midfielder’s future. FootballTransfers has reported that the Gunners have “absolutely no intention” of selling Zubimendi, with Arteta remaining a long-standing admirer of the player he pursued for several years before bringing him to north London from Real Sociedad.
The latest position would represent a major blow to Chelsea’s hopes of securing the Spanish international, particularly after earlier reports suggested Arsenal could consider a sale if a substantial offer arrived. Some outlets had claimed that the Premier League champions could demand around €90 million for Zubimendi, while Chelsea and Real Madrid were both linked with monitoring his situation.
Despite the speculation surrounding his future, Zubimendi remains an important member of Arteta’s squad. The midfielder made 57 appearances in all competitions during his debut season and played a significant role in Arsenal’s Premier League triumph, although reports have pointed to a reduction in his prominence later in the campaign.
Arteta has also publicly stressed the importance of maintaining depth and competition within his squad as Arsenal prepare to defend their title. Recent reporting has described Zubimendi as remaining a key part of the manager’s plans despite the increased competition following Guimarães’ arrival.
CHELSEA’s reported interest has added another layer to an already intriguing transfer story. The Blues are understood to have explored the possibility of bringing Zubimendi to Stamford Bridge, with speculation also fuelled by the midfielder’s previous connection with Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso.
But if the latest reports are accurate, Arsenal’s position is now clear: Zubimendi is not for sale.
The situation could still be revisited if circumstances change before the transfer window closes, but for now, CHELSEA appear unlikely to prise the Spanish midfielder away from the Emirates Stadium.
PEDRO HAPPY WITH DEAL
Chelsea forward João Pedro has committed his long-term future to the club after signing a new contract that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until 2034, with the Brazilian expressing his delight at extending his stay in west London.
The 24-year-old striker has been rewarded following an impressive first season at Chelsea, having established himself as a key figure in the club’s attack since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2025.
Pedro’s previous deal had already represented a long-term commitment, but the new agreement further underlines Chelsea’s determination to build around the Brazil international. The extension also comes amid reports of interest from leading European clubs, making the new contract a significant statement from both player and club
‘I am very happy to sign a new contract with CHELSEA,’ Joao Pedro said. ‘I always dreamed of playing for a big club, and it means a lot to me to give my long-term commitment to this club. Chelsea has a long tradition of winning and it has big ambitions for the future.
‘I have a very good relationship with everyone here at the club and I have felt at home here in London from the moment that I joined.
‘Everyone is very excited for this season. We know we can achieve a lot of things, we have a great team, we have a coach who wants to win and has won already. I am fully committed, everyone is ready and hopefully we can achieve our targets.’
Great news for Chelsea.
The new deal is particularly encouraging because it demonstrates Chelsea’s faith in a player who is still only 24 and has plenty of room to improve. João Pedro is more than simply a goalscorer: his movement, technical ability and willingness to link play make him an excellent fit for a modern attacking side.
There is also a wider message behind the contract. CHELSEA are building a team around players they believe can deliver success for years to come, and João Pedro has clearly earned a central role in that project. Manager Xabi Alonso has praised both his ability and his growing leadership within the squad.
Keeping him until 2034 gives Chelsea stability and ambition. If João Pedro continues developing at his current rate, this contract could prove to be one of the club’s smartest decisions.
DEFENDER JOINS NAPOLI
Chelsea defender Benoît Badiashile has completed a season-long loan move to Serie A side Napoli, bringing a temporary end to a mixed three-and-a-half-year spell at Stamford Bridge.
The Frenchman now has the opportunity to reset his career in Italy after finding consistent minutes increasingly difficult to secure at Chelsea.
The 25-year-old joined Chelsea from Monaco in January 2023 and made 71 appearances in all competitions, but injuries and fierce competition for places prevented him from establishing himself as a consistent first-choice defender. He now joins Napoli on an initial season-long loan with an option to make the move permanent.
Opinion: Why Badiashile’s Napoli Move Could Be Exactly What He Needs
For Badiashile, this feels like a very good move. His biggest problem at CHELSEA was not a lack of ability, but a lack of continuity. Injuries disrupted his progress and regular opportunities became increasingly difficult to find, with his game time falling significantly last season.
A loan to Napoli offers the chance to play consistently and rebuild confidence away from the intense scrutiny of the Premier League.
Serie A could also suit his qualities. Badiashile is a physically imposing left-footed centre-back who is comfortable bringing the ball out from defence, and a fresh tactical environment could help him rediscover the form that originally made him such a highly rated prospect at Monaco.
Most importantly, Napoli are not a small club offering a quiet escape. They are a major side with high expectations, having won Serie A in 2025 before finishing as runners-up last season. That means Badiashile will have the opportunity to test himself in a demanding environment while potentially playing for trophies.
From Chelsea’s perspective, the deal also makes sense. A successful season in Italy could either convince Napoli to trigger their purchase option or increase Badiashile’s value ahead of a future sale. Reports have placed the option in the region of €20 million to €27 million, although the precise structure has varied across reports.
For now, this is a chance for both player and club to benefit. Badiashile gets the fresh start and regular football he desperately needs, while CHELSEA gain clarity over a defender whose long-term future had become increasingly uncertain.
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