Chelsea

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea's Reece James missed training with England on Thursday which has thrown his fitness into doubt for the Three Lions' final World Cup Group L game against Panama.

The 26-year-old right-back suffered a hamstring issue in the goalless draw with Ghana on Tuesday and did not train with his team-mates in England's penultimate session before Saturday's game (22:00 BST).

It now remains to be seen if James is fit enough to start or be an option from the bench in the final group game at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Meanwhile, Arsenal's Declan Rice, who left Boston Stadium after the Ghana draw with strapping on his left calf, was also absent from Thursday's session at England's training base in Kansas City.

Sources indicate the 27-year-old midfielder's fitness is less of a concern. However, it remains to be seen if Thomas Tuchel is willing to start Rice - particularly given he is at risk of suspension for the last 32 after being booked against Ghana.

Inter Milan could make a move for Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah if they are unable to sign Oumar Solet from Udinese. (Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external

Crystal Palace want £50m for 26-year-old France defender Maxence Lacroix, who is wanted by Chelsea. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

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We asked for your views on Chelsea placing a £75m asking price on Malo Gusto, as the defender continues to explore his options away from Stamford Bridge.

Would you be happy to see the 23-year-old go for that money? Who could be a viable replacement?

Here are some of your thoughts:

Will: We should try to hold on to Gusto. We've seen throughout the season that he can be a bit ropey - however, he has shown spells of quality. Hopefully, if we keep him, he can provide good competition for Reece James in the starting XI, while also being able to step in if James has another injury-prone season.

Ivan: I felt like Gusto checked out last season. He wasn't the only one, but the mistakes he made, coupled with his position as James' back-up, means he was likely to move on sooner rather than later. He had his moments and showed his potential, but the first half of the Conference League final showed he was a car crash waiting to happen. I'll take the £75m!

Mark: I would sell him in a heartbeat at that price! He was never a Chelsea player, along with far too many of the others brought in by our clueless owners. We have to rip it up and start again thanks to them!

Stu: £75m for a player who doesn't start, isn't good enough to start, and when he does start is generally awful? Wishful thinking at best, desperate at worst. If this is how Chelsea plan on recouping some revenue, they need to fire their accountants.

Samantha: I don't think we should sell Gusto. Marco Palestra is a true wing-back, who would suit a back three, but we need the option of a more traditional right-back and Gusto is Premier League proven, flexible and defensively capable. There will be games when Chelsea play a back four or need another option. I don't feel we can play an entire season with a 21-year-old who is unproven in the Premier League as our only right-back choice.

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

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Chelsea are aiming to rebuild their defensive line under new manager Xabi Alonso this summer.

The Blues want to add at least one central defender to their squad - amid interest in Trevoh Chalobah from Serie A club Como - and Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix is emerging as a key target.

Another option being considered by Chelsea is 21-year-old Como centre-back Jacobo Ramon.

Ramon is also still linked to former club Real Madrid through various clauses, while the Spanish giants have made Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, valued by the Blues at £120m, one of their key targets this summer.

Chelsea have already sold Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid for £51.8m, and are set to complete the signing of Atalanta defender Marco Palestra for a fee in excess of £43m.

It is all part of a major summer of player sales, defensive departures and improvements for Chelsea before the official arrival of Alonso.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

England will assess the fitness of Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and Chelsea defender Reece James before their final World Cup group game against Panama.

Rice limped out of the Boston Stadium after England's goalless draw against Ghana on Tuesday with heavy strapping on his left calf.

Sources have indicated there is no major concern the injury could impact his involvement on a longer-term basis in the United States.

But it is understood the issue requires assessment and rest before a decision can be made on the 27-year-old's availability for Panama on Saturday, with England manager Thomas Tuchel and his staff needing to weigh up the risks of playing him.

Rice was also taken off in the game against Croatia with nerve pain in a sore hamstring he has been managing.

James will also require assessment as England approach Saturday's match in New Jersey.

The 26-year-old completed the full game against Ghana but will be checked by medics over the next 24 hours.

The Chelsea captain has a history of injury and his load will be monitored closely.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Chelsea.

Here are some of your comments:

Scott: Johan Manzambi. He's like a new Ramires. We miss that energy and skill and composure in midfield. Then we can get rid of Enzo Fernandez too.

John: Maxi Araujo. We need a left wing-back and he looks in fine form at this World Cup, practically carrying Uruguay.

Kevin: Jonathan David as he's a proven goal scorer, Mike Maignan because we desperately need a world class goalkeeper and Bradley Barcola because he is quick and we need speed.

Thomas: Chelsea should sign Marcus Rashford - he has a release clause and is better than Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson.

Tell us who you have scouted

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

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Chelsea defender Malo Gusto is exploring options to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, with the club placing a £75m price tag on the full-back.

The 23-year-old right-back's future has come under renewed doubt after Chelsea agreed a deal in principle to sign Atalanta's Marco Palestra, who plays in the same position, for a fee in excess of £43m.

Gusto was aware his future was uncertain before that move, and sources have told BBC Sport that his representatives have held exploratory talks with multiple clubs, including Manchester City.

City are keen on signing a right-back to compete with Matheus Nunes next season, but sources have told BBC Sport that, while there is interest in Gusto, he is not a leading candidate at this stage of the transfer window.

Any move to Etihad Stadium would mean Gusto reuniting with former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, whom he played under for 18 months before the Italian's departure from Stamford Bridge in January.

• Are you happy to let Gusto go for that price? Who could replace him? Get in touch and tell us here

Chelsea need to make significant player sales this summer after finishing 10th in the Premier League last season and missing out on European qualification.

Spain full-back Marc Cucurella joined Real Madrid this summer in a deal worth £52m.

The La Liga club are also interested in midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who they have pushed to the top of their shortlist following Jose Mourinho's appointment at the Bernabeu.

However, Chelsea value the Argentina international at £120m.

Chelsea intend to strengthen the squad and want at least one centre-back to arrive alongside Palestra.

That has placed a number of futures in doubt, including those of Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana.

Chalobah is attracting interest from Serie A side Como, who qualified for the Champions League with a fourth-place finish under manager Cesc Fabregas.

It is understood Chalobah is open to the move, but the potential cost of the deal is deterring the Italians from making a formal offer.

Read the full piece here

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea are set to make Atalanta defender Marco Palestra their first signing for new boss Xabi Alonso, for a fee in excess of £43m.

Palestra had been expected to join Italian champions Inter Milan following a successful loan spell at Cagliari last season, where he was named Serie A's best defender.

However, after 24 hours of talks, the Premier League club have emerged as the 21-year-old's preferred destination, as sources in Italy claim Inter could not match Chelsea's offer on personal terms.

Palestra, who made his international debut for Italy this year, is viewed at Stamford Bridge as an exciting option capable of playing on either flank, both as a wing-back and more conventional full-back.

It is also an early sign of new manager Alonso's influence.

Having been appointed as manager rather than head coach, he is understood to have approved the move - the first major signing made by the club since the former Spain midfielder was named Liam Rosenior's replacement in May.

Alonso is set to formally join Chelsea on 1 July, but he has been in regular contact with the club's hierarchy regarding incoming and outgoing transfers.

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

It's the ultimate shop window: a World Cup with 48 teams - all packed with players eager to show what they can do on the biggest stage.

With the transfer window now open, BBC Sport journalists have been taking a look at some of the key names being discussed.

Image source, Getty Images

Strasbourg midfielder Valentin Barco announced his departure last month amid reported Chelsea interest.

Sources close to the Argentina international, 21, believe he is heading to Stamford Bridge, although Chelsea have yet to confirm any deal.

Lille and Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, 18, has also been linked to Chelsea, but it's unclear whether they will want to sign a further midfielder after the expected Barco deal.

Real Madrid will open talks with Chelsea over a transfer for their Argentina international Enzo Fernandez, 25, having made him their top midfield target this summer. (AS), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Some of you have been asking if Chelsea may move for a central defender on our Ask Me Anything form.

Chelsea have multiple names on their centre-back shortlist, notably Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix and Como's Jacobo Ramon.

It's possible they sign more than one option in the position but they need to make some sales after missing out on Europe and with a lot of players at their disposal.

Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.

We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.

Find out more here

Ghana and Chelsea legend Michael Essien joins The Wayne Rooney Show as the pair the pair discuss their favourite battles on the pitch, England's chances in the World Cup and the resurgence of Kobbie Mainoo.

Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Chelsea's 26-year-old defender Trevoh Chalobah, who was a late call-up to England's World Cup squad, is wanted by Como boss Cesc Fabregas. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

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We asked for your views on who Chelsea should look to sign at centre-back this summer.

Here are some of your comments:

Steve: I would look to bring in Harry Maguire because of his experience and he definitely will give you his all. Probably about £20m but what a price on experience for a couple of years.

James: Lewis Dunk. Proven, experienced, English centre-half and leader, somewhat Terry-esque. Would help corral the young bucks.

Stevie: Would have liked to go for either of the two Tottenham have signed, probably the best option now would be Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace. We need two or three players with experience and to be a little bit older just for the moments when we struggle. We concede and then look like conceding again.

Bob: Wesley Fofana needs to be sold - he's a liability. Lacroix and Murillo aren't good enough for Chelsea. We should buy Ousmane Diomande from Sporting to partner Levi Colwill.

Robert: Micky van de Ven.

Osman: It wouldn't be bad at all if Chelsea do get Lacroix from Crystal Palace. He's a William Saliba of Arsenal type.

Image source, Getty Images

It is time to get your scouting caps on!

We're well into the group stage of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention so far - especially as the summer transfer window has now been officially open for a week.

What player has raised your eyebrows? Which name has exceeded your expectations?

Ultimately, who would you like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?

This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...

Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here

Enjoy the World Cup across BBC Sport

Image source, BBC Sport

From live TV coverage to highlights, analysis and reaction, our dedicated team will ensure you don't miss a kick of the biggest World Cup yet.

And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.

This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.

This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.

• Simple steps to set up live lock screen match updates from the World Cup

• How to get Premier League score updates

A new predictor game has been introduced to cover this year's World Cup, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from every match.

The game also features streaks, so make sure to check in each day and make your predictions.

• Play World Cup Predictor here (UK users only)

Ever wanted to see a World Cup match from every angle? How about a full-pitch tactical view? Or even see the match through the eyes of a player?

Well, now you can with Fifa World Cup 3D Experience, which is a UK-first that is only available on BBC Sport.

The interactive game experience gives viewers more choice to explore the match both in real time, highlights and full-match replays.

• Head here to get started

Finally, here are some more handy links:

• How to follow the World Cup across the BBC

• Beat the time difference and catch up on everything without any spoilers

• Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

• Play our World Cup quizzes

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

There is no indication Chelsea are actively looking to sell Wesley Fofana.

The France international, who was not selected for his country's World Cup squad, is effectively under scrutiny as the Blues look to reduce the size of their squad before next season under Xabi Alonso.

The picture at centre-back is already crowded, and Chelsea are looking to add at least one high-quality option in that area and perhaps another depending on sales.

The idea is to deliver a Premier League-ready option to partner the highly regarded Levi Colwill - a role once reserved for Fofana given his £70m price tag, but which is now no longer guaranteed.

The situation may be recoverable, but it remains uncertain for Fofana, who must impress Alonso upon arrival when pre-season begins at the end of the month.

Chelsea acknowledge they need to add physicality, quality and leadership in their incoming signings, particularly at centre-back.

Those within the club have been tight-lipped on specific targets, but checks were made on Ibrahima Konate before he joined Real Madrid from Liverpool, while Nottingham Forest's Murillo is admired.

Jan Paul van Hecke was linked before his move to Tottenham from Brighton, while Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix is also reportedly on the radar.

Who would you bring in to bolster Chelsea's central-defensive options? Are you keen on Murillo or Lacroix, or is there another player you'd prefer? Or does Fofana remain the best solution?

Get in touch with your views here

Read Nizaar's full piece on Fofana and signings here

Alex Howell
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Reece James worked with Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea and is playing at his first World Cup as England's first-choice right-back.

James has sustained a number of injuries in his career and has faced questions about his ability to play regularly with limited recovery time.

He looked to have got over those problems, but picked up a hamstring injury at the end of the 2025-26 campaign which kept him out for four weeks and meant he missed England's games against Japan and Uruguay.

But James returned for Chelsea in time to be selected in Tuchel's World Cup squad and ended the season with 39 appearances for his club.

"People always talk about injuries and availability, and to me it's so boring now," James told BC Radio 5 Live.

"I have one job, which is to be the best I can when I'm on the pitch. I understand the stigma at the start, but after a while it gets boring.

"I've been fit for a long time before my last injury, and I don't listen to too much noise.

"I just focus on myself and my body, trying to perform the best I can and help the team I'm playing in."

Striker Nicolas Jackson will not push for a move away from Chelsea as he aims to impress new manager Xabi Alonso in pre-season. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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