Chelsea forwards Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro make a surprise appearance in a promotional film for Madonna's new album.

Reece James, Cole Palmer and six other Chelsea players are deemed 'untouchable' by Xabi Alonso, while Enzo Fernandez and Marc Cucurella have been left out of his eight-man list. Alonso and the rest of his coaching staff were seen at Chelsea's training ground last week as they familiarised themselves with the Cobham facility ahead of their formal start date on July 1.

There are 11 players who are either due to join Chelsea or return from loans but not all of them will have a part to play at Stamford Bridge

Xabi Alonso begins his role as Chelsea manager from the start of next month with the new Blues boss having plenty to do before he and the squad jet off to Australia in late-July

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has promised incoming manager Jose Mourinho big signings this summer and the ex-Chelsea boss is believed to be interested in bringing Fernandez to the Bernabeu. Chelsea are not actively looking to sell Fernandez but The Sun say Real Madrid are planning to test their resolve with an official bid.

Three players are already lined up to join the squad. Chelsea agreed a deal to acquire Geovany Quenda from Sporting CP for £40m in March 2025, in view of him moving to Stamford Bridge this summer. He has continued to play for Sporting in the meantime.

The Blues looked at Iraola before turning to Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso.

Manchester City and Chelsea remain locked in negotiations about Enzo Maresca replacing Pep Guardiola. Guardiola announced on 22 May he would step down as City boss after a trophy laden decade in charge,

AC Milan will demand a much higher transfer fee for Chelsea-linked goalkeeper Mike Maignan if has a good World Cup campaign with France.

The Blues won’t entertain offers for players that will become the core of the Xabi Alonso era.