Chelsea welcome newly promoted Hull City to the Bridge today, though Hull have not been playing like newcomers, earning seven points from their first three games, keeping three clean sheets along the way. Can they resist our free-scoring attack? Let's hope not!
Xabi Alonso has made a couple changes to the usual early mix, with Maxence Lacroix taking a seat on the bench after starting every single game so far and Malo Gusto deployed at nominal left wing-back, at least according to the published lineup.
Here we go!
Chelsea starting lineup (3-4-2-1)
Martínez | Hato, Colwill, Fofana | Gusto, Lavia, James (c), Neto | Rogers, Palmer | João Pedro
Substitutes from: Penders, Acheampong, Lacroix, Chavarría, Barco, Quenda, Gittens, Estêvão, Welbeck

#Chelsea #lacroix #gusto

Former Manchester United and France striker Louis Saha believes Nicolas Jackson remains an excellent option for Premier League clubs, while admitting he was surprised the striker did not earn a permanent move to Bayern Munich after his loan spell.
Jackson joined Bayern Munich on loan from Chelsea last season and provided another attacking option behind Harry Kane. Although his opportunities were limited by Kane's remarkable goalscoring form, Saha believes Jackson showed enough to deserve more consideration.
Speaking about the striker's situation, Saha highlighted the qualities that could make Jackson an attractive option for Premier League clubs.
"Nicolas Jackson is a good fit for any Premier League team this summer. I like how direct he is. He might sometimes miss a few chances here and there but that's always part of a striker's job, too. I find it strange that he didn't find a home at Bayern Munich after his loan there because I thought he did really well, especially when he was having to find games competing against a striker scoring 72 goals in a season or whatever Harry Kane did," Saha told Mr Gamble. "But that's the reality in front of Jackson, and now Chelsea have brought in Danny Welbeck and he will be asking questions about his future and what the club expects from him."
Saha's comments underline the difficult situation Jackson faced at Bayern Munich. Competing directly with Kane for minutes was always going to be a major challenge, particularly given the England captain's extraordinary production.

#munich #league #striker #loan

After becoming one of the Premier League's main 'banter clubs' last season, Chelsea will head into the 2026/27 season with a point to prove.
The scattergun approach to transfer business coupled with impatience towards managers ultimately took a heavy toll on the Blues' fortunes last term.
Xabi Alonso has been appointed to steady the ship, and it will be intriguing to see if he can get Chelsea heading in the right direction again.
Without further ado, read on as we ******* s Chelsea's hopes of enjoying a productive 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
IN:Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa, £117m), Quenda (Sporting CP, £44m), Pep Chavarria (Rayo Vallecano, £16.3m), Denner (Corinthians, £8.7m), Dastan Satpaev (Kairat Almaty, £2.1m), Emmanuel Emegha (Strasbourg, undisclosed), Marco Palestra (Atalanta, undisclosed), Harrison Bettoni (Wigan Athletic, undisclosed), Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace, undisclosed), Danny Welbeck (Brighton & Hove Albion, undisclosed), Jordan Henderson (free agent), Valentin Barco (undisclosed),

#Chelsea

A much-changed Milan crumbled 3-0 to Chelsea, as Joao Pedro scored twice before a Moises Caicedo volley and Italy international Marco Palestra impressed on the left.
Following the 1-1 draw with Inter, the Rossoneri made changes with Rafael Leao and Luka Modric making their first starts of the summer, as Mario Gila, Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez were injured. Chelsea lost 1-0 to Juventus, but surprised by shifting Italy international Palestra over to left-back in Jakarta.
Koni De Winter's early error allowed Joao Pedro to go clear on a long ball, forcing Lorenzo Torriani into a tricky save, then Danny Welbeck thumped the upright from a Palestra ******* ist.
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 28: Joao Pedro of Chelsea celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between SSC Napoli and Chelsea FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 28, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
Christian Comotto's volley was charged down and Pedro Neto tested Torriani before ballooning over from another Palestra pass.

#christian

Tosin Adarabioyo has joked that it's nice not to be the only 'unc' in the Chelsea squad, following the arrivals of Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson.
Chelsea have secured the signings ofPremier League veterans Welbeck and Henderson this summer, who have been brought in to add experience to the dressing room.
At 35 and 36, Welbeck and Henderson have amassed 864Premier League appearances between them, with each winning a wealth of major honours. The new recruits will offer leadership to a Chelsea squad that was the youngest in the Premier League last season.
Despite being just 28, Tosin had earned the nickname 'unc' at Chelsea as the oldest member of an inexperienced squad. Abbreviated from uncle, it's an affectionate term used to reference older family members, friends or members of the community.
Speaking about the new signings, Tosin joked that he's just glad to have been relieved of his status as the club's elder statesman.

#henderson #joked

Chelsea travels to Indonesia for another pre-season friendly as they face AC Milan on Saturday at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
Date: Saturday, 8th August.
Kick-off: 1pm BST.
Venue: Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta, Indonesia.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso faces significant selection dilemmas ahead of the friendly in Jakarta, primarily driven by a heavily depleted squad following the World Cup. A large contingent of first-team regulars—including Enzo Fernández, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Jordan Henderson, Maxence Lacroix, Morgan Rogers, and Valentín Barco—remain entirely unavailable as they build up fitness. On a positive note, Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill are expected to return to action after being rested against Juventus due to minor knocks. Mykhailo Mudryk is also in line for increased minutes, building on his brief substitute appearance which marked his return to football after a 20-month anti-doping suspension. Meanwhile, Trevoh Chalobah has been left out of the touring squad entirely as he edges closer to a permanent transfer away from Stamford Bridge. This leaves room for new signings like Danny Welbeck and young winger Geovany Quenda to push for starting roles.

#Chelsea #stadium

The Men's First Team beat Chelsea 1-0 in their first friendly of the pre-season Summer Tour.
The victory was part of the Hong Kong Football Festival 2026. The decisive moment came courtesy of Edon Zhegrova, who scored a superb goal in the second half of what was a tightly contested match.
Juventus got off to a very good start, immediately posing a threat with a long-range shot from Manuel Locatelli, set up by Douglas Luiz, which went just wide. As the minutes ticked by, however, Chelsea stepped up a gear, taking control of possession without, however, managing to take the lead.
The English side came close to scoring first with a header from Danny Welbeck following a cross from Geovany Quenda, then with Quenda setting up Marco Palestra, who was denied by an excellent defensive intervention from Pierre Kalulu. In the 29th minute, it was Michele Di Gregorio who came to the Bianconeri's rescue to save a close-range effort from Jamie Gittens.
Juventus responded with character, particularly towards the end of the half. Jeremie Boga created several dangerous moments down the left flank, first delivering a dangerous ball into the Chelsea box and then testing Robert Sanchez twice, who was on hand to make the saves. The teams went into the break with the score at 0–0.

#first #half #however #close

Luciano Spalletti explains the positives from Juventus beating Chelsea 1-0, updating Kenan Yildiz fitness, and why Jonathan David was hauled off. 'He couldn't do more.'
HONG KONG, CHINA – AUGUST 5: Danny Welbeck of Chelsea FC (L) and Manuel Locatelli of Juventus FC (R) Competes for the ball during the Chelsea v Juventus – Pre-Season Friendly at the Kai Tak Stadium on August 5, 2026 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
The Bianconeri had only one new signing in the starting XI in Hong Kong, defender Zeki Celik, and overall looked a long way off the side that will be picked for competitive games this season.
It was nonetheless a positive to beat Chelsea 1-0 with the Edon Zhegrova curler, and keep another clean sheet in their summer tests.
TURIN, ITALY – MAY 03: Juventus FC head coach Luciano Spalletti looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and **** as Verona FC at Allianz Stadium on May 3, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

#images

It has been a few years since we last faced Juventus on the pitch. We've been on similar paths even if not exactly parallel, with the (once) Italian juggernauts failing to win their national league for six years and counting.
As always fitness, tactics and team chemistry take precedence in a preseason game. But if we can come out on top against a fellow embattled giant, then why not push for it?
Chelsea starting lineup (4-2-3-1):
Sánchez | Palestra, Fofana, Tosin, Hato | Caicedo (c), Nicoll-Jazuli | Quenda, João Pedro, Gittens | Welbeck
Substitutes from: Penders, Sharman-Lowe, Curd, Slonina, Sarr, Subuloye, Anselmino, Acheampong, Diakité, Essugo, Lavia, Walsh, Watson, Kellyman, Satpayev, Kavuma-McQueen, Estêvão, Mudryk, Neto, Jackson, Delap
Juventus starting eleven:
Di Gregorio | Kalulu, Gatti, Kelly, Çelik, Locatelli (c), Douglas Luiz, Cambiaso, Miretti, Boga, Milik

#juventus #starting #palestra #fofana

Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race to sign Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, rivalling Premier League counterparts Aston Villa, according to the Daily Mail. Xabi Alonso, Unai Emery and Roberto De Zerbi are at Stamford Bridge, Villa Park and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, respectively.
Stamford Bridge executives have placed a £65m price tag on the 25-year-old forward, who spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich.
Spurs have prioritised strengthening their attack in the closing weeks of the summer window, having already reinforced other areas. The North Londoners have now turned to Jackson despite their interest in Cody Gakpo, who is currently not for sale by Liverpool.
Spurs will face stiff competition from Aston Villa, where manager Unai Emery is leading efforts to reunite with Jackson. Emery previously coached the striker at Villarreal and values his direct running, pressing energy, and versatility as ideal qualities to strengthen Villa's forward rotation alongside Ollie Watkins. Villa have already held preliminary talks with Jackson's representatives following Morgan Rogers' departure.
From Chelsea's perspective, the Blues are open to sanctioning a deal if their £65m threshold is met. Jackson scored 11 goals in 34 matches across all competitions last season, but returns to Stamford Bridge facing intense competition for places following the arrivals of Danny Welbeck and Emegha, adding to a striker group that already includes Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, and Marc Guiu. With Chelsea aiming to streamline their squad and generate transfer capital, a permanent departure remains a strong possibility.

#stamford #bridge

Jordan Henderson says joining Chelsea "was a huge opportunity" and one that he just couldn't turn down.
The 36-year-old midfielder joins the Blues after reaching a mutual agreement with Brentford to terminate his contract.
Like Danny Welbeck, Henderson has signed a two-year-deal.
"Given the size of the club, the manager, who I have great admiration for, and the quality of the players, this was a huge opportunity I couldn't turn down," Henderson said.
"I was also so impressed with how much the ownership want Chelsea to be successful and move in the right direction.

#Chelsea #huge #down

Danny Welbeck has said he wants to mentor the younger players at Chelsea after completing his move to the club from Brighton.
Chelsea have signed Welbeck from Brighton for a fee of around £5m, as the Blues look to add leadership to a young dressing room.
The 35-year-old has made 400 appearances in thePremier League, representing Manchester United, ****** nal, Watford and Brighton.
He believes his vast experience of the league and demands at elite clubs can be a positive influence on the development of Chelsea's emerging talent.
"I'm coming to the later stage of my career, but I'm as hungry as ever and as passionate as ever, ready to put everything into this next chapter," he toldchelseafc.com.

#welbeck #Chelsea #united

Chelsea have announced the signing of 35-year-old striker Danny Welbeck from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The England international, capped 42 times, spent the last six seasons with the Seagulls and, in 2025/26, played 40 matches and scored 14 goals. Welbeck has signed a two-year deal with the Blues, running until June 2028.
Welbeck will represent his sixth club in the Premier League, after playing for Manchester United, Sunderland, **** nal, Watford and Brighton.
"It is a real honour to join a club of this stature at such an exciting time. I already know some of the players and I've had fantastic conversations with the manager — I already feel that connection," Welbeck told the London club's official channels.
Welbeck is likely to be joined by another veteran to add experience to Chelsea's ranks with Jordan Henderson expected to sign for the Blues shortly.

#brighton #danny

Chelsea's newest signing Danny Welbeck says he feels "really honoured" to pen a two-year deal after already having "fantastic conversations" with his new manager Xabi Alonso.
The 35-year-old forward, who has parted ways with Brighton after nearly six years of service, arrives at Stamford Bridge with 400 Premier League appearances and 42 England caps under his belt.
"When you hear of interest from Chelsea, it is something that fills you with such immense pride," Welbeck said. "Knowing the history of Chelsea, it is a club that wants to win trophies and is pushing to do that every single season.
"I'm really honoured to come to a club of this stature at what feels like a really exciting time. I know a few of the boys already, and I've had fantastic conversations with the manager, so I already feel that connection.
"I've got that fire in my belly. I'm ready to give everything for this club to make everyone at Chelsea, and the supporters, proud."

#Chelsea #already #i 've #fantastic

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of striker Danny Welbeck from Brighton.
The former Manchester United and ******* nal forward, 35, has signed a two-year deal at Stamford Bridge. Neither club have said what the transfer fee is.
Welbeck scored a career-high 13 league goals in 37 games for Brighton last season, with only three English players scoring more in the Premier League.
He becomes Chelsea's third signing of the summer, following Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa and Marco Palestra from Atalanta.
"When you hear of the interest from Chelsea, it's something that fills you with such immense pride," said Welbeck.

#welbeck #league #signing #arsenal

Gary Neville has backed Chelsea's decision to target experience this summer with moves for Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson.
Chelsea have made surprise approaches for the veteran pair in a bid to add experience to their group. Welbeck is due to undergo a medical ahead of signing a two-year deal, in a transfer that will be the first time Chelsea have paid a fee for a player aged over 26 since 2022.
The 35-year-old could be joined by Jordan Henderson, who has departed Brentford by mutual consent. Chelsea have earmarked the 36-year-old as a potential leader for their squad.
Neville believes Chelsea are making the right move by targeting good, senior professionals, after a difficult campaign last term.
"If you watched Chelsea for the last three, four or five years you'd say there's inexperience right throughout the football club," he said to Sky Sports.

#Chelsea #year #right #last

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JULY 18: Jordan Henderson #14 of England applauds the fans after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Bronze Final between France and England at Miami Stadium on July 18, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Chelsea has been busy this summer. The Stamford Bridge club has broken its transfer record to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa with Marco Palestra also joining from Atalanta and Geovany Quenda coming in from Sporting CP. Chelsea has clearly altered its strategy ahead of the 2026/27 season.
This is reflected by the Blues' interest in Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck, both of whom are reportedly close to joining the Stamford Bridge outfit. Henderson is 36 while Welbeck is 35. That Chelsea is even interested in such experienced players says a lot about how the strategy has changed over the summer.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 28: Xabi Alonso, Manager of Chelsea, reacts during the Sydney Super Cup match between Western Sydney Wanderers and Chelsea FC at Accor Stadium on July 28, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Xabi Alonso is remodelling the Chelsea team in his own image. The Spaniard is expected to recycle the approach and tactical set-up that worked so well for him as Bayer Leverkusen manager, hence the addition of a second number 10 in Rogers and a right wing back in Palestra. There is a plan in place.

#gardens #jordan

Chelsea are finalising a move for Brighton striker Danny Welbeck after he was given permission to have a medical at Stamford Bridge.
Welbeck, 35, is set to link up with his new club in Hong Kong next week for pre-season as he prepares to sign a two-year contract.
The move is part of new manager Xabi Alonso's recruitment drive to add experience to Chelsea's squad, which has been the youngest in the Premier League for the past two seasons.
Their focus on youth has been viewed as a factor in their inability to challenge consistently for major honours.
Towards the end of last season's disappointing campaign, when they finished 10th and won nothing, Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali said their recruitment model needed a "tweak".

#welbeck #stamford #bridge #hong

Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has answered on his side's transfer plans after winning their first match of pre-season.
The Blues kicked off their pre-season tour in Australia with a 6-4 victory over Sydney Warriors. However, much attention remains on the transfer market, where the club continues to be active.
Veteran Englishmen Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson have both been linked with moves to Stamford Bridge in the past 24 hours. Alonso answered on the speculation.
"I'm sure that from today until the last day of the transfer window there will be a lot of rumours," said the Spanish coach. "So to be commenting on all of them, it's going to be a hard task.
"But for sure we need proper balance in terms of qualities, in terms of positions, in terms of balance. We want to have a complete squad and we want to make a good team.

#transfer #alonso #season #want

Everton are interested in signing Chelsea striker Liam Delap this summer, according to talkSPORT. Everton manager David Moyes wanted to bring the Toffees target to the Hill ****** inson Stadium last summer, holding face-to-face talks with him. However, the 23-year-old opted to join Chelsea after leaving Ipswich Town. Delap scored just one goal in 28 Premier League games last term, and another goal in 13 other appearances. Chelsea are ready to cut their losses and are closing in on a move for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Danny Welbeck.
Delap is set to be available for a transfer, and Everton are monitoring his situation. Moyes will be confident of getting the best out of the Chelsea flop given his track record with youngsters. The Englishman bagged 12 goals in 37 Premier League games for Ipswich in 2024-25 and could prove to be a quality finisher elsewhere. Everton want attacking reinforcements and they could look to go for Delap in the coming weeks. Both Thierno Barry and Beto have been linked with summer exits.
Jack Grealish has returned to Manchester City after his loan spell, and while the Toffees are open to another loan deal, City prefer a permanent sale. Senegalese attacker Iliman Ndiaye has suitors in the Saudi Pro League, and Everton will need more options in attack even if they hold on to him.

#Chelsea #delap #summer

England international? Tick. Premier League winner? Tick. At least 35 years old? Erm, tick that too. Chelsea's transfer policy has taken a surprising turn this summer, ripped up and rewritten, and it's led the club to the doors of Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck.
Chelsea are working on deals to add both to Xabi Alonso's squad in time for the start of the new season. They have also missed out on other experienced targets such as John Stones, 32, who is set for a move to Inter Milan, and Granit Xhaka, 33, who Sunderland are determined to keep as captain.
It is a stunning departure from one of the most aggressive youth-focused transfer strategies in Premier League history, which has brought waves of potential to Stamford Bridge replete with lavish decade-long contracts. BlueCo have been dogmatic, signing only one player over 25 – defender Tosin Adarabioyo – since the summer of 2023. Last season, Chelsea signed 10 players ranging in age from 18 (Estevao, Kendry Paez) to 23 (Joao Pedro).
Danny Welbeck could be heading to Stamford Bridge (Getty)
It would be wrong to say the transfer policy has been completely flawed. Nurturing young talent and investing in sellable ******* ets is the modus operandi of many well-run clubs. Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo were youthful signings, as were Enzo Fernandez and Wesley Fofana. Estevao and Joao Pedro had excellent debut seasons in an underwhelming Chelsea team.

#transfer #danny #bridge #estevao

[Getty Images]
We asked for your views on the wisdom of Chelsea moving for 35-year-old Danny Welbeck and 36-year-old Jordan Henderson.
Here are some of your comments:
Will: Welbeck and Henderson would provide the much-needed experience we lack in the squad. John Stones would be a better signing than Henderson - however, Welbeck can also provide a goalscoring threat.
Steve: Welbeck is a good pro and would be a good addition to the squad. Henderson - no.

#year #provide #good #Chelsea

Chelsea are targeting deals for Maxence Lacroix, Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson - and the ages of the experienced trio seem to signal a major change in transfer tactics from the Blues.
At 26, it could be said that Crystal Palace and France defence Lacroix is in his prime, but the £52m target is still notably older than other recent Blues signings.
It has been two years since Chelsea signed a player older than Lacroix, and Tosin Adarabioyo was only marginally older when he arrived three months before turning 27.
Meanwhile, Brighton striker Welbeck is 35 and keen to move to Stamford Bridge, and Brentford and England midfielder Henderson is 36.
Welbeck's potential arrival could mean he replaces 23-year-old Liam Delap in the first-team picture.

#danny #crystal

Manchester United are seriously considering strengthening up top as they prepare to grapple with matches in four different competitions.
With only the Premier League to focus on, the Red Devils got away with signing only Benjamin Sesko last summer, while leaving Joshua Zirkzee as his backup.
The Dutchman, who is a popular figure in the dressing room, is keen to stay at Old Trafford but his lack of goals means INEOS are better off without him.
The Slovenian needs help if he is to avoid going down the road that Rasmus Hojlund did during his time at the club.
Michael Carrick understands this, and the co-owners have been instructed to sign an experienced backup, with the likes of Ivan Toney and Danny Welbeck among the names being monitored.