Chelsea

Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Cesar Azpilicueta has backed Chelsea's decision to sign experienced players this summer and believes it will help captain Reece James grow as a leader.

The Blues made their first signings aged over 30 in more than four years when they brought in Jordan Henderson, Danny Welbeck and Emiliano Martinez from Premier League rivals Brentford, Brighton and Aston Villa respectively.

James, who succeeded Azpilicueta as captain in 2023, was handed the role at the age of 23 and admitted he initially struggled with the responsibility during an injury-hit period. Former manager Enzo Maresca also publicly challenged him to improve his leadership.

However, both internally and externally, there is a belief that James has grown into the role after avoiding any lengthy injury absences over the past year.

Asked about James' progress as captain, Azpilicueta told BBC Sport: "Reece is still developing.

"People sometimes forget how young he still is because we've known him since he came through the academy. I wasn't captain myself until I was around 28 or 29.

"Since he got into the first team, you could see he was a special player. The quality was obvious. Now he's developing the leadership side as well.

"When I look at him, I see a player who is still improving and who probably has his best years ahead of him.

"A lot of young players have arrived at the club, but there are also experienced players around him who can help him in the role, and I'm sure he'll benefit from that support."

Azpilicueta added that after joining Chelsea he was pushed "to the maximum" and "gave everything" for the club.

He has since retired and graduated from the PFA Business School with a Diploma in Global Football Sport Directorship in September 2026.

The former Spain international added: "I follow every game and I hope the club comes back to where it belongs.

"I have confidence that Xabi (Alonso), the staff and the players will do good work. Hopefully they can bring a lot of happiness to the fans."

Having not returned to Stamford Bridge since leaving Chelsea for Atletico Madrid and later Sevilla, he was asked whether he would ever come back to receive a hero's welcome from supporters.

"I don't know about that," he replied modestly, before adding: "I will come back one day. I won't be putting my boots on, though."

Read more from Azpilicueta

Real Madrid are considering joining the race to sign Alex Scott after watching the Bournemouth and England midfielder, 23, closely in recent weeks. (Teamtalk), external

Chelsea are in pole position to sign Scott from Bournemouth, with Liverpool and Arsenal also interested. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Liverpool and Chelsea have joined the race to sign Nottingham Forest's Brazilian defender Murillo but the 24-year-old will not be allowed to leave the City Ground in January. (Football Insider), external

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Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

Chelsea have started games strongly under Xabi Alonso, scoring five league goals without reply in the opening 15 minutes of fixtures.

That should have been the perfect platform to dictate the tempo of matches, but instead they have been drawn into open, end-to-end contests, shipping a league-high 12 goals and conceding at least twice in every game.

The Blues have also faced more shots on target than any other side and rank among the league's worst for big chances allowed and errors leading directly to goals.

Those shortcomings are being ruthlessly punished. Despite the recruitment of World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who has started the past four league games, the west Londoners have conceded three goals more than their expected goals against figure would suggest, the largest negative difference in the top flight.

Chelsea have not kept a Premier League clean sheet since January - a run of 21 matches - so defensive issues clearly predate Alonso's arrival this summer.

But while the Spaniard has quickly unlocked the attacking potential of Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, he must find a way to give his side better balance.

Real Madrid are showing an interest in Bayer Leverkusen's 23-year-old England defender Jarell Quansah, who was the subject of a summer enquiry from Chelsea and a bid from Arsenal. (Bild - in German), external

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Sami Mokbel and Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport

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Bournemouth are not willing to entertain offers for midfielder Alex Scott during the January transfer window.

The 23-year-old made his senior England debut in Wednesday's 2-0 Nations League win away to Czechia but will be into the final 18 months of his contract come January.

The Cherries have had two contract renewal talks rejected before a summer window in which Scott pushed to leave the Vitality Stadium.

However, they remain steadfast that they have warned interested clubs that they will not welcome any contact over a move until their league objectives have either been achieved or are no longer attainable.

Similarly, Bournemouth would not entertain offers for other key players, including striker Eli Junior Kroupi, who remains sidelined through injury, and winger Rayan.

The club are competing on four fronts this season, including their first-ever European campaign in the Europa League.

Scott has performed well on the south coast and shown no signs of discontent but is known to ultimately want to join one of England's biggest clubs.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool are among the Premier League clubs known to hold an interest in Scott.

Manchester City and Manchester United, meanwhile, strengthened their midfield options during the summer and are not expected to revive their interest.

Chelsea remain keen to sign a midfielder after seeing a £64m bid for Scott rejected during the summer.

They also missed out on Monaco's Lamine Camara on deadline day, held talks over a move for Roma's Manu Kone and expressed an interest in Fulham's Sander Berge.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is also thought to have a positive relationship with his former player Scott. The Anfield club are known to be targeting a midfielder in future transfer windows and retain an interest in Camara.

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

The Premier League has opened a Pandora's box of problems which cannot be closed. However well-intentioned, however morally upright they mean to be, the way the product is perceived around the planet by fans will be negatively affected.

This looks like a gigantic mess, but could also become a bit of a joke, especially if they attempt to rewrite history, and change the winners' names on the Premier League and cup trophies over these past 15 years. I wouldn't want the engraver's job.

I believe financial rules brought in to prioritise financial sustainability were also aimed at limiting the money being spent by the clubs, especially the staggering, ever-inflating sums spent on sometimes fairly average players. It could lead to a de facto salary cap, which many fans would approve of.

The long-term problem for the league is easy to see here: if the top players are then offered significantly more money to play elsewhere, they will be off before you can say 'man on'.

I always thought the Premier League had taken a huge risk going down this regulatory road. As with Manchester City's future, nobody knows what the real long-term ramifications will be.

I have a suspicion it could end up being the greatest own goal in the sport's entire history.

The big take: If City are cast out of England's top leagues, what might the owners do – hang around the lower reaches, or find something else? Wasn't there the idea of a Super League? Keep that thought in the back of your mind.

Pat Nevin writes weekly in the Football Extra newsletter. If you're outside the UK and would like to receive it, sign up here.

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

Most of the time it is not that big a deal if you go into the international break having just lost a club game if I am honest, as teams lose games frequently.

That is just the life of a professional footballer. You have to be able to cope with disappointment as an individual and as a team.

‌Admittedly, players will sometimes say that they want another domestic game quickly, but it is almost always specifically after a 'bad' defeat as opposed to just a run-of-the-mill loss.

‌However, if the team has genuinely played terribly, or lost a game they were expected to win comfortably, you will commonly hear the phrase "we want to have a chance to get back out there and put it right quickly".

‌Players who have had a stinker, even if their team won, might also want to get out again as soon as possible to put it right in front of their fans, or 'reset'. The 'reset' argument is just current football jargon to say, "we will try to get it right next time, and we blew it this week, sorry".

‌The international break can also have the beneficial effect of taking your mind away from a bad defeat. This is not to say that you don't care, it is just that you must compartmentalise your thoughts and feelings. Footballers are among the best at this.

‌You simply cannot go to play for your national team and spend the time brooding about what happened against Brentford last week. That way lies madness and another poor performance, only this time in front of the entire nation.

Pat Nevin writes weekly in the Football Extra newsletter. If you're outside the UK and would like to receive it, sign up here.

In the third and final part of Tuesday's Q&A, Chelsea reporter Nizaar Kinsella discusses Estevao Willian's current situation and Xabo Alonso's defensive tactics.

Will asked: How much truth is there to the rumours about Estevao being unhappy at Chelsea? It seems curious that he has been afforded so few minutes given the side's recent difficulties.

Nizaar: There are strong denials from both the Brazilian's camp and Chelsea that there are any issues between him and Xabi Alonso.

I have written about the subject in detail and, since then, there has been no change, other than Estevao addressing it while on international duty.

Although the attacker would no doubt like more playing time, he appears to be handling the situation well - at least for now.

Before the season began, I wrote that this type of situation was inevitable given Chelsea's large squad and lack of European football.

If that situation continues, will he remain happy? And could a switch to a back four allow Alonso to include another attacker?

Image source, Getty Images

• Dirt pitches, dodging dogs and choosing Chelsea - the making of Estevao

Mak asked: Do you think Alonso will consider reverting to a back four considering the amount of goals Chelsea are conceding?

Nizaar: It would be the reverse of Antonio Conte after his famous switch to a back three following a 3-0 defeat at Arsenal in 2016. The rest is history.

It is a reasonable question to ask, and Alonso insists he is not wedded to any specific system. Interestingly, Chelsea's academy teams across the age groups are largely emulating Alonso's system. Would effectively swapping five natural defenders for four improve them?

There is no right or wrong answer. I do think some defensive players have found it hard this season, while the attackers have enjoyed it. They also need to improve in possession because they have lost the ball in dangerous areas and been poor defending set-pieces. And does the squad itself have enough aggression to battle in it?

It is more likely Chelsea will try to make it work with Moises Caicedo, who has arguably been their most important player over the past two seasons, before abandoning current plans.

In the second part of Tuesday's Q&A, Chelsea reporter Nizaar Kinsella discusses what the club's recent ownership changes mean for the potential stadium redevelopment and the impact of set-piece coach Austin MacPhee.

George asked: Where does the boardroom reshuffle and power dynamic leave the stadium development?

Nizaar: Chelsea are exploring major infrastructure improvements.

One option is the more straightforward task of upgrading the training ground at Cobham, but there is also a desire to make progress on stadium plans. Any difference of opinion between Clearlake executives such as Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly over the stadium's future has consistently been played down, even after Boehly and Mark Walter sold their stakes, external in Chelsea for £475m each.

The ownership situation may still help smooth the decision-making process. However, Chelsea are currently being delayed by external factors. For example, can they gain access to the Earl's Court development and properly present that option, which they may regard as the most attractive, to supporters?

Remaining at Stamford Bridge would be complex and expensive.

There is no perfect solution, so this era-defining decision is being taken with extreme care.

Image source, Getty Images

Dylan asked: With the arrival of MacPhee from Aston Villa, I was expecting more of a threat from set-pieces, but we have looked blunt in the opposition box and poor defensively, like last season, as seen for Brentford's opener at the Gtech. Is it just a matter of time or is it the new regulations for contact?

Nizaar: Having watched a number of Chelsea training sessions and seen the team play live since pre-season, I can tell you MacPhee is an influential figure.

The Scot leads large sections of training focused on set-pieces and I would argue he has already had some success in attacking situations.

It should be noted that Chelsea ranked highly in the league for attacking set-piece expected goals last season but performed poorly defensively. That trend has continued in 2026-27 and, despite the arrival of MacPhee and 11 new signings, remains evident.

The regulations have already changed to reduce the use of blockers and certain forms of contact at set-pieces, but it may also be that this group simply needs more time to improve.

Keep across this page for the third and final part of Nizaar's Q&A, which will look at Estevao Willian's future and Xabi Alonso's defensive set-up.

We asked for your questions to put to BBC Sport's Chelsea reporter Nizaar Kinsella. In the first of a three-part Q&A, he focuses on the Blues' midfield.

Jake asked: Are Chelsea likely to go back into the market for either Manu Kone or Lamine Camara in the coming windows?

Nizaar: I can tell you with some degree of certainty that Chelsea are open to signing a midfielder in January.

That position could change depending on whether they gain some stability in midfield when Moises Caicedo returns, or whether players such as Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli and Reggie Watson, both 16, are deemed ready by January to make an impact on the fringes of the first-team squad.

As for the key question of who that midfielder could be, Chelsea previously tried to sign Roma's Manu Kone, external and Monaco's Lamine Camara. However, Liverpool are believed to be interested in Camara and could join the race in the near future.

It also appears that both clubs will try to retain their players during the winter transfer window. Chelsea have also explored Premier League options, including Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Sander Berge of Fulham. Again, it seems unlikely either would be available in January.

It may be wiser to wait until the summer to add genuine quality rather than sign a short-term option. There are a lot of moving parts, though, and an injury or two could force Chelsea into the market.

Image source, Getty Images

• Nizaar has his say on Chelsea breakout star Nicoll-Jazuli

John asked: Given our struggles with having a central midfielder who can control the tempo, what are your thoughts on playing Nicoll-Jazuli alongside either Caicedo (when fit) or Jordan Henderson? If they're good enough, they're old enough - for example, Max Dowman at Arsenal.

Nizaar: I see Nicoll-Jazuli as more of a box-to-box midfielder, or perhaps more of a number eight, but it is true that Chelsea have used him as a number six out of necessity when he has played.

Watson is another player who could develop into that role.

I know Chelsea regard Nicoll-Jazuli as a top-tier talent and are excited that he has committed to signing his first professional contract when he turns 17, despite attempts by several major clubs to lure him away.

Unfortunately, I do not think he is the solution to this particular problem. Caicedo's return will tell us a lot about whether this squad is fit for purpose.

Keep across this page for parts two and three of Tuesday's Q&A, which will look at subjects including Estevao Willian's game time and what Chelsea's boardroom reshuffle could mean for stadium development.

Chelsea, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona are among the teams interested in Erling Haaland and watching Manchester City's situation amid the possibility of sanctions. (Fichajes - in Spanish), external

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Nizaar Kinsella
Chelsea reporter

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Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens has withdrawn from the England Under-21 squad after suffering a suspected ankle injury.

The 22-year-old lasted 39 minutes of the 4-2 win over Kazakhstan at Molineux on Friday before being replaced by Everton winger Tyrique George.

Gittens will return to Chelsea for assessment after being pictured leaving Wolves' stadium on crutches.

It comes after a difficult start to the season for Gittens, who joined the Blues from Borussia Dortmund in a £52m move in 2025, having yet to play a minute of Premier League football this campaign.

He featured heavily in pre-season under new manager Xabi Alonso but has started only once this term - a Carabao Cup tie against Leeds United, where he was substituted at half-time after a poor first-half display.

Young Lions boss Lee Carsley has called up West Ham midfielder Divine Mukasa, who is on loan from Manchester City, as Gittens' replacement.

Brazil winger Estevao Willian is becoming frustrated at his lack of game time at Chelsea, and Barcelona are keeping tabs on the situation. (Sport - in Spanish), external

Meanwhile, the Blues are monitoring Crystal Palace's England left-back Tyrick Mitchell, 27, but may face competition from Manchester United and Liverpool. (Caught Offside), external

Leeds United have no plans to sell Wales defender Ethan Ampadu, 26, despite links with his former club Chelsea. (Football Insider), external

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Xabi Alonso's inaugural season at Chelsea is under way, with the Blues picking up seven points from the opening five games of the 2026-27 Premier League season.

And with the international break in full flow, what better time than to ask BBC Sport's Chelsea reporter your burning questions.

They could be on the squad, injury concerns, Alonso's tactics, the boardroom or a topic of your choice.

Nizaar Kinsella will be on hand to answer a selection next week.

Get in touch with your question here

Chelsea are one of four Premier League clubs keeping a close eye on Manchester City and Uzbekistan defender Abdukodir Khusanov, 22. (Caught Offside), external

Chelsea will head the queue if Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, 23, becomes available in January. (Mail - subscription required), external

Atalanta and Italy defender Giorgio Scalvini, 22, is the subject of interest from Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle. (Caught Offside), external

Chelsea and Aston Villa do not have a January exit clause in the deal that took winger Alejandro Garnacho to the West Midlands club on a season-long loan at. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

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We asked you to rate Chelsea's start to the Premier League season and tell us what Xabi Alonso should be focusing on during the extended international break.

Here are some of your comments:

Trevor: We have undeniable talent up front, but we lack an enforcer in midfield and a clue in the backline. I haven't seen much evidence of the set-piece coaching when it comes to defending corners. Blocking tall guys with small guys and zonal marking isn't working, which begs the question: why are John Terry and Thiago Silva working with the kids when the first team badly needs them?

Russell: The defence at Chelsea is all over the place. Fofana is not good enough, Colwill seems to be out of place all the time. The communications from defence to midfield is zero. Opposition set-pieces and corners are always a threat, with the Chelsea players looking nervous each time a ball is crossed across the box.

Joe: A bright start but some worrying signs. Pundits will love us as the games are always going to be fun. However, dropping silly points this early is not a good sign. Defence takes time to build a relationship and we don't have that.

Ron: We do not have a quality back-up to both Caicedo and Joao Pedro. That was clear to see in the Brentford game. We are also short of a top-class centre-back who can marshal his defence like JT once did. Players like Achempong and Colwill will improve dramatically playing next to a JT-like centre-back. Only then will we be able to compete at the top.

Marty: If we had lost the games we've lost this season with Rosenior in charge, I'd be much more annoyed. I really like Alonso. I like that he's buying into Chelsea and I like that he's asserting dominance. Get us a top midfielder and defender in January and we'll be OK.

Chris: Other than a brilliant front three, we seem poorly coached. Movement, passing, pressing, set-pieces etc. We seem at best confused. Most of the clubs above have less talented individuals but are far better teams.

Bournemouth's Alex Scott, 23, and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, 22, are Chelsea's primary midfield targets, with the Blues no longer interested in Monaco's 22-year-old Senegal international Lamine Camara. (CaughtOffside), external

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As we enter the season's first international break, we want to hear your thoughts on the opening five games of the Premier League.

It's been a campaign of fluctuating fortunes for Chelsea and new boss Xabi Alonso so far, with exciting attacking prowess coupled with feeble defending that has led to dropped points.

Two wins, two losses and a draw leaves the Blues mid-table after spending nearly £350m in the summer on 11 new players.

Alonso does not have European football to balance this season, so unless there are good runs in domestic cups, he will not have to rotate his squad too much.

How do you rate Chelsea's start to the season and why? And what should Alonso be focusing on during the extended break?

Get in touch with your views here

Former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha, does not feel any sympathy for Manchester United's Michael Carrick and Xabi Alonso of Chelsea.

Both sides have suffered some poor results early in the new season and there is pressure building over Carrick in particular to get results.

However Onuoha believes any outside noise should not concern the two managers.

"With Ruben Amorim, I remember people saying they didn't want him to go because they just wanted a level of stability but by the end, Amorim was sabotaging himself - he was so, so poor," Onuoha told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.

"But here's Michael Carrick now, who has got the same issues but he is managing the fan base, the board and the media a lot better. I can't speak on behalf of Manchester United fans, but it doesn't feel as hostile against him from the fan base.

"Maybe it's not hostile against Xabi Alonso because I think the fans wanted an adult in the room and they feel like they've got one - but they've still got the ownership they don't necessarily love.

"But I don't feel sympathy overall because managers stepping into these jobs, they understand for the most part what's going to happen because it's happened before.

"It's such a results-driven business that the reason they even have a job is because the other person probably got moved on. But the only way for those sides to have time with that coach is to get positive results."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds here

Chelsea are tracking highly-rated 15-year-old Gambian midfielder Adama Jeng, with Bayern Munich, Benfica, Sporting and Paris FC also interested in the Samger FC youngster. (Mail plus - subscription required), external

Aston Villa attacking midfielder Alejandro Garnacho is being monitored by clubs in La Liga after struggling to make an impression at Villa Park following his summer loan switch from Chelsea. (Mail plus - subscription required), external

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