Chelsea’s summer transfer business is beginning to gather momentum after a relatively quiet start, with new head coach Xabi Alonso and the club’s recruitment team stepping up their efforts ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Despite early concerns among supporters over the lack of activity, work has continued behind the scenes, and the Blues are now progressing on several fronts as they look to strengthen the squad before the new season begins in August.
The west London club have completed the signing of Marco Palestra from Atalanta on a long-term contract. Sources indicate Alonso played a key role in convincing the player to join Chelsea despite interest from Inter Milan, with further arrivals expected in the coming weeks.
Chelsea are also advancing in negotiations with Rayo Vallecano over a move for left-back Pep Chavarria. The Blues are looking to reinforce the position following Marc Cucurella’s £52million move to Real Madrid earlier this summer.
Meanwhile, talks over a deal for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix have cooled after initial discussions last week. While negotiations have not progressed significantly in recent days, Chelsea continue to monitor the situation.
In midfield, Chelsea remain interested in Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka, despite seeing an opening bid worth around £8million rejected. Sunderland are understood to have no intention of selling the midfielder this summer and were left unimpressed by Chelsea’s initial offer.
However, Football.london understands Chelsea are not giving up on the deal and are expected to return with an improved bid as they continue their search for midfield reinforcements before the transfer window closes.