Chelsea supporters are waiting for preseason to see how Xabi Alonso will shape the team. The club’s summer business has already hinted at the manager’s intentions: deals to sign Strasbourg striker Emmanuel Emegha and midfielder Valentín Barco have been agreed, though only Emegha’s move is officially confirmed so far.

Sources first revealed the club has outbid Inter to sign Atalanta right back Marco Palestra, with Alonso said to have made direct contact to persuade the 21-year-old. The finishing touches are being put on a deal that is expected to cost Chelsea an initial €57 million ($64.9 million, £49.2 million), plus a further €3 million ($3.4 million, £2.6 million) in add-ons.

Palestra delivered a breakthrough season on loan at Cagliari in 2025–26, making 37 appearances and earning the division’s award for best defender. The majority of his minutes came as a right wing back, where he contributed one goal and four assists while maintaining his defensive duties. Across those 37 appearances, 33 came as a wing back — 31 on the right and two on the left. He was used as a traditional right back three times and played a total of 79 minutes as a left back.

Those usage patterns point strongly to a wing back role at Stamford Bridge, which would align with a 3-4-2-1 system many expect under Alonso. Chelsea already possess options at right back in Reece James and Malo Gusto, but formation changes would reshape those roles. There are questions about James’s physical capability to sustain such a demanding position after years of injury struggles, while Gusto is reportedly considering his future.

Palestra has emphasised his versatility. “If I have a choice, I obviously prefer the right, but I’m equally comfortable on the left and have no problems,” Palestra reflected to DAZN earlier this summer. “Playing with both right and left foot is a matter of practice; the more I felt left-footed, the better I got.

“There are things where I think I can do better with my left foot, and then shoot with my right. But it’s something that comes naturally to me, going after a man with my left.”

Whether he replaces Marc Cucurella directly or fills another wing back vacancy, the evidence points to Palestra arriving as a wing back rather than a traditional full back.

Folarin Balogun has emerged as one of the most sought-after forwards in the post-World Cup market, with Monaco receiving interest from clubs across Europe and the player reported to be keen on a fresh challenge. Any sale could become the second-highest for a U.S. player, behind only Christian Pulisic’s $73 million switch to Chelsea in 2019.

The forward’s profile suits several different needs. Arsenal represent a natural fit. Balogun came through Arsenal ’s academy but was sold without ever really getting a chance in the first team. Two goals in just 209 senior minutes was impressive but Balogun left with a sense of unfinished business with the Gunners. Arsenal spent big on Viktor Gyökeres last summer but ended the season with Kai Havertz as their starting striker, leaving many believing manager Mikel Arteta may not be entirely satisfied with the options available to him. Bringing Balogun, a homegrown talent, back to the club would be a great move for Arsenal, although whether the 24-year-old would accept such a move without a guarantee of regular starts is a different matter. He has, however, spoken glowingly about the opportunity to be closer to family on brief returns to London.

Chelsea remain a potential suitor despite a crowded forward line. João Pedro has been an excellent addition, but Liam Delap’s time at Stamford Bridge has been a massive disappointment and could be coming to an end this summer. Returning loanee Nicolas Jackson and new signing Emmanuel Emegha add to a bloated forward line. Much will depend on the opinion of new manager Xabi Alonso, who has been given significant influence in Chelsea’s transfer dealings after agreeing to replace Liam Rosenior.

Newcastle could offer minutes and resources. Last summer the Magpies spent heavily on strikers, bringing in Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa for around $164 million (£124 million), yet Eddie Howe quickly lost faith in both and is thought to be chasing another starting striker.

Juventus face turnover up front after a mixed window. Jonathan David was solid at best, Loïs Openda is available following a triggered purchase clause, and Dušan Vlahović could depart, creating room for change and a link-up with international teammate McKennie.

Finally, Borussia Dortmund’s record of developing forwards and the chance to capitalise on World Cup momentum make them an appealing option. Across these five destinations, Balogun’s next move will hinge on Monaco’s valuation and the guarantees each club can offer.

Manchester City have moved to settle the financial and legal issues blocking Enzo Maresca’s arrival, with reports indicating a payment of $22.8 million to Chelsea. A verbal agreement between City and Maresca has been in place for almost a month, with Maresca expected to sign a three-year contract to take over for Pep Guardiola at Etihad Stadium.

Maresca’s coaching path is well documented. He was Guardiola’s assistant during City’s treble-winning campaign in 2022–23, left to manage Leicester City and guided them back to the Premier League in 2023–24, and then joined Chelsea in the summer of 2024. His time at Stamford Bridge lasted one and a half seasons and ended abruptly on New Year’s Day.

Maresca left Chelsea with three and a half years remaining on the five-year deal he signed in 2024. Chelsea did not frame his departure as an outright sacking. “Chelsea Football Club and Head Coach Enzo Maresca have parted company,” the club’s statement read . “With key objectives still to play for across four competitions including qualification for Champions League football, Enzo and the Club believe a change gives the team the best chance of getting the season back on track.”

Reports also say City and Maresca entered negotiations while he was still Chelsea manager and without the Blues’ permission. That prompted Chelsea to consider reporting City to the Premier League for an illegal approach and to weigh legal action against Maresca for breach of contract.

City appear prepared to meet Chelsea’s demand to resolve the dispute and complete the hire. The $22.8 million figure is notably higher than an earlier reported $13 million (£10 million). According to ESPN, a settlement is close and Maresca could be officially unveiled as City’s new manager as early as this week.

Chelsea will receive a significant fee at a time they need funds after failing to qualify for European competition next season. City, for their part, expect Maresca to assume the challenge of succeeding Guardiola and to lead the Sky Blues into their next phase.