Chelsea Transfer News Today: Andrea Cambiaso talks opened as Xabi Alonso doubts emerge

Updated: 17 Jun 2026 16:56 BST | 4 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

All the latest Chelsea transfer news in one place, including updates on Andrea Cambiaso, Marco Palestra and Kendry Paez.

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Cambasio enquiry made

Chelsea have made contact with Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso, as per Di Marzio.

The Italy international is viewed as a potential replacement for Marc Cucurella, who joined Real Madrid in a surprise €60 million deal earlier this week. Discussions over the conditions of a potential transfer have been held.

The Italian outlet suggests that Barcelona and Como have also sought information on Cambiaso, but reports in Spain claim that Cambiaso is not a serious target for the LaLiga champions right now, potentially leaving Chelsea in a strong position to secure his signature.

Palestra not keen on Chelsea

Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra is not keen on a move to Chelsea, Corriere dello Sport has confirmed.

The Blues have made an enquiry for the 21-year-old, who is coming off an impressive season on loan at Cagliari. However, Palestra wants to stay in Italy and is not convinced by the Chelsea project after they missed out on European football.

There is a belief that Chelsea could improve under Xabi Alonso, but it's not enough to convince Palestra to turn down Inter. He wants to return to his hometown of Milan, with talks over a potential €50m deal in full swing.

Paez to return?

River Plate want to send Kendry Paez back to Chelsea after a disappointing six months on loan, TyC Sports reports.

The Ecuador international, who was an unused substitute against the Ivory Coast at the World Cup, was recalled from his loan at Strasbourg in January and instead sent to Buenos Aires for 18 months.

However, he has failed to impress at River Plate, and coach Eduardo Coudet believes that Paez is already surplus to requirements. Reports in Argentina had been speculating for weeks that Chelsea could recall him - but now River have taken the decision out of the Blues' hands.

Bouaddi boost?

The race to sign Lille wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi remains wide open despite positive talks with Arsenal, CaughtOffside claims.

The 18-year-old has been starring for club and country and is expected to move this summer. Arsenal are leading the chase for his signature, but Chelsea are also firmly in the mix.

While talks with the Gunners have been described as positive, there is no agreement on personal terms yet, and no firm decision has been made by the youngster. Lille will also not sell before his World Cup campaign is over, given that his value is increasing with each passing game.

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