Chelsea Transfer News Today: Blues eye ex-Man Utd wonderkid from Real Madrid to replace Cucurella

16 Jun 2026 20:02 BST | 5 min read

Suraj Radia | Editor

All the latest Chelsea transfer news in one place, including updates on Marc Cucurella, Marco Palestra and Alvaro Carreras.

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World Cup star eyed

Chelsea could target one of the early stars of the 2026 World Cup as a replacement for Marc Cucurella.

Portuguese outlet Record report that Chelsea have Sporting defender Maxi Araujo as a ‘priority target’, with enquiries already made through the player’s representatives.

Araujo scored a late equaliser against Saudi Arabia for Uruguay in their opening match at the 2026 World Cup on Monday on the same day that Cucurella completed his move to Real Madrid.

Chelsea have yet to make formal contact with Sporting over a deal and it remains to be seen how much the Portuguese side demand for Araujo but the 26-year-old could emerge as a target in the coming weeks in light of the need for a new left-back at Stamford Bridge.

Carreras linked with Chelsea

After selling Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid this week, Chelsea could see another player move in return, with Alvaro Carreras being named on the club’s left-back shortlist.

Current ETV

Álvaro Carreras

D (L)

Real Madrid

Álvaro Carreras

D (L)

Real Madrid

ETV Range

€52.4M - €64M

Cucurella joined Real Madrid for €60 million on Monday which has thrown Carreras’ future in doubt just one year after moving from Benfica for €50m.

According to AS, Chelsea are simply exploring the cost and possibility of Carreras’ signing for now but the 23-year-old knows incoming Blues boss Xabi Alonso well, having been signed by him last season at Madrid.

It is unclear what Carreras’ stance is over a transfer, however Real Madrid do not deem him to be untouchable and would consider his departure for the right price.

Chelsea get centre-back boost

Chelsea have received a boost in their quest to sign a new centre-back after learning Maxence Lacroix is reluctant to sign a new contact at Crystal Palace.

According to the Mail, Chelsea have formally added Lacroix to their shortlist after discovering the 26-year-old is keen to explore his options following the 2026 World Cup.

The Blues hierarchy are reportedly keen to back Xabi Alonso in the transfer market, with The Athletic claiming the Spaniard wants to sign a new central defender and a versatile attacker this summer.

Chelsea have been linked with moves for Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke but they could exlore a deal for Lacroix, who is thought to hold a value of at least €40m.

Chelsea make contact over Palestra

Chelsea have also been in contact with the entourage of Atalanta defender Marco Palestra, although the youngster is holding out for a move to Inter.

Palestra impressed on loan at Cagliari last season where he won the award for best defender in Serie A, prompting interest from numerous sides including Manchester City and Newcastle.

Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed that Chelsea have requested information over Palestra after the sale of Cucurella, with negotiations not starting as of yet.

However, Palestra is said to prefer to stay in Italy and is waiting for Inter to agree a fee with Atalanta.

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