Chelsea deal done as €134m World Cup star passes audition

1 Jul 2026 22:03 BST | 6 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

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

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Wednesday delivered plenty of big storylines as Chelsea announced Xabi Alonso's first signing.

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Plus, one of Arsenal's key targets passed his transfer audition with flying colours and Man Utd were forced to change their summer plans. There's plenty to cover, so let's jump right in.

Chelsea sign Palestra

Chelsea have officially confirmed the signing of Atalanta full-back Marco Palestra.

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Barcola passes audition

Arsenal scouts were on hand to watch €134 million-rated Bradley Barcola's impressive performance for France against Sweden.

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Man Utd react to Fernandes snub

Man Utd have been forced to change their midfield transfer plans after missing out on Mateus Fernandes.

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Lacroix price

Chelsea have been told that Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix may cost more than anticipated.

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Liverpool sign Jacquet

Liverpool have announced the signing of Jeremy Jacquet just as Virgil van Dijk has become a "dream target" for a European giant.

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Alvarez statement

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has broken his silence on Julian Alvarez with a lengthy statement.

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Tonali move close

Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali is "closer than ever" to leaving after Tottenham made an improved bid.

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Guimaraes to leave as well?

Worryingly for Newcastle, Bruno Guimaraes could also leave after having his head turned by Arsenal.

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Chelsea won't give up on Xhaka

Chelsea remain in talks to sign Granit Xhaka despite Sunderland's not-for-sale stance.

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Man Utd serious about Summerville

Man Utd view West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville as a "leading target" this summer, but there's one major problem.

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Shock Kepa replacement

Kepa Arrizabalaga could leave Arsenal this summer, and his potential replacement is a surprising one.

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Read more about: La Liga Serie A Premier League Arsenal Atalanta Barcelona C. Palace Chelsea Liverpool Man Utd Milan Newcastle Sunderland Tottenham West Ham Arrizabalaga Bruno Guimaraes Crysencio Summerville Granit Xhaka Illan Meslier Marcus Rashford Mateus Fernandes Maxence Lacroix Sandro Tonali Virgil van Dijk