Chelsea Transfer News Today: Alonso's first signing announced as €60m deal accelerates

1 Jul 2026 20:02 BST | 4 min read

Maxence Lacroix, Chelsea Transfer News Today — © IMAGO

Tom Weber | Writer

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

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All the latest Chelsea transfer news in one place, including updates on Marco Palestra, Maxence Lacroix and Granit Xhaka.

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Palestra signing announced

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

The 21-year-old Italy international has penned a seven-year contract until 2033 after the Blues struck a €55 million agreement with Atalanta. Palestra was named Serie A's Defender of the Year last season after an impressive loan at Cagliari.

The right-back has become Xabi Alonso's first proper signing at Chelsea and could potentially replace Malo Gusto, who is reportedly interested in a move away, although the Blues' asking price of €87m is deemed prohibitive by his suitors.

Lacroix to cost more than €60m?

Chelsea have offered to send a player to Crystal Palace in return for Maxence Lacroix, as per TEAMtalk.

The Blues are expected to sign the France international after the World Cup, with reports in his home country claiming that a transfer is close to being finalised. To sweeten the deal, Chelsea have given Palace the option to sign one of Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah.

Meanwhile, the Daily Mail understands that Chelsea have so far not made formal contact with Palace for Lacroix. It is added that Palace feel in a strong position to demand more than €60m for Lacroix, whose price tag was previously claimed to be €55m.

Chelsea not giving up on Xhaka

Chelsea remain undeterred by Sunderland's not-for-sale stance on Granit Xhaka, according to The Athletic.

The Blues opened talks over a shock deal for the 33-year-old over the weekend, with Xhaka making it clear to his club that he is desperate to return to London and to link up with his former Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso again.

Sunderland, for their part, insist that their captain is not for sale and rebuffed Chelsea's opening €9.2m offer. However, the Blues remain in talks over a deal for the Switzerland midfielder and could make another bid.

Chavarria terms agreed

Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Rayo Vallecano full-back Pep Chavarria, Fabrizio Romano reports.

The 28-year-old is keen to work with Xabi Alonso and has greenlit the move. Club-to-club talks are already well underway, with some reports claiming that an opening €9m bid has already been made.

A full agreement with Rayo Vallecano is expected to be a matter of time given the finances involved in the deal, with Chavarria a very affordable option. Alonso has specifically requested that Chelsea sign a player capable of playing at left-back and left-wing-back to replace Marc Cucurella.

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