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Chelsea Transfer News Today: Alonso wants Zubimendi as agreement in principle reached
6 Aug 2026 20:58 BST |
4 min read
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FootballTransfers runs through the latest Chelsea transfer news, rumours and gossip, including updates on Martin Zubimendi and Benoit Badiashile.
Martin Zubimendi wanted
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has reportedly informed club officials of his desire to sign Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi before the end of the summer transfer window.
The 27-year-old joined Mikel Arteta’s side from Real Sociedad for €70 million last July and he played a pivotal role as the Gunners won the Premier League title for the first time since 2004 during his debut season at the club.
Zubimendi played every single league game for Arsenal last season, scoring five goals, and Alonso is keen to lure him across London to Stamford Bridge, according to a report from Chelsea transfer insider Simon Phillips.
It’s claimed that Alonso has personally requested the signing of Zubimendi this summer, although there is no indication that Chelsea are ready to seriously pursue a deal, while Arsenal are expected to rebuff any offers, having only signed him last year.
Current ETV
Martín Zubimendi
DM, M (C)
Arsenal
Martín Zubimendi
DM, M (C)
Arsenal
ETV Range
€56.1M - €68.6M
Benoit Badiashile agreement in principle
Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile has reached an agreement in principle with Napoli ahead of his proposed summer move, according to reports in Italy.
The Blues are actively looking to offload the 25-year-old before Transfer Deadline Day and it has been widely reported that Napoli are on the verge of signing him on loan for the 2026-27 season, with an option to buy next summer.
Juventus have also been linked with a move for Badiashile, but the Frenchman has now agreed terms with Napoli, as per transfer reporter Nicolo Schira.
“Agreement in principle between Benoit Badiashile and Napoli for a contract until 2031 (one season loan + 4-years) with a salary of €2.8M per year,” he posted on X.
“Talks are progressing well between Napoli and Chelsea for a loan with the option to buy.”
Danny Welbeck verdict
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has hailed the club’s decision to sign his former Watford and Brighton & Hove Albion team-mate Danny Welbeck this summer.
Welbeck is expected to play second fiddle to Pedro this season, following the Brazilian’s immense debut campaign at Stamford Bridge, and the 24-year-old has admitted his delight at being reunited with his former team-mate.
“Personally, Danny is a very important person for me in life,” Pedro told the official Chelsea website. “When I came to England [at Watford], I didn’t speak English, but he always tried to be around me to support me and help me develop.
“This will now be the third time that we have played together and I think, as he did with me in the past, he will give support to everyone in the squad. Danny is this guy; he is very helpful and wants the best for everyone around him and for the team.
“Everyone knows that he is a top player. I’m looking forward to playing alongside him again and I think he will be a very good person to have in the group.”
Loan agreements close
Chelsea academy duo Ryan Kavuma-McQueen and Reggie Walsh are weighing up loan moves away from the club for the 2026-27 season, as confirmed by BBC Sport.
Both players were selected for Chelsea’s pre-season tour of Australia and Asia, but they could be set to return to England in order to finalise temporary exits away from west London.
It has been reported that Portsmouth are on the verge of finalising an agreement for Kavuma-McQueen, while Wigan Athletic are regarded as the frontrunners to win the race for Walsh.
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Enzo, Jackson and the 20 players who could leave Chelsea before Deadline Day
