Chelsea Transfer News Today: Rosenior eyes Real Madrid double deal as Romano delivers major update

Cameron Smith

• 26 Feb 2026 14:01 CST
• 6 min read

News

FootballTransfers runs through the latest Chelsea transfer news, rumours and gossip, including updates on Rodrygo and Aurelien Tchouameni.

Rodrygo wanted

Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs keeping close tabs on Real Madrid winger Rodrygo ahead of this summer, but they may need Jurgen Klopp’s help to secure a deal.

Rumours have suggested that he could be sold by Real Madrid ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, in an attempt to raise transfer funds and Spanish publication El Nacional claim that Al-Hilal, Arsenal, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur are all monitoring his situation closely.

It’s reported that Rodrygo wants to stay at the Bernabeu for the foreseeable future, although he isn’t willing to accept a limited role at the club next season. As a result, El Nacional state that he would like interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa to be replaced by the aforementioned Klopp, who is understood to be a huge admirer of the Brazilian.

However, if Klopp opts to snub the chance to join Los Blancos, Rodrygo could look to leave the club this summer, with Chelsea among those ready to finalise a deal.

Fabrizio Romano provides Aurelien Tchouameni update

In addition to Rodrygo, Chelsea have also been linked with a move for fellow Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni amid their pursuit of a new central midfielder this summer.

However, football transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano has downplayed reports that a move for the France international could take place.

He told his YouTube channel: “Tchouameni, first of all, is a crucial player for Real Madrid. Second, he’s on a very big salary. He’s considered a crucial player at Madrid. So I don’t think this is an easy deal at all.

“And also at the moment with Chelsea, there is nothing really strong or concrete in terms of talks or negotiations. At the moment everything is quiet around Tchouameni.

Cole Palmer to Man Utd?

Cole Palmer has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in recent weeks amid the Red Devils’ pursuit of a new attacking midfielder to replace club captain Bruno Fernandes.

Reports suggest that Chelsea have no intention of sanctioning a sale this summer, but former Bolton Wanderers, West Ham United and Everton boss Sam Allardyce believes that a deal could be on the cards.

Speaking on the ‘No Tippy Tappy Football’ podcast, Allardyce said: “I think Chelsea would always sell at the right price. It’s whether Man Utd have the money that Chelsea would want. But it would certainly be a big signing for Man Utd.

“What is he now? 22? 23? He’s just the right age, five, six, seven, eight years in him. This is a particular talent that shone from day one at Chelsea when he left City. Now, there’s been a bit of a lull because of the injury, but he will get back to where he was sooner rather than later.

“He’s a tremendous talent and I often think that Chelsea, in their infrastructure, are always in a position to make a profit.”

Jack Hinshelwood latest

Chelsea are among the clubs keeping a close eye on the development of Brighton & Hove Albion star Jack Hinshelwood, according to CaughtOffside.

The England U21 international, who can play in midfield or at full-back, has impressed since his breakthrough at the AMEX Stadium and his progress is reportedly being monitored by Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City.

Felix Nmecha update

Felix Nmecha’s representatives have downplayed reports that a summer transfer could be on the cards amid rumoured interest from Chelsea.

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder’s agency told BILD: “Felix still has two years left on his contract, and we fully respect that.

“Borussia Dortmund has played a key role in his development, and he is grateful for the trust and platform the club has given him. The player is developing from season to season, and when a player performs well, there is naturally always interest and questions about the future.

“That's part of top-level football and reflects the progress he has made. At the moment, the focus is very clear: Felix is ​​determined to give everything for Borussia Dortmund, to fight for the club, and to help the team achieve its goals.

“Any discussions about the future will, in due course, always be conducted respectfully and jointly with the club.

“There is no rush and no speculation on our part – he still has two full seasons ahead of him, and football often develops quite naturally over time.

“The most important thing is to continue working hard, staying healthy and playing at the highest level. The rest will then take care of itself.”

Honest Ahanor battle

Chelsea are set to battle Arsenal and Man City for the signing of Atalanta centre-back Honest Ahanor this summer, as per CaughtOffside.

The 18-year-old has been earmarked as a top defensive target by all three Premier League clubs and he is expected to be at the heart of a transfer bidding war when the summer transfer window opens.

Arsenal and Man City are both reportedly weighing up bids worth roughly €35m, while Chelsea are keen to agree a deal that would see Ahanor sent on loan before being integrated into the first-team at Stamford Bridge.

Nicolas Jackson ‘frustrated’

Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson is “frustrated” by his lack of game time at Bayern Munich, according to German reporter Christian Falk.

The Senegal star has been unable to usurp Harry Kane as Bayern’s preferred striker since his loan move to the Allianz Arena last summer and Vincent Kompany’s side have decided against signing him on a permanent deal.

Chelsea ready to sell Liam Delap

Chelsea are open to selling Liam Delap this summer following his struggles since his arrival from Ipswich Town last June.

That is according to Football Insider, who claim that Everton are among the Premier League clubs keeping close tabs on the England striker ahead of a potential bid during the 2026 summer transfer window.

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