Aston Villa Forward Morgan Rogers Expected to Depart This Summer Transfer Window, Even if Club Secures UEFA Champions League Qualification

Aston Villa Football Club’s highly-rated attacker Morgan Rogers is set to leave the club in the 2026 summer transfer window, according to sources close to the negotiations. The move is understood to be likely regardless of whether Villa qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.

The 23-year-old England international has attracted concrete interest from four of the Premier League’s biggest clubs: Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United. All four sides are monitoring the situation closely ahead of what is expected to be one of the most competitive summer windows in recent years.

Aston Villa’s valuation of Rogers is understood to begin at £80 million, the starting point for any formal negotiations. The club is prepared to listen to offers at that level for a player who has established himself as a key figure in Unai Emery’s squad.

Chelsea, in particular, are actively seeking a versatile attacker capable of operating effectively from the left flank or centrally, a profile Rogers fits perfectly. The Blues view him as a high-priority target to add youthful dynamism and technical quality to their forward line.

A source close to the discussions told reporters: “Morgan has developed into one of the most exciting young talents in the Premier League. Aston Villa recognise his value and will not stand in his way if the right opportunity arises at the right price. The interest from Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United is serious and genuine.”

Rogers joined Aston Villa from Middlesbrough in January 2024 and has since become a regular starter, contributing goals, assists and a high level of technical ability that has drawn widespread admiration across English football.

Further updates on the situation are expected in the coming weeks as clubs begin to finalise their summer recruitment plans.

Premier League run-in: What is still to come for the Blues

 We are entering the home stretch of the 2025/26 Premier League season, and there is still much to play for. Here, we outline who the Blues will face in our remaining fixtures and what is required to secure UEFA Champions League qualification.

With the final international break of the campaign over and FA Cup duties – at least until Wembley – completed, it is almost a straight shot for Liam Rosenior's side to the end of the Premier League campaign, with seven fixtures left to play.

Following Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final first leg victory over Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday evening, the top five finishers in this season’s Premier League are guaranteed a spot in the top tier of European competition next season.

As things stand, sixth place will qualify for the UEFA Europa League and seventh the UEFA Conference League, although that could change depending on the winners of the FA Cup and final league position of League Cup winners Manchester City.

The Blues enter the season run-in sixth in the table but only one point behind Liverpool, who occupy the last of those Champions League spots. It is an incredibly tight race for European qualification, though, with only seven points separating the nine teams placed fifth to 13th.

Here is a look at who the Blues will need to overcome in our remaining games if we are to secure one of those top five places and a spot in the 2026/27 Champions League.

Manchester City

Our next Premier League fixture is a big one for both teams, as Manchester City arrive at Stamford Bridge for a 4.30pm kick-off on Sunday. In addition to our pursuit of Champions League qualification, Man City come to the Bridge knowing that dropped points could spell the end of their title challenge.

Pep Guardiola's side are second in the Premier League table but nine points behind leaders Arsenal. A 12-point deficit would almost certainly be too much to overcome, even with their extra game left to play. There is no room for error.

We have already dented City's title chances once this season, though, by securing a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium in January, when Calum McFarlane was in temporary charge of the team before Rosenior’s appointment as head coach.

Manchester United

The second of back-to-back home games against Mancunian opposition comes on Saturday 18 April, when we host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge at 8pm.

Since the January appointment of Michael Carrick as head coach, United's form has improved, and they currently sit third in the table and hold a seven-point advantage over the Blues.

United's run-in includes home matches against heated local rivals, Leeds United and Liverpool, with those two fixtures sandwiching their visit to Stamford Bridge.

We will need to avoid a repeat of our meeting with United earlier in the season when they arrived in SW6. A tough away trip in September saw the Blues reduced to 10 men early in the game and suffer a 2-1 defeat at a rain-soaked Old Trafford.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Due to our involvement in the FA Cup semi-final, we will travel to the South Coast for an 8pm kick-off at the Amex Stadium on Tuesday 21 April.

We will face a Brighton side with European ambitions of their own. Despite being tenth in the table at the moment, they are only three points behind Brentford and a spot in the Conference League.

The Seagulls also have, at least on paper, a favourable run to the end of the season, with five of their remaining seven fixtures being against sides in the bottom half of the table, including three of the bottom four.

Nottingham Forest

When these two sides met at the City Ground on the final day of last season, it was a head-to-head match for Champions League qualification. The game may have very different stakes for the visitors to Stamford Bridge this time around, as Forest currently sit just three points above the relegation zone in 16th place.

Their fate is likely to be clearer by the time they visit west London for a 3pm kick-off on the bank holiday Monday 4 May – and Forest will also have a say in the race for Champions League football with three of their final seven games coming against sides currently in the top six.

Our previous meeting with Forest this season came at the City Ground earlier this season, when Josh Acheampong put us ahead with his first senior goal for the Blues, before Pedro Neto made it two and Reece James completed the scoring on his 200th Chelsea appearance.

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Highlights: Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool

Highlights of Chelsea's 2-1 Premier League win against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge...

Liverpool

With just one point currently separating Liverpool and Chelsea in the race for the final Champions League qualification spot, this meeting at Anfield - pencilled in for 12.30pm on Saturday 9 May – could prove decisive in both teams’ seasons.

Although Liverpool are still able to qualify for Europe by winning this season’s Champions League, those chances were reduced following a 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their quarter-final.

Arne Slot's side will have to battle to maintain – or improve – their league position. They are currently one point ahead of the Blues, but with the exception of Crystal Palace, their remaining top-flight fixtures are against sides above the Reds in the table or those also chasing European qualification.

In our previous meeting with Liverpool this season, a stunning Moises Caicedo strike was added to by a memorable Estevao Willian winner; the Brazilian scoring deep in second-half stoppage time to seal a 2-1 win for the Blues.

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Highlights: Tottenham 0-1 Chelsea

Catch the best bits from Chelsea’s 1-0 Premier League victory against Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…

Tottenham Hotspur

Sometimes the fixture list throws up a real gem – and this could be right up there with the best of them.

The Blues' final home fixture of the season will see us hosting London rivals Tottenham at the Bridge for what could once again be a huge game for both clubs’ fortunes.

While Rosenior and his players will be hoping to take another step toward Champions League qualification, Tottenham may still need points to assuage fears of relegation.

The north London side, who appointed Roberto De Zerbi as head coach during the international break, currently sit 17th in the top-flight table, just one point above the relegation zone. Spurs' run-in also looks challenging, with just two of their remaining fixtures coming against sides not in the hunt for a European place.

When they visit Stamford Bridge on the weekend of 16-17 May, Spurs will be looking to avoid a repeat of the 1-0 defeat they suffered to Chelsea in north London in October.

Sunderland

Chelsea will head up to the Stadium of Light to take on Sunderland in our last Premier League match of 2025/26.

Few would have predicted when the fixtures were announced that our newly-promoted opponents could be in the mix for a European place, but the Black Cats are currently just three points off a Conference League spot and just six from the Champions League places.

It would be quite something if the Mackems were to end the season strongly and secure European qualification for the first time since 1974 – and first ever through their league position – but with several teams above them in the table despite the narrow point margin, they may need a result against Chelsea on the final day.

Source: Chelsea fc

Dominic Thiem visits the Bridge 🎾

 Twenty-two years have passed since a historic Champions League victory over Arsenal convinced Dominic Thiem that Chelsea was the club for him.

The former world number three and 2020 US Open winner was in attendance to watch his beloved Blues last weekend, as we recorded a comprehensive 7-0 victory over Port Vale to secure a place in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley.

It was the 32-year-old's third visit to Stamford Bridge, but his first sitting in the Dugout Club. It was a new experience for a lifelong Chelsea supporter, who recalls to us the players he grew up idolising, where he was for that special night in Munich in 2012, and what the club means to him.

Take us back to the start. Why did you start supporting Chelsea?

'I started supporting Chelsea when I was around ten years old. It was during a holiday that we were in the Champions League against Arsenal. I remember Chelsea winning and that was the day it clicked. From that day on, there was no going back!'

Was there anyone else in your family, or among your friends in Austria, who also supported Chelsea?

'Yeah, my best friend who is actually here with me [to watch our FA Cup quarter-final victory over Port Vale]. He's another great Chelsea supporter in my inner circle.'

Who were your favourite players growing up?

'The first player I idolised was Frank Lampard. He was also the first player I had on my jersey back in 2004. Then, of course, I idolised Didier Drogba and later Eden Hazard. Now, it's Cole Palmer, I would say.'

What is your favourite Chelsea memory?

'My favourite Chelsea moment by far was 2012, our Champions League win [over Bayern Munich]. I remember being in the Czech Republic, as I was starting to play men's tennis and was playing in a really small tournament.

'I was alone and remember going to this really ugly restaurant – or something like that – and it had this really disgusting carpet. But when Drogba scored the deciding penalty, I fell to the floor completely alone and kissed that disgusting carpet!

'It is one of the best memories of my life.'

When was the first time you visited Stamford Bridge?

'It was back in 2014, the Champions League semi-finals against Atletico Madrid. Yeah...it wasn't the greatest result for us, unfortunately, but it was my first time here, so it is still a great memory.

'It's funny, I remember I was maybe going to go into the dressing room after the game to meet the players but everything was cancelled after they lost, which was understandable. It made it even more painful defeat but it's still a good memory.'

Have you had the opportunity to meet any of our former or current players since?

'Yeah, I know Filipe Luis quite well. Timo Werner, I've met also, and there are a few others as well [over the years].'

You were in the Dugout Club for today's game. How much did you enjoy that experience?

'The experience was great. Seven goals was amazing, it was a great atmopshere and we're into the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley. So yeah, it was a super nice afternoon.'

What were your highlights?

'There were many highlights! To see that close to the pitch, for example, the control Cole Palmer has of the ball, or like how fast Estevao and Pedro Neto are, it's incredible. It's really impressive that there were so many of those moments, the intensity and physicality, it was super interesting for me to see.'

We've seen you post on social media previously wearing a Chelsea shirt with the No.99 on the back. Is there significance to that number for you?

'I put it on my player on EA FC when I was playing career mode, that was my number! Now it's changed to the No.14.'

And finally, as a supporter of 22 years, what does Chelsea mean to you?

'The connection to the club is super important to me. I've been a fan since 2004 and it's such a nice thing to support the team every weekend. It's only my third time here at Stamford Bridge, but there are a lot of positive emotions – and something I value – being able to sit down to watch every weekend and support the team.

'It's such a nice thing to have a great connection to a football club and, for me, with Chelsea, I hope it is going to be forever like this.'

Source: Chelsea fc

Alejandro Garnacho has broken his silence on his departure from Manchester United

 Alejandro Garnacho’s debut season at Chelsea hasn’t gone as planned. He has enjoyed some good moments, like breaking a record after a brace against Arsenal. But just one goal in the Premier League after joining for £40 million has seen him relegated to the bench most of the time.

This had led to speculation regarding a premature exit just 12 months after he arrived from Old Trafford, with a loan move to River Plate potentially on the cards for Garnacho.

And what makes it even more fascinating is the fact that Chelsea are looking favourably at a one-year loan deal, which suggests he’s not really in their immediate plans.

Speaking via Premier League Productions, Alejandro Garnacho insisted that things can be better at Chelsea, but he’s proud to be at Stamford Bridge.

“We know the team we have, the things we can do. Sometimes is better in some moments, and worse. But yeah, I’m really proud to be here in this moment.

“The life here [at Chelsea] is normal, and I’m happy.

“But yeah, at United have nothing wrong to say about the club or any teammates, no one. Just a moment on life changed. My life continued. So we have to keep looking forward.”

Interestingly, only a matter of weeks ago, Chelsea fans decided that they would rather keep Garnacho over Pedro Neto if it came to it in the summer.

Source: The Chelsea Chronicles 

Joao Pedro has highlighted the deep bond shared within the Chelsea squad as he gives his backing to Filip Jorgensen

 Joao Pedro has given an interview to Viaplay and Bold have shared his comments, where he speaks highly of his relationship with Jorgensen off the field.

His lowest point came in the Champions League round-of-16 first leg against Paris Saint-Germain, where Jorgensen was publicly lamented for the mistakes he made.

The situation worsened just days later when Jorgensen was forced to undergo minor surgery on a persistent groin injury, an operation that has sidelined him for several weeks.

Currently working toward a mid-April return, Jorgensen faces a steep uphill battle to reclaim his spot and prove he can be the long-term solution in a position the club is already looking to upgrade.

“He’s going through a tough time right now because he’s injured. So, we’re trying to help him. He’s a really good guy, and both on and off the field, he’s very professional. He tries to help everyone.

“We’re very close because our girlfriends also try to hang out together. Off the field, we’re always joking around with each other. So, we’re very close.”

However, it may be short lived, as Jorgensen is supposedly seeking an exit this summer.

Source: The Chelsea Chronicles

Liam Rosenior Pushes for Valentín Barco Signing as Chelsea Prepare Six-Year Deal Amid Midfield Planning

Chelsea fc manager Liam Rosenior is actively driving the pursuit of Argentinian midfielder Valentín Barco, with the club preparing a six-year contract as they look to strengthen their squad for the 2026/27 season and beyond.

Rosenior, who previously worked closely with Barco during his time as head coach of Strasbourg, is eager to reunite with the versatile 21-year-old and integrate him into the Chelsea midfield. Sources close to the club indicate that Chelsea have taken particular notice of Barco’s impressive performances against top opposition, highlighting his technical quality, tactical intelligence, and potential to thrive in the Premier League.

A six-year deal is understood to be on the table for Barco, who would join from Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg on a permanent transfer. The move would mark one of the first key additions under Rosenior’s leadership as he shapes the squad according to his vision.

The interest in Barco also comes amid ongoing considerations around the club’s midfield structure. Recent internal discussions have prompted Chelsea to evaluate long-term options, including potential successors in key positions, particularly in light of recent events involving current captain Enzo Fernández.

“Valentín is a player I know extremely well and one who has developed significantly under my guidance,” Rosenior is reported to have told the club’s recruitment team. “His performances this season, especially against the bigger sides, have shown exactly the kind of quality and mentality we need at Chelsea.”

Chelsea’s hierarchy views Barco as a high-potential addition who can provide depth, competition, and future-proofing in central and left-sided midfield roles. The player has already expressed his desire to join the Blues and is excited by the prospect of working again with Rosenior at Stamford Bridge.

The club remains focused on building a competitive squad capable of challenging on all fronts next season, with further transfer activity expected in the summer window.

Javier Pastore, Agent of Enzo Fernández, Confirms Full Alignment with Chelsea Football Club

Javier Pastore, the representative of Chelsea midfielder and Argentina international Enzo Fernández, today issued a statement clarifying that any recent comments have been fully resolved with the club and that Enzo remains fully committed to Chelsea.

“We’re on the same page with Chelsea. We made peace yesterday. There were never really any problems. We cleared the air,” said Pastore.

Pastore emphasised that Fernández’s recent public comments were not intended to create any disruption within the squad or club.

“His statements were without any intention of causing problems at Chelsea,” Pastore continued. “He’s the captain, one of the team’s leaders, and he’s shown his best form on the pitch this season. Enzo is completely focused on performing at the highest level for Chelsea and helping the team achieve its objectives.”

The clarification comes after what both parties describe as a minor misunderstanding that has now been amicably addressed. Fernández, who joined Chelsea in 2023, has been a key figure in the squad this campaign, wearing the captain’s armband on multiple occasions and delivering consistent performances in the Premier League and European competitions.

Chelsea Football Club declined to comment further, stating that internal matters have been resolved and the focus remains on the remainder of the season.

Vote for Chelsea's best Stamford Bridge moment against Man City

 Chelsea are back in Premier League action this weekend as we take on Manchester City in a crunch league fixture for both sides. Ahead of the game, we’ve picked out eight memorable moments the Blues have enjoyed against the Citizens at Stamford Bridge, and we want you to vote for your favourite!

Our selections all come from action in the Premier League era, and there are plenty of familiar faces involved, from Dennis Wise to Didier Drogba, and Christian Pulisic to Cole Palmer.

Make sure you watch the video, read through the moments for extra context and then head to the Chelsea Official App to vote for your favourite!

A Wise worldie | August 1994

Surely one of Chelsea’s best goals in the early years of the Premier League, this outstanding chip – on his supposedly weaker left foot – epitomised the undervalued technical quality of captain Dennis Wise.

Lamps lets Drog free | October 2007

The highlight of an emphatic 6-0 victory over Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Man City in the 2007/08 campaign was our second goal, when a sublime outside-the-boot pass from Frank Lampard split the visitors open and released Didier Drogba to finish with aplomb.

How did he score that?! | March 2009

The next goal on our shortlist comes from the right boot (or was it shin?!) of Michael Essien, who improbably hooked a first-time finish into the top corner when connecting with Lampard’s quickly-taken free-kick.

A touch of Brazilian magic | March 2011

The first of two consecutives Goal of the Season winners scored by Ramires was a jinking effort in a 2-0 victory at home to Man City in 2010/11, with the Brazilian showing off his samba skills by dancing between several bewildered defenders before firing past Joe Hart.

Torres at the death | October 2013

A tight contest between two title rivals looked like it was going to end in a 1-1 draw until, in the 90th minute, a defensive mix-up allowed Fernando Torres to place the ball into an empty and secure a vital three points.

David Luiz stoops to conquer | December 2018

Maurizio Sarri’s Blues inflicted a first league defeat of the season on champions Man City with David Luiz’s superb looping header securing the points after N’Golo Kante had given us a first-half lead against the run of play.

Pulisic lights up empty Bridge | June 2020

In our first behind-closed-doors home fixture during the pandemic, Christian Pulisic netted a superb solo effort in a 2-1 win. The only shame was that supporters weren’t inside the Bridge to enjoy it.

Palmer’s ice-cool pen | November 2023

The most exciting Premier League fixture between the sides ended in a 4-4 draw in November 2023 after Cole Palmer – the coolest man inside the Bridge – calmly converted a stoppage-time penalty against his former club.

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Source: Chelsea fc

Chelsea have now made a shocking decision on the future of Alejandro Garnacho

 Chelsea have now made a shocking decision on the future of Alejandro Garnacho. The Argentine forward joined the Blues last summer in a £40 million deal from Manchester United.

However, he has failed to live up to the expectations of the club. In over 35 appearances so far for the club, the Argentine has made just 12 goal contributions.

But in 20 Premier League appearances, he has just five goal contributions (one goal and four assists). That is why in recent times, his game time has gone down.

This has also raised questions about his position in the Argentine World Cup squad. Now, the Blues have also made a decision on the player.

Next summer, the Blues might be open to selling many of their top stars in order to rebuild the squad under Liam Rosenior.

The former Strasbourg manager inherited the squad from Enzo Maresca, and there are a number of players who are not in his plans.

According to journalist Simon Phillips on his Substack, Alejandro Garnacho could be one of the marquee departures from the club next summer.

The Chelsea board are now open to selling the player they signed last summer. As per the report, the Blues believe they will have significant interest in the 21-year-old.

So, with Garnacho in the market next summer, there will be clubs not only from Europe but also from Argentina looking to sign the winger.

Source: Transfer News Live

Chelsea make Josh Acheampong stance clear: Not for sale

Chelsea fc wishes to clarify its position regarding academy graduate Josh Acheampong amid recent speculation linking the defender with potential transfers away from Stamford Bridge.

The 19-year-old defender broke into Chelsea’s side during Enzo Maresca’s stint as manager, with the England U21 international one of many to benefit from Chelsea’s Europa Conference League triumph.

Chelsea has received interest from several clubs, including approaches in the January transfer window, but has consistently rejected any enquiries. The club has no intention of entertaining offers for the England Under-21 international this summer or in the foreseeable future.

In press conferences, Rosenior has praised Acheampong and declared himself excited for the player’s future. But on the pitch, he decided to start Mamadou Sarr against PSG over the teenage defender.

Rosenior has even said he has spoken to Acheampong’s family, and has a long-term plan in place: “Josh is an amazing talent. I’ve got to meet him and his parents. Josh has got immense potential.”

But as the game time continues to dwindle and Chelsea look set to prioritise a new centre-back in the summer, Acheampong must realise something. At any other club, he would be first choice right now.

Rosenior will be tasked with attempting to keep Acheampong happy. Perhaps, a loan may sit all parties involved. But only if it is made abundantly clear that Acheampong is to remain a Chelsea player.

Chelsea Football Club will continue to focus on building a competitive squad that blends youthful talent with experience, and Josh Acheampong is very much part of that vision.

Gary Cahill defends the current Chelsea squad

 Former Chelsea captain Gary Cahill has voiced a staunch defense of the club’s current trajectory, claiming that while inconsistency remains, the young group has already proven their worth.

His Chelsea career began with a whirlwind six months, culminating in a heroic performance in the 2012 Champions League final, where he played through the pain of a hamstring injury.

Over 290 appearances, Cahill evolved from a reliable partner for John Terry into the club’s captain and a vocal leader in the dressing room. His trophy haul includes two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, two Europa Leagues, and a League Cup.

In an interview with the official Chelsea website, Gary Cahill was actually very complimentary of the owners building a young squad and what that group has achieved so far.

“A number of years ago, this was a really young squad put together. It seemed like all the changes were happening at once, the ownership etc. And it was clear that they were building a young squad to develop.

“So I felt like I was always trying to preach patience, be patient. Because going out and getting lots of experienced players like the dressing room I walked into is not always easy.

“Also, if the philosophy is we are going to grow this young squad, then you need to give it time. And when I look at it now, I feel as though the trajectory is going this way. Club World Cup, the UEFA Conference that they won. Two trophies the young group got their hands on, which I think is massive for the development and now they’ve got a few more years of experience.

“They’re not far off, it’s just at the minute a bit of inconsistency.”

With the squad’s average age dipping as low as 21.5 in recent starting lineups, the lack of a veteran has contributed to a record-breaking ten red cards this season.

Gary Cahill recently highlighted that while the project has yielded silverware like the Conference League, the path to success is blocked by a lack of battle-hardened leaders.

By moving away from a youth-only policy to target Premier League-proven stars, the hierarchy aims to fill this gap, and they’re finally planning to do so.

It comes as a surprise to see Cahill almost defend the owners’ point on having a young squad, as fans have been calling for experience for months and possibly even years, since Thiago Silva’s departure.

Chris Kavanagh Confirmed as Referee for Chelsea’s Premier League Showdown Against Manchester City

The Premier League has today confirmed that Chris Kavanagh will officiate Chelsea’s crucial home fixture against Manchester City this Sunday, 12 April 2026, at Stamford Bridge (kick-off 4:30pm UK time).

Kavanagh, a highly experienced Select Group referee who has been on the Premier League panel since 2017 and on FIFA’s international list since 2019, will take charge of what promises to be one of the most high-profile matches of Matchweek 32. He will be supported by assistant referees Dan Cook and Ian Hussin, with Michael Oliver serving as fourth official and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team to be confirmed closer to the fixture.

Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea side head into the contest navigating a disciplinary tightrope. The Blues have faced repeated scrutiny over their discipline this season, including a recent internal sanction on vice-captain Enzo Fernández (who remains a doubt for selection after comments that led to his omission from recent matches) and earlier red cards that have left the squad walking a fine line with suspensions. With several key players sitting on multiple yellow cards, Rosenior’s men must balance their high-intensity, attacking style against the risk of further bookings or send-offs in a fixture that could have significant implications for both teams’ top-four ambitions.

Speaking ahead of the appointment, a Premier League spokesperson said: “Chris Kavanagh is one of our most reliable and consistent officials. His experience in big matches makes him the ideal choice for a fixture of this magnitude.”

The match pits two of English football’s modern powerhouses against each other at a pivotal moment in the 2025/26 Premier League season. Chelsea, under Rosenior since January, have shown flashes of their attacking potential but must tighten up defensively and disciplinarily to compete with a Manchester City side still challenging at the top of the table.

**Recent Head-to-Head Record (Chelsea FC vs Manchester City)**

The two clubs have a rich and competitive history, but Manchester City have held the upper hand in recent encounters. Here are the most recent competitive results (all Premier League unless stated):

- **4 January 2026** – Manchester City 1-1 Chelsea (Premier League)  

- **25 January 2025** – Manchester City 3-1 Chelsea (Premier League)  

- **18 August 2024** – Chelsea 0-2 Manchester City (Premier League)  

- **20 April 2024** – Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea (FA Cup semi-final)  

- **17 February 2024** – Manchester City 1-1 Chelsea (Premier League)  

- **12 November 2023** – Chelsea 4-4 Manchester City (Premier League)  

In their last six competitive meetings, Chelsea have recorded 0 wins, 3 draws, and 3 defeats, scoring 7 goals while conceding 12. The last Chelsea victory over City in any competition dates back further, underscoring the challenge Rosenior’s side face this weekend.

Tickets for the Stamford Bridge clash remain in high demand, with the match expected to be a sell-out. Full coverage, including team news and live updates, will be available on the official Chelsea FC website and Premier League platforms.

Chelsea Enter the Race for Highly-Rated 18-Year-Old Werder Bremen Centre-Back Karim Coulibaly

Chelsea Football Club has confirmed its interest in talented young defender Karim Coulibaly as the club continues to strengthen its long-term defensive options ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 18-year-old German centre-back, who has broken into the Werder Bremen first team this season and already established himself as a regular in the Bundesliga, is viewed by the club as one of the most promising young defensive talents in European football. Standing at 1.91m (6ft 3in), Coulibaly combines physical presence, composure on the ball, and strong aerial ability with impressive technical development for his age.

Chelsea sources describe Coulibaly as a player they have monitored closely for some time and one who has particularly impressed the club’s recruitment team with his rapid progress this season. He is understood to be a 100% concrete target for the summer, with the Blues having already made contact with the player’s representatives to express their admiration and explore the possibility of a move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea Sources Attribute Top Agent-Fee Ranking to High Transfer Volume; Club Stresses Market-Standard Commissions and Desire for Greater Efficiency

Sources at Chelsea Football Club have responded to the latest independent ranking of Premier League clubs by total agent and intermediary fees, confirming that the club’s position at the top of the list stems primarily from the unusually high volume of transfers completed over the past 12 months.

Chelsea conducted more than 30 incoming and outgoing player transactions (including permanent deals, loans with obligations, and extensions involving intermediary involvement) between April 2025 and March 2026. This level of activity was driven by the club’s continued squad evolution, the integration of younger talents from the academy and international markets, and the strategic management of player contracts to maintain compliance with Premier League Profit and Sustainability Regulations.

A senior Chelsea source stated:  

“The headline figure is undeniably high, but it is the direct result of the sheer number of deals we have executed. We have been far more active than most clubs in both buying and selling, which naturally increases the aggregate commission total. We are satisfied that every commission paid has been in line with — and in many cases materially below — prevailing market rates for players of similar age, profile and contract length.”

The source continued:  

“That said, it remains a list we would have preferred not to top again. While we have delivered value in every negotiation, we recognise the importance of driving greater efficiency across our recruitment and trading model. That work is already under way.”

Chelsea emphasised that the club’s approach continues to prioritise long-term value, performance on the pitch, and financial sustainability. The club has consistently maintained that its transfer strategy is designed to build a competitive, home-grown-heavy squad capable of challenging for major honours while operating within the constraints of modern football finance rules.

No individual deals or specific fee amounts were disclosed, in line with standard confidentiality practices in player transactions. The club reiterated its full compliance with all Football Association and FIFA agent regulations, including the new caps and disclosure requirements introduced in recent seasons.

Tosin on Cole Palmer leadership and striving for more

 Tosin Adarabioyo was pleased to see Cole Palmer’s influential role in the Chelsea side recognised with the captain’s armband in our last outing, with the pair now preparing to face their former club, Manchester City, this weekend at Stamford Bridge.

Tosin and Palmer were both part of the starting XI for Saturday’s resounding success in the FA Cup quarter-finals, which saw the Blues defeat Port Vale 7-0 to book our place in the last four.

Palmer captained the Blues from the start for the first time in that game, while Tosin put us four up by scoring his second goal of the season, both of which have come in the FA Cup, having also found the net against Charlton Athletic in the third round.

That left the defender, first and foremost, pleased at a job well done after booking our place in the semi-finals.

That was the objective going into the Port Vale game, that we get ourselves to Wembley, so we were pleased to do that,’ reflected Tosin.

‘The FA Cup is a huge trophy and, as long as you’re in it, then you’re in it to win it. That is what we’re trying to do.’

One moment that caught the eye during our comprehensive victory was after Tosin had found the net. After the defender's header found the bottom corner, captain for the day Palmer rushed to congratulate his team-mate, close friend and fellow Mancunian.

‘He’s my guy,’ laughed Tosin. ‘He’s always encouraging me and I’m always encouraging him, so it was nice.

‘He leads by example. You can see through his performances that he is one of our leaders and one of our best players. So it was nice to see him get the armband.’

Injuries through the season have made it challenging for Palmer to maintain the incredible highs set during his first two seasons with the Blues, but the England international's contribution and talent have never been in doubt by those at Stamford Bridge.

That is certainly the case for Tosin, who underlined our No.10’s commitment to perform at his very best for Chelsea, and the rest of the squad’s belief in his ability.

He said: ‘It’s football, people go through different spells of form. If you know Cole, you know he’s a relaxed guy, but he is ambitious and wants to be the best. That is what he’s striving for.

‘He’s a top player and always has good games, but he also knows he can always improve.

When he hits his level, he’s one of the best players in the Premier League. So we all believe that and I'm sure he has full confidence in himself.’

The next opportunity for Palmer to show what he can do will be a big one, as both he and Tosin go up against the club where they started their careers in the youth system. That takes place on Sunday, when Chelsea host Manchester City at the Bridge in the Premier League.

The defender insists personal feelings are safely stowed away, though, with the focus firmly on the task at hand and securing a positive result for the Blues.

‘We’re just looking forward to the game and getting the job done against Manchester City,’ he added. ‘Hopefully, we get the three points, but we need to prepare now and that is our focus.’