Pat Nevin Questions Chelsea's Liam Delap Signing and Signals Summer Striker Overhaul

Former Chelsea winger and respected football pundit Pat Nevin has cast doubt on the club's decision to sign Liam Delap, suggesting it may prove to be the "wrong move" as the Blues face ongoing challenges in their centre-forward position.

In recent comments, Nevin highlighted the pressure on Delap following his move to Stamford Bridge and pointed to the need for Chelsea to strengthen or adapt in attack ahead of the summer transfer window.

"**Chelsea and him [Liam Delap], the wrong move? It might actually be the case now. But there are some others coming in, you think of Nicolas Jackson coming back, so there is a pressure. Chelsea will move in that position in the summer, they’ll do something, and they’ll adapt, and who knows what will happen with Chelsea in the summer. But certainly that centre-forward position is something to look at,**" Nevin said.

Nevin, who played for Chelsea between 1983 and 1988, making over 190 appearances and winning the Full Members' Cup, has been a vocal and insightful commentator on the club's fortunes since retiring. The Scottish former international, known for his technical skill on the wing and later work as a broadcaster and pundit, frequently appears on talkSPORT and other platforms offering candid analysis of Chelsea's squad and strategy.

Delap joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town in a deal reportedly worth around £30 million after an impressive season that saw him score 12 Premier League goals. However, his output and integration have drawn scrutiny this term, with Nevin noting the numbers "aren’t looking great" in terms of goals and assists, and the club experimenting with his positioning.

Nevin's remarks come amid speculation about Nicolas Jackson's role and potential arrivals or departures in the forward line, with Chelsea expected to be active in the market as they seek to balance their attacking options under their current management.

**About Pat Nevin**  

Pat Nevin is a Scottish former professional footballer and current media personality. Capped 28 times for Scotland, he enjoyed successful spells at Chelsea and Everton before later roles at Tranmere Rovers, Kilmarnock, and Motherwell. Post-retirement, he served as Chief Executive at Motherwell and has established himself as one of football's most articulate and independent voices through writing, broadcasting, and punditry. He is the author of acclaimed memoirs including *The Accidental Footballer* and *Football and How to Survive It*.

Clearlake Capital Has No Plans to Sell Chelsea FC in the Foreseeable Future, Says Football Insider Ben Jacobs

 Prominent football transfer expert and journalist Ben Jacobs has confirmed that Chelsea’s owners, Clearlake Capital, have no intention of selling the club in the near term.

Speaking on the latest episode of the popular *London is Blue* podcast, Jacobs delivered a clear and unambiguous update on the ownership situation at Stamford Bridge.

“Clearlake have no intention of selling Chelsea any time soon,” Jacobs stated. “They remain fully committed to the project and see themselves as long-term custodians of the club.”

The comments come amid ongoing speculation in some sections of the media about potential changes in Chelsea’s ownership structure. Jacobs’ remarks, delivered from a well-placed position within football’s information network, are likely to provide reassurance to Chelsea supporters concerned about the club’s future direction.

Clearlake Capital, led by co-founders Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, acquired Chelsea in May 2022 in a deal valued at approximately £4.25 billion. Since taking control, the consortium has invested heavily in both the playing squad and infrastructure, including significant work on the redevelopment of Stamford Bridge and a strong focus on data-driven recruitment and long-term squad building.

Jacobs further noted on the podcast that the ownership group views Chelsea as a key asset in their sports portfolio and are focused on delivering sustained on-pitch success rather than seeking an exit.

Davide Ancelotti Names Chelsea Youngster Estêvão Willian as Brazil’s Potential Surprise Package for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Davide Ancelotti, assistant coach of the Brazilian national team, has singled out 18-year-old Chelsea winger Estêvão Willian as the player who could emerge as one of the standout surprises at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

In a recent interview with BBC Radio 5 Live’s *Euro Leagues* podcast, the assistant coach highlighted the depth of attacking talent available to head coach Carlo Ancelotti while pinpointing the young forward as a rising star capable of making a major impact on the global stage.

“The guy that will surprise you is someone that is not so well known,” said Davide Ancelotti. “We have a lot of attacking players. We have a lot of talent and a lot of different profiles. And if I have to give you a name, Estêvão is one of the rising talents of Brazil.”

He added: “He is a really good finisher, so he is someone that can dominate in Europe as a talent for the next years.”

Estêvão Willian, who joined Chelsea from Palmeiras in the summer of 2025, has already shown glimpses of his immense potential at both club and international level. The 18-year-old winger has impressed with his technical ability, pace, clinical finishing, and creativity, earning high praise within the Brazilian setup.

With the 2026 World Cup now just months away, the Ancelotti coaching staff continues to evaluate and integrate Brazil’s wealth of young attacking talent as they prepare for the tournament where the five-time world champions will aim to reclaim the title.

**Quote from Davide Ancelotti:**  

“We have a lot of attacking players... Estêvão is one of the rising talents of Brazil. He is a really good finisher, so he is someone that can dominate in Europe as a talent for the next years.”

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and the national team coaching staff remain focused on building a balanced and dynamic squad that blends experience with emerging youth talent ahead of the summer’s showpiece event.

Christian Pulisic’s Ex-Girlfriend Retracts Cheating Allegations, Issues Public Clarification

The former partner of ex-Chelsea fc playmaker  and AC Milan star Christian Pulisic has publicly walked back her earlier accusations of infidelity, stating that her previous comments were taken out of context and based on false information.

In a statement shared on Instagram, the woman clarified that Pulisic did not cheat on her during their relationship and explicitly rejected claims that he used the dating app Raya while they were together.

“I made certain comments about a private matter, and they were taken out of context. I received false information,” she wrote. “He is not someone who cheats. Any other version of the story did not come from me.”

The retraction comes after initial reports and social media posts in which she alleged that Pulisic had been unfaithful. Those claims had circulated widely online before she issued the corrective statement.

Pulisic, 27, has not publicly commented on the matter. The AC Milan forward and captain of the United States national team has maintained a relatively private personal life amid his high-profile career in European football.

This clarification appears to resolve the brief but public dispute, with the ex-girlfriend emphasizing that the narrative suggesting infidelity did not originate from her.

OTD: Chelsea beat Valencia to reach UCL semis

Michael Essien produced a moment of pure magic in the dying seconds as Chelsea overcame a resilient Valencia side to secure a place in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

The Ghanaian midfielder's thunderous 90th-minute strike proved to be the decisive blow in a tense quarter-final second leg, ensuring the Blues advanced 3-2 on aggregate following a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Stamford Bridge.

Valencia took the lead on the night through Fernando Morientes' 32nd-minute header, which briefly threatened to swing the tie in the home side's favour. However, Chelsea responded with characteristic resolve, levelling the score on the evening – and regaining the aggregate advantage – when Andriy Shevchenko slotted home in the 52nd minute.

As the match entered its final stages, with both teams pushing for a winner, it was Essien who stole the show. Collecting the ball on the edge of the box, the dynamic midfielder unleashed a powerful angled drive that flew past Valencia goalkeeper Santiago Cañizares at his near post, sending the travelling Chelsea faithful into raptures and breaking Spanish hearts at the Mestalla.

Manager José Mourinho praised his team's resilience and mental strength after the match: "This is a great achievement. We showed character and quality tonight. Michael’s goal was fantastic – it sums up the spirit of this group of players."

Essien, who was booked late in the game, dedicated the winner to his teammates and supporters: "It was an incredible feeling to score such an important goal. The fans were brilliant, and the whole team fought until the end. We are delighted to be in the semi-finals."

Chelsea now advance to the last four of Europe's premier club competition, where they will face one of the remaining quarter-final winners.

**Match Details:**  

**Valencia:** Cañizares; Miguel, Ayala, Marchena, Del Horno; Silva, Baraja, Albelda, Joaquín; Villa, Morientes.  

**Subs not used:** Hildebrand, Moretti, Navarro, Hugo Viana, Arizmendi, Zigic, David Villa (wait, Villa started).  

**Chelsea:** Cech; Ferreira, Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole; Essien, Mikel (Alex 89), Ballack; Robben (Kalou 86), Shevchenko, Drogba (Malouda).  

**Subs not used:** Cudicini, Bridge, Wright-Phillips.  

**Goals:** Morientes (32) – Valencia; Shevchenko (52), Essien (90) – Chelsea.  

**Attendance:** 55,000 (approx.).

Chelsea’s search for a long term FOS sponsor is now underway

The Club is targeting a multi-year partnership valued at £55 million per year, regardless of whether it qualifies for the UEFA Champions League. Should Chelsea secure UCL qualification, the Club will seek a premium deal in the region of £65 million annually.

Chelsea is looking for a strategic, high-profile partner aligned with the Club’s global ambitions, values, and rapidly growing commercial platform.

Further details on the process and timeline will be shared in due course.

AC Milan have identified Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson as a primary summer target

Nicolas Jackson moved to the Bundesliga to show Chelsea what they’re missing out on, but it has had quite the opposite effect on his career.

The Senegalese striker has failed to trigger the mandatory 25-game appearance clause required for a permanent £56 million transfer, so he will return to Stamford Bridge.

Bayern are unlikely to pursue a separate deal, meaning Jackson will return this June.

Chelsea already have Emanuel Emegha making his way to the club in the summer, meaning that Jackson could potentially be a fourth choice depending on what happens with Liam Delap.

A report from Corriere dello Sport claims that Jackson will return to Chelsea to leave for other shores more pleasing to him, suggesting that he doesn’t want to be at Stamford Bridge.

AC Milan could try and negotiate to try to snatch him on loan with a ransom at important figures if Chelsea sees fit. 

Chelsea needs this Palmer's Masterclass against Man City

 

Watch: Best Enzo dire minutes winner under Maresca

 

Watch: Exceptional pass from Caicedo

 

Chelsea intensify pursuit of River Plate starlet Lautaro Rivero

Chelsea are pushing hard to secure the signature of River Plate’s highly-rated 22-year-old centre-back Lautaro Rivero, according to multiple reports from Argentina and Europe.

The left-footed defender, who has been capped by Argentina at senior level, has emerged as a key target for the Blues as they look to bolster their defensive options ahead of the summer transfer window. Rivero, who stands at 1.85m, is known for his composure on the ball, strong aerial ability and leadership qualities — traits that saw him captain River Plate’s reserve side before breaking into the first team.

Rivero returned to River Plate in 2023 after a loan spell and has impressed enough to earn a call-up to the Argentina national team, featuring in a recent friendly. His contract at the Monumental runs until December 2028 and carries a significant release clause reportedly in the region of €100 million, though sources in Argentina suggest the club could be open to a negotiated deal for more than €30 million if the player pushes for the move.

Chelsea have a strong recent track record of identifying and signing talented South American defenders, and manager Enzo Maresca is understood to view Rivero as a long-term prospect who could challenge for a starting place in central defence. The London club are said to have positioned themselves strongly in the race, ahead of reported interest from Atlético Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur and other European clubs including Manchester City, Juventus and RB Leipzig.

A January move has been floated as a possibility if Chelsea make a convincing offer, but a summer transfer appears more likely as River Plate look to retain their promising talent for the remainder of the current campaign.

Rivero’s journey has captured attention in Argentina, with the player having worked as a street vendor in his teenage years before fully committing to football and rising through River’s academy.

Chelsea fans will be watching developments closely as the club continues its strategy of investing in young, high-potential talents from across the globe. Further updates are expected in the coming weeks as negotiations potentially heat up.

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.

Video

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.

Video

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