KALIDOU KOULIBALY is about to complete his transfer to Chelsea from Napoli.
The Senegalese centre back, 31, is the first transfer of the Blues' summer defensive rebuilding job after three top defenders left at the end of their contracts.
Raheem Sterling's transfer is over the line, while Presnel Kimpembe and Nathan Ake remain targets.
Former Arsenal and Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas has decided to continue his career, joining Serie B side Como, whose chairman is Stamford Bridge legend Denis Wise.
- IN: Raheem Sterling (Man City)
- OUT: Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Andreas Christensen (Barcelona), Danny Drinkwater (released), Charly Musonda (released), Jake Clarke-Salter (released), Lucas Bergstrom (Peterborough, loan), Sam McClelland (Barrow, loan)
Stay up to date with all the latest from Stamford Bridge in our live blog…
- Alex Cole
Gallagher 'ready to play' for Chelsea
After Gallagher’s incredible spell with the Eagles last season, which included a senior England call-up, there was no need to hide.
At the end of the campaign, after netting eight league goals in 34 games, Gallagher decided to call Tuchel for a clear-the-air chat about his future.
Gallagher said: “I said to him first I think that I’m ready to play for Chelsea. I said you know that’s what I want to do.
“Managers aren’t scary. They want to know what your thoughts are and what you think. I told him what I thought and he said what he thought. That was the best way.
“I was just being honest. He expected it after the loan to Palace.”
Tuchel told Gallagher that he is in his first-team squad plans for next season.
The likes of Mason Mount, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante could be ahead of him.
- Alex Cole
Gallagher pushing for a place in the first team
Conor Gallagher once tried to hide from Thomas Tuchel in a pub – now he’s pestering German to get in Chelsea team.
Gallagher overcame his shyness to convince Tuchel he must be part of Chelsea’s plans this season.
The boyhood Blues fan, 22, took a calculated risk by sticking around at Stamford Bridge this season — and there is no convincing him otherwise.
In April, after he was denied the chance to play for loan club Crystal Palace against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final, Gallagher had an awkward encounter with boss Tuchel in a pub while having lunch with his girlfriend.
Midfielder Gallagher said: “I was trying to hide! It was funny because I saw him through the window and whispered to my girlfriend, Mum and Dad, ‘God, it’s Thomas Tuchel walking in’. He walked in and sat on the table right next to us so he couldn’t miss me.”
- Alex Cole
More on Fab joining Como
Fabregas, 35, left Monaco at the end of last season after enduring an injury-plagued final season in the Principality.
He made just five first-time appearances last term, with the most recent coming in August 2021.
According to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Fabregas is set to sign a contract to June 2024 with second-tier outfit Como.
Fabregas is desperate to play again after suffering the “worst year” of his life amid a bad hamstring injury.
He told So Foot in May: “It’s certain that it’s finished between me and Monaco.
“My contract expires in June and I am looking to depart. My head needs a departure elsewhere.”
Fabregas was then reportedly in talks with Las Palmas over a transfer, before opting to join Como.
- Alex Cole
Fabregas joins Como in Serie B
Cesc Fabregas has agreed a two-year contract with Serie B side Como, according to reports.
The former Chelsea star is set to move to Italy in a bid to revive his career.
Credit: Getty Images – Getty
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