Overview
- Chelsea confirmed Nicolas Jackson will not travel for Friday’s West Ham match, with Maresca citing two preferred strikers and interest from clubs such as Aston Villa and Newcastle at a valuation around £60m.
- Christopher Nkunku is in a similar holding pattern, while Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling are training separately as they seek exits.
- After Levi Colwill’s ACL ruled him out until 2026, Maresca reiterated he is prioritizing internal solutions at centre-back; he said Wesley Fofana is happy and could get minutes, with Tosin Adarabioyo available and Benoît Badiashile targeting a September return.
- Renato Veiga has agreed personal terms with Villarreal but fee talks continue, with Chelsea’s €35m price cited as a hurdle and at least one bid turned down.
- Chelsea have been linked with Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapié in late-window reporting, though no move has been confirmed.