{"id":11089,"date":"2026-05-20T02:56:55","date_gmt":"2026-05-20T02:56:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=11089"},"modified":"2026-05-20T02:56:55","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T02:56:55","slug":"transfer-rumours-alonso-to-sell-untouchable-chelsea-star-to-fund-e100m-signing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/?p=11089","title":{"rendered":"Transfer Rumours: Alonso to sell &#8216;untouchable&#8217; Chelsea star to fund \u20ac100m signing"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\">\n<p>                                            19 May 2026 06:04 BST                                                                                            <span class=\"article-publish-date__separator\">|<\/span><br \/>\n                                                5 min read                                                                                    <\/p>\n<figure class=\"large-img\">\n                                                <picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/2080ab62-bb11-480f-2667-1d3179afc900\/w=1200,h=675,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/2080ab62-bb11-480f-2667-1d3179afc900\/w=640,h=360,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-image-size=\"retina\" class=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" alt=\"Xabi Alonso, Rumours\" src=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/2080ab62-bb11-480f-2667-1d3179afc900\/w=1200,h=675,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto,q=95\" fetchpriority=\"high\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/picture><figcaption><figcaption>\u00a9 IMAGO <\/figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div class=\"author\">\n<figure class=\"author-thumb\">\n                                                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-image-size=\"not_specified\" class=\"\" width=\"112\" height=\"112\" alt=\"Tom Weber\" src=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/footballcritic\/tticnnxhimovyjvdrvt8\/w=112,h=112,quality=75,fit=cover,format=auto\"\/>                                                    <\/figure>\n<div class=\"article-author-info\">\n<p class=\"article-author-desc\">\n<p>                                                        Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.                                                    <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>FootballTransfers runs through the biggest rumours and gossip from 19 May, including the latest updates on Joao Pedro, Victor Osimhen and Bradley Barcola.<\/p>\n<p><center class=\"p-1 light-grey-bg\">Article continues under the video<\/center> <\/p>\n<h2>  Alonso to sell Pedro? <\/h2>\n<p>Incoming Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso could sell Joao Pedro to avoid a repeat of his Real Madrid problems, <i><b>AS<\/b><\/i>  speculates.<\/p>\n<p>Barcelona are showing a strong interest in the Brazil international, with sporting director Deco personally flying out to London to meet the player&#8217;s representatives and to watch Chelsea in their FA Cup final loss to Man City at the weekend.<\/p>\n<p>Recent reports have claimed that Pedro is considered &#8220;untouchable&#8221; by Chelsea, but Alonso&#8217;s arrival could change that. If the Spaniard feels that Pedro would be unhappy if a move to Barcelona were to be denied, he could reluctantly sanction his sale to nip a Real Madrid-style dressing room revolt in the bud.<\/p>\n<h2>  Chelsea want Osimhen <\/h2>\n<div class=\"col-md-12 p-0 d-flex image-container\">\n<figure class=\"article-image\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/a839ec5b-fe12-4585-b0d0-af8d494e9800\/w=1200,h=674,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/a839ec5b-fe12-4585-b0d0-af8d494e9800\/w=640,h=359,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-image-size=\"retina\" class=\"lazyload\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Victor Osimhen\" src=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/a839ec5b-fe12-4585-b0d0-af8d494e9800\/w=750,h=422,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto,q=95\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/picture><figcaption>\u00a9 IMAGO &#8211; Victor Osimhen<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Chelsea are yet again in the mix to sign Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, <i><b>TEAMtalk<\/b><\/i>  claims.<\/p>\n<p>The Nigeria international is a long-standing target for the Blues, and he was close to securing what was described as a &#8220;dream&#8221; move to Stamford Bridge from Napoli in 2024. The deal, however, collapsed due to his wage demands.<\/p>\n<p>With Chelsea now ready to sign more experienced players under Alonso, Osimhen is set to be in the frame again. The player&#8217;s agents are sounding out &#8220;elite-level&#8221; opportunities around Europe. However, Galatasaray will not sell for less than \u20ac100 milion after spending \u20ac75m on him.<\/p>\n<h2>  Barcola pushed to Arsenal <\/h2>\n<p>Arsenal could be in pole position to sign PSG attacker Bradley Barcola because Liverpool are reticent to sign a left-winger, as per <i><b>The Team<\/b><\/i>.<\/p>\n<p>The Reds&#8217; interest in the France international is &#8220;genuine,&#8221; but club chiefs are worried that his arrival could stunt Rio Ngumoha&#8217;s development. This thought process already motivated last year&#8217;s decision not to replace Luis Diaz.<\/p>\n<p>Liverpool&#8217;s main priority is finding an adequate successor to Mohamed Salah, and with Barcola more comfortable on the left, it could leave Arsenal as favourites to secure his signature.<\/p>\n<div class=\"col-md-12 p-0 d-flex image-container\">\n<figure class=\"article-image\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/613ffe31-82e9-4e7d-2785-1313b4c55c00\/w=1200,h=674,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/613ffe31-82e9-4e7d-2785-1313b4c55c00\/w=640,h=359,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-image-size=\"retina\" class=\"lazyload\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Bradley Barcola\" src=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/613ffe31-82e9-4e7d-2785-1313b4c55c00\/w=750,h=422,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto,q=95\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/picture><figcaption>\u00a9 IMAGO &#8211; Bradley Barcola<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2>  Adeyemi battle <\/h2>\n<p>Chelsea and Man Utd are &#8220;firmly in the mix&#8221; to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi, <i><b>TEAMtalk<\/b><\/i>  writes.<\/p>\n<p>Contract discussions between the Germany international and the Bundesliga side remain at a standstill, meaning that a summer sale is becoming increasingly likely due to his current terms expiring next year.<\/p>\n<p>Several sides have expressed an interest, but Chelsea and Man Utd are &#8220;particularly keen.&#8221; The Blues have already made contact with Adeyemi&#8217;s entourage to signal their desire to sign him.<\/p>\n<h2>  Man Utd to offer Leao swap <\/h2>\n<p>Man Utd could offer up a player to sweeten the deal for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, <i><b>CaughtOffside<\/b><\/i>  states.<\/p>\n<p>The Portuguese forward is facing an uncertain future at the San Siro off the back of two underwhelming campaigns, which have seen him face growing criticism in Italy. Leao is no longer considered untouchable, but the Rossoneri still want a sizeable financial package to sell him.<\/p>\n<p>Man Utd are interested and have several players that could be of interest. It is claimed that a deal could be done for an offer in the region of \u20ac50m plus one of Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte or Marcus Rashford.<\/p>\n<h2>  More transfer rumours <\/h2>\n<div class=\"col-md-12 p-0 d-flex image-container\">\n<figure class=\"article-image\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/3f65b0a5-a93a-4a6f-59b4-e8a82393ce00\/w=1200,h=674,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 960px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/3f65b0a5-a93a-4a6f-59b4-e8a82393ce00\/w=640,h=359,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-image-size=\"retina\" class=\"lazyload\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Jadon Sancho\" src=\"https:\/\/static.footballtransfers.com\/images\/cf\/image\/upload\/3f65b0a5-a93a-4a6f-59b4-e8a82393ce00\/w=750,h=422,quality=95,fit=cover,format=auto,q=95\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/picture><figcaption>\u00a9 IMAGO &#8211; Jadon Sancho<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Borussia Dortmund have cooled their interest in re-signing Man Utd outcast Jadon Sancho. (<i><b>Kicker<\/b><\/i>)<\/p>\n<p>Arsenal have made a &#8220;compelling offer&#8221; for Leicester City wonderkid Jeremy Monga. (<i><b>HandofArsenal<\/b><\/i>)<\/p>\n<p>Arsenal and Barcelona are in &#8220;pole position&#8221; to sign Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane. (<i><b>Africa Foot<\/b><\/i>)<\/p>\n<p>Chelsea are &#8220;increasingly likely&#8221; to sell Liam Delap this summer. (<i><b>TEAMtalk<\/b><\/i>)<\/p>\n<p>Incoming Real Madrid manager could use his &#8220;existing relationship&#8221; with Man Utd to sign current Barcelona loanee Marcus Rashford. (<i><b>The Independent<\/b><\/i>)<\/p>\n<p>Everton are interested in Sunderland loanee Lutsharel Geertruida, who wants to leave parent club RB Leipzig and stay in England. (<i><b>Football Insider<\/b><\/i>)<\/p>\n<h2>Related stories:<\/h2>\n<p><b class=\"arrowed\">Build The FIFA World Cup 2026\u2122: LEGO\u00a9 releases stunning football-inspired collection<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b class=\"arrowed\">The most expensive pieces of World Cup memorabilia ever sold<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b class=\"arrowed\">Transfer Rumours: Mourinho eyes Man City star as first Real Madrid signing<\/b><\/p>\n<h2>The FootballTransfers app<\/h2>\n<p>Check out FootballTransfers&#8217; new app for all of football&#8217;s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.<\/p>\n<p>The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:<\/p>\n<p><b>\u2022Google Play<\/b><\/p>\n<p>\u2022App Store<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>19 May 2026 06:04 BST | 5 min read \u00a9 IMAGO Multilingual sports writer who&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11090,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-11089","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-chelsea"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11089","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=11089"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11089\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/11090"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=11089"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=11089"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/playball.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=11089"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}